<p>When my D and I were at Days on the Lawn a couple of weeks ago we noticed "IMP" painted in fairly large letters on most all of the buildings. We both thought it detracted from the beauty of the buildings. We presumed it must be some kind of ordinance compliance or something along those lines but we forgot to ask. Does anyone know why "IMP" is written everywhere? Just curious.</p>
<p>yeah, it is one of the many secret societies which exist at UVA. The “IMP”, “Z” and “7” are the three major secret societies.</p>
<p>A good member of the University establishment throughout history have also been secret society members… which is prolly how the labels were authorised to be on the buildings.</p>
<p>I’ve kinda heard good things and bad things about the secret societies. The biggest beef I have with them is that the most effective organisations at promoting activism, leadership and community-building should be inclusive organisations, not organisations promoting exclusivity and social privilege. (Yes, even if 7 likes to make large donations with interesting numerical properties.)</p>
<p>Considering the fact that so many people are motivated to get involved, in part, for recognition, it’s pretty extraordinary that we have societies like this. The 7 Society members stand out as those who give in the biggest ways without seeking individual recognition…until their death, when they are not here to enjoy the attention. :)</p>
<p>More…
[Secret</a> societies at the University of Virginia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_societies_at_the_University_of_Virginia]Secret”>Secret societies at the University of Virginia - Wikipedia)
[Hoo</a> Stories: A UVa Student Blog: Secret Societies](<a href=“http://hoostories.blogspot.com/2009/06/secret-societies.html]Hoo”>Hoo Stories: A UVa Student Blog: Secret Societies)</p>
<p>Huh. Secret societies is a response we never would have even guessed. We’re not from VA; hence, we don’t know much about traditions such as this. It is pretty interesting. The article makes these groups sound like they certainly do more good than bad. Thanks for the info!</p>
<p>Definitely! The secret societies at UVA usually do a lot of good. At Fall Convocation, there’s a donation made to the incoming class from the 7’s and then there’s also another donation that comes with the first home football game.</p>
<p>When I first got to UVA I was completely convinced that I would find a 7…lol…but it never happened. Then again, I got busy with class, having a social life, etc. ;)</p>
<p>Secret Societies are not specific to UVa. There are secret societies at colleges and universities around the country.</p>
<p>[Collegiate</a> secret societies in North America - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collegiate_secret_societies_in_North_America]Collegiate”>Collegiate secret societies in North America - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>I remember visiting and was super confused by the letter. I thought they were building initials, haha. It detracted me from finding where I was supposed to go ><</p>