Cupola Club

The "Order of the Cupola" or "Cupola Club" (its informal name) is a philanthropic semi-secret society established in 1990 at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. The society's primary goal is to "enhance and promote the institution of East Carolina University through charitable efforts and monetary endowment."
History and Purpose
The society was chartered in 1990 by former ECU chancellor Richard R. Eakin and a number of wealthy alumni and contributors of East Carolina University. Though membership in the Order is not secret, its internal activities are kept confidential and its meetings are closed to the general public.
The Order of the Cupola is governed by a Council of Regents who oversee the various functions, activities, and contributions of the Order. A membership committee of unknown persons occasionally invites families or wealthy contributors to become members of the Order. In addition, five seniors and five graduate students are "tapped" each year for membership in the Order by the Council of Regents. Membership is by invitation only and according to tradition anyone who asks to be in the society is immediately precluded from membership. The Order of the Cupola along with the have long been considered East Carolina University's most prestigious alumni organizations.
In 1999, the Order of the Cupola constructed a two-story brick house near campus for hosting dinners, meetings, and other social functions at a cost of 1.2 million dollars. This home also houses the "University Club," a private dinner club for members and guests.
Each year the Order of the Cupola hosts the black tie "Servire Ball," (named after ECU's motto "Servire") which helps provide scholarships for East Carolina University's Endowment Fund.
The current "Chief Regent" (President) of the Order is Mr. Henry G. Williamson, Jr.
Notable Members
*Richard R. Eakin
*William Muse
*Steven Ballard
*David S. Brody
*Robert V. Lucas
*Brad Congleton
*Dr. Leydyard E. Ross
*Steve Keen
*Kathy Taft
See Also
*Collegiate secret societies
*East Carolina University
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