from ‘04 and ‘05 classes …

Lisa Yang (lwy) - USAC pres
Dana Baki (dbaki) - MSA
Antonina Nina Catalfio (acatalfi) - UMDM
Jaya Soni - Head Multicultural Greek Council (See the Daily on controversy)
Neal Pancholi - IASA president, AIO president, 2006 SAAN cochair

In my opinion, no self-respecting progressive should even consider joining Michigamua. If there was a very elite troup that performed blackface minstrelsy for around 90 years, and around year 100 asked you to join - would you? Of course not. I challenge anyone: go to the Bentley Historical Library. All of the organization’s internal communications are written in stylized english. All of the classes have taken nick-names. Their longtime letterhead contains gross stereotypes. The historical record is unambiguous - the group has an offensive history and identity. The leader interested in service has many options other than Michigamua. Plus, if you join Michigamua, when you try to run for public office or ask anyone I know for a job I will be there, holding you accountable for your actions.

> See more members.
> See Michigamua documents
> See related blog entries

I am preparing a flurry of new publicity surrounding Michigamua. I have a few names from this year’s and last year’s classes - help me complete my list. Your confidentiality is ensured: rob at goodspeedupdate.com.

This rock is at the base of the big flag pole on the Diag.

Obtaining photocopies at an official historical archive can be difficult. They usually charge per copy, and sometimes require you have them make the copies, which is time consuming. In some archives photocopies are sometimes prohibited, which makes transcribing documents a tedious prospect. However, many archives will allow digital photography of their holdings - but the problem is then what to do with the photos. They don’t print very well, and you can’t read the text well if you shrink it down to view or distribute on the web. The answer? The photo sharing site Flickr - where I can post comments, make available full versions of the images for those that are interested, and even categorize them with multiple keywords.

> See historical documents on the U-M secret society Michigamua
> My Michigamua primer
> All major entries on Michigamua

Yesterday, I turned over many of my papers I accumulated during my four and a half years living in Ann Arbor to the Bentley Historical Collection at the University of Michigan.

While I have been told it will take some time before the papers are publicly available as they receive a large amount of donations I thought I would post a description of its contents.

The collection, which will be available under my name, will include the following things:

• My Course Outline and Coursepack: I have included both the initial and then supplementary coursepack for a 1-credit honors mini-course I taught Winter 2004 titled “Student Activism and Social Change at the University of Michigan“. Some of the readings are from reports and books I found in the U-M libraries, some from the Michigan Daily, and some from books in my personal collection.
• Research for Investigative Journalism Work: Including eye-opening FOIAs about the re-structuring of the Organizational Studies major, University-coordinated activities with local law enforcement officials to crack down on the Naked Mile when it was decided the tradition should be abolished, police reports from on-campus incidents involving varsity football players in the late 1990s, names of members of the secret juries that heared appeals under the University’s Code of Student Conduct, a study commissioned by University Housing regarding the future of the University-operated snack bars, and more.
• Information about Vulcan and Michigamua: Current membership information for both groups including a copy of a 2004 Vulcan publication with a member directory, and a copy of a Michigamua directory from 1997. Also included is a variety of materials accumulated about Michigamua including internal email correspondence I obtained as a reporter for the Michigan Daily, lists of members sent to me by anonymous sources, and miscellaneous other documents.
• My Thesis and Supplementary Documentation: I have included a copy of my thesis, titled Urban Renewal in Postwar Detroit: The Gratiot Area Redevelopment Project. I also include a binder of articles and other materials culled from old copies of the Michigan Chronicle and other sources in the U-M and Detroit Public Library on urban “renewal” in Detroit in the 1940s and 1950s.
• A Large Collection of BAM-N Propaganda: I have long been fascinated by the organization the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action By Any Means Necessary and the cadre of Trotkite organizers who operate it. I have compiled an archive of information about them on the website NOBAMN.com, and my papers include many of that information as well as a large collection of the organization’s publications and flyers.
• ‘Inside the Daily’: I have included a printed version of my Inside the Daily series.

Why the Bentley? First, I wanted this information preserved in a public yet secure location. Most of its salient information is already replicated on this website, and although something of a conspiracy theorist I believed they would follow my wishes and make the information public. Second, as the University’s official archive their funding and future seems assured for the forseeable future. They recently expanded, and the University has a vested interest in the health and future of the archive.

Searching This WebsiteThere are three ways to find information on this website:
> First, you can conduct a simple google search by clicking here, or in google add the text “site:goodspeedupdate.com” to the end of your keywords. This method includes all the content I have posted and should be your first post.
> Second, to search in just the blog entries, use the small search box on the upper right. This does not include much of the older content like salaries or political giving.
> Third, browse by topic. On the bottom left there is a “categories” section. Most of the larger posts on the topics listed have been categorized - simply click on the subjects to browse the posts.
If you have any trouble finding anything, let me know: rob at goodspeedupdate.com

I take requests. Here are past members of the University of Michigan Engineering College Honor society Vulcan:

Fall 1995 “We-10″
Sven G. Bilen - Helios
Brian J. Bishop - Hermes
William E. Cohen - Dionysus
Jennifer L. Cook - Cybele
Arus T. D’Souza - Harpocrates
Tammy M. (Rice) Ellies - Artemis
Mary Thomas - Hestia
Stephani (Halloran) Nappier - Tethys
Laura A. Sebesta - Demeter
Hon: Margaret A. Fillon - Astraea

Winter 1996 “Delos”
Lauren (Somershoe) Bauerschmidt - Demeter
Roslyn M. Bloom - Astraea
Sean P. Burke - Heracles
Enrico Ferrari - Apollo
Catherine S. Peponis - Cybele
Mira K. Sahney - Hebe
Atisa Sioshansi - Astarte
Amber L. Thweatt - Eos
Charles A. VanHoy - Momus
Terrance E. Weiss - Harpocrates
Belinda Williams - Psyche
Hon: Thomas D. Gilespie - Anteros

Fall 1996 “Epidaurus”
Kimberly S. DIllon - Cybele
Jason H. Bubolz - Apollo
Amy M. Fischer - Astraea
Dan P. Griffith - Pan
Rashaunda M. Henderson - Iris
Joseph E. Magro - Momus
David J. Messih - Harpocrates
Jyshri Sabarinathan - Hebe
Marie A. (Wiecinski) Solem - Tethys
Hon: John W. Halloran - Hypnos

> Other members, what is Vulcan?
> Initiation rituals information

While controversy swirled around elitist Michigan “honor” society Michigamua for years for their abuse of Native American Culture and status as the most prestigious honor society at Michigan, others have quietly existed and passed into obscurity. (Most recently, a local blogger has attacked student activists for demanding Michigamua be removed from transcripts - read his entry and my response here.)

Aside from Phoenix, for years a women’s only society recently made co-ed, there exists VULCAN, an engineering “honor” society created in 1904. The group’s symbol, the anvil, can be seen in a small marker near the Engineering Arch in West Hall (where engineering was located before being moved to North Campus) Although as a secret society they have their own set of internal rituals and mythology, centered on Vulcan, the Roman god of the forge.

After obtaining an official reunion publication and posting their membership for recent years and some basic information, I haven’t heard much about them.

Recently, however, some new information has come to my attention. First, an anonymous tipster points me to this document, apparently a sign-up form for duties during their initiation rituals for the Winter 2004 class. Although at first glance rather boring, quite a bit of information can be distilled from the document. First, the initiation seems to consist of a few parts, and more can be determined by reading about the roles required at each stage. They are: Phase I – Chariot Ride, Phase II – The Temple, Phase III – Forge Ritual, Phase IV – Toil of Vulcan, Phase V – Anvil Ceremony, Phase VI – Lurie Bell Tower Ceremony, Phase VII – Vulcans Feast.

The “temple” the speak of is apparently on North Campus, and the ceremony includes activities in the Lurie Bell Tower, and the Dow Building. Other activities planned for the weekend include a “Sunday Morning Anvil Cleaning” and a “Monday Formal Night” where members signed up for the Scavenger Hunt, Ashley’s, Charlie’s, Old Anvil Site (presumably Central Campus), Starbuck’s, and Mt. Aetna Site.

The engineers seem to have updated there ceremonies to take into consideration new buildings and (perhaps) a new “temple” space, which this document suggests is on campus, which would be in violation of the agreement the University announced at the conclusion of the 2000 Tower Occupation where administrators said all organizations would be treated the same when it came to University facilities. (Perhaps the “temple” is held in a student organization cubicle in Pierpont Commons!)

Given the plausibility of this document, let’s move to another correspondence I’ve received. A 2003 electrical engineering graduate writes to me that he was “disgusted by the elitist vulcans” as a student, and offers what he claims to be a script from their induction ceremony, which seems to explain why the anvil must be cleaned the Sunday after the initiation!

Note: The “Ashes” mentioned here are actually a mixture of raw eggs, salad dressing, jello, mud, baking powder, vinegar, and other assorted items.
Abbreviations - GIV=Grand Imperial Vulcan

Anvil Ceremony

Place ashes on anvil before first neophyte arrives. Neophyte is led to the anvil, where his or her hands are placed on the monument. Remove the blindfold and instruct the neophyte to look down and NOT to open his or her eyes.

BGIV: “Bow your head before the Grand Imperial Vulcan”

All: “Aye-Cho-Mem!”

BGIV: “O Mighty Grand Imperial Vulcan, I bring you one NEOPHYTE NAME, who deems himself/herself worthy of membership in the Vulcan Society

All: “Worthy??? – hahahahaha – Aye-Cho-Mem!”

GIV: “By the command of mighty Vulcan, let this neophyte henceforth be known
as NEOPHYTE ANVIL NAME,… And so that it will not forget, let its name and symbol of our society be emblazoned upon its body.

All: “hjssssss,” as BGIV stamps anvil on forehead. “Aye-Cho-Mem!”

BGIV: “What is your name, neophyte?”

Neophyte attempts to give his correct name.

GIV: “NEOPHYTE ANVIL NAME, I will now ask you to confirm that you possess the four qualities of Vulcans. The Vulcans that have come before you, who have embodied these traits, have placed their ashes on the symbol of Vulcan
in front of you. This bucket contains your ashes that has been carried along the treacherous journey from Vulcan’s forge, through the slime pit, to fire, and your ashes have been tainted by the foul stench of the slime pits! In asserting that you possess the following qualities, add your ashes to the symbol of Vulcan.”

(pictures will be taken of the neophyte while adding the ashes to Vulcan’s
symbol.)

GIV: Leadership?
(neophyte adds ashes to symbol of Vulcan)
All: “Aye-Cho-Mem!”

GIV: Responsibility?
(neophyte adds ashes to the symbol of Vulcan)
All: “Aye-Cho-Mem!”

GIV: Integrity?
(neophyte adds ashes to the symbol of Vulcan)
All: “Aye-Cho-Mem!”

GIV: And most of all, Humility?
(neophyte adds ashes to symbol of Vulcan)
All: “Aye-Cho-Mem!”

GIV: Neophyte, we ask that you go now, and reflect on these four qualities
that you affirm you posses.
All: “Take it away!” Neophyte is reblindfolded and taken away to see Sister
Cyclops.

> Mentions of Vulcan on this site

To commemorate the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian, I’ve organized my materials related to Michigamua, the University of Michigan secret society with a long history of bastardizing Native American culture. To read all the blog entries I have written on this group, click on “Michigamua” under “categories” on the left side. (Scroll down)

I have also started an encyclopedia entry on Wikipedia on Michigamua: go and contribute! (Wikipedia is a free, community-edited encyclopedia which recently marked their 1 millionth article.)

According to an article he penned for the progressive website AlterNet, former Michigan Daily editor and Students for a Democratic Society leader Tom Hayden turned down membership in Michigamua - in the 1960s. However, he admits joing the now-defunct (I think) LSA society called the Druids.

” … I was a member of a secret society during the same era as Bush and Kerry, at the University of Michigan, and can testify that these are profoundly lasting experiences. As a junior, I was tapped for the Druids, which involved a two-day ritual that included being stripped to my underpants, pelted with eggs, smeared with red dye and tied to a campus tree. These humiliations signified my rebirth from lowly student journalist to Big Man on Campus.

When I was tapped in my senior year for the most prestigious secret society, Michigauma, I decided instead to hide out in a girlfriend’s apartment, becoming the first refusenik in Michigauma history. But I still felt like something was wrong with me, that I didn’t have the right stuff, that I was blowing my future. … “

> AlterNet.org: “When bonesman fight”
> See my related post: Current student government leaders ‘turn down the tap’

Who were the Druids, you ask? For that, we turn to something called “The University of Michigan, an encyclopedic survey” This is a massive set of volumes about University history published between 1817 and 1975, although most of the contents were written and compiled in the 1940s and 1950s. The university has digitized all the volumes in this set and made them searchable online at this URL:
http://www.hti.umich.edu/u/umsurvey/

A quick search pulled up this entry from a 1940s volume of the survey in a section about a number of campus societies, including Michigamua, Druids, Mortar Board, Sphinx, Owls, Vulcans, Triangles, most of which no longer exist.

“Druids

The purpose of Druids is to coalesce the aims and efforts of its members so as to serve the University better by lending the united support of the society to each member in his fields of activity.
Thomas K. Fisher”

What evidence is there that the Druids no longer exist? In Fall 2000, a Druid alumn wrote a letter to the official U-M newsletter Michigan Today asking whether the organization was still active, saying “Like Michigamua, Druids was assigned a private meeting room in the Union Tower. On several visits to the Michigan Union in the years since I graduated, I inquired of staff as to whether Druids still existed and met in the Union and whether I could have access its meeting room but none of the Union staffers to whom I spoke has ever acknowledged having any knowledge of either Druids or Michigamua.” The next month, in a letter reminiscing about that organization’s induction rituals, 1964 graduate Roger Lowenstein quips that “Mr. Berger owes us some 37 years of back membership dues, plus interest. He may send the check to me and I’ll take care of it.” Draw your own conclusions.

“In a series of events that made national headlines, the [Yale Secret Society Skull and] Bones class of 1991 eventually tapped female juniors. […]

Senators David Boren and John Kerry later disclosed that they voted for the admittance of women. George Bush and George W. Bush have never confessed how they voted, though George W. might have provided a clue when in 1994 he told PBS producer Lynn Novick, a woman who graduated from Yale in 1983, that Yale “went downhill since they admitted women.” During his 1988 presidential campaign, George Bush admitted he was not necessarily included to let women into the society.”

– From Secrets of the Tomb, pp. 157-158.

According to the New York Times, Michigamua admitted its first women in 1999 to be members of the “Pride” of 2000. (See Robyn Meredith, “Michigan Students Protest Campus Club’s Indian Relics,” New York Times 13 Feburary 2000, Sec. 1, p. 18) (Reprint available here)

> Michigamua Images
> Michigamua / Phoenix Membership Page

It has been rumored that current Michigan Student Assembly president Jason Mironov was tapped by Michigamua to be a member of their “Pride of 2005.” Well, it was true he was tapped, however Mr. Mironov has decided he did not want to be a member of that organization. He told me that he ” … chose not be part of the organization after I had done my own homework and because of the controversy surrounding it.” Mironov also told me he intends to use his position to encourage dialogue about Michigamua on campus.

In addition to Mr. Mironov, MSA Vice President Jenny Nathan turned down a tap to be a member of Phoenix’s 2005 class. Here’s a paragraph she sent me about that decision:

Jenny Nathan, MSA Vice President 2004-2004, College Dems Chair 2003-2004
Tapped by Phoenix, March of 2004

I turned down the Phoenix Tap because joining a secret society would violate and betray every value that I have worked and fought for on campus over the last 3 years. Honesty, transparency, equality, a level playing field–the elitism and secrecy of the Tower societies contradict every one of these values. In College Dems and on MSA I have worked to represent ALL STUDENTS. As a white, Jewish woman, I have worked to build bridges and establish relationships with people from all different backgrounds–relationships that are built on TRUST, as well as a mutual desire to see positive changes here on campus and on a larger scale. If I were to join a secret society, I would be betraying the trust that I work every day to earn. The history of the Tower societies–Michigamua, Phoenix, and Vulcan has caused so much pain and division amongst people I know and care about. Even if the societies claim to have changed their ways, the damage is done. I turned down Phoenix on the spot, and the women who tapped me said that they had anticipated that I would refuse, and that alone I took as an honor. “

More people who have turned town taps are forthcoming …

> Michigamua Image Gallery
> Michigamua / Phoenix Membership Page
> Vulcan Members

Michigamua has found itself once again in the news, this time because members can have membership listed on their official transcripts:

“Michigamua, the secret society of University of Michigan students kicked out of the Michigan Union four years ago after a student protest, is once again the focus of student complaints.

Reporter Dave Gershman can be reached at (734) 994-6818 or dgershman at annarbornews.com. “

> AANews: “U-M group again target of complaints”

“The struggles of Native Americans are not new. Since European contact, we have fought to retain our dignity in the face of oppression and assimilation. Sadly, we continue to struggle at the University of Michigan. In 1972, courageous members of our community informed Michigamua and the University of Michigan about how their actions and inactions demean our personal dignity and undermine our culture through the perversion of our religious practices. Our concerns were reiterated in 1978 and again in 1986. In 1989, an agreement was signed between Michigamua, the University, and a Native American complainant, in which Michigamua promised “to eliminate all references to Native American culture and pseudo-culture and extensions and parodies thereof.” Realizing that the agreement had not been upheld, Native American concerns were reiterated in 1997. Our struggle continues today. … “

> From “A Statement from the Native American Community Saturday, February 19, 2000″

I’ve just posted a page of images related to Michigamua, which show that organization at the time of the 2000 occupation was in egregious violation of the terms of the 1989 agreement since the “Wigwam” was stuffed with objects and materials refering to Native American culture.

> Michigamua Images

The secret senior honor society in the College of Engineering is called VULCAN, and celebrated their 100th anniversary this weekend. I have obtained a “booklet prepared in conjunction with the Vulcans 100th Anniversary Celebration, held on April 3, 2004 at the Michigan Union ballroom.” Here is their statement of purpose:

“VULCAN is a society consisting of juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have shown leadership and service to the College of Engineering and the University of Michigan. The purpose of the society is five-fold:

1. To promote comradeship among its members based on their mutual interests.
2. To develop cooperation between student organizations by promoting this friendship among their leaders.
3. To bestow private recognition upon those who are deserving by electing them to membership.
4. To provide service to the College of Engineering in situations where VULCANS has unique capabilities.
5. To maintain the decades of tradition on which our organization was founded.”

Included in the booklet is a listing of members. Unlike Michigamua, the organization seems to have kept less complete membership records. Here’s the caveat they print before the list, the “most extensive effort of this sort ever attempted.": “Every attempt has been made to make this list as accurate as possible. However, it is almost certain that mistakes have been made . … Any questions or corrections may be reported to v-alumni at umich.edu, or to Vulcan Alumni Association secretary, Tom Hemr.

Without further ado, ladies and gentleman I present to you VULCAN.

Winter 2004 “Vulcanus”
Bahareh Aslani - Hestia
Nia Harrison - Athena
Sean Holleran - Morpheus
Alan McGaughey - Anteros
Evita Nedelkoska - Aphrodite
Marvin Riley - Heracles
Kristi Schmidt - Iris
Jennifer Szymusiak - Hebe
Elliot Wells-Reid - Salinas
Heather White - Psyche
Hon: Frenchie Burroughs - Astarte

Fall 2003 “Troy”
Ronald Dreslinski - Apollo
Hannah Goldberg - Eos
Darby Grande - Psyche
Lauren Greiner - Hebe
Jason Hemak - Ares
Marco Krcatovich - Dionysus
Joseph Lamber - Hermes
Chitra Laxmanan - Cybele
Stephen Rumple - Heracles
Neil Shah - Aeolus
Cordelle Thomasma - Asklepios
Hon: Melissa Eljamal - Amphitrite

Winter 2003 “Thebes”
Brad Belsky - Aeolus
Matthew Cavanaugh - Dionysus
Eli Cooke - Pan
Kristie Devovich - Demerter
Marissa Ebersole - Cybele
Angela Lueking - Tethys
Vernon Newhouse - Hypnos
Meredith Palen - Astraea
Mashid Pirzadeh - Psyche
Steve Skripnik - Eros
Geoff Zmyslowski - Harpocrates

Fall 202 “Samos”
Kiran D’Souza - Harpocrates
Victor T. D’Souza - Poseidon
Jason Hand - Dionysus
Peter E. Haupt - Heracles
Eric Jankowski - Heliod
Michael Lepech - Asklepios
David Ostreicher - Pan
Eric M. Roeder - Aeolus
Jeremy Schneider - Apollo
Brandon Wright - Ares
Hon: Brian Gilchrist - Hermes

Winter 2002 “Rhodes”
Mark e. Christian - hypnos
Patrick J. Goleski - Heracles
Kim Lytle - Eos
Tracy L. Matson - Hestia
Brian J. Mount - Dionysus
Christopher K. Paulson - Aeolus
Janet M. Pien - Astraea
Avi Shertok - Helios
Melissa S. Wu - Artemis

Fall 2001 “Parnassus”
Kristin M. Derwich - Demeter
Mariesta L. Edje - Hestia
Jill M. Gorski - Hebe
Mike R. Lopex - Hermes
Elana M. Martin - Amphitrite
Ken R. Maschke - Dionysus
Brian D. Netter - Aeolus
Tershia Pinder - Athena
Kristina Schmitt - Cybele
Ted W. Way - Harpocrates
Hon: Kevin Collins Asklepios

Winter 2001 “Omphalos”
Michelle N. Butler - Hestia
Aimee E.Constantine - Hebe
Daniel B. Cook - Hypnos
Alessandra B. Ennett - Athena
Michael R. Farina - Salinas
Angela R. Fletcher - Aphrodite
Darren N. Goetz - Harpocrates (Selected, didn’t accept membership)
Arthur P. Hutchinson - Ares
Michael Muse - Anteros
Matthew E. Rudnick - Aeolus
Neha D. Shah - Artemis
Bruno P. Vanzieleghem - Heracles
William E. Wahl - Dionysus
Hon: Susan Ederer - Psyche

Other past classes will be forthcoming, and are avaliable from me upon request.

Explanation of names: “Shortly after the Winter 1995 initiation … The suggestion was made to select a Greek place name and assign it to each class.” Also, this year’s class and every 20 years hence will be called “Vulcanus,” a made-up name.

From various sources. These people were selected for membership one year ago, I’m still working on compiling this year’s members. This list is incomplete - if you can help complete either year, please contact me.

The Michigamua “Pride” of 2004 (incomplete)

1. Nupur Kanodia - Dance Marathon External Director - kanodian
2. Bobby Nooromid - Tau Epsilon Phi / Hillel Governing Board Chair - nooromid
3. Nicholas Douville - ndouvill
4. Brandon Roberts - Baseball - bradrobe
5. Jon Monger - College Democrats, Hillel - jmonger
6. Brian Rhodes - National Society of Black Engineers - brhodesz
7. Ronald Lavelle Crawford- Basketball - rlcrawfo
8. John Navarre - football - jnavarre
9. Grant Weber - Dance Marathon - weberg
10. Steve Skripnik - University Activities Center President - sskripni
11. Jillian Centanni - Society of Women Engineers - jcentann

I’ve been contacted by a member of the Phoenix honor society, who says the group “toured” the tower on Tuesday, and didn’t have a meeting there. I don’t think the distinction affects the argument I made when I reported on the visit: the tower is now closed to all students except for members of elite secretive organizations. This means the University is in violation of the recommendations of the Office Space Panel accepted by President Bollinger, unless the space is now available for tours by any student organization.

” … Let me first thank you for your reply. I sincerely appreciate you comments and concern. However, as a student here at the University, I have concerns of my own.

With your website, you have the power to do much good by educating fellow students about things that other media outlets may not address. I commend you for your courage to do so. However, along with that power comes a responsibility for accuracy and integrity. I feel that you have compromised both in much of what you wrote regarding Phoenix. I hope that you make an effort to convey the truth, and if you don’t know what that may be, honesty is
the best policy: say so.”

What began as a leaked tidbit of information about the meeting time of Michigamua, Michigan’s most controversial secret honor society, ended yesterday night with nearly a dozen student activists confronting Michigamua members about their organization’s extensive history of abusing Native American culture.

Using cellular phones and a tip that Michigamua members would be meeting in the Law Quad at 7:00 PM, members of the Native American Student Association and their allies embarked on what devolved for some into a wild-goose chase through the evening’s cold drizzle.

After seeing that 7pm meeting had in fact occurred, NASA members quickly alerted friends that Michigamua was on campus, apparently conducting activities as part of their initiation week for new members. An open discussion began between when NASA members encountered Michigamua inductees congregating at the Tappan Oak, a large oak tree located between Haven Hall and the Graduate library which has historically served as a meeting point for this campus “leadership” organization.

Confused Michigamua members stood awkwardly nearby before conferring on cellular phones and apparently agreeing to meet elsewhere. Of the roughly dozen student activists present, some were surprised to discover friends and acquaintances among the group’s new members.

Meanwhile, another “secret” campus organization had activities planned for the evening, although they might prefer to be called “anonymous.” First, some history - rewind to 2000, shortly after the 37-day sit-in which evicted Michigamua from their Michigan Union headquarters, and revealed they had been flagrantly disobeying a 1989 agreement about use of Native American references and artifacts.

Phoenix Members Visit Allegedly Closed Tower

“Consistent with the principles of fairness and access expressed in the panel s recommendations,” [Former University President Lee C.] Bollinger said in a letter to students in the affected organization, “I have decided that it is not appropriate to continue any special tenancy in the [Michigan Union] tower space for Michigamua, Phoenix and Vulcan.” …

Bollinger said the tower space is in need of renovation to conform to safety standards and regulations regarding access for the disabled. A decision about what to do with the space will be made after considering the cost of these renovations and other issues. … “ (Record: “Three student groups to be relocated”)

It was on these terms that President Bolliger evicted the “Tower Societies” from their tower, although not heisitating to provide official University office space for two years, but saying that “If they choose to apply for office and meeting space after this transitional period, they will do so as part of the general process of student space allocation.” Bollinger had acceped the reccomendations of a panel which was charged with a thorough review of allocation of office space to student groups, and who had decided every organization must apply for space every two years.

Members of the Student of Color Coalition, who had occupied the Michigan Union tower for over 30 days cried foul, alleging the allocation of office space was periphial of the central issue: the University administration’s long and deep involvement with an elitist organization founded on an ideology fundamentally offensive to minority culture students. However, it appeared that whatever the justification given, the tower space would at least be made inaccessable to all organizations equally.

Tonight, however, that decision of Lee Bollinger was apparently overturned or broken as the current inductees to the Phoenix honor society held a meeting in the space of their former headquarters in the Michigan Union.

Three independent sources have confirmed new members were told they would visit the tower, and an eyewitness even spotted new Phoenix members, whose names were recently published on this website, entering the elevators in the lobby of the Michigan Union to travel to the 4th floor, where they would climb the stairs to the tower.

The timing of this stunning hypocricy on the part of University administrators couldn’t be more opportune for the opponents of recent budget cuts at a variety of student services offices. In 2000, after the conclusion of the tower occupation, the University fired an employee of the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs named Shannon Martin, allegedly for “embezzlement,” although student activists suspected it was because she was openly sympathetic and supportive of the Students of Color Coalition. At the time, the recently appointed Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper personally testified in the jury trial of Ms. Martin, although the jury would aquit Martin of all charges. (See a 10/01 letter to the Daily about Martin)

Since 2000, rumours that Royster Harper had close ties with the campus’s secret honor societies have persisted. In recent weeks, student activists drawing from a wide variety of campus communities have rallied behind an effort to reverse deep cuts in already tiny support offices, identifiying Vice President Harper as the one ultimately responsible for their plight. The group’s signature yellow t-shirts read, “Royster Cut Student Services … and all I got was this Lousy T-Shirt.”

This monday, Royster Harper participated in an unproductive negotiating session between these student leaders and University administrators.

Yesterday, Royster either failed to fulfil her charge to impliment the office space allocation policy decided on by President Bollinger and the panel he had appointed, or she decided to disobey its directive completely.

It is fully within the University’s power to seal the Tower from all student organizations. If that is what they intend to do, they should do it. However, if Phoenix is allowed to hold meetings in the tower, every student organization must also be afforded the privlidge. To do otherwise would be to revert to their policies before 2000, where select elite campus organizations can on occassion don headdresses, smoke a “peace pipe,” in their “wigwam,” decorated with birchbark and a moose’s head high atop the Michigan Union.

Last time I checked such racist and sophmoric antics have thoroughly passed out of vogue. Also, NASA has recently learned Michigamua membership is included on official university transcripts - a practice which should be abolished. The University should sever any remaining ties with the organization, including requiring its employees to renounce their membership as a condition of employment, and convert the tower into some purpose open to all students.

Read more:
> My Michigamua / Phoenix Page
> Detroit News: “Protesters call secret group’s rituals offensive”
> U Toronto Student Paper: “Secret society conquered in Ann Arbor”
> Daily: “Michigan minority student group to end 37-day occupation of student union”
> Statement from the Native American Community, February 2000
> Michigan Today: “Michigamua Protest Ends”

Here’s some information I was able to get about Phoenix, one of the other “Tower Societies” that used to be all female until both it and Michigamua went co-ed in the 1990s. I’ve heard “4 to 5″ people turned down “taps” for the 2005 class, and their names are not included here. This list might not reflect members who decided to quit the organization, as occasionally happens. Also, to my knowledge, Phoenix does not bastardize Native American culture as Michigamua has. The Phoenix classes of 2001 through 2003 are listed at the bottom of my Michigamua page. If you have any reason to believe this information is inaccurate, please send me an email or leave an anonymous comment, and I will be sure to investigate and make corrections, in necessary. I’m still working on Michigamua for last year and this year, and I would also be interested in information about Vulcan.

Phoenix Class of 2004

Name Activities

Touseef Akram Bhatti Multicultural Greek Council, Alpha Iota Omicron
Mara Cazers Garden Club
Scott Davison Football Equipment Manager
Jake Fox Baseball
Joseph Gallitano
Jenny Gerteisen Circle K, Girls on the Run
Tom Gritter Men’s Soccer
Ameil Herrera MSA, Sigma Nu, Phi Sigma Pi
Mark Hodges Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi
Matt Kochanek Dance Marathon, Circle K, Mortar Board
Courtney Lewis Daily (sports staff)
Adam Maczik Marching Band, Fencing Club
Erica Margolius Michiganensian, K-Grams Bookmark
Matt McKee Marching Band, Golden Key
Jen Miller Outdoor Adventures, SGA
Deepa Patel Circle K, SAVE, Mortar Board
Christin Plunkett Women’s Crew, Campus Crusade
Jenny Putvin Michiganensian
Bharat Sharma Alpha Iota Omicron
Megan Wilbur Dance Marathon, College Democrats
Kate Woolley APO, M-Flicks, Detroit Project
Malinda Matney (Honorary/Faculty Member)

Phoenix Class of 2005

Matt Burrows (Faculty/Alum)
Megan Bonde
Mike Penn
Colin Daly (Daily cartoonist)
Ruchi Talati
Priya Pai
Josh Holman
Ryan Shinska
Jarrod Wood
Melissa Mariola
Tony Ding (Daily Photographer)
Jasmine Singh
Melissa Hough
Julia Power
Steve Kren
George Kiwada
Kim Smith
Heidi Gilbert
Quynh-Nhu Vu
BreAnne McPhilamy
Evan Demko
Brittany Galisdorfer
Leah Ketcheson
Justine Silver
Rachel Chapin

Andrew D. Berenzweig
Andrew R. Potts
Bobby L. Scales II
Christopher W. Bunt
Cory J. Fryling
Delano M. White
Don M. Chamberlin IV
Dwane Q. Fuqua
Erik W. Ranka
Evan M. Meyers
Frank J. Lodeserto
Gerald B. Olivari
Gregory R. Daddario
Jeffrey Smokevitch
Jonathan W. Jansen
Joseph C. Taylor
Manuel F. Munguia
Michael C. Fair
Pinkey L. Oliver
Rahul M. Shah
Robert D. Hayes
Ryan D. Freidrichs
Spencer F. Preis
Thomas A. Malchow

The Tappan Oak, a large oak tree located between Haven Hall and the Graduate Library and traditional location of the annual Michigamua induction ritual has been vandalized, apparently as a protest to that organization’s continued presence on campus. According to the Ann Arbor News, some suspects have been interviewed, but no charges have been filed. Until a few years ago, the oak was marked with a plaque with the Michigamua name, not unlike the small “Vulcan” plaque near the engineering arch. The marker was removed after student protest, although a small plaque near the side door of the Union identifies that area and its small fountain as “Michigamua Plaza.”

” Tappan Oak Tree on Diag vandalized

From News staff reports” (Source)

Here’s some anonymous historical commentary on Michigamua I received:

“Now a few years removed from Ann Arbor and from the 2000 Michigamua tower occupation, I look back and have to laugh at the state of Michigamua. Sure, the multi-week occupation gave the organization and the University a black eye, but even more so, exposed what a sorry state the student elite of the University community was and, I’m afraid still is. And I’m sure that the community of the student elite will continue to languish, whither and perhaps die on the Michigamua vine.

(In a semi-related note, when Bush and Kerry debate later this year, if a journalist asks a question about Skull and Bones and one of them begins to answer, they both have to walk off stage, according to tradition, orso I’ve heard. Now there’s a secret society. Barb the Younger didn’t get in though.)”

> Who’s in Michigamua?

Yes, it’s Michigamua tapping season:

“Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 03:26:40 -0500
From: Nickole Fox foxn at umich.edu
Subject: say NO to Michigamua’s tap

<><><><><><><><><><><><>“

“Fight Like Hell for Michigan and Michigamua!"*

And remember to wear your headdress! An observant reader points out this quote, on the front of the Michigan Union 100th Anniversary website:

“At the end of my junior year at Michigan I was inducted into Michigamua, the Senior honorary society. Part of the induction ceremony took place in the middle of the diag where the senior class performed the induction ceremony which included a certain amount of good nature “hazing” of the new inductees. At the conclusion of the cermonies in the middle of the diag, the new inductees were lead by rope, duck walking to the Michigan Union where we continued “duck walking” (squatting while walking) up the stairs to the Michigamua room. The memory of that walk (and the burning of the quads) will forever remain with me as an integral part of the Michigamua experience.

Peter M. Cornell, 1969″

It might be history, but I think another quote on the front page might be more appropriate since Michigamua’s past role at the University is offensive to some students and departments.

On campus, who’s a member of Michigamua? I’m glad you asked - here’s the “Pride” of 2003. Email addresses are @umich.edu.

Eric Bukstein ebukstei
Sara Gall gallc
Janessa Grieco jgrieco
Steph Johnson sljz
Brian Netter bnetter
Monica Rose roseml
John Shouneyia houneyi
Pat Owen patowen
Lavelle Blanchard
Tyler Atkins tatkins
Tom Church tchurch
Anita Gupta apgupta
Petra Juzwishin petramj
Rebecca Kramer rkramer
Jed Ortmeyer jortmeye
John Spytek jspytek

(* A Michigamua saying, used to sign correspondence)

” … [Melissa Lopez] Pope said she and others have stepped forward over the years to protest the group s stereotypical use of drums, loincloths, headdresses and the taking on of “Indian names.”

“I don t dismiss what happened but I am taking the stance that this happened and that things have changed,” he said. “We’re moving in a different direction, and I want to be part of that moving in a different direction, I want to be part of that movement.” … “

> Daily: “Secret society bashed for use of Native American traditions”
> Michigamua Information Page

Michigamua Update

I have received anonymously a list of names of of Michigamua members I had not included in my directory of members. Before I add these people to my permanent page, I’m posting them here. I encourage anyone who thinks this data may not be accurate to contact me at rob(at) goodspeedupdate.com. I’ve also added a photo to the Michigamua page, and am working on a project to post every member in that organization’s 101-year history, minus the class selected last spring, or the “Pride of 2004,” which I believe to be forthcoming.

PRIDE OF 2003:
Tyler Atkins - Dance Marathon - tatkins
LaVell Blanchard - Men’s Basketball - blanchar
Tom Church - Army ROTC - tchurch
Anita Gupta - University Students Against Cancer - apgupta
Petra Juzwishin - Women’s Crew - petramj
Rebecca Kramer - President UM Engineering Council - rkramer
Jed Ortmeyer - Men’s Ice Hockey -jortmeye
John Spytek - Football - jspytek

PRIDE OF 2002:
Jeff Hopwood - Men’s Swimming - jhopwood
Quentin Love - BGA, NSBE - qlove
Joe Young - Baseball -jfyoung

Proud to be a Wolverine? This talk sounds interesting:

“Charlene Teters, from the documentary “In Whose Honor?", will be speaking on Friday October 17th, at 7:30 in the Wolverine room in the Michigan Union.

Sponsored by the Native American Student Association, Native American Studies, The Exhibit museum of natural history, and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs.”

> Read up on Michigamua here, and check out these scans from the archive, and why this matters.

Here’s what I want to know: why did the Facilities Director of the Michigan Union Audrey Schwimmer join Michigamua - in 2000?

Random file of the day: A map to the Michigamua “Stomping Grounds,” a property outside Ann Arbor used by that organization for gatherings.

Although it’s not news, I just discovered an interesting tidbit. According to the minutes of a meeting between the Native American Student Association and VP for ‘Student’ Affairs Royster Harper, the University is holding the Michigamua artifacts which rightfully belong in the Bentley Historical Library at property they own at Willow Run. If they really wanted to get it off campus, they could probubly put it in the basement of the U-M owned, abandoned building across the street from the DIA - the Rackham Educational Memorial.

• Sierra Club's Activist Night
• Intern Speaker Series Lecture: Roberta Baskin
• Free Films at the Building Museum
• iPod Jukebox Night
• Screen on the Green: 'The Way We Were'
• Q and Not U @ Ft. Reno
• Screen on the Green: 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'
• Thievery Corporation live@930