Phalanx Honor Society
In 1912, Edward Dion and the Student Council organized a society to recognize those Rensselaer students who have distinguished themselves among their peers in the areas of leadership, service, and devotion to the alma mater. This society, Phalanx, became the fellowship of those most active in student activities. In addition, this society now selects the members of the White Key Society and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, as well as the faculty winner of the David M. Darrin ’40 Counseling Award each spring.
White Key Society
The White Key Society was founded in 1939. It’s objective is to recognize early leadership and service in Rensselaer activities among Freshmen and Sophomore Classes. The White Key award was developed to encourage these younger students to continue to strive for the ideals of leadership, service, and devotion to Rensselaer.
David M. Darrin ’40 Counseling Award
This award was established by David M. Darrin ’40 to recognize a faculty member who has made an unusual contribution in the counseling of students. The selection of the award recipient is made by Phalanx, the student leadership honorary society, based on nominations received from an open solicitation to the campus in the Spring semester. The Darrin Counseling Award is presented at Commencement in May.