History

Oracle Senior Society was founded in September 2002 at the University of Pennsylvania by Sandeep Acharya, Earl Lee, Julia Elliott (né Lee), Eugena Oh, and Sylvia Srisinthorn. They created the Society to recognize and create a community of Asian Pacific Islander student leaders from all facets of university life, providing a unique opportunity to impact both their individual student experiences and their University. Since the first inducted class in the fall of 2002, Oracle has grown into a close-knit network of diverse students and alumni who have and continue to enact change both inside and outside of the University.

The official symbol and colors, maroon and gold, were inspired by the Zia Sun Symbol.

Tradition

Every year Oracle’s class of 25 seniors engage themselves in the Penn community through community service, mentorship, and networking. Oracle often collaborates with Cipactli Latino Honor Society, Onyx Senior Honor Society, and Carriage Senior Society to host events such as the annual COCO Holiday Charity Mixer in the Winter and the annual Multicultural Faculty/Alumni Meet and Greet in the Spring. In addition, Oracle’s mascot is Ori Cool, the ostrich who enjoys a day in the life of each Oracle member’s activities upon induction into the Society.

Mission

It is Oracle’s mission to: (1) Promote diversity within the Asian Pacific American Community, (2) provide a broad network for Asian Pacific American students through facilitating communication between these student leaders, (3) create a greater sense of a Pan-Asian Community, and (4) elevate the profile of Asian Pacific American leaders on campus and beyond.

The list below details the different groups represented in Oracle over the years.

Academic: Asian American Studies Undergraduate Advisory Board, Benjamin Franklin Scholars Advisory Board, English Undergraduate Advisory Board, The Philomathean Society, M&T Club, Wharton India Economic Forum, Wharton Council

Athletics: Club Lacrosse, Club Tennis, Intramural Volleyball, Penn Cricket Club, Student Athlete Advisory Board, Ultimate Frisbee, Varsity Football, Varsity Women’s Basketball, Varsity Women’s Fencing, Varsity Women’s Golf, Women’s Ice Hockey, Swimming, Barbell Club, Taekwondo

AANHPI Cultural Organizations: Asian Pacific American Heritage Week (APAHW), Asian Pacific American Leadership Initiative (APALI), Asian Pacific Student Coalition (APSC), Asian Students Promoting Identity, Reflection, and Education (ASPIRE), East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU), PAACH Advisory Board, Promoting Enriching Experiences and Relationships (PEER)

Cultural: Alliance and Understanding, Assembly of International Students, Chinese Students’ Association, Club Singapore, Hindu Student Council & Young Jains of America, Japan Student Association, Korean Students Association, Muslim Students Association, Penn Arab Student Society, Penn Hawaii Club, Penn Pakistan Society, Penn Persian Society, Penn Philippine Association, Penn Taiwanese Society, Programs in Religion, Interfaith and Spirituality Matters (PRISM), Queer and Asian, Queer Muslims and Allies at Penn, Queer People of Color, Race Dialogue Project, Sangam, South Asia Society, United Minorities Council, Vietnamese Students’ Association, Athlete Ally

Greek: Alpha Chi Rho, alpha Kappa Delta Phi, Alpha Kappa Psi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Kappa, Sigma Psi Zeta, St. Elmo Club of Philadelphia, Phi Delta Epsilon, Phi Gamma Delta, Lotus Society

Performing Arts: Arts House Dance Company, Counterparts A Cappella, Dance Arts Council, Hype Dance Crew, KLASS, Onda Latina, Pan-Asian Dance Troupe, Penn Atma, Penn Dhamaka, Penn Lions, Penn Masala, Penn Masti, Penn Players, Penn Raas, Penn Sori, Penn Yo, PENNaach, Pennsylvania Six-5000, Penny Loafers, Performing Arts Council, Strictly Funk, The Excelano Project, The Mask and Wig Club, The Vagina Monologues, Thillana, Yalla, The Pennsylvania Glee Club, Full Measure, Jazz Club

Professional: American Medical Students Association, Asian Pacific American Nursing Students Association, International Affairs Association, Medical Emergency Report Team (MERT), Minorities in Nursing Organization, Penn Democrats, PennApps, Penn Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, Student Nurses At Penn, Weiss Tech House, Wharton Asia Exchange, Wharton China Business Society, Wharton Women, Wharton Council

Publications: 34th Street, Penn Political Review, The Daily Pennsylvanian, Under the Button

Service: Active Minds, Anti-poverty Action Week, Asha for Education, Big Brothers Big Sisters, CityStep, Civic House Associates Coalition, Community Schools Student Partnerships, Engineers Without Borders, Givology, LIFT Philadelphia, One in Four, Penn American Red Cross, Penn Cares for Kids, Penn Health Initiative, Penn Speaks for Autism, Social Impact Consulting, West Philadelphia Tutoring Project

Student Government: Class Board, Nominations and Elections Committee, Student Activities Council, Undergraduate Assembly, University Council

Other: Ivy Council, Kite and Key Society, PENNacle, PennCORP, Residential Advisory Board