Prytanean Women's Honor Society is the oldest collegiate women's honor society in the United States. Founded as a branch of the UC Berkeley chapter in 1952, Prytanean seeks to recognize and honor the scholastic achievement of undergraduate women, provide community service to the University and community, define positive roles, and encourage fellowship and leadership for women. The history of Prytanean is the development of a respected campus organization whose members seek to promote the high ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service within the university and the community, while upholding values of friendship, support, and respect among diverse women. Its purpose has been to secure due recognition for women of achievement. During the academic year, active membership numbers 40-75 students of diverse ethnic backgrounds and majors from all three colleges. The alumnae membership now numbers over 3,000 women, including physicians, journalists, professors, lawyers, judges, artists, and other outstanding women dedicated to community service.