The Bishop James Madison Society (BJMS) is a secret society of the College of William & Mary in Virginia. The society is best known through its Last Lecture Series, held each spring semester.
History
Students at the College of William & Mary founded the Bishop James Madison Society in 1812, immediately after the death of its namesake. Bishop James Madison was eighth president of William and Mary and cousin to the U.S. President James Madison. The society wanted to honor Madison by doing good deeds and improving its school.
In the 20th century, William and Mary students along with David L. Holmes, professor emeritus of religious studies, revived the society. The society also sponsors special events such as the video challenge, Eight Days of Mirth, in 2014.
See also
- Collegiate secret societies in North America