For the language club, see the German Culture Club.
The German Club of Virginia Tech is a dance club turned service organization. Founded in 1892, it is the oldest fraternal organization on campus. The name for the group came from a popular dance of the time, the German Waltz, but was made a backronym around 1935 when an alumnus wrote the Ritual. The motto of the German Club is, "Leadership for Service through Fellowship." While many activities of the current German Club are best categorized under the umbrella of the motto, adopted at the celebration of the organization's 100th anniversary, the Club also stays true to its dance roots by hosting the Midwinters Dance.
German Club Ritual
The German Club Ritual is a document written by Mel Jeffries that defines G-E-R-M-A-N as Gentleman, Earnestness, Reputation and Responsibility, Manhood, Aim, and Name. The line, "Do what your manhood bids that you do, from none but self expect applause," is a quote from a Richard Francis Burton text.
Activities
The German Club hosts the Midwinters Dance every year in February and hosts a fundraising opportunity for sororities called Goldrush every spring. To raise money for Midwinters, Club members sell programs at Football games.