SICSIC celebrates 80 years

Oct. 5, 2026, marks the 80th anniversary of SICSIC, one of Bowling Green State University’s oldest active campus groups. The University community will celebrate eight decades of promoting school spirit and keeping campus morale high during Homecoming.

In the dead of night on Oct. 5, 1946, BGSU President Frank Prout handpicked six students to form the school’s official spirit crew. Every year since, SICSIC has selected two new freshmen to replace the graduating senior SICSIC members after they are unmasked. To date, more than 160 students have kept their identities hidden while serving in the secret organization.

On any given day, six masked SICSIC members can be seen around campus, handing out candy and boosting spirit with signature black-and-red "SICSIC SEZ" signs.

Beyond promoting school spirit, members balance their academic and extracurricular responsibilities within a secret society. Because of this secrecy, the organization's advisor, Jacob Clemens, Ph.D., senior director of the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, said that members quickly learn to rely on one another.

“Only a very small group of students really understands what it means to be in this group and the bonds it creates,” Clemens said. “It's not a one-year commitment – this is basically your entire college experience that nobody else knows about. You can't vent to your roommate or tell your significant other. You only have your fellow SICSIC members.

“Because of this, we see deep friendships and relationships form. Nervous freshmen develop into campus leaders and mentors to future SICSIC members before being unmasked at the end of their college careers.”

Over the past eight decades, SICSIC’s look has evolved, but its mission remains unchanged.

“SICSIC is a thread that has run throughout the culture of our campus for the last 80 years,” said Clemens. “The masks and themes have been a unique reflection of what’s going on in our culture.

“Today, we see a lot of Marvel and Star Wars characters. If you look at pictures from 20 years ago, things were less fun and lighthearted, with masks of politicians. Thirty years ago, we saw serious, scary masks like Michael Myers.”

During the 5 p.m. football game on Sept. 26, past SICSIC members will be recognized on the field. Attendees will include alumni dating back to 1960, with representatives from every decade since. Among them will be the first woman ever unmasked in SICSIC, back when the group transitioned from its original all-male membership.

Reflections from unmasked SICSIC members

“It’s hard to put into words what being a part of SICSIC means to me. This is so uniquely BGSU. We have the honor of being in a position to see the genuine love that exists in this community. Being a small part of the history of SICSIC and building that community has meant everything to me.” – Jillian Filipiak ‘25 

“This was honestly one of the best things I did at BGSU. At the end of the day, only two of us are chosen from each class. That’s a big deal, and we don’t take for granted the impact we’re making on the Bowling Green community.” – Dwayne Lawson ‘25

For a full list of Homecoming activities, visit bgsu.edu/homecoming.