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The Serbian Academic Club was formed in 1971, by a group of friends who saw need for an education- and culture-oriented, non-religious and non-political organization among the people of Serbian origin in the Chicago area. The Club's goal, as specified in the by-laws, is to foster, among its members and friends, friendship, mutual assistance, art, culture and Serbian national tradition. The first public act of the founding group was mailing of an invitation letter, dated January 24, 1971, in which the formation of the club was announced. The letter was signed by: Dusan Kovacic, president; Petar Milenkovic; Nikola Sorak, Secretary and Treasurer; Vlado Brodic; Dusan Stankovic; Branko Karadzic; Sveto Bilbija and Rade Vukadinovic. The Club was registered in January 1971 with the Secretary of State of Illinois and the Department of Revenue (IRS), under the name of Serbian Academic Club, as a non-for-profit educational organization. The IRS ruling is that all donations to the Club are tax-exempt. The first public meeting of the Club was held on April 10, 1971, in the presence of about 100 persons who responded to the invitation letter. At this meeting the goals and the structure of the Club were discussed, and the plans for the first General Assembly were made. The name of the Club was debated, and the term "Academic" chosen as a compromise, despite few academicians participating. At the first General Assembly in 1972, the by-laws of the Club were approved, the new Executive Board was elected and a decision was made that the Electoral Assembly would be held every two years. Throughout the years, the Club had organized social evenings, picnics, lectures, exhibitions, poetry and prose readings, held its Annual Ball and celebrated its Slava (patron saints) Sts. Cyril and Methodius. The club awards scholarships to qualified college students from the tri-state area (Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin) and cooperates with other organizations in humanitarian and cultural activities. Membership in the Serbian Academic Club is open to all individuals who possess academic education or equivalent experience; have interest in Serbian language, literature and tradition, or are of Serbian origin; who reside legally in the US; are loyal to the social structure of the US and respect basic principles upon which its freedoms are based, and are sponsored by two active Club members. Applications for membership are reviewed by the Executive Board. Annual dues are $25 for individuals, $50 for families and $5 for members in retirement. Students and honorary members do not pay dues. Journal of the Serbian Academic Club Glasnik is published three times a year, in January, June and October. Letters to the Editor, literary and other contributions to Glasnik are welcome. Previous editors of Glasnik were late Caslav Petkovic and late Branko V. Obradovic. Activities of the Club are educational and social, as specified in the by-laws. The Club does not participate in political activities, but its members may be of any political persuasion.