Alpha Kappa Psi - Fraternal History

Alpha Kappa Psi begins at New York University. October 5th, 1904 marked the founding date of the fraternity by ten founding fathers: George L Bergen, Irving L Camp, Robert S Douglas, Daniel V Duff, Howard M Jefferson, Nathan Lane Jr., Frederic R Leach, Morris S Rachmil, William O Tremaine and Herbert M Wright.

Navy blue and gold were adopted as the official fraternity colors. Blue stands for the ocean over which the commerce of the world passes, and gold for the basis for the financing of trade. The Executive Committee granted its third charter to Gamma Chapter, installed November 4th at the school of commerce, Northwestern University, Chicago.

A central office of the fraternity was set up in Indianapolis, with a full-time secretary in charge. Mr. John D Sparks was appointed Grand Secretary treasurer and editor of the Diary on January 16th, 1928.

The official flower of the fraternity was changed from a chrysanthemum to the yellow rose. On August 7th, 1976 the board voted to admit women into the fraternity. Ms. Carol R Carter was the first woman elected as a national officer of Alpha Kappa Psi. In 2003 the Fraternity Board of Directors approved the purchase of a larger office to house the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity and Foundation, known as The Heritage Center.



» Read about Upsilon Psi's Legacy on the UC Davis Campus

» Visit the Alpha Kappa Psi Official Fraternity Website