| Alpha Kappa Delta | |
|---|---|
| ΑΚΔ | |
 | |
| Founded | November 21, 1920; 105 years ago (1920-11-21) University of Southern California |
| Type | Honor |
| Affiliation | ACHS |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Sociology |
| Scope | International |
| Motto | Anthropon Katamanthanein Diakonesein "To investigate humanity for the purpose of service" |
| Colors | Teal |
| Publication | Sociological Inquiry |
| Chapters | 4 active, 702 chartered |
| Members | 80,000+ active 152,000+ lifetime |
| Headquarters | 2507 James Street, Suite #210 Syracuse,New York 13206 United States |
| Website | alphakappadelta |
Alpha Kappa Delta (ΑΚΔ) is an internationalhonor society ofsociology. It was founded byEmory S. Bogardus at the University of Southern California in 1920.[1] It has over 152,000 members across more than 700 chapters worldwide. It is a member of theAssociation of College Honor Societies.
In 1915, one of the earliest American collegiate sociology departments was created at theUniversity of Southern California, under the direction ofProfessor Emory S. Bogardus. Wanting to support the new program with a forum for students and faculty to discusssociological research,[2] Bogardus created Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) on November 21, 1920 and served as its first president.[3][1] Alpha Kappa Delta initially consisted of fourteen students and faculty members. Alpha Kappa Delta's primary goal is to advance social research for service.[4]
In 1921, Bogardus contacted a select group of American universities, inviting them to join Alpha Kappa Delta. Three schools created an AKD chapter: theUniversity of Wisconsin,Northwestern University, and theUniversity of Kansas. These three schools, along with theUniversity of Southern California, became the United Chapters of Alpha Kappa Delta in 1924.[5]
During the 1930s and 1940s, the leaders of Alpha Kappa Delta, namelyKimball Young, Reed Bain, andLuther L. Bernard, attempted to increase membership. This effort was tested byWorld War II which dropped both membership and attendance at organizational meetings. Bernard led Alpha Kappa Delta through these trying years until Andrea B. Hollingshead was elected Alpha Kappa Delta's president in 1948.[5] In 1967, it joined theAssociation of College Honor Societies.[6]
As of 2024, Alpha Kappa Delta has initiated more than 152,000 members.[7] However, the society closed most of its active chapters in 2024, with several of the surviving chapters consolidating in 2023.[8] Its national headquarters are located at 2507 James Street inSyracuse, New York.[7]
The name Alpha Kappa Delta was chosen by Bogardus and represents the first letters of threeGreek wordsAnthropon, which translates to "humankind";Katamanthanein, which translates to "to investigate thoroughly"; andDiakonesein, which translates to "for the purpose of service".[9]
The society's motto isAnthropon Katamanthanein Diakonesein or "To investigate humanity for the purpose of service".[10] The society's emblem is a key that was designed by Melvin J. Vincent in 1920.[11][1] In 1924 Gertrude A. Stephens wrote the lyrics to Alpha Kappa Delta's hymn in conjunction with Charles H. Gabriel whocomposed the music.
Alpha Kappa Delta's color is teal.[12] Its quarterly publication isSociological Inquiry.[1][6]
As of 2024, Alpha Kappa Delta has chartered 702 chapters, with four chapters being active.[13][14] Chapters are only allowed at institution with two fulltime sociology professors and a graduate program in sociology.[1]
Membership in Alpha Kappa Delta is open to juniors and seniors who are sociology majors who are in the top 35 percent of their class with a minimum 3.0grade point average.[1][6] Graduate students studying sociology may also join if they have completed half of their coursework with a 3.0 GPA or better.[6] Staff members of institutions with chapters may also join if they meet the undergraduate or graduate requirement and either work in sociology or have a Ph.D.[6]
Alpha Kappa Delta is governed by an executive committee, including the president, president-elect, vice president, secretary/treasurer, and the editor ofSociological Inquiry.[1]
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