Kappa Delta Rho
Encyclopedia
Kappa Delta Rho is an American
college
social fraternity
, with 77 chapters (37 of which are active) spread out over the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Kappa Delta Rho's open motto is Honor Super Omnia, or Honor Above All Things.
in Middlebury, VT on May 17, 1905. It formed out of the Middlebury Commons Club
, and had ten principal founders: George Edwin Kimball, Irving Thurston Coates, John Beecher, Thomas Howard Bartley, Benjamin Edward Farr, Gideon Russell Norton, Gino Arturo Ratti, Chester Monroe Walch and Roy Dyer Wood.
Unusual among college fraternities, KDR's Alpha Chapter at Middlebury was forced to coeducate in the early 1990s, due to a policy at the school against single-sex organizations. The chapter is now the Alpha and only chapter of the Kappa Delta Rho Society, and maintains its own traditions and a unique badge, slightly modified from the standard fraternity badge.
My membership is legion. From the humble home and from the stately mansion; from the rolling farms and from the noisy factories; from the East and West and North and South have my followers come.
They who understand my meaning have followed in the footsteps of the Man of Galilee. In peace, they have been their brother’s keeper, and in the agony of war, their blood has enriched the Fields of Flanders and reddened the sands of the Pacific.
Their reward has been the Inspiration of their Youth; the Driving Power of their Manhood; the Memories of their Maturity. They have fought the good Fight and of these, my sons, I am justly proud,
Who am I? My name is FRATERNITY. And because I have given Man that which he craves, I shall endure. My sons shall neither falter nor fail. They shall add new lustre to my name.
To this end, I am bound by my words and actions to:
I understand that my membership in Kappa Delta Rho is a lifelong privilege that is contingent upon my willingness to incorporate the values of the Fraternity into my daily life and uphold the oath I have sworn. As I speak these words I once again to affirm to my brothers, and all who hear me, that I am a KDR Gentleman and I will place Honor Above All Things.
Honor Super Omnia!
Individual awards are also handed out including: Outstanding Senior, Outstanding New Member, Outstanding Advisor, & the Red Rose Award. In addition, qualified Alumni may be inducted into the prestigious Ordo Honoris based upon achievements in either their career, community or their dedication to the fraternity.
In addition to competitive academic scholarships the Foundation also gives away non-competitive New Member academic scholarships. Any Brother who received above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during his pledging semester will receive $100 from the foundation providing they submit the proper documentation.
The Kappa Delta Rho Foundations also offer scholarships for the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and Futures Quest, both of which are educational programs run by the North-American Interfraternity Conference
. The scholarships cover the full cost of registration for each program.
In 2007 the KDR Foundation created the Kappa Delta Rho Wilderness Institute which occurs once a year in a different wilderness location around the country. Brothers who have been admitted to the program through an application process take part in a multi day hike that is led by an alumni mentor and experienced guide. The program is designed to provide hands on leadership programming, substance free brotherhood building activities, personal growth opportunities, and core values exploration.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
social fraternity
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...
, with 77 chapters (37 of which are active) spread out over the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Kappa Delta Rho's open motto is Honor Super Omnia, or Honor Above All Things.
History
Kappa Delta Rho was founded in room 14 of Old Painter Hall at Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury College
Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont, USA. Founded in 1800, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States. Drawing 2,400 undergraduates from all 50 United States and over 70 countries, Middlebury offers 44 majors in the arts,...
in Middlebury, VT on May 17, 1905. It formed out of the Middlebury Commons Club
Commons club
A commons club is a type of social organization whose membership is "open" rather than selective based on personal introduction and invitation. It may also refer to the lodge or other meeting facility associated with such a club and used for its activities...
, and had ten principal founders: George Edwin Kimball, Irving Thurston Coates, John Beecher, Thomas Howard Bartley, Benjamin Edward Farr, Gideon Russell Norton, Gino Arturo Ratti, Chester Monroe Walch and Roy Dyer Wood.
Unusual among college fraternities, KDR's Alpha Chapter at Middlebury was forced to coeducate in the early 1990s, due to a policy at the school against single-sex organizations. The chapter is now the Alpha and only chapter of the Kappa Delta Rho Society, and maintains its own traditions and a unique badge, slightly modified from the standard fraternity badge.
Values
The values of ΚΔΡ are: Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Tradition and can be seen in its Credo and Precepts. The Credo was written in 1946 by George E. Shaw, Alpha '10, the first pledge of ΚΔΡ. The Precepts were adopted by the 95th National Convention in 2006.Credo
Since the Beginning, wherever men have come together, there have I been.My membership is legion. From the humble home and from the stately mansion; from the rolling farms and from the noisy factories; from the East and West and North and South have my followers come.
They who understand my meaning have followed in the footsteps of the Man of Galilee. In peace, they have been their brother’s keeper, and in the agony of war, their blood has enriched the Fields of Flanders and reddened the sands of the Pacific.
Their reward has been the Inspiration of their Youth; the Driving Power of their Manhood; the Memories of their Maturity. They have fought the good Fight and of these, my sons, I am justly proud,
Who am I? My name is FRATERNITY. And because I have given Man that which he craves, I shall endure. My sons shall neither falter nor fail. They shall add new lustre to my name.
Precepts of Kappa Delta Rho
As a Brother of the National Fraternity of Kappa Delta Rho, I have but one aim: to lead an honorable life.To this end, I am bound by my words and actions to:
- Embrace the principles and spirit of the KDR Gentleman, treating all those I encounter with dignity and respect;
- Work diligently in the pursuit of my education, understanding that I am a student first and that the quest for knowledge is an endeavor which will last a lifetime;
- Meet all of my obligations to the Fraternity in a timely manner, so as to ensure that I am doing my share and that I am not a burden to my brothers;
- Engage in the service of mankind, not for the praise or recognition that such service may bring, but because it is the right thing to do;
- Serve as my brothers’ keeper, holding them accountable for their actions as they hold me accountable for mine, and
- Support my Alma Mater, that she may view Kappa Delta Rho as a partner in the development of her students.
I understand that my membership in Kappa Delta Rho is a lifelong privilege that is contingent upon my willingness to incorporate the values of the Fraternity into my daily life and uphold the oath I have sworn. As I speak these words I once again to affirm to my brothers, and all who hear me, that I am a KDR Gentleman and I will place Honor Above All Things.
Honor Super Omnia!
Quill & Scroll
The National Office of the fraternity publishes a semi-annual news magazine called the Quill & Scroll. First published as The Scroll in 1909 at Middlebury College, the Fraternity changed the name in 1924 after it became a national publication. Today, articles in The Quill and Scroll detail the successes of the National Fraternity, the various alumni corporations, undergraduate chapters and individual members. The articles reflect the high ideals of KDR as experienced by its undergraduates and alumni.Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is the KDR educational and historical manual. It is given to those who choose to pledge the fraternity so that they may understand the responsibilities of membership. It also provides them with an introduction to the way in which KDR is organized, how it operates and what the roles are of the chapter, alumni, and National Office. The manual is updated every few years by the National Office to bring it up to date with new information, policies and ideas.Awards
Awards are given out to Chapters and individual Brothers each year at the National Convention. Chapter awards include: the Robert D. Corrie Award for Chapter of The Year, O.D. Roberts Award for Chapter Improvement, Donald C. Wolfe for Outstanding Newsletter, George E. Kimball Award for Outstanding Social Service, John L. Blakely Award for Outstanding Philanthropics, Leo T. Wolford Award for Outstanding Campus Involvement, Gino A. Ratti Award for Outstanding Alumni Relations, E. Mayer Maloney Award for Outstanding Faculty Relations, Dr. Harold Osborn Award for Outstanding Intramural Sports, & George E. Shaw Award for Outstanding Public Relations.Individual awards are also handed out including: Outstanding Senior, Outstanding New Member, Outstanding Advisor, & the Red Rose Award. In addition, qualified Alumni may be inducted into the prestigious Ordo Honoris based upon achievements in either their career, community or their dedication to the fraternity.
Foundation
Kappa Delta Rho is financially supported through undergraduate dues and by the Kappa Delta Rho Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. The foundation raises funds from Brothers, family, and friends of KDR to financially support the educational, leadership, and character development programs undertaken by the National Fraternity. The foundation also manages both individual and collective scholarship endowments of the National Fraternity providing more than $75,000 in academic support each year to qualified members of the Fraternity.Scholarships
The Kappa Delta Rho Foundation provides competitive scholarships based upon academic achievement and applications are submitted online. The foundation also serves as caretaker to several chapter specific scholarships and area of study specific scholarships that can be applied for with the same application. The foundation typically gives away more than $75,000 in scholarships with individual awards typically ranging from a minimum of $500 upwards to $2,200.In addition to competitive academic scholarships the Foundation also gives away non-competitive New Member academic scholarships. Any Brother who received above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during his pledging semester will receive $100 from the foundation providing they submit the proper documentation.
The Kappa Delta Rho Foundations also offer scholarships for the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and Futures Quest, both of which are educational programs run by the North-American Interfraternity Conference
North-American Interfraternity Conference
The North-American Interfraternity Conference , is an association of collegiate men's fraternities that was formally organized in 1910, although it began on November 27, 1909. The power of the organization rests in a House of Delegates where each member fraternity is represented by a single delegate...
. The scholarships cover the full cost of registration for each program.
Programs
The Elmon Williams Leadership Academy is a multi day leadership program that occurs during each National Convention and is funded in large part by the foundation. The academy allows for all undergraduate Brothers who attend the National Convention to learn more about being an effective leader in their chapter and in the professional world.In 2007 the KDR Foundation created the Kappa Delta Rho Wilderness Institute which occurs once a year in a different wilderness location around the country. Brothers who have been admitted to the program through an application process take part in a multi day hike that is led by an alumni mentor and experienced guide. The program is designed to provide hands on leadership programming, substance free brotherhood building activities, personal growth opportunities, and core values exploration.
Significant alumni
Alumni cited at unless noted.- Colston E. WarneColston WarneColston Estey Warne was a professor of economics and one of the founders of Consumers Union , in 1936...
, Beta '20 - Founder, Consumers UnionConsumers UnionConsumers Union is a non-profit organization best known as the publisher of Consumer Reports, based in the United States. Its mission is to "test products, inform the public, and protect consumers."...
, Publisher, Consumer ReportsConsumer ReportsConsumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
magazine - Donald F. YenkoDonald YenkoDonald Yenko was an American racecar driver best known for creating the Yenko Camaro, a high-performance version of the Chevrolet Camaro.-Biography:...
, Zeta '51 - Race Car Driver and Muscle CarMuscle carMuscle car is a term used to refer to a variety of high-performance automobiles. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines muscle cars as "any of a group of American-made 2-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving." Usually, a large V8 engine is fitted in a...
Legend, Creator of Yenko CamaroYenko CamaroThe Yenko Super Camaro was a modified Chevrolet Camaro prepared by Yenko Chevrolet, under the command of Don Yenko. The originals were all first-generation Camaros... - Harold OsbornHarold OsbornHarold Marion Osborn was a U.S. track athlete. He won a gold medal in Olympic decathlon and high jump in 1924....
, Eta '22 - 1924 Olympic Games1924 Summer OlympicsThe 1924 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VIII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1924 in Paris, France...
Gold Medalist, Decathlon, High Jump - Chuck EaleyChuck EaleyCharles "Chuck" Ealey is a former football player for Notre Dame High School, University of Toledo, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.-High school and college years:...
, Pi Alpha Honorary - Former University of ToledoUniversity of ToledoThe University of Toledo is a public university in Toledo, Ohio, United States. The Carnegie Foundation classified the university as "Doctoral/Research Extensive."-National recognition:...
and CFLCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
footballCanadian footballCanadian football is a form of gridiron football played exclusively in Canada in which two teams of 12 players each compete for territorial control of a field of play long and wide attempting to advance a pointed prolate spheroid ball into the opposing team's scoring area...
player, holds NCAA record for most consecutive wins by a quarterback (35) - Ari FleischerAri FleischerOn May 19, 2003, he announced that he would resign during the summer, citing a desire to spend more time with his wife and to work in the private sector...
, Alpha '82 - Press Secretary for U.S. President George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000.... - John S. FisherJohn Stuchell FisherJohn Stuchell Fisher was Pennsylvania's 29th Governor, a Republican.Fisher was born in South Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania, in 1867...
, Iota Honorary - Governor of Pennsylvania (Ret.) - Eugene Louis DodaroEugene Louis DodaroEugene Louis Dodaro is the Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office...
, Psi '73 - Comptroller General of the United StatesComptroller General of the United StatesThe Comptroller General of the United States is the director of the Government Accountability Office , a legislative branch agency established by Congress in 1921 to ensure the fiscal and managerial accountability of the federal government...