Kappa Delta Rho

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Kappa Delta Rho
ΚΔΡ
File:Kdr crest.GIF
FoundedMay 17, 1905
Middlebury College
TypeSocial fraternity
ScopeNational
Motto"Honor Super Omnia" - "Honor Above All Things"
ColorsMiddlebury Blue and Princeton Orange
FlowerRed Rose
MascotPeregrine Falcon
Chapters36
Headquarters331 South Main St.
Greensburg, Pennslyvannia
USA
Websitehttp://www.kdrfoundation.org/ http://www.kdr.com/

Kappa Delta Rho (ΚΔΡ) is an American college fraternity, with 36 active chapters spread out over the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Kappa Delta Rho's open motto is Honor Above All Things.

Kappa Delta Rho was founded in Old Painter Hall at Middlebury College on May 17, 1905 [citation needed]. It formed out of the Middlebury Commons Club, and had ten principal founders: George Edwin Kimball, Irving Thurston Coates, John Beecher, Thomas Howard Bartley, Pierce Wordsworth Darrow, Benjamin Edward Farr, Gideon Russell Norton, Gino Arturo Ratti, Chester Monroe Walch and Roy Dyer Wood. [citation needed]

The chapter at Middlebury is no longer a fraternity in the strict sense of the word, as fraternities were abolished on campus in 1989. The chapter is now considered a "social house," and is coeducational [citation needed]. The chapter is now officially the Alpha Chapter of the Kappa Delta Rho Society.

History

The Early Days

In 1905, there were three fraternities on the Middlebury College campus: Chi Psi, Delta Kappa Epsilon and Delta Upsilon. Each had been founded before the American Civil War. There had been no new fraternities formed on the campus until a large neutral group called the Commons Club was formed. From this organization, the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Delta Rho was founded.

George E. Kimball, president of the Commons Club, and two other Common Club members, Irving T. Coates and John Beecher, met in Room 14 of Old Painter Hall to discuss making a more closely knit group and fraternity. The Commons Club was large and not very congenial for intimate friendships at that time. These three men then approached seven other members of the Commons Club who were equally enthusiastic. On May 17, 1905, the ten men met as the charter members of Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity in Room 14 of Old Painter Hall.

The Founders

The exact circumstances are now impossible to recount, but as with any new organization the fraternity faced some early difficulties. The birth of the order was announced at a faculty meeting in the fall of 1905, whereupon someone asked, "What is the name of the new frat?" The reply was, "Some Greek combination ending in Rho." Other remarks by faculty members indicated their belief that the new group would have a "hard row," a struggle to exist. But just a few years later, the faculty was hoping that Kappa Delta Rho would not get all the best men.

Founders Kimball, Walch and Ratti set about drafting a ritual, choosing a name, motto and constitution to fit the group's ideas and ideals. Chester M. Walch created a secret motto and password. Wishing to emulate the ancient Romans' stern virtues, the founders gave their officers Roman titles instead of Greek Republic titles as waas customary in many other fraternities. The interest in Roman virtues also prompted the group's open motto: Honor Super Omnia (Honor Before All Things). The colors of blue and orange were chosen to represent freedom and justice, and the coat of arms was later designed by Ratti. The letters were chosen with no particular guidelines except that a distinctive letter be used. Rho was chosen. The founders wrote the group's ritual according to their their ideals, and with few revisions it has stood the test of time.

At some point during KDR's early years, the founders considered joining a national fraternity, and a representative of Delta Tau Delta visited the Middlebury campus to discuss absorbing the fraternity into their order. In Kimball's words, "[We] decided that we preferred to paddle our own canoe, and took no further action in the matter."

Early on, there were no "pledge classes" or "associate members," but "delegations." But by 1913 the fraternity had begun to attract large classes of ten to fifteen. The chapter used off-campus meeting rooms that were tastefully furnished for secret conclaves, socials and rush parties. The first issue of The Scroll was published in 1909 for rush purposes. The total undergraduate and alumni circulation was about thirty. From a 1910 issue, one can get an idea of what social life the early KDR's enjoyed:

On April twenty-third we gave a Social Evening in the frat rooms, and as a change from the usual card party and dance, we started off the evening by giving a farce entitled An Economical Boomerang.' This lasted about a half hour and all seemed to enjoy it very much. Following this, Bro. Davidson gave a reading entitled The Fourth at Mellenville.' Then the floor was cleared and dancing was enjoyed until 11:30 when refreshments were served. A few songs and yells and a walk home in the moonlight completed the evenings entertainment.

An annual event was the "Frat Ride." Following exams, the group, with dates, went to nearby Silver Lake for a luncheon and spent the day. Returning by train, they proceeded to the fraternity rooms and danced until midnight. There was always a close association between alumni and undergraduates in those days. The alumni frequently outnumbered the undergraduates at the "Frat Ride" and the Initiation Banquet held in the fall. The banquet was held at the Brandon Inn several miles from Middlebury. All journeyed by train to the inn and returned via train the following morning. The rooms were decorated with our colors and with roses on the walls and tables. The evenings would go on with entertainment by the brothers, the reading of letters from alumni, and toasts from seniors and alumni. These usually began and ended on a serious note.

These early social affairs were characterized by camaraderie within a framework of self-discipline. Our founders' primary aim was to attain true standards of manhood and brotherly love. These were not merely high-sounding ideas, but guidelines that were lived out through simple virtues -- unpretentiousness, sincerity, humility and a high regard for each other's welfare. Following the ritualistic ideals was the test of manhood, and the fraternity's motto, Honor Before All Things, helped guide the pursuit of those ideals. The group had four criteria for membership:

  • Membership is not an occasion for snobbishness or preference
  • Personal censorship of speech
  • Loyalty to college and church as well as to Fraternity
  • Abstinence from alcohol and tobacco

The principles of the early fraternity were stated in the constitution in 1917:

"The primary focus of the Fraternity shall be the promotion of good fellowship among its members and the advancement of truth, justice, and virtue, as exemplified by our Latin Motto: Honor Super Omnia."

"It is the faith of the Fraternity that its worth may ever be shown by the lives of its individual members."

Beyond Middlebury

In the seven years between 1912 and 1919, the Middlebury Chapter evolved into a National Fraternity. Five chapters were established in three states and included SUNY Albany, which previously did not accept fraternities. The values of KDR helped the formation of Gamma on that campus as the first fraternity. The expansion started with Herald Severy, Alpha 09 as he attended Cornell for graduate work. This would be the beta chapter with twenty three original members who had a fine reputation which extended to the President of New York Teachers College (SUNY).

Soon after, John F. Hough, Alpha 14, graduated and moved to attend Colgate University in Hamilton New York for graduate studies. He then established Delta in 1917. One of the members was Dr. Frank Carman Ewart who later served as the National President after previously refusing invitations to join a fraternity. Our chapter's contingency impressed Dr. Ewart to render these thoughts: If charter building is the principle job of this Fraternity, it is probably different from the general run of them, and is here is a group of men that are banded together to carry on those ideals, I would like to help them.

Dr. Ewart actually provided them with the financial assistance of purchasing a house which he also sustained during the war years almost by himself. Brother Ewart helped create what is now known as what it seemed to be conceived as, a National Fraternity. His words of what we had to offer beyond Middlebury were these. Our job is essentially a missionary one. So far as our own membership is concerned, it is one of character building, but it must not stop with ourselves. We aim to seek the highest interest of our country also, and one concrete way in which we can do this is to establish other Kappa Delta Rho groups in other institutions, which shall foster and propagate these ideals in those communities. After Ewart helped expand to Franklin College in Indiana, the houses closed and became boarding houses for Army units during the war years until expansion during the twenties took place. The Scroll was suspended but due to alumni support, the Fraternity was sustained during those years.

Expansion In The Twenties

It seemed inevitable that the Fraternity would expand but it was in a manor which was conservative and deliberate. Between 1920 and 1930, fourteen chapters were established. Although the Depression and World Wars were devastating to most organizations, they could not destroy Kappa Delta Rho. In rapid succession, chapters were installed at Penn State Illinois, Purdue, Bucknell, Ohio State, California (Berkeley), Michigan, Indiana, Colby, Butler, Gettysburg, Lafayette, Oregon State, and Carnegie Tech (Carnegie Mellon University). By 1930, we had nineteen chapters in ten states. Our expansion standards are still in use today.

For those who moved from local status to become members of the National Order it meant security of a different sort. Rather than self-sufficiency, there were new traditions and a larger support group for each of them. Here is a sampling from those early expansion efforts:

  • Zeta: We were assured that our Fraternity would offer to us a broader field in which Friendship, Fellowship, and Fraternity of the highest type could be had. -- Edward D. W. Moeslein, Zeta 20
  • Eta: I will attempt...to let our new Brothers know to what star we have our wagon hitched'. We of Eta are learning to have the deepest regard for our new Brothers, and we can truthfully state that those whom it has been our privilege to meet have left deep feelings of regard with us. -- R. B.Best , Eta 22
  • Lambda: Speaking with moderation, our organi zation, historically and structurally, is still embryonic; our ideals in their phrasing, are as vibrant and as lofty, and probably no more than the two hundred societies. However, we were offered the fellowship of nine hundred members of Kappa Delta Rho, who lived in the most susceptible period of their lives under the influence of principles which actuated the founding and continuance of this Fraternity. -- C. H. Newell, Lambda 24
  • Pi: It has not been the object of this Fraternity (Theta Phi) to enlarge its membership with incompetent mem but rather to strengthen both morally and intellectually. Kappa Delta Rho shares this objective and out ideals. -- Luther M. Bingaman, Pi 27
  • Rho: In 1922, the vision of a few men of Lafayette materialized into a small club formed for the purposes of delivering the ideal character. Today, as we join a National Fraternity, we do not perish, for we have another vision. -- J. R. Parker, Rho 30

These local Fraternities did not select KDR for increased security alone. Nor did KDR select them for increased size. Through local alumni, officers, and volunteers, a bond formed based on the belief that each local sought more than just a good time and an image. Likewise each local recognized our purpose and selectivity.

During these years, The Scroll was renamed and became The Quill and Scroll. A trust fund with the New York Trust Company was established to provide lifetime subscriptions to the Fraternity's magazine. Although the format is different, every alumnus still receives The Quill and Scroll today.

Rough Times

The Depression of 1929 was the start of "rough times" for practically everyone in this country and abroad. College enrollment was decreasing steadily, and many chapters faced the prospect of closing their doors through lack of men. It was the enthusiasm and support of alumni who rushed to the aid of the chapters that permitted all but one chapter to continue. Omicron had been in existence for only a short seven years, and had too few alumni; therefore, it was forced to go inactive.

At the 1932 Convention at Lafayette College, the Constitution and general organization of the National Fraternity were revised for subsequent incorporation. Reginald M. Savage, Alpha 24, was appointed as the first full time paid National Executive Secretary.

December 7, 1941 - Pearl Harbor. Just as the Fraternity was entering a period of consolidation, news came of "The Day of Infamy" and undergraduates and alumni responded to the war summons. All of the chapters were closed at some time during the war. Delta, Theta, Kappa, Nu and Pi remained active for most of the period; however, the other fifteen were totally inactive. Active status for the above five at time meant only one or two men living in the house, attempting to rush, and perhaps initiating one or two others. The National Executive Secretary, E. Mayer Maloney, Nu 36 and a majority of the National Directors were called into service. The position of Alternate Director was first authorized at this time. These men carried on the work of the fraternity, keeping out Order intact during the absence of the Directors. The prospects seemed bleak. It was at this point that there was consideration of a merger with another National Fraternity. In 1942, our directors approved a merger with TKE (Tau Kappa Epsilon) Fraternity. The TKE Board and Convention approved the merger. It was our Convention which rejected the proposal and kept Kappa Delta Rho an independent fraternity.

Throughout the period of World War II, The Quill and Scroll continued publication. Efforts were made to send copies to Brothers over seas, which in most cases failed. The procedure was changed, and the magazine was sent to the homes of the Brothers in uniform, the parents forwarding it to their sons. This effort succeeded and soon The Quill and Scroll was filled with letters from the war front. At this time our men particularly cherished Kappa Delta Rho. The magazine provided addresses of those over seas, and reunions on battlefields between Brothers of all Chapters were the result. A portion of a letter received by National Executive Secretary Malony from first Lieutenant Summer J. House, Alpha 41, provides an example. Brother House had been "...hunting Subs and chasing down wild rumors, concerned with very fearful people and invasion, and things."

He writes: The last Quill and Scroll sort of brought a lump in my throat. Seeing those pledges and reading about the doings of the various chapters makes you look back and wonder about the effects of this war upon the guys that meant so much back in that pledge group of mine. We felt then that by joining KDR we had made a great and important step toward attaining manhood. Such as the case, but now so many more important steps keep coming in strides of horrible length that the best of us are caught in the whirlpool, and left bewildered. If Fraternity has ever been needed, that need will never be as great as that condition which is bound to exist at the close of this conflict. We've got to stick together old fellow...

Seventy men of Kappa Delta Rho lost their lives in the war. The Quill and Scroll published a memorial issue to those seventy men in June, 1946. From this issue: "Honor Super Omnia" was their motto, they knew it well in their undergraduate days; they carried it to the enemy and taught him the meaning of it. They also taught us the meaning of a phrase that sometimes becomes trite with the passing of time.

After 1946

Reactivation - Expansion - Innovation

The 1946 Convention at Columbus, Ohio, was devoted mainly to restoration of chapters, and fifteen were placed in operation that fall. Under the guidance of President John L. Blakeley, Eta 22, and National Secretary Ferd B. Ensinger, Alpha 45, a chapter was established in the South at the University of Oklahoma, and a colony at the University of Florida. Under Expansion Chairman Frederic T. Closs, Rho 51, new chapters were chartered at Lycoming and Indiana of Pennsylvania in 1953 and 1955.

The "Korean Incident" again interrupted the college work of our active members and at least three brothers lost their lives in action. The young chapters at Florida and Oklahoma were forced to close as a result of a persistent drain of men from these institutions.

On February 10, 1954, the organization became the "National Fraternity of Kappa Delta Rho, Inc." under the Membership Corporation Law of New York. The fraternity was indebted to Orrin G. Judd, Delta 26, for his funding of this difficult procedure.

At the Gettysburg Convention in 1954, the Semi-Centennial Celebration was set for 1956 at Middlebury. Breadloaf, Vermont, was the scene for the 45th Annual Convention and the unveiling of a memorial plaque on Old Painter Hall on September 1, 1956. The history of Kappa Delta Rho, as edited by Historian George E. Shaw, Alpha 10, was also presented at that time.

Again with Brother Closs as Expansion Chairman, chapters at Lock Haven State College and C. W. Post College were started in 1958 and 1960. In connection with the national fraternity, its chapters and its members, the Kappa Delta Rho Foundation was established on November 12, 1960, for charitable, educational and literary purposes. A chapter was installed at Bradley in 1962 when Steven Schilson transferred from Illinois. This was the first time a chapter had been created in this way since Harold Severy had done so at Beta in 1913. In 1969, Rhode Island State College became Delta Alpha, and chapters began at Lewis University and Dayton in 1971.

By 1972, Kappa Delta Rho felt the effects of the Vietnam War. Anti-establishment sentiment jolted the activities of students and some chapters saw deterioration.

In 1980, the National Board established an expansion policy which reflected the direction of fraternities in the '80s. There was a boom in membership on American campuses and many new chapters were added:

  • 1981 -- Robert Morris, Slippery Rock
  • 1982 -- Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Illinois State, Gannon, West Virginia, Columbia (and C. W. Post, reactivated)
  • 1983 -- Rutgers, Toledo
  • 1985 -- Bryant, Hofstra, Radford
  • Later '80s -- Parks College, Clarion, Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Behrend College, Virgina Commonwelth, Delaware, Ball State, Virginia Tech, West Liberty, Old Dominion, Tarleton State, and West Chester.

The '80s also brought the National Fraternity Headquarters to Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Executive Secretary Donald L. Stohl, Zeta 54, received a new title -- executive director. During this time, other national staff were added. KDR has now initiated over 28,000 members, 18,000 of whom are still living.

Sixteen chapters were added in the '90s: New York Tech, Rochester Institute of Technology, Edinboro, James Madison, Syracuse, Fordham, Pittsburgh, William Paterson, Richard Stockton, Eastern Illinois, North Carolina at Greensburo, East Tennessee State, William and Mary, University of Charleston (WV), East Stroudsburg, and North Carolina at Asheville. The 1990s also saw William J. Paris, Eta '87 (from 1993-1997); Shawn M. Hoke, Phi Alpha '95 (from 1997-1998); and Christopher B. Miller, Tau Alpha '97 (from 1998-2001) serve in the capacity of executive director.

The 2000s have brought chapters at Detroit Mercy, Christopher Newport University, York College of PA, and a recolonization of Virginia Tech. The 2000s have also seen Benjamin K. Willis, Zeta Beta '96 (from 2001-2003) and Joseph E. Rees, II, Nu '01 (from 2003-present) serve in the capacity of executive director.

At the 2006 National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, the National Fraternity unanimously adopted The Precepts of Kappa Delta Rho. This new document serves as a public declarations of the values and ideals of the National Fraternity of Kappa Delta Rho.

The Precepts of Kappa Delta Rho state:

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 Kappa Delta Rho 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 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 affirm to my brothers, and all who hear me, that I am a Kappa Delta Rho Gentleman and I will place Honor Above All Things.

Honor Super Omnia!


The Immediate Future

The history of Kappa Delta Rho continues to unfold. The original vision of the founders is still in place as we begin a consolidation effort and focus greater resources on chapter services. We do not need to find new reasons for our existence as we strive to continue with perpetuating our motto, Honor Super Omnia.

This Makes Kappa Delta Rho, the largest and coolest Fraternity in the world, and not only that, but they have, on average, the largest penis's on any campus they hold a house in.

Kappa Delta Rho's Rho chapter is home to many of the gayest humans walking this earth. Namely Brandon Harris Mitchel (Commissar), and senior Jeffrey Edmund Vogel. They do no have large penises.

Significant Alumni

Chapters

pound sign (#) denotes inactive chapter

External links

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