Alpha Kappa Delta - History and Founders

History and Founders

In 1915, Emory S. Bogardus formed one of the earliest sociological departments in the U.S. at the University of Southern California. He decided a sociological society needed to be created to meet the needs of students and faculty for discussing ongoing sociological projects. With the help of fourteen graduate students and other members of the sociology department. Dr. Bogardus officially formed Alpha Kappa Delta on November 21st, 1920. While other sociological clubs were formed around this time, AKD was the first to limit membership to only those with a serious interest in sociology and pursuing superior scholarships. Alpha Kappa Delta’s name originated from the first letters of three greek words:

• Anthropon which translates to “humankind.”

• Katamanthanein which translates to “to investigate thoroughly.”

• Diakonesein which translates to “for the purpose of service.”

These words embody the sociological mission of AKD; to thoroughly study humankind for the purpose of service.

In 1921, Bogardus contacted a select group of universities around the country, inviting them to form similar organizations. Three schools responded by creating their own AKD chapters; the University of Wisconsin, Northwestern University, and the University of Kansas. These three schools, along with the University of Southern California, became the United Chapters of Alpha Kappa Delta in 1924.