Kappa Delta Rho

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ΚΔΡ - Kappa Delta Rho

Motto	"Honor Super Omnia" - "Honor Above All Things"
Colors	Middlebury Blue and Princeton Orange
Flower	Red Rose
Founded	May 17, 1905 at Middlebury College
Fraternity type	Social fraternity
Scope	National
Headquarters	331 South Main St. Greensburg, Pennslyvannia, USA
Chapters	55

Homepage	http://www.kdrfoundation.org/ http://www.kdr.com/

Kappa Delta Rho (ΚΔΡ) is an American college fraternity, with over 75 chapters ^{[citation needed]} spread out over the United States, although primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

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. Fraternities were abolished on campus in 1989, and 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.

1 History
2 Significant Alumni
3 Chapters
4 External links

[edit] History

[edit] The Early Days

In 1905, there were three fraternities on the Middlebury College campus: Chi Psi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, and Delta Upsilon. Each was founded before the 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.

[edit] The Founders

The exact circumstances are impossible to recount now that time has passed but there were difficulties as in any new organization. The birth of our Order was announced at a faculty meeting in the fall of 1905 and someone asked, "What is the name of the new Frat?" The reply was, "Some Greek combination ending in Rho". Other remarks by the faculty indicated they thought they would have a "hard row", or a struggle to exist. 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 which fit the groups ideas and ideals. Chester M. Walch created our secret motto and password. The Founders named the officers after Roman titles instead of Greek Republic titles as many other groups do. They wished to emulate the Romans stern virtues. This brought forth our open motto of Honor Super Omnia. The colors of blue and orange which typify freedom and justice were chosen and the coat of arms was later designed by Gino A. Ratti. The letters were chosen with no particular guidelines except that a distinctive letter be used. The letter was Rho. Therein the Founders wrote the ritual with intent to follow their ideals. With few revisions, the ritual has stood the test of time. Our basic structure has remained the same.

During the first years as an organization, Delta Tau Delta sent a representative to the campus to discuss absorbing the group into their order. This was due to the Founders consideration of joining a national fraternity. In the words of Founder Kimball, "...decided that we preferred to paddle our own canoe' and took no further action in the matter". In the beginning, there were no "pledge classes" or "associate members", but "delegations". In 1913, large classes of ten to fifteen began to be obtained. The chapter used meeting rooms off campus which were tastefully furnished for the 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 cardparty 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.

Although traditional affairs are no longer the same, one can see that while by today's standards, the comradery is difficult to equal. The fun of the Fraternity conducted within a framework of self-discipline which is also unequaled today. Our founders primary aim was that of attaining true standards of manhood and brotherly love. These were not merely high-sounding ideas, but guidelines for life. This was evidenced through the Plain virtues- unpretentiousness, sincerity, and humility and culminated in a high regard for each other's welfare. They were not egocentrics who sought false images of hyper-virility or alcoholic capacity. Following the ritualistic ideals was the test of manhood. Honor Before All Things as our motto was what assisted them with their success. The process which you learn on your own creates inward peace and satisfaction to assist brothers with their problems and deficiencies, and to learn a little more about your fellow man and in turn, allow the same opportunity for your brothers.

The early conservatives had four criteria for membership, they were: a. Membership is not an occasion for snobbishness or preference; b. Personal censorship of speech; c. Loyalty to college and church as well as to Fraternity; and d. Abstinence from alcohol and tobacco.

The principals 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. and It is the faith of the Fraternity that its worth may ever be shown by the lives of its individual members. The Founder realized that in its final analysis, the Fraternity would rise or fall based on the desire of the members to seek higher ideals or be satisfied with the status quo. Our challenge is to live up to and uphold these high ideals.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 our 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, many alumni still receive The Quill and Scroll today.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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. Also, the history of Kappa Delta Rho was presented as edited by Historian George E. Shaw, Alpha 10.

Again with Brother Closs as Expansion Chairmen started two chapters at Lock Haven State College and C. W. Post College in 1958 and 1960. During the sixties we founded the Kappa Delta Rho Foundation on November 12, 1960 for charitable, educational, and literary purposes in connection with the National Fraternity, its Chapters, and members. A chapter was installed at Bradley as Steven Schilson transferred from Illinois in 1962 and created the chapter in this way for the first time 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 eighties. There was a boom in membership an American campuses. In 1981 Robert Morris and Slippery Rock were added. In 1982, five new chapters and one reactivation took place. They were Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Illinois State, Gannon, West Virginia, Columbia, and C. W. Post was rechartered, in 1984 Rutgers and Toledo were added and 1985 added Bryant, Hofstra, and Radford. The later eighties added Parks College, Clarion, Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Behrend College, Virgina Commonwelth, Delaware, Ball State, Virginia Polytechnic, West Liberty, Old Dominion, Tartleton State, and west Chester. The nineties have seen New York Tech, Rochester Tech, Edinboro, James Madison, Syracuse, Fordham, Pittsburgh, William Paterson, Richard Stockton, Eastern Illinois, North Carolina at Greensburo, East Tennessee State, and William and Mary.

The eighties brought the National Fraternity Headquarters to Greensburg, PA. The executive Secretary, Donald L. Stohl, Zeta 54, received a new title, that of Executive Director. During this time, other National Staff were added. KDR has now initiated over 26,000 members, 18,000 of whom are living.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Significant Alumni

Ari Fleischer, Alpha '82 - White House Press Secretary
C. Edward Ackerly, Beta '20 - 1920 Olympic Gold Medalist, Wrestling
Colston E. Warne, Beta '20 - Founder, Consumers Union, Publisher, Consumer Reports Magazine
Dr. Roger B. Corbett, Beta '24 - President, New Mexico State University
Archie C. West, Epsilon '36 - Vice President, Frito-Lay, Inc., Regarded as Inventor of Doritos
George W. Eby, Zeta '34 - President, Board of Directors of the Ice Capades
Donald F. Yenko, Zeta '51 - Race Car Driver and Muscle Car Legend, Creator of Yenko Camaro
Patrick J. Reilly, Zeta '58 - President, Professional Golfers Association
Michael J. Poules, Delta '53 - President, American General Insurance Company
Harold Osborn, Eta '22 - 1924 Olympic Gold Medalist, Decathlon, High Jump
John S. Fisher, Iota Honorary - Governor of Pennsylvania
Peter D. Rocca, Lambda '79 - Olympic Silver Medalist, Pan American Games Gold Medalist, Swimming
Frank W. Elm, Nu '53 - U.S. Olympic Swimming Coach, Head Swimming Coach, Rutgers University
C. Bruce Hinton, Nu '58 - Chairman Emeritus, MCA Records Nashville
Gregory Booth, Omega '70 - CEO, Zippo Manufacturing
Chris Higbee, Omega '?? - Fiddle Player, PovertyNeck Hillbillies