P88 The original of tiiis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924030642866 RALPH L. POWER (HtumM Winxvmii^ JtoJ^g THE GIFT OF X^U9l^.i\^. , 3|g.j>;/ The date shows when this volume was taken. To renew this book copy the call No. and give to tiie hbrarian. HOME USE RULES WW » O All Books subject to RecaU All borrowers must tegis- ter in the library to borrow ^ books foe home use. ■■ ■ All books must be re- turned at end of college ■ year for inspection and repairs. Limited books must be t«- turned within the four weak limit and not renewed. Students must return all books before leaving town. V Officers should arrange for the return of books wanted '" during their absence from town. Voltunes of. periodicals and of pamphlets are held in the library as much ai possible. For special pur- poses they are given out for a limited time. Borrowers should not OM their library privileges for the benefit of other personi. Books of special value and gift books, when the giver wishes it, are net allowed to circulate. •»-».•» Readers are asked tors- port all cases of •— " • marked or mutilated. Do not deface books by marks and writing. LJ115.A65''P88""'™"'"' """"' Alpha Kappa Psi handbook olin 3 1924 030 642 866 ALPHA KAPPA PSI HANDBOOK A MANUAL FOR NU CHAPTER BY RALPH L. POWER Boston University The College of Business Administration Librarian of the College and Curator of the Museum Published by Alpha Kappa Psi, Nu Chapter Boston, Massachusetts April, 1917 ? ' R.7n:^/\'::. .' ' '-4 .i y ''.■:■:. -irx. Cop3Tight by ■■• RALPH L. POWER US' ■pit The Dunbar-Kerr Co., Printers Maiden, Mass. TO HARRY ARTHUR HOPF, M. C. S. Hartford, Connecticut University Lecturer EfBcienoy Expert Author DAY AND EVENING COURSES AT THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY Prepare for accountancy, general business administration, advertising, selling, journalism, secretarial position, domestic and foreign commerce. A four-year course leads to degree of Bachelor of Business Administration. Advanced courses lead to degree of Master of Business Administration. For information regarding the college, address EVERETT W. LORD, Dean, 525 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts. BOSTON UNIVERSITY The College of Business Administration Building ALPHA KAPPA PSI HANDBOOK A MANUAL FOR NU CHAPTER THE GENERAL FRATERNITY OF ALPHA KAPPA PSI, INC. Founded at Uev York University as Phi Psi Kappa, October 5, 1904. New Yorfe University Denveir 'University Northwestern University University of Pittsburgh University of Illinois University of Nebraska University of Cincinnati Oregon Agricultural College University of Texas University of Oregon University of Oklahoma Ohio State University Boston University Harvard University Contents Foreword ..... 9 Introduction .... . 11 Greek Letter Societies 13 Origin ...... 13 Early Existence . * . 14 Central Government 16 After the Civil War 15 Peculiar Features ..... 16 Secret Organizations in Collegiate Life 17 Development .... 17 Nomenclature 18 Insignia ...... 18 Publications . . 19 Secrecy . . . . 20 Quarters 20 Pan-Hellenic Council 21 College Fraternities' Congress 22 Founding of Alpha I^appa Psi 22 Inception ....... 22 First Meeting . . . . . .23 Purpose ... . . 24 Fraternal Spirit . . . ... 25 Education for Business . . _ . 26 Second Meeting ... . .27 Constitution .... . ;27 Organization a Reality ... . . 29 History of Alpha Kappa Psi . . . 30 The General Fraternity . 33 Administration . . . . . 34 Convention . . 35 Local Chapters . ... 36 Government . . . . 36 Activities .... 36 Membership . . . . . 37 Quarters . . . . . • 37 Pledging . . 38 Points of Contact 39 Scholarship ...... 39 Social Life ...... . . 40 Outside World 40 Relations of the Chapters . . . . ' . 41 Relations to the General Fraternity 41 Nu Chapter . 42 Inception 42 Activities 43 Opportunities 43 Schools of Business Administration and Commerce 45 Early Growth 45 Business Degrees 45 Relation of Efficiency to Education 46 Relation of Education to Efficiency 48 Forms of Efficiency 49 Industrial Education 49 Commercial Education 50 Future Education for Efficiency 51 Business Fraternity and Commercial Education 52 Opportunities 54 Purpose of Commercial Education 55 Business Conditions 55 Status of Fraternal Organizations 57 Legal . 57 General 57 Women's 58 Professional 58 Honorary 58 Local 5^ Bibliography 61 College Fraternities 61 Bibliography .... 63 Commercial Education 63 Foreword The need in Nu Chapter for a comprehensive and authori- tative publication regarding the Fraternity and various matters appertaining to Greek-letter societies, has been felt since the installation of the men of the old University Administration Club into Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi. It is true that at various times many articles dealing with specific phases of secret society organization and the Fraternity in general have appeared in the publication, The Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi. Yet these newer chapters, and the still newer men, know nothing of the immediate past relating to their brotherhood. Even the Boston University chapter does not possess a complete file of the General Fraternity Magazine; and even if it did it woiald be practically impossible for each member to read the particular matter which he should know. The will of the chapter has been to publish a manual for the use of Nu Chapter. Undoubtedly it will be of benefit to the other chapters also. The pamphlet is to be issued to the members of the chapter in Boston University, to the officers of the General Fraternity and other chapters, to college and university libraries, and the larger state and public libraries. The material in these pages is not of a secret nature. It aims only to give you, whether or not you are a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, an encyclopedic idea of business education, and a short historical sketch of the oldest and largest commercial fraternity in the United States— ALPHA KAPPA PSI. The material contained in this brief work is not entirely original. Some material regarding fraternities in general has been taken from the "Manual of American College Fraterni- ties," by the late William Raimond Baird — permission being given by James T. Brown, Beta Theta Pi. A large amount of data and articles have been taken from back numbers of The Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi. Special mention should be made of the fact that articles by Dean Joseph French Johnson of New York University, Dr. D. Shaw Duncan, Denver Uni- versity; Dr. Walter E. Lagerquist, Northwestern University; and A. K. Hallett, New York University, 1917, have been reproduced in part in this handbook. These have been blended together in a logical arrangement to form a handbook of information for commercial fraternity students. It has not been found advisable to give credit for each statement, so the authorities in general are stated. Much of the material contained herein is sometimes included in colleges of liberal arts, in the freshmen curriculum, through the courses on coUegiate life. In professional schools, however, there is that lack of the so-called "college spirit and life." Crowded programs and varied duties do not allow of time spent in many social affairs. So that which students of academic institutions learn by lectures and experience on the campus and in the fraternity houses, the student of business must learn otherwise. Alfred E. Longueil, Boston University, 1917, Beta Theia Pi, Kappa Phi Alpha, willingly gave much of his time to editorial revision and proof-reading. The bibliographies were prepared by the Simmons College Library School. Harry A. Hopf (Alpha Chapter, N. Y. U., '06) of the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, to whom this publication is dedicated, was the installation officer of Nu Chapter at Boston University. A leading factor in the expan- sion of Alpha Kappa Psi, Brother Hopf has had more to do probably with extending chapters of the Fraternity than any other one man. The introduction which follows was written by Mr. Hopf. W Alpha Kappa Psi When our Fraternity was organized it scarcely seemed possible that it was destined to witness the growth which has attended its activities in the ensuing years. The Fraternity idea, as conceived in the minds of those splendid men who constituted its charter members, centered largely around plans for the promotion of the personal friendships which had grown up during nightly attendance at the sessions of the School of Commerce of New York University. During the first year or two of the existence of Alpha Kappa Psi, its activities were devoted mainly to the establishment of a foundation upon which an enduring structure could later be erected. As the result of many discussions and much deliberation concerning the objects of the new organization, the conception of a national scope finally took shape, and with it the recognition that Alpha Kappa Psi could do much to promote the cause. of scientific training for the new profession of business. Consequently, the initial organization of the Fraternity underwent a change, the existing body of members in New York constituted itself the Alpha Chapter, and the • skeleton of a national organization, with separate officers, was created for the purpose ot expansion to other universities. Several years elapsed before it was deemed desirable to oiganizej-a second chapter, but in 1910 the time seemed to be -propitious for -sucha step, and Beta Chapter of Denver Uni- versity was established. , In the intervening, years, a dozen addi^^ional chapters have been enrolled under the banner of Alpha Kappa Psi, and to the minds of those who have watched the growth of the Fraternity from its first beginnings, the magnificent chain of chapters stretching from one coast to the other, is but an augury of greater expansion yet to be achieved. Nu Chapter, which with Xi Chapter of Harvard Kpiver- sity, forms the most recent addition to theijChapjti^r roll, has opportunities for development and growth,, which compare 11 favorably with those of the earlier chapters. Boston University is a thriving institution and is able to draw upon a very large population for recruits to the student body of the College of Business Administration. The men of this College are of the hard-working, serious type, who are making sacrifices to secure their professional education and appreciate fully the opportuni- ties which are being held out to them. Beginning with the memorable initiation ceremonies last May, which were an inspiration to all who took part in them, Nu Chapter has developed a highly gratifying interest in Fraternity affairs and in the active promotion of its own share of the work. This book is but another evidence of the enterprise of the Chapter of which, perhaps, I have been privi- leged to see and learn as much as any of the older men. It , certainly is a pleasure to write these few words in appreciation of a number of pleasant meetings with the Boston men and in recognition of the fine qualities which distinguish their member- ship throughout. We of the other chapters are justified in expecting great things from the Boston chapter, because they have set a high standard from the beginning and I know are bent on still further elevating it. In these critical and stirring times, it is the obligation of every fraternity man to be a leader in thought and action as far as his sphere of influence extends. He must show that his training has qualified him to give wise coimsel, and by his attitude and expressions he must reveal the possession of qualities of restraint and moderation which are so greatly needed. After the period of war and destruction is over, our country will require the services of trained men more than ever before, and there will consequently open up to the Frater- nity an unparalleled opportunity to enlarge upon its useftilness. It is not too much to say that as the years go on, Alpha Kappa Psi will be able to make its influence felt to a degree not exceeded or even equalled by any other organization of a similar kind in American business life. In the accomplish- ment of these aims, I am convinced beyond a doubt that Nu ' Chapter will play an eminently worthy part. 12 Greek Letter Societies Origin. Beginning with the very establishment of colleges them- selves there have sprung up in these institutions a class of student societies, usually secret in their character, which have generally increased or declined according to the affairs of the college in which the chapters are located. These chapters in the several Colleges are united by a common bond of friend- ship and a common name generally composed of Greek letters. From this fact they were at first known as "Greek-letter Societies," or, from theii secrecy, "College Secret Societies," now they are usually called "College Fraternities." The first American society bearing a Greek-letter name was founded at the College of William and Mary at Williamsburg, Va., in 1776, and was called the Phi Beta Kappa. It was secret in its nature, was formed for social and literary purposes, and held regular and frequent meetings. It was preceded at this same institution by a society called "The Flat Hat," of somewhat similar nature. In December, 1779, it authorized the establishment of branches at Yale and Harvard, and the next year ceased its own operations from the confusion incident to the Revolutionary War, then raging in the vicinity of Williamsburg. Other societies later came into being in the East, although most were of a literary character, some being secret and some non-secret. During the Civil War, collegiate activity was everywhere weakened, and in the South practically suspended. In the North, Theta Xi founded at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1864, was the only fraternity originating during that period. It was also the first professional fraternity aiming to restrict its membership to persons intending to engage in the same profession. After the war, the state of affairs in the South was so uncertain that the re-establishment of chapters by the Northern fraternities was not at once generally undertaken. It was natural, therefore, that new Southern fraternities should have been created, and more especially at institutions made promine.^^'by their military character. In the immediate past, college fraternities have grown largely in the direction of the organization of societies bearing Greek names among students in the departments of commerce, law, medicine, dentistry, and so forth,' attached to educational institutions where the general fraternities have secured a foot-hold. ■ , Withi^ the past decade also, many so-called honorary societies have made their appearance, these being societies with Greek names inviting members on a basis of excellence in scholarship or professional attainment. Early Existence. Previous to the Civil War the fraternities had not attained their full development. We find them at this period comprised of chapters united only by a common name and common principles. Each chapter was independent to the verge of anarchy, and did pretty much as it pleased, even at times in opposilrion to the expressed wish of the general fraternity of which it was a member. It was not uncommon for one chapter to estfiblish another at a neighboring college without going through the formality of asking the consent of other chapters or of any common authority. Means of intercommunication were inadequate, and not used, and chapters were often estab- lishec^ and became inactive before the fact of their existence beca^me generally known throughout the organization of which they were supposed to constitute an integral part. - Again, many chapters were organized in such an imperfect manner that they learned little of the organization to which they belonged, and, being swept out of existence by some cause, their fraternity losi; sight of them, and remained ignorant of their existence. In a few instances, chapters were established at places which did not meet the approval of the fraternity when the fapt of such existence became known, and the chapters were repudiated, leaving perplexing questions of membership to be settled, by future .historians. Few of the fraternities had 14 any centralized foTm- of government, and fewer still thought of pursuing a settled policy in any of their actions. The idea prevalent was that each chapter was to work out its own salvation. , , , Central Gov?;RijrMENT. s The first. step toward ah organized government in most of thej.fratemities was the selection of one chapter, either the parent -chapter, ;if living, or the other chapters in turn, to be what was i called the "Grand" chapter. This chapter was supposed to be the repository of facts, from which other chapters could derive :information, and to be the governing body of the fraternity, subject: only to the direction of the assembly of delegates from the chapters, termed conventions, it was also to preserve and maintain some sort of settled policy in the administration f of fraternity . affairs. In general, however, when the fraternities held; conventions, authority of all kinds was vested in jh.a,t body during its sessions, and this has remained practically unchanged, and with a majority of the fraternities charters for new chapters can only be granted by these conventions. , These conventions or reunions were made up of delegates from the various chapters, and within the fraternities are frequently known by some high sounding name as "grand conclaves." As presiding officer, some old and well-known member was usually chosen. In addition to the transaction of ; business, public exercises were held, during which the assembly was addressed, poems were read, etc. The session usually concluded with a more or less expansive banquet. After the Civil War. Few changes were made in this system until after the war, but about 1870 or 1872 the fraternities, having recovered their activity, and beginning to extend and multiply, saw plainly that the old system was no longer adequate to supply the wants of a growing organization. A new system of government began to appealr. The conventions still retained the supreme legislative power, but 15 the administrative and executive, and, in some cases, the judicial functions of the government, were gradually vested in a body of alumni, sometimes elected from one locality, and sometimes connected with one chapter, who acted in precisely the same way as the board of trustees of a college would do in directing the affairs of their institution. And some of these "boards" really resemble, in dignity and complexion, the board of trustees of a college. Under the designation of "executive council," or some similar name, such bodies have quite gener- ally become incorporated, either under general laws or by special legislation, and, as such corporations, hold the legal title to whatever property the general fraternity possesses. The executive head of the fraternity came to be the secretary or some member of the governing council. With a rapid increase in the number of chapters and the spread of accurate information concerning the fraternities, other features were introduced. Some of the fraternities deliberately , mapped out the territory in which they were situated, or which they proposed to occupy, and established chapters in the colleges within such territorial lines with sotmd judgment, which was often a sure index of the future prosperity of the institution. The territory which a fraternity occupied was also divided up into distridts or divisions, and executives appointed for each of these. In some of the fraternities the organization is nearly perfect for administrative purposes, and this, united with a strong "esprit de corps" among the members, has made of them organizations of formidable influence. Peculiar Features. The latest development in fraternity administration has been the election or appointment of some one person to devote his entire time to the business affairs of the fraternity and to the inspection of its chapters. Usually he has been designated a traveling secretary. In some instances he unites to the duties above stated that of editing the fraternity journal. This feature of administration is still in a trial period and it evidently is not adapted to the more widespread organizations. 16 Among all the fraternities, one of the greatest problems has been how to keep the alumni interested in the work and progress of the order. To effect this, alumni chapters have been established in nearly all of the large cities, forming circles of cultivated men who would not otherwise know each other, and who, by keeping alive their interest in college life and affairs, advance the cause of education in many ways. In some few cases, the alumni chapters act in every way like coUegiate chapters except that they do not initiate members. They transact business, send delegates to conventions, and hold regular meetings. But in the majority of cases these chapters are only such in name, and an occasional supper or assessment is the only reminder which the members have of their existence. As the fraternities have become older and gained in importance, the altunni have become increasingly interested in seeing that persons known to them favorably were brought to the attention of the chapters of their respective fraternities when they were admitted as students at institu- tions where such chapters were located. As a result, state and local organizations have been formed to assist the college chapters in making a proper selection of members. It need scarcely be observed that membership in these organizations is restricted within the limits of the fraternities whose names they bear. Secret Organizations in Collegiate Life Development. The name of each fraternity is usually composed of two or three Greek-letters, as Kappa Alpha, Chi Phi, Alpha Delta Phi, and Beta Theta Pi. These letters commonly represent a motto, supposed to be known to none but the fraternity's members, and which indicates briefly the purposes or aims of the organization. The lodges situated in the various colleges are affiliated, and are, with one or two exceptions, termed "Chapters." The chapters receive various names, sometimes of the Greek letters in the order of their establishment, sometimes 17 without any apparent order, in which case the chapter letter is generally the initial of some word pecidiar to the college, or of a motto adopted by the chapter. Sometimes they are named from the colleges, as Union chapter, Hamilton chapter, or from the college towns, as Waterville chapter, Middletown chapter, or after some individual prominent in relation to the field in which the organization is extending its ranks. Nomenclature . Several of the fraternities have adopted a State system, naming the first chapter established in a State the Alpha of that State, the second the Beta, and so on. When chapters have become so numerous that the letters of the alphabet are exhausted, they are combined, either arbitrarily, or by design with supplemental letters. In other cases a regular system is employed, and some word or combination of words used to denote the repetition, as Alpha deuteron. Beta deuteron, or in case the alphabet is being used for the third time, by Alpha triteron. Beta triteron, the supplemental words being generally denoted by their initial letters, "A" and "T" respec- tively. Many chapters having their origin in pre-existing organizations have perpetuated the memory of this fact in a chapter name embodying that of the original society. Insignia. The distinctive badges of the fraternities are of three kinds. First, a shield or plate of gold, displaying upon it the fraternity name together with symbols of general or peculiar significance. This is worn as a pin, or as a pendant from the watch chain. Secondly, a monogram of letters composing the name; these are the handsomest of all badges, and are usually jeweled. Thirdly, some symbols representing the name of the society or some of its degrees, as a skull, a harp, or a key. During the past few years there has been a marked improve- ment in badges of all kinds. They have become smaller in size, plainer in ornamentation and less expensive than fomierh . and many of the fraternities have adopted badges of standard IS size and style from which no departure is permitted. The majority of the fraternities use pledge, buttons which they give to persons pledged to join but who are not yet admitted to membership. These buttons usually suggest the fraternity insignia. In addition to the badges, most of the fraternities have chosen distinctive colors, flowers, flags, coats of arms, and other symbolic insignia, and three or four have developed a complete system of heraldic devices for their chapters. The emblems of a fraternity are also sometimes used as the basis of ornamentation or design for sleeve buttons, rings, studs, charms, and other forms of jewelry. Most fraternities forbid the use of their badges as an ornament for articles of this character. Small buttons of plain metal comprising a facsimile of the badge or including some of its prominent emblems constitute a novel and pleasing form of fraternity emblem. Mention might be made in this connection of the fact that the fraternities have distinctive cheers or yells. Publications. The literature of the fraternities is assuming formidable proportions, and has begun to attract the attention of libra- rians and bibliophiles. It may conveniently be divided into permanent and periodical Uterature, the former including catalogues, song books, histories, music and miscellaneous publications, and the latter magazines or journals. The most necessary publication, and usually the first to be attempted by any fraternity, is a catalogue, or list of members. Song books with and without music, have been issued by nearly all of the fraternities. The songs are of all degrees of excellence, from unmeaning ditties, designed simply as a vent for enthusiasm and animal spirit, to Ijnics known and appreciated by all lovers of poetry. A gradual improvement has taken place in this class of publications, and most of the recent song books are handsomely bound and printed, and intrinsically worthy of preservation. Instrumental music 19 dedicated to fraternities and chapters has become quite common, though Uttle of it is of any value. The first fraternity journal which has had a continuous existence and possessed the features and aims of the current fraternity periodical is the Beta Theta Pi. Secrecy. All of the college fraternities are secret in their character, with the exception of Delta Psi, which is non-secret. This secrecy is purely nominal. The fraternities in time past have appropriated each other's constitutions and rituals with more or less frequency, and these documents are not so difficult to obtain as might be supposed. The constitutions in farmer years usually mentioned the meaning of the society's motto and described its grip. These secrets are now usually not contained in the constitution, but are confined to the ritual. There is a general resemblance between the constitutions and rituals of all the societies. The initiation services are also very much alike, although here the fraternities had scope for originality. Certificates of membership, like diplomas, are given by a few fraternities. Quarters. Since the fraternities have been firmly established, graduate and imdergraduate members have united in contributing toward building funds, and have built chapter-houses and halls, sometimes at great expense. Two types of such structures have been developed; the earlier one a lodge or temple, designed to afford accommodation for meeting purposes only, or for meeting ptrrposes and such additional social features as private theatricals; and the latter one, a complete clubhouse, containing public rooms, a lodge room, and sleeping rooms. The buildings of the earlier type were soon found to be deficient in accom- modations, and this, together with the expense, will probably prevent the building of more elaborate and commodious structures of this class. It is a fact common in human experi- ence that people are more deeply interested in things upon which they have spent time, effort, or money, than in things 20 which they have acquired without either, and the interest of alumni has never been so fully aroused and maintained by any feature of fraternity life as by the efforts which have been made to build chapter-houses and lodges. The creation of building funds, the frequent consultation as to plans, and the con- sideration of ways and means, have intensified the interest of alumni in a way that nothing: else has done. All of this has resulted in direct benefit to the coUeges, and the wiser among college officials are encouraging the development of this feature of fraternity life in every way possible. The advantages of the ohapter-house system are not altogether on the side of the student. They relieve the colleges from the necessity of increasing the dormitory accommodations, and also of many of the details of siipervision over the actions of the students. It would seem from the foregoing r&um^ of the features a)n,d practices common to American Greek-letter fraternities, that there would nattu-ally be some exponent of the system as a whole. That while possessing points of divergence, the separate fraternities have so much in common that there would naturally arise some central organization capable of representing and speaking for them collectively, but such has not been the case until recently. Each fraternity has had a natural, historical development, and many of them are averse to lending their name or aid to any scheme which wovild seem to tend toward relinquishing any authority to a central body. Pan-Hellenic Council. In 1883, a meeting of representatives from several of the fraternities was held in Philadelphia, to consider matters of mutual interest, and a fvirther meeting was arranged for, but it failed to take place, because the agreed number of fraternities did not give notice of their intention to take part. The movement was discussed in the fraternity journals, under the name of the "Pan-Hellenic Council." The discussion itself served to bring about many of the results which it was hoped might be accomplished by the meeting. Since that time, in several colleges, the chapters of the different fraternities therein established have held an annual Pan-HeUenic banquet. Tadt 21 agreements and in many cases written contracts have been made regarding the initiation of certain classes of students, and a number of customs have grown up relative to matters of common interest. Pan-Hellenic clubs, composed of members of different fraternities, have been formed in many cities. College Fraternities' Congress. In connection with the World's Fair at Chicago, in 1893, a meeting was held of representatives from several fraternities under the title of the College Fraternities' Congress. At this meeting several interesting papers were read. A meeting of the editors of some of the fraternity journals also took place at the same time. While no concerted action was taken, the meeting was certainly of value. A similar and some- what informal meeting took place at the Atlanta Exposition a short time afterwards, and finally in 1909, an Inter-Fraternity Conference was organized as hereafter described. The Inter-Fraternal Conference is made up entirely of academic activities. Its constitution and the resolutions of the New York City Meeting in 1910, may be found on pages 35 to 38 in Baird's Manual. Founding of Alpha Kappa Psi From the Fraternity Records and Archives of Alpha Chapter is found the following: A History of the Organization, and a Plea for the Future of the Charles Waldo Hasldns Chapter of the Phi Psi Kappa Fraternity of the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance of the New York University. Read by Brother H. M. Jeffer- son at the First Annual Banquet held at the Arena, Wednesday, November 23d, 1904. Inception. I am not very familiar with fraternity work in general, but am intensely interested in the work of this fraternity. As we are a very young organization, it might be well for us to know just how we came to be. There can be but three things 22 saiid of any organization, any being, of anything, in fact; what it was, what it is, and what it hopes to be. I stirmise that it might be interesting to know just how we came to organize when we did, and how we came to organize the way we did. I am convinced that the first thought that was fruitful was bom in the fertile mind of Fred Leach. It may be that he missed somebody's company while spending the evenings at the school, and that his mind was groping after some kind of fellowship to compensate for the sacrifices made. If the Fra- ternity does not turn out to be what we all expect it to be, we can blame him for ever thinking of it, at least as far as its inception is concerned. The Brooklyn Four: Leach, Lane, Bergen and myself talked over such an organization some time before we broached the subject last winter. It was very pleasant to receive such hearty support from the men approached, and this was more gratifying still when we recently received such hearty cooperation from the Junior men. During the winter, quite some work was done in the way of talking the matter up with the fellows and in thinking of ways and means. By the latter part of April, things began to take some definite shape and before school closed for the year, a date was set for a meeting to be held at the Hotel Saint Denis, when we might attempt some plan of organization over the dinner table. First Meeting. On June the ninth, nineteen hundred and foiir, R. L. Douglas, I. L. Camp, D. V. Duff, H. M. Wright, Morris Rachnul, Nathan Lane, Jr., Frederick Leach, George L. Bergen, and myself met at this hotel. We were given the use of the grill room, in which we were very private and thoroughly enjoyed the dinner in spite of the hard work on hand. We were treated with the usual courtesy, with a homelike dinner, well cooked and weU served. It might be well to add that an invitation was sent to Mr. W. O. Tremaine, who has on several occasions expressed his regret at not being with us at this time, owing to the fact 23 that the invitation never reached him. The opinions of all were strongly in favor of organizing a fraternity, and many points which were thought worthy of incorporating into a constitution were suggested. This free meeting of the minds at this time, and the long discussions we had over the various hard features and dangers to be encoimtered, have undoubtedly given us a better constitution and by-laws than we might have had, had we simply gone to work and drawn up one to siiit the needs of the moment, but not allowing room for expansion. Some of the main points brought up at this time, which would be hard to classify, are as follows: The fraternity should be composed of Senior and Jimior men who were work- ing for a degree. Our reason for insisting so strongly on this point was that we would be in a better position to choose the men after they had been in the school for a year and had successfully passed the examinations; and by their return to the school for the Jimior year, evidenced an ambition to complete the course. The men in the Senior and Junior classes would see more or less of the Freshmen, during the first year, and would be better able to judge the men and form opinions as to quality of character and general moral worth. We were afraid if men were accepted from the Freshmen that we might get men who would turn out to be not just the men we would care to acccept as friends. We still think this is a good feattue of our Fraternity. Purpose. It was suggested that the Fraternity should be controlled in a large measvu-e by the Alumni members, because in so doing we could keep up the interest after the men had left the school. As these men grew older and hald more experience in business, we thought that their counsel might prove valuable in connec- tion with the higher energy of the men in the School. It wovdd also tend to keep in mind one of our chief aims, as follows: We were to form an organization which might find a great field of work in being of mutual assistance to each other in future business life. We thought that without a doubt some of the 24 men present would make for themselves a name in business of which we might well be proud. We thought that such successful men, if properly bound together, might some time be of material assistance to the worthy weaker men. You will remember that Honorable L3niian J. Gage said at our first School Banquet that, "The best opportunities do not come to everybody; and a man may have great inert power and capacity for any duty, and for years may live in obscurity until an opportunity opens to him. Yet he is still a great man." To further quote Mr. Gage from his speech of the same evening: "To acqtiire a true and honest character; to educate the mind according to the abihty with which it wa,s originally endowed; to be ready for the opportunities open to him; these are the pre-reqtdsities of success." Fraternal Spirit. And we thought not only for the stronger to aid the weaker (this is always manly), but to extend the fraternal feeling to each other, to the strong as weU as the weak. In fact, we thought to test the worth of one of Emerson's doctrines, in which he says that, "Life has nothing so satisfying as the profound good understanding which can subsist, after much exchange of good offices, between two virtuous men, each of whom is stire of himself alnd sure of his friend." If this be true of two men, how much more valuable to society if a large body of men were bound together by as close ties as two might be. This mutual self-interest is a more potent fact of life than we are aware of. Henry George has given the matter a fine setting by declaring that, "The Philosophy which counts on selfishness as the master motive of human action is short sighted. It is blind to facts of which the world is full. It sees not the present, and reads not the past aright. If you would move men to action, to what shall you appeal? Not to their pockets, but to their patriotism; not to selfishness, but to sympathy. Self interest is, as it were, a mechanical force— potest, it is true; capable of large and wide resvdts. But there is in himian nature what may be likened to a chemical force; which melts and fuses and overwhelms; to which nothing seems 25 impossible. All that a man hath will be given for his life — that is self-interest. But in loyalty to higher impulses men will give even life." Why not make use of this natural force in our Fraternity work.^ And this brings me to a very important point. We must see that the men we accept as members are only those whom we delight to know and whose character is beyond question. Let us not put too much faith in our system and look too little to the men. Let us not be in haste to take in men simply to W. up the quota from each class; but rather let us look into their characters very carefully and accept only such men as are worthy. Education for Business. I am wandering away somewhat from my subject. We are thinking of the ideas proposed. We realized only too well that the degree B.C.S. is now of no commercial value in this or any community. We believe that it might be made of as much value as the degree C.P.A. and were of the opinion that this value might be given to it through the united efforts of men of strong character from the school. We felt that higher education for business men was very much needed in America, and were willing to pledge ourselves to assist in encouraging such education. There was not a man in the party who did not wish to do all he could for the New York University, and especially for the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance. The Brooklyn Four were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and present it the next time we gather. It must not be inferred that we discussed all these heavy affairs with long drawn faces. Far from it. We had a fund of pleasan- try with us and made good use of it. When we parted for the night it was with regret that the meeting was over. It was hard to break up even after we were on the sidewalk in front of the Hotel, at a very late hoiu". After agreeing to meet on some short excursion trip dtuing the simimer, and after ft real old-fashioned heart to heart handshake, we parted for the night, feeling that it had been well spent. 26 The conimittee met several times and embodied all the ideas into a constitution, and had the same ready to report at the meeting held July 16th, when we decided to go to Sest Cliff, L. I. The trip was made by steamer. Owing to the- absence from the city, because of vacations and other unfore- seen events, only five men were present, Messrs. Douglas,. Lane, Rachmil, Leach and Bergen. The constitution as submitted, was read over and some- new plans suggested. The greater part of the day, however, was spent in having summer fun, and although the party did no real work on the constitution, yet the friendships were strengthened. Second Meeting. Nothing more was done until after the opening of school in October. The plan of organization was very much alive however, and on October 5th, another meeting was held in the- Assembly room at 32 Waverly Place, Messrs. Douglas, Camp^ Duff, Wright, Tremaine, Rachmil, Lane, Leach, Bergen and myself being present. It was decided to organize a fraternity along the lines of the constitution presented by the Brooklyn« Connnittee, and to elect a president, a secretary, and a treasurer in accord therewith, such officers to hold similar positions- under the constitution when actually adopted. On written ballots, R. S. Douglas was elected President; H. M. Jefferson, Secretary; and Nathan Lane, Jr., Treasurer. The electiorc. of all three was made unanimous by acclamation. A com- mittee of three, composed of Messrs. Rachmil, Tremaine and Camp, was appointed to look over the constitution, to criticize- and revise the same, and to report at the earliest possible- moment. Constitution. On October 21st, another meeting was held when a very commendable report was given by the committee, and the- constitution and by-laws presented by them passed upon, clause by clause. With very slight alterations this constitu- tion was accepted as read. The members of this committee- are to be congratulated on the very excellent work done by 27 them. At this meeting a committee of three, composed of Messrs. Lane, Leach and Bergen, was appointed to make inquiries regarding the eligibility and desirability of men from the Junior Class. On the recommendation of this committee, Messrs. Hudson, George and Robert Meyer, Witte and Winans were elected as members. This committee was instructed also to find two more Seniors, if possible, and on their recom- mendation, Mr. Jeffrey was also elected. On the further recommendation of this committee, Messrs. E. C. Smith, Harry Hopf and F. H. Clark were elected to membership. ■On Friday last a committee of two, Mr. Rachmil and myself, was appointed to draft a letter to be posted, announcing the organization of the Fraternity. The sense of the instruction was to the effect that this notice shotild be posted as soon as possible. The Committee immediately set to work and soon •decided that it was best to have the official sanction of the Chancellor before posting such notice. The following letter was written and sent to the Chancellor Saturday morning, .accompanied by a note from the Dean: New York, Nov. 18, 1904. Sir: The Senior Class of the School of Commerce, Accoimts and Finance have organized a Greek letter fra- ternity to be called the Phi Psi Kappa. The object of this fraternity shall be to foster the scientific research in the fields of commerce, accounts and finance, to educate the pubUc to demand and appreciate higher ideals in these walks of life, and to promote and advance in our great institutions of learning, courses leading to degrees in •commercial science. This fraternity is foimded in memory of Charles Waldo HasHns, and this chapter is to be known as the Charles Waldo Haskins Chapter of the Phi Psi Kappa Fraternity of the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance of New York University. We are especially desirous of having only the very best men in the School of Commerce as members of the -Fraternity, and have arranged in pursuance therewith 28 to admit only those whose intention it is to graduate, and* have passed their first year examinations successftdly,. and in addition thereto have at least twenty-four of the requisite Regents' counts or their equivalent. We hope in some measure to be able to give value to the degree of B.C.S. by reason of our united efforts; and respectfully request that you give us your official sanction at as early a date as possible in order that we may feel fully organized before Thanksgiving Eve, when we are to have our first annual banquet and installation of officers. H. M. Jefferson, Morris Rachmil, Committee. Dr. Henry M. MacCracken, New York University, University Heights, New York. The following letter was received from the Chancellor last night in reply: Dean Joseph French Johnson, 32 Waverly Place, New York City. Dear Sir: Accept my thanks for your letter respecting the new fraternity in your school. I see no objection to the faculty approving of this organization. I return the paper, since it ought to be on record upon the minutes of the faculty. Sincerely yours, H. M. MacCracken. Organization a Reality. , We have had many duties to attend to of late which do- not appear on the surface, and expect to find much of the work for the immediate future to be of a trying nature. We have the sanction of Dean Johnson and Mr. Mussey, and the official sanction of the Chancellor. We have the finest, most sincere men in the Senior and Junior Classes. Is there any reason 29 why we shovdd not carry this thing through to such a degree of success that men will consider it one of the highest honors that can be paid them in the School of Commerce to be asked to join this Fraternity? May we not hope to see the School of Commerce, Accotmts and Finance one of the largest, best and most influential schools in the New York University? Should not the business men of the United States be as highly educated for their chosen profession as they now are in Germany and as they are in almost all other professions in this country? And should not we be instrumental in bringing this to pass? Is there any reason why the degree of B.C.S. should not be an Open Sesame to better things for the man possessing it whose character is unquestioned and whose ability needs no defense? There is no reason in the world why these things should not be so. Let us believe these aims can be realized, and really the only way to accomplish anj'thing is to believe something and to stand by it whatever may come. Let us preserve our ideals in regards to this Fraternity; let us stand firmly by them, and I venture to predict it will be a factor in the history of New York as well as the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance. Later, the name Phi Psi Kappa was changed to Alpha Kappa Psi. History of Alpha Kappa Psi There were numerous obstacles and disappointments attending the first few years, but the spirit was there, and the growth soon merited the time and trouble expended by the charter members. A banquet was held each year, some- times more often, and this tended to link the brothers in closer fellowship. There was a careful and gradual building up by the founders through the years from 1905 to 1908, and the standards set for new members then, as now, were high. A roll of the members initiated during this formative period attests the ability of the Membership Committees to select the best men. 30 In 1909, the membership requirements were subject to revision and were left more to the discretion of the Executive Committee. In this same year, a definite plan was formtilated for the first time for the future growth of Alpha Kappa Psi. These plans bore fruit the following year, when in February, 1910, a petition was received from Denver University; and on March 19, 1910, a charter was granted to Beta Chapter. The two chapters, one in New York and the other in Denver, Colorado, were widely separated and a bond was needed to bridge the gap between the east and the far west. This was soon found when, in December, 1911, a charter was granted to Gamma Chapter at Northwestern University, Chicago. There still seemed to be a lack of personal intimacy, how- ever, caused, no doubt, by the fact that the members of the three chapters had not been able to get together. Brother Hopf, in the fall of 1912, visited Denver and Chicago and did much to bring the chapters in closer relationship. Further growth was rapid. In June, 1912, Delta Chapter, at the University of Pittsburg was installed by Brother WUson of Alpha Chapter. The granting of a charter to this chapter was due in a large measure to the efforts of Brother Bacas of Alpha. With such a chapter development, some form of conference became necessary. In November, 1912, the first convention of Alpha Kappa Psi was held in New York City. This was the first time delegates had attended. It is interesting to note that the work of this convention was done in half a day, while, but one year later, three days were necessary to cover the business — and pleasure — of the convention. At the dinner at Cavanaugh's, Brother Ashman of Gamma and Brother Wettach of Delta told of the work being done in their chapters, and the fine spirit they evidenced went far toward bringing all the men into closer touch with each other. In January, 1913, Dean Geijsbeek of Denver University came to New York. As a result of his visit, at a dinner given in his honor, it was decided to hold the next convention in Chicago, which was then about the geographical center of our fraternity. This scheme gave an opportunity to Beta Chapter 31 to send delegates, since the trip to Chicago was about half the way to New York. It is important to note that up to this time the pioneer work and installation of new chapters had been largely done by men of Alpha Chapter. But from now on the other chapters were to carry forward with great success the business of getting worthy recruits for Alpha Kappa Psi. On April 16, 1913, Epsi- lon Chapter at the University of Illinois was installed by seven members from Gamma Chapter. This new chapter had been developed by Professor Duncan and was granted a charter largely through the fine efforts and work of Professor Duncan and Gamma Chapter. In June, 1913, the annual convention was held at Chicago and all five chapters were represented by delegates. In all there were fifteen delegates and much important legislation was discussed and passed. One of the most important matters settled at the convention was the change in the Constitution granting equal representation to each chapter at convehtions. This convention was a very important one. The fact that every chapter was represented the delegates were enabled to get each other's views in such a way that a general londer- standing of mutual desires and needs was obtained. The delegates were royally entertained by the Gaauna boys and all left for their home towns feeling more than ever how close the ties of fraternal brotherhood could be. On May 7,1914, Zeta Chapter at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb., was installed by Brother Ogilvie of Gamma Chap- ter, who was then President of the General Fraternity. On May 24, 1914, Eta Chapter at the University of Cincinnati was installed by Brothers Ogilvie and JefiEery of Gamma, Brother Webber of Beta, and Brother Leach of Alpha. This chapter was largely the result of development by Professor Duncan also. On May 30, 1914, Theta Chapter at the Oregon Agri- cultural College, Corvallis, Ore., was installed by Dr. Brown. Dean BexeU was elected as an Honorary Member. In June, 1914, the annual convention was held at New 32 York and delegates from many of the chapters were present. Two came from far-off Denver to be with us. On March 6, 1915, Iota Chapter at the University of Texas, Austin, Texas, was installed by Brothers Brewster, Land and Upleger of Alpha Chapter, and started off under most auspicious circumstances with thirteen members. On May 3, 1915, Kappa Chapter at the University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., was installed by five members from Theta Chapter. Next came in succession the installation of Lambda at the University of Oklahoma, June 1, 1915, and of Mu at Ohio State, June 6. The convention was held at Denver with a goodly number of representatives from the several chapters. In 1916, Nu Chapter was installed at Boston University April 29, and Xi Chapter at Harvard University, May 1. In June the Convention was held in Chicago. The meeting was by far the most successful and promising in the history of the Fraternity. The reports of Chapters were thorough, and not only gave a r&um6 of each Chapter, b^t also a brief summary of the many schools and colleges of Commerce. Pittsburg was chosen as the convention city for next year. What the future holds for Alpha Kappa Psi can only be surmised. Based on the rapid growth during the past few years, there seems to be no limit to the possibilities before us. Already we are making our presence felt in the business life of the country. We must build on rock. AU chapters must take the greatest care in the selection of new members, for the strength of the fraternity is based on the character and ability of the individuals which compose it. The General Fraternity Since the founding of Alpha Kappa Psi there has always been a General Fraternity, the national body. Even during the first few years of its existence when there was only one, the Alpha Chapter, the officers of the General Fraternity were duly elected. 33 After the formation of the Northwestern and Denver Chapters this national body became more of a power in the organization, with specific duties and privileges. It had many- tasks to perform so that now, after several years of construc- tive work, to be an officer of the General Fraternity of Alpha Kappa Psi is a much coveted honor. Administration. Through various officers and Executive Committee, the affairs of the local chapters and their relation to the larger organizations are administered. The one potent factor in this upbuilding has been the publication The Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi, which was formerly published as The Alpha Diary, solely for the New York University Chapter. The new peri- odical began its first number in February, 1913, it is now published five times yearly, one issue being given over to the affairs of the annual convention. The other issues are devoted to articles of educational value relating to fraternal matters and to businSSs subjects. This interchange of views, mingled with real constructive articles of various subjects, (pioneer works in many) have been real contributions to business literature. Some of these, not so verymany though, if thoroughly revised and edited and with the addition of further material, might make a worth-while publication for the field of the printed word in business. News notes and articles regarding the chapters appear in the issues and are edited by the chapter editors. One aim of the fraternity, as stated in its constitution, is to foster scientific research in the field of commerce, accounting and finance. The conventions in late years have given a great deal of time to the discussion of what each chapter might do in the exchanging of ideas and thoughts on various subjects pertaining to business administration. This is as far as the matter has gone. There are innumerable opportuni- ties for students in the several universities to profitably investigate a subject, each undertaking a distinct phase, and under the editorship of one man this means of information 34 might be skilfully blended into a volume which might perhaps become a serial publication. Such a work might be edited yearly and called The Alpha Kappa Psi Research Studies in Business. If the proposition were carried out in a business- like manner and under expert guidance there should be no trouble in finding a publisher to undertake the financing of the proposition. Think for a moment of the stupendous growth of business books. You may not know it, but in the last six or seven years there has been no class of literature which has shown such a decided and steady development. This has been due without doubt to the increased need for manuals of successful business operations and to the keener realization of just what the printed word means in business life. And so this scheme, though perhaps it may seem Utopian, is made not altogether without serious thought. A series of these lectures regarding such subjects as accounting, advertis- ing, efficiency, management, marketing, salesmanship, and others, if looked to one topic at a time, would mean a great deal to the students undertaking the work, if they had done it with serious and true research ability. Convention. The annual conventions of Alpha Kappa Psi have aheady had a part in business development. They have been places where the students of business, most of whom are already in the business world, have been enabled to come together and exchange ideas, places where East meets West, and where all are united by a common bond of friendship and brotherly love. At this time, matters of general interest and matters relating to the administration of the General Fraternity, and the election of officers for this body, have been the main feature. EUch chapter sends a delegate who is entitled to a vote in the General Fraternity, and the affairs for each chapter are briefly sum- marized and additional suggestions are made. This inter- change of ideas, the business meetings, and the stimulating and inspiring addresses relating either directly or indirectly to the science of btisiness, are of untold value to those who 35 attend. The subject matter of such conventions is brought to those not present by means of the fraternity publication. The badge of Alpha Kappa Psi is a disk resembling an antique coin, displaying on its face a Roman galley with the Greek letters on the sail. The Fraternity colors are blue and gold, and the flower, the chrysanthemtun. The total enrollment of Alpha Kappa Psi is now nearing the one thousand mark. Local Chapters Government. Local chapters elect their own officers and manage their own affairs, with the exception of the administrative portion which comes under the jurisdiction of the General Fraternity. The New York Chapter during the college year 1908-1909, first offered the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity prize to students of the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance. Other chapters have taken up this idea in various forms. Nu Chapter announced last year, and offers this year for the first time, the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity medal to the student in the Fresh- man class, either division, having the highest scholastic stand- ing. The medal becomes the property of the winner. Activities. Various chapters have their annual affairs governed largely by the peculiar needs in each organization, but taken as a whole nearly every chapter has an annual dance, an annual meeting, an annual banquet on the day of the establish- ment of the organization, and an alumni night. Besides these. New York University has an Old Home night; others have an annual initiation, and many similar occasions besides the regular routine of installation, rushing parties, social and business affairs. Alpha Chapter held its first stmimer camp in 1907, and it has meant much in the renewing of old acquain- tances and the forming of new ones. In some cases the mem- bers in the fraternity who are in the graduating class are given a banquet by the other members of the chapter. Membership. In one case, at least, an employment division was organized in one of the chapters to place men in positions and to secure employees for the alumni. Later, the university itself estab- lished such a division and there was no need of the smaller organization. It is true that the Employment Division of the university can be of much more help and have a broader influence, but many times the impetus for the establishment of such a department has come from such sources as that just mentioned. Members are divided into three distinct classes: active, inactive, and honorary. The active men are usually undergraduates although they may be graduates, if they retain active membership by subscribing to active mem- bership dues. By them, the general administrative work of the local chapter is carried on. The inactive members are the altmmi. Through an excellent rule of the General Fra- ternity, the dues of this class of members are kept intact and turned into a permanent building fund, so that eventually each chapter should own and maintain its own chapter- house. Honorary members are generally those members of the faculty and men in active business life who have shown a true interest in business education and the furtherance of its growth. It has been strikingly evident in numerous instances that these honorary members have been most active in affairs of the chapters and the national body. The expan- sion in the new chapters has been in more than one case the result of an honorary member. Quarters. Alpha Kappa Psi being a professional fraternity, some who are members also belong to general undergraduate fra- ternities, the question of a fraternity house has been not without difficulties. In general it may be said that some chapters have a house, others a single floor, some a suite, and others one or two rooms. When a chapter first starts out it is not always good policy to go deeply into debt in this matter. The average rule has been to meet at different places until more permanent organization ensues. Local chapters have 37 made themselves a real power in the affairs of the institution in which they are located, and they have been of material assistance in business activities. Different chapters have different methods. Where some have special meetings to hear lectures, others have regular allotted times, and still others have banquets. But in every case these lecttu-es by members and honorary members actively engaged in educa- tional and business activities have been of untold value to the students. The subjects have been chosen so that they relate either to the curriculum of the college or to conditions of the day. It has sometimes happened that imusually big men have been asked and have accepted the invitation to speak at such meetings, and others outside of the fraternity have been issued a cordial invitation to attend. It speaks well for the fraternity when busy men whose time is worth a great deal of money, will take an hour or so out of a busy day or evening and chat informally on some live topic. Pledging. There has been some material written in the Alpha Diary especially of 1912, regarding the subject of pledging. As the proposition is at the present time, men are not taken into the fraternity until their second year or untU they have credits to admit to the Sophomore class. This is generally conceded to be the wisest solution in regard to the professional fraternity. Oftentimes men do not return the second year. Sometimes other fraternities secure good men for the simple reason that they do take men in the first year, but ultimately a fraternity such as Alpha Kappa Psi, which elects its candidates with thoughtfxd care, must show in its personnel no men not of stamina and character. The fraternity spirit is to a very large extent developed during the period of vmiversity life. If this spirit is not developed before graduation, the possibilities are very great that after commencement the ties that bound such a member to his fraternity will gradually grow less and less until his interest becomes almost nil. So, although it is just not to take men in the first year, it seems wise that they shovdd not be held over until the third or fourth year except in excep- 38 tional cases, as this supervision does not give them ample time to he with the men. With the opening of the day division in The College of Business Administration, there was an immediate rush to pledge a large crowd of men in the several fraternal organiza- tions. Alpha Kappa Psi could not do this because there was merely the one class. Next year, when the Sophomore class comes in and the year after, Alpha Kappa Psi will know whom she is choosing and caii discriminate between the desirable and undesirable. Indiscriminate pledging means the lowering of standards. Alpha Kappa Psi wants only the best. Points of Contact. With the advent of the University Schools of Commerce there has been the inception of a fraternity of business men, and, as the former are certain of a remarkable increase, so is the latter. Alpha Kappa Psi is destined to become the fra- ternity of men in the realms of commerce and industry. The expansion is inevitable. At the outset we are reminded that the part is never greater than the whole, and that the strength of the whole depends upon the strength of the parts; that the National Fraternity is composed of local groups, and that its worth, eflSciency and influence depends very largely upon the worth and efficiency of its local chapters. With the life in general, the local chapter has at least five points of contact, three of them with the outside world, and two of them with the internal machinery of the fraternity. These five points make a star of the first magnitude, and it is in the ascendent, moving towards the zenith, as has been shown by the record of the fraternity itself. Scholarship. The first point of contact is that of scholarship. No matter where, or how, or in what manner, we may meet the faculty of OTir college in a social way, our one vital point of contact with the faculty is in scholarship. The aims and purposes of the fraternity are not, as in many Hke groups, social in 39 character, but primarily educational, i. e., "to foster scientific research in the fields of commerce, accounts and finance. ' ' For this the fraternity has always stood; and its standing has been made secure because it has insisted on having as members those men who have ranked high in scholarship. This point of scholarship must be kept clean and bright; this high aim of the fraternity must never become obscured by other con- siderations; as local chapters we must insist that the men, both active and inactive, live up to this high ideal. Then, and then only, membership in Alpha Kappa Psi will be what its founders intended it to be — an evidence of the highest scholarship. Social Life. The second point of contact with the outside world is that with the social side of the college community. As mem- bers of this group, it is necessary that we should take a very active part in all the affairs of the college. Membership in our fraternity gives us exceptional advantages to develop those qualities of leadership which the world demands, and which while students we ought to exercise. One of the reasons why there has been so much agitation against fraternities in recent years, has been the fact that so many of them have held aloof, taken no part in college functions, and in many cases have been guilty of "uppishness" and "snobbery," The local chapter exists because of owr college. If conditions are not as we should hke to have them, then we should work to remedy the conditions. And, at this point, we have great influence, because of our national character. We should not blatantly boast to the world of oiu- college, if we are but figureheads, for after all, our college is going to be rated accord- ing to its product. It is oiur duty as fraternity men to see that the product is up to standard. Outside World. The third external point of contact is that with the life outside of our fraternity, and the college community. No matter what the limitations of the ordinary citizen are, he 40 has some very definite ideas as to what college men should be. There are certain social and moral qualities common to citizen- ship which he demands all shall possess. No matter what we may think of political parties, or which one any individual would like to see in office, the American people are practically agreed on this, that the form of government we have is one of the finest that has yet been developed, for in it the people as a whole take an active part. And, with this condition, the world demands that college men, because of their superior opportunities, should feel added responsibilities, and should stand for the^highest and best in public life, taking an active part in all those things which make for citizenship. Indeed our aim is "to educate the pubHc to appreciate and demand high ideals," and, as local chapters, it is incumbent on us to see that members do not forget the "instructions of the fathers," but live up to the high ideals we desire to have our country attain. Relations of the Chapters. The next point of contact, which is the first one of an internal character, is the relation of the members of the chapter, one to the other. It is here that those social qualities which make for friendship and trust have their opportunity of exer- cise. One of the great advantages of a fraternity is the develop- ment of those qualities of forbearance and patience which are so essential to success in the outside world. Within the chapter, we meet with men of widely different temperaments and capacities, but with similarity of purpose and aim. And that quality which makes it possible to think of the other fellow's feelings more than our own rights, and the other fellow's rights more than our own feelings, marks us belonging to the rank of "gentleman." No local chapter exists for itself; to reach its highest worth and efficiency, it must continue to further the individual welfare of its members. Relation to the General Fraternity. The last point of contact, and by no means the least of the points of our star, is the relation of the chapter to the larger 41 fraternity, that is, to the chapters in other colleges, and to the General Fraternity in its larger aspects. To be able to fill the place designed by founders of the Fraternity, it is necessary that there shotild be the closest contact between the National Ofi&- cers and the local chapters ; that a suggestion from headquarters should meet with an immediate response; that nothing should be permitted to break this close relationship; and that in all things we should remember that the National Officers and the Fraternity in general will succeed in proportion as the local chapters live up to their responsibilities, and that the local chapters in turn will benefit by the honor and advance of the General Fraternity. If we can live up to the high standards set before us, and maintain perfect connections at the five points set forth, there oan be no question of the futiireof our organization, and the past advance will be but a prophecy of our future. As local chapters, let us rise to our opportunities, and maintain and support the General Fraternity in aU its phases. Nu Chapter Inception. April 29, 1916, the University Administrative Club, Fred D. Barney, President, and Ralph L. Power, Secretary, was formally installed as Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi. The old organization, which had been in existence since the first year of The College of Business Administration, had for some time felt that by affiliating itself with some strong national organization it wotdd be able to be of greater service in fiirther- ing the interests of education for business. Oscar T. Smith, now Head of the Commercial Department in the high school at Augusta, Maine, was Chairman of the Entertainment Committee. This committee, under his leadership, provided for the welfare of the Installation Committee, composed of men from New York, Denver and Texas chapters, besides a representative from the General Fraternity. From a charter membership of twenty-seven, the chapter has increased to a membership of over fifty. But few honorary members have as yet been taken into Nu Chapter. Among those who have accepted invitations have been Dr. Harold L. Perrin, Professor of Law, a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, and a practising attorney;: Professor Ralph B. Wilson, Head of the Departments of Economics and Finance; Waldron H. Rand, Esq., Chief Advisor of Accounting, member of a well known accounting firm and Chairman of the Educational Committee of the Institute of Accountants in the United States of America; Professor G. Wilson MacDow^ (Alpha), Accounting Department; Mr. Leavitt C. Parsons, Department of Finance, and others. Activities. The life and acti\aties, so far as routine matters are con- cerned, in Nu Chapter are practically the spme as in other chapters. The annual meetings, dances, dinners, and other like affairs are held as in the other colleges. At the City Club- many informal banquets have taken place and talks on different, subjects have been given. "The Maintenance of a Higher Standing in Accoimting," "A Fraternity and a Club," "Advant- ages of Membership and its Relation to the University," have- been the matter of some of our most interesting talks. Many informal speeches have been given at various meetings. Generally they have been on the subject of business educa- tion or business activities. Opportunities. The College of Business Administration at Boston Uni- versity has had a truly phenomenal growth. One becomes, more aware of this fact when he realizes that in four years it has grown to a student body of approximately fourteen hundred. During this rapid increase, the administrative and instruc- tional departments necessarily had to keep pace so far as possible- with the college as a whole. New quarters became necessary and the departments took possession of the Walker buildings formerly occupied by the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology. This development has been very valuable to the: 43 fraternity. Alpha Kappa Psi has fortunately been brought into close touch with matters in general, and is extremely fortunate in being the first fraternity in this department. The services of the members in the chapter have been freely offered in connection with association, class, faculty and other receptions. The Alpha Kappa Psi medal, the first to be offered to the faculty for the students, has been instrumental in increasing the standing of Alpha Kappa Psi in Boston University. Under the able leadership of the President, Matthew Lahti, Nu Chapter is beginning the second year of its ■existence as a part of Alpha Kappa Psi. There are numerous other ways in which Alpha Kappa Psi can be of benefit this year. Those in the graduating class who are members of Alpha Kappa Psi are planning to donate some books to the library, and tentative plans have been made for installing a case of •exhibits in the museimi which will be the gift of Nu Chapter. Boston University has been unique among institutions. It has followed no path, but blazed its own and has been a pioneer in many movements. There seems to be no reason why Alpha Kappa Psi cannot be a pioneer in fraternities at The College •of Business Administration. As the oldest and largest national commercial fraternity, the possibilities of Alpha Kappa Psi are unlimited. The :several chapters have already proven themselves important factors in the affairs of the institutions which they represent and in the world of affairs. The activities of the local chapters .are given in part in the chapter on local chapters. This shows the sphere of influence of a single chapter. Multiply this by the number of chapters and you can easily see what Alpha Kappa Psi as a whole is doing in the business world, — North, South, East, West — a national work. Schools of Business Administration and Commerce Early Growth. The Wharton School in the University of Pennsylvania was the pioneer in commercial schools of university grade. This was established in 1881, and in 1898, the University of Chicago and University of California established colleges of commerce, and since then the growth of such departments has- been steady and consistent. New York University established its School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance in 1900, and Northwestern in 1908. At first the title "School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance" covered nearly every branch of business, at that time, everyone classifying business occupations as accounting, banking and financing. But in late years, the complexity of the commercial and industrial world has lead to the general title "Business Administration" which is more applicable, embraciijg as it does all trades. In 1913, Boston University established a College of Business Administration for the scientific study in business training and since then every year has shown the springing up, either as a separate school or college or as a distinct department,, these courses in business administration. Business Degrees. The diploma in commerce gave way to the degree, Bachelor of Commercial Science. Later the degree,, Master of Com- mercial Science, was given for one year of graduate study. It is significant to note that Boston University was the first . institution to offer courses leading to the degree. Bachelor of Business Administration. The degree. Master of Business- Administration, has been given in some of the graduate schools- of business administration which require an academic degree for entrance. The College of Business Administration of Boston University offers this same degree for two years' grad- uate work, and now that several institutions are granting this degree, it has become generally acceptable that it shall mean two' years of graduate work of exceptional standing and the pre- sentation of original research study and thesis. The Bachelor's. 45 degree is now generally expected to stand four years work of strictly college grade. The gradual growth of commercial education, especially that in higher educational institutions