About

The founding of delta kappa epsilon

On June 22, 1844 at Yale College in New Haven, Connecticut, a number of men of high character and scholastic attainment founded the first chapter Delta Kappa Epsilon. The open motto being “Kerothen Philoi Aei,” which in English means “Friends from the Heart, Forever.” The DKE pin was also created with the Greek letters of DKE on a white scroll upon a black diamond with a gold rope trim and a star in each corner, as well as the colours crimson, blue, and gold.

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Friends From the Heart, Forever.

he chapter started with it’s 15 founders deeming itself Phi of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Since that time, DKE has grown to over 64 chapters and initiated over 85,000 members across North America. “The Gentleman, the Scholar, and the Jolly Good-Fellow” has become our motto. The fraternity is inextricably linked to the history of the United States of America, as its members include a whopping 5 of the 44 presidents, including both George Bush’s, Rutherford B. Hayes, Teddy Roosevelt, and Gerald Ford.

Mission Statement

DKE strives to develop a culture and an expectation of undergraduate chapters who perform in the top tier of fraternities at their institutions; and a vibrant network of alumni who are motivated to stay involved with the fraternity after graduation. We will do this by providing our undergraduates with the leadership skills, and the operational resources they need, to excel in today’s Greek environment; and by developing alumni networking programs which are relevant and engaging, and are beneficial to both alumni and undergraduates.

Vision Statement

To be a highly respected fraternity, located at premier institutions, focused on excellent chapter performance, populated with men of distinction whose behavior is exemplary in all respects, who go on to become leaders in their chosen fields of endeavor, and who personify the motto created by our Founding Fathers, “Gentlemen, Scholars, and Jolly Good-Fellows.”