KDR breaks fraternal stigma through philanthropy and community

by Kerri Hoover Editor-in-Chief

Lock Haven University’s oldest fraternity, Kappa Delta Rho (KDR), refuses to accept society’s negative misconceptions about fraternal organizations.

Through philanthropic efforts, on-campus involvement, and core value preservation, the KDR brothers aim to “stop to the sigma” and lead an honorable life.

KDR is the oldest fraternity on LHU’s campus with the Alpha Alpha chapter established on April 26, 1958. This year the brothers will celebrate their organization’s 65th anniversary.

According to the Kappa Delta Rho national website, over 25,000 members have been initiated since its establishment, and there are 37 active chapters across the country.

The fraternity colors are Middlebury blue and Princeton orange, which symbolize justice and freedom while the red rose was adopted as KDR’s fraternity flower and represents love and incorruption.

Lock Haven’s long-standing fraternity is composed of 12 brothers, seven of which hold executive board positions. Junior Sports Management major Devon Bartleson serves as the current president. He rushed with KDR in the fall of 2021.

“To me, being a brother of KDR means growth both professionally and in my personal life,” Bartleson said. “I’ve also been able to watch the brothers grow into future leaders, do the right things for the right reasons, and live by our core values.”

KDR members live daily by the national fraternity’s motto, “Honor Super Omnia.” The Greek phrase translates to “Honor Above All Things.”

The brothers also act as each other’s keeper and ensure everyone is held accountable for their actions. In addition, they uphold their organization’s five core values: fellowship, leadership, scholarship, service, and tradition.

Despite mainstream perceptions, KDR is a haze-free organization. The fraternity rejects participation in harmful initiation rituals among individuals seeking membership. KDR brothers aspire to “stop the stigma” that surrounds fraternal organizations and instead, emphasize the importance of community and philanthropy.

The Alpha Alpha chapter actively supports and maintains positive relationships with its national philanthropy, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. The B+ Foundation strives to fight against child- hood cancer through college campus and local community fundraising efforts. All monetary donations fund cancer research and help financially and emotionally support affected families.

Throughout the year, KDR hosts numerous fundraisers specifically for the B+ Foundation such as the fall B+ Carnival and spring Easter egg hunt. This academic year alone they have raised over $500 for their national philanthropy.

Besides supporting the B+ Foundation, the KDR brothers established two additional service goals for the current semester. Bartleson first noted their efforts to collaborate with different LHU organizations to further promote on-campus diversity, equity, and inclusive initiatives. Additionally, he voiced KDR’s most recent partnership with a local animal shelter.

“We also feel that we need to give back to the community around us as well so we reached out to the Clinton County SPCA in hopes of creating a long standing relationship,” Bartleson said.

Within the past month, the brothers sponsored several events benefiting the SPCA. In March, the brothers hosted Mutt Madness, a social media bracket campaign ranking the cuteness of students’ pets. KDR opened