Section 1 | Introduction to DKE

Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) was founded at Yale University in 1844. For over 175 years, the Fraternity has provided opportunities for men of distinction to join the brotherhood and develop into Gentlemen, Scholars, and Jolly Good Fellows. Since our founding, the organization has grown to include over 100 total chapters in its portfolio. Our alumni boast of some of the most well-known names in the world, including five U.S. Presidents.

This section will provide an overview of historical and current information of the Fraternity, specifically addressing the following:

 A Brief History of Delta Kappa Epsilon

 DKE’s Founding Values and Principles

 The International Headquarters’ Statement of Support

 An Overview of our Criteria for Membership

History of Delta Kappa Epsilon

Prior to the founding of Delta Kappa Epsilon in 1844, Greek letter organizations had a homogenized and exclusive identity, few were fraternal in nature as we know them today. This identity led to rigorous recruitment standards, many of which have been deemed “unfair” by students of the time. This exclusivity and prioritization of academic achievement and socioeconomic status over that of character led to the founding of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

In 1844, fifteen undergraduate students at Yale University witnessed countless quality candidates being denied acceptance into the Greek organizations. In response to this perceived injustice, they sought to put an end to the unfair practice of recruitment based on academic merit and instead sought to build an organization more fraternal in nature.

When discussing the qualities upon which this new organization would recruit its members, founding member William Boyd Jacobs is quoted as saying, “the candidate most favored was he who combined in the most equal proportions the Gentleman, the Scholar, and the Jolly Good Fellow”.

DKE was founded on the principle of expanding the selection process to include qualities of character and fellowship, instead of solely academic and personal accomplishment. This practice of recruiting is still as prevalent today as it was in 1844 and has paved the way for our brotherhood to have impacts throughout the world and throughout history.

Despite our smaller size in membership and chapter roll, DKE continues to be one of the most influential and admired Greek organizations in North America. Being one of the oldest operating fraternities, and the oldest of New England origin, we’ve witnessed greatness throughout arts, media, athletics, science, discovery, leadership, and more1. Delta Kappa Epsilon’s practice of recruiting and building on the quality of character has always allowed us to recruit the most successful and well-rounded leaders an institution has to offer and has opened the doors for us to continue to drive our legacy of excellence and inclusion into the future. There is no “singular type” of man that makes a Deke. Instead, we have always been composed of members singularly diverse and congenial, differing in origin and aspiration, but kindred in spirit.

Values and Principles

Upon our founding, objects were drafted to guide our organization into the future and have remained unchanged since their incorporation. The Objects of Delta Kappa Epsilon are:

 The Cultivation of General Literature and Social Culture,

 The Advancement and Encouragement of Intellectual Excellence,

 The Promotion of Honorable Friendship and Useful Citizenship,

 The Develop of a Spirit of Tolerance and Respect for the Rights and Views of Others,

 The Maintenance of Gentlemanly Dignity, Self-Respect, and Morality in All Circumstances, and

 The Union of Stout Hearts and Kindred Interests to Secure to Merit its Due Reward

These founding objects have outlined our values and principles of the organization for over 175 years and have been instrumental in developing and upholding our success as an organization.

Statement of Support

Delta Kappa Epsilon is experiencing rapid and unprecedented growth throughout North America, primarily attributed to the strong leadership and ambition of today’s undergraduate students. While always on the lookout for strong institutions with a high potential of longevity for our chapters, we have remained adamantly in communication and open to interest groups who show ambition and promise to establish strong chapters. This interest group has done just that.

Members of Delta Kappa Epsilon are those who make up the attributes of the gentleman, the scholar, and the jolly-good fellow in most equal proportions. This interest group of 25+ members bring with them a 3.49 cumulative GPA, strong participation in athletics, success in their chosen fields of study with secured internship opportunities, and a background in DKE’s values via the inclusion of legacy members. We believe their outlined dedication and vision toward the establishment of continued academic and professional success which will bring credit not only to our organization, but to the local institution, as well. These men have not only met our requirements for establishment of an interest group, but they have also exceeded them.

Delta Kappa Epsilon was originally founded at Indiana University in July of 2000 as the 33rd fraternity on the campus but has been absent from the Indiana campus since 2019 when recognition was surrendered. As with every closed Chapter, we anxiously awaited the opportunity to re-establish ourselves and continue offering a space of inclusion and support for all students dedicated to our traditions and objects.

We firmly believe that this group of men embodies our values and have the potential to rebuild the Delta Psi Chapter into an even greater form of what it once was. Through the implementation of organizational support and alumni insights (outlined throughout this document) we intend to support and foster growth and success in these men and this organization. It is with our highest recommendation that we request your consideration into the re-chartering of Delta Kappa Epsilon at Indiana University.

Respectfully signed, Delta Kappa Epsilon International Headquarters

Criteria for Membership

Delta Kappa Epsilon operates under a “self-governance” model. DKE believes that students are able to do the work of Fraternity with the appropriate provision and utilization of resources. The Fraternity has operated in this manner since its founding.

The basic qualifications for membership in DKE are as follows:

 Must have a minimum 2.75 GPA

 Must be enrolled at the host institution as an undergraduate or graduate student

 Must meet all financial obligations to the Fraternity

Aside from these criteria, local chapters are encouraged to establish criteria they believe will ensure invitations for membership are limited to only those individuals who best represent the values of DKE.

| A note on anti-discrimination | Though chapters can set criteria for membership locally, these criteria are to be in compliance with any and all relevant anti-discrimination policies, be them from the Fraternity, the host institution, and/or the North American Interfraternity Council. Specific Fraternity policies will be addressed in a later section.