Because of your superior scholarship, your serious interest in sociology, and your service to humanity you have been invited to become a member of Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society.
Alpha Kappa Delta takes it name from the first letters of three Greek words.
Aνθρωπον (anthropon) – Pronounced as “an-throh-pon”, meaning “mankind” or “human being”.
Καταμανθάνειν (katamanthanein) – Pronounced as “kat-a-man-tha-neen”, meaning “to investigate thoroughly” or “to conduct research”.
Διακονεῖν (diakonein) – Pronounced as “dee-a-ko nen”, meaning “to serve” or “for the purpose of service”.
When this phrase is translated freely, it expresses both the goal and the method of Alpha Kappa Delta.
To study humankind for the purpose of service.
In the last analysis, the purpose of all science is to improve people’s adjustments to their physical, biological, and cultural environments. Since social science deals with a changing world of unlimited and unknown possibilities, it must continually change its techniques, theories, and conclusions. We believe that human choice, intelligence, and effort are susceptible to some as yet undetermined degree of rational organization and control. We believe that humankind, personally and societally, can achieve rational, integrated, creative and democratic social relationships.
Election to Alpha Kappa Delta has always been and will continue to be without regard to race, creed, or national origin. Therefore, we require no oaths, no vows, nor pledges. We hope that this simple initiation will help you to make the ideals of Alpha Kappa Delta your own.
On behalf of Alpha Eta of New York, I welcome you to our fellowship.