Alpha Gamma Kappa

Alpha Gamma Kappa, AΓK, or more commonly "AGK" was founded in 1939 at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. The Fraternity exists as the oldest and largest professional fraternal organization for students and practitioners of podiatric medicine in the United States and Canada.

The Alpha Gamma Kappa Mission Statement

Mission

The mission of Alpha Gamma Kappa Podiatric Fraternity is: "To promote and perpetuate the profession of podiatric medicine through social, educational, community service, and leadership events, which foster the growth and development of podiatric medical students and physicians."

History

The history of Alpha Gamma Kappa Fraternity lies deep in the roots of our nation’s podiatric medical colleges. Existing as the oldest and largest professional fraternity within podiatric medicine, AGK has long held a fraternal tradition of excellence.

In the winter of 1939 on January 21st, eight men at the Illinois College of Chiropody and Orthopedics (now the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine) in Chicago, Illinois, founded a fraternity for the purposes of “social spirit and fraternalism." It was the first of its kind at a college of podiatric medicine, and quickly the small social club grew into one of the most prominent organizations at the institution.

In April of 1939, in the earliest recorded minutes that are possessed, the Alpha Gamma Kappa Fraternity at the Illinois College of Chiropody and Orthopedics had some nineteen members, with Samuel Abdoo being elected first President. Abdoo would later go on to serve as President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons from 1968-1969. According to the minutes, the young Fraternity had one hundred nineteen dollars in their name and dues were a mere $5 per year.

The fraternity remained a large part of the student community at Illinois for the next several years, until in 1948 a second chapter (Beta Chapter) was chartered at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. The chapter was inspired by several students whom had met at national convention of the NAC (National Association of Chiropodists) in that year and prompted several young men at Ohio to begin a chapter of AGK. Alpha Gamma Kappa had officially become a national fraternity.

The fraternity saw little growth during the 1950’s. The two chapters of AGK, Alpha and Beta, would occasionally correspond with one another, but for the most part remained separate entities with their own traditions, except for the Ritual of Initiation, which is still in use, written by the Alpha Chapter in 1939.

In the fall of 1961, a third chapter would be chartered at the California School of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, California. This marked the first chapter to be founded on the west coast and made the fraternity span from east to west across North America.

For the next three decades, Alpha Gamma Kappa Fraternity remained a small yet integral part of the campus community of the colleges at which it existed. At the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine it started and maintained a free clinic completely run by students to provide podiatric medical care to the less fortunate in Cleveland. At Scholl and California, it provided a cornerstone for student social life and grew to be a “vivid social experience” for podiatric medical students.

It was not until 2007 that another chapter would be chartered. A transfer student from Scholl College to the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami, Florida sought to create a fraternal organization at the school that would encourage fraternalism and a kindred spirit amongst a diverse student population. Through the efforts of many, this dream was realized and on October 2, 2007, the Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Kappa Fraternity was founded.

Government

Since 1939, the Fraternity has functioned as a confederation with chapters being loosely affiliated to one another. There have been no national officers or convention. Individual chapters were subordinate to the respective podiatric medical student association at their college or school. However, recent efforts have been made to instate a national convention and a Grand Council, which would govern the Fraternity. A national convention is being tentatively scheduled for Fall of 2008.

There is a Ritual of Initiation that was written by the Alpha Chapter in 1939, and is used by most chapters, however, all other chapter traditions and customs vary from chapter to chapter. The Badge of the fraternity consists of a black onyx diamond, trimmed in gold, and embossed with the greek letters "ΑΓΚ" and a skull and crossbones in gold. On the back of the Badge is the motto of the Fraternity, "Pedis Studium."

AGK has long been considered the oldest and most prestigious of the podiatric medical fraternities; the other major podiatric medical fraternity being Kappa Tau Epsilon established at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1965.

Symbols and Insignia

*The White Rose

The white rose is the official flower of AGK. Its significance is explained in the pledge ceremony as: “The white rose is emblematic of purity and truth, which you shall endeavor to strive for not only as a pledge, but most especially as a member. Last, but far from least, its beauty and fragrance are symbolic of the real affection and strong abiding friendship which characterize us as sworn brothers, striving together for one common objective and purpose, the promulgation of the philosophy of Alpha Gamma Kappa - a spirit which will improve the world around us, improve the profession of podiatric medicine, and most importantly improve ourselves.”

Each year chapters hold a formal in the spring, which is referred to as, “White Rose Ball.”

*The White Pearl

The official jewel of AGK is the white pearl. It is often used to adorn AGK badges.

*Asclepius

Asclepius, the Greek demigod of medicine and healing holds a special place in AGK tradition and symbolism. The pledge manual of AGK is named, “The Asklepian.” Each year on or nearest November 7th, AGK chapters hold a celebration known as “Asclepius Day” with a festive party or event.

*Mercury

Mercury, the Roman God is referred to as the “Patron of AGK.” His winged sandal is a prominent symbol, which is displayed upon the coat-of-arms and the pledge pin.

*The Badge

The official badge of AGK is a diamond of black onyx, trimmed in gold with the greek letters “AΓK” appearing in gold and surmounting a skull and crossbones in gold. Upon the back of the badge is the open motto of AGK, "Pedis Studium.

*The Pledge Pin

The pledge pin is a triangle of cardinal with the winged foot of Mercury of white in the center.

*The Fraternity Flag

The flag of AGK is rectangular in shape and divided into three equal sections. The first and third sections are cardinal, with the middle section being white. In the middle section is the coat-of-arms of the Fraternity. The AGK flag is used only during ritualistic ceremonies and on special occasions.

Awards

The Fraternity's highest and most prestigious award presented by a chapter is the "Pedis Studium Award." This award is presented to podiatric physicians who are members of the Fraternity and have, in their practice of podiatric medicine, exemplified the principles of Alpha Gamma Kappa through service, education, and leadership and have given themselves of the highest degree to the benefit and perpetuity of podiatric medicine.

Active Collegiate Chapters

*Alpha: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University
*Beta: Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
*Gamma: California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College
*Delta: Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine

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