History
North Dakota State University's chapter celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2003. That is nearly as old as Phi Kappa Phi itself, which was established in 1897. It is the second oldest honor society in the United States, pre-dated only by Phi Beta Kappa. Our chapter dates from 1913. It is the nation's 10th oldest chapter—out of over 300 throughout the country, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. NDSU's chapter is the only one in North Dakota.
Phi Kappa Phi was born on the campus of the University of Maine around the century's turn. Its mission: to recognize and promote superior scholarship in all disciplines. Ten University of Maine students, led by Marcus L. Urann, founded the society originally named Lambda Sigma Eta. A year later it became the Morrill Society to honor Justin Morrill, father of the federal Land Grant Act which established universities like NDSU.
As the 20th century began, the society reached out to a national audience. It was re-founded along with the University of Tennessee and the Pennsylvania State University. The society became Phi Kappa Phi. Today the society includes a world-wide membership of over 1 million. Once you are initiated, you are always a member—whether or not you continue to pay the society's modest dues. Active members receive the society's excellent publications, scholarship opportunities, and other benefits.
A Look Back at Chapter 10
The following history of NDSU's Phi Kappa Phi chapter is based on a speech given to new Phi Kappa Phi initiates Feb. 15, 1990, by Carolyn Nelson, chapter president, 1989-90.
John Bye, the NDSU archivist, called me several weeks ago. I had asked him to be on the lookout for the Phi Kappa Phi charter. It was last seen in the 1960s when the library was undergoing renovation. He didn't have the charter; he DID have a book of minutes from 1913 members were and what they did.
The original bylaws were there—dated May 23, 1913; the subsequent changes were there—dated May 7, 1913 and June 10, 1918. But—an envelope stating minutes 1913-1917 were missing. There is a notation on the envelope "these items were missing when I assumed office –E.H. Jones, 1925" Such a disappointment.
But the minutes and the bylaws were fun to read—the names of early faculty members read like a "who's who" of NDAC—most of them have buildings or streets named after them.
All the early minutes were handwritten—the first typed ones were Jan 29, 1928. Although the original bylaws are also typewritten.
So let's take a look at what was found…Phi Kappa Phi was organized at NDAC on May 12, 1913. The meetings were to be held on the 2nd Thursday of fall and winter quarter; the 1st Thursday of spring quarter and the 1st Thursday in May. At 4:00 pm. The election of officers was in the fall; one-half of the resident members constituted a quorum and the initiation fee was $7, which included the badge, national dues, local dues and banquet.
This selection of nominees was based on the weighted average of the sophomore and junior year plus the first and second terms of the senior year. Grades were to be above 85%. After that, freshman grades could be considered with preference given to those with the higher grades. Improved grades were also taken into consideration. Only 10% of the senior class could become members and the election procedure was interesting. Grades were not to include gym, military or athletics. The election of new members required the vote of three-fourths of the resident members and three votes could exclude a nominee from the membership; the vote was to be by acclamation.
The 1930 bylaws state that the initiation fee shall be $9 national dues—$6, certificate, badge, journal, initiation luncheon the annual chapter dues. Meetings were to be NO LATER than the 5th Thursday of each quarter; one special meeting for a lecture or address to the society was to be held; a second special meeting should be held for public recognition to new members and all honor students. The quorum was one for every three resident members, but a quorum of 15 was maximum for chapter of greater than 45 members. There were three classes of membership: active—all staff, graduate students; associate—non-NDSU, no offices; retired—only if you had been active for five years (no dues or responsibilities).
Back to the book of minutes:
1917, President C.B. Waldron, met with nine members in the physics room of South Engineering. 13 invitations were sent. Faculty names you might recognize—Putnam, Minard, Bolley and Reynolds. The banquet was held June 15 at the Gardner Hotel.
1918, The chapter met in Room M of the Administration Building. There was $73 in the treasury; it was voted to put $50 into a Liberty Bond. A slate of 11 seniors, one junior, and 10 faculty were recommended for membership; only four seniors but 11 faculty were elected. Churchill was one of the faculty. This was the time of WW1; it was voted to place a flag in the library honoring members in the service. The women members were to write the members in service; they were commended at the next meeting for having done so.
1919, President was H. L. Bolley. A discussion was held as to whether selection should be based solely on scholarship or on the basis of a well-rounded individual. On May 1, the chapter voted to allow $25 to send a delegate to the St. Louis Triennial convention. A new member was L. R. Waldron. First mention of speakers at initiations is made.
1920, There was a special gathering at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Weible at 708 S 8th St. The featured guest was Dr. Goetfried Hult, Professor of Classics at UND and author of the play "Galileo Galolei." Faculty initiates included Pearl Dinan, W. F. Sudro, H.L. Walster; alumni initiates included Mary Darrow Weible and B. F. Meincke.
1921—an interesting note in the minutes. All active faculty members are listed. Also listed are NOT active faculty members and the year of their initiation. The banquet program listed letters of explanation from missing members.
There is an indication that all was not going well for the chapter in 1922. Dr. Sparks, former national president, now regent and later journal editor, visited the chapter and urged more publicity for the chapter and earlier election of members. The local chapter was recognized by the College Council on April 19, 1922. 23 students were presented for consideration, members were to list a choice of 9; 8 students were chosen; a faculty list of 23 was presented but only those of rank greater than assistant professor were chosen. The chapter bought a subscription of the "Journal" for the Library. (75c).
Something I want to find—On June 10, 1922, at a meeting at the College YMCA, Doc Putnam led chapter members in the singing of a new song based on the words from the Maine chapter (#1); Doc Putnam had written the music. The title, "To Phi Kappa Phi." I will try to locate it. It's also mentioned in 1923, but never again. Doc Putnam also wrote the NDSU alma mater "The Yellow and the Green."
1923, membership selection was done by college with college faculty members making the motion. Local chapters also had a voice in the acceptance of new local chapter. The chapter asked the administration to consider a campus honors day. Graduate students petitioned the right to seek membership.
One wonders if all is well, Dr. Sparks visits again; the chapter elects graduate students.
1925, the first mention of initiates ribbons. We sent a delegate to the 9th Triennial convention held over Christmas break. There is mention of a new office—chapter historian!!! But where are the records now?
1926, the first mention of our current faculty policy. Faculty must be in residence three years before they can be elected; the chapter believed then, as it does now, that a commitment to the university is essential.
1927, a major bylaws revision. Nominees must accept membership within six days. The June 11,1927, minutes close with a strange statement "This will be the last meeting of the society for some time…" BUT, the next meeting was held Nov. 3, 1927. Recently initiated faculty include A. Glenn Hill, Professor Stevens, Dr. William Hunter, A.G. Arvold, Matilda B. Thompson, and Doc Whedon. We also accepted a transfer faculty member from Kansas State…
I don't know what happened to one and two, but the third annual Recognition Day was held 3/28/28. Officers and members were on the stage at Festival Hall; there were introductions of various honor societies. The university president introduced special guests and a national officer of Phi Kappa Phi; the convocation closed with the singing of The Yellow and the Green.
In 1929 there was a joint meeting held with Pi Gamma Mu Society. Honorary membership was awarded the Honorable W. L. Stockwell. The following year Mr. Stockwell endowed a Phi Kappa Phi prize ($25) which was to be given to the outstanding senior based on scholarship, attitude and character. Hoyt deKleine was the first recipient. Mr. Stockwall wanted to be present to present the award each year at the recognition convocation; he also made provisions in his will to continue the award…New members: Dr. Shepard, Ruby Grimes.
The 1930 minutes mention a student not joining due to lack of funds; the chapter voted to take those cases under advisement. (I. W. Smith offered to make personal loans to the students) The Recognition Day recognized only members of Phi Kappa Phi.
The fellowship program was instituted in 1932—the Sparks Memorial Fellowship. Our 1934 nominee, Harley Eckstrom, was a winner of the $500 award.
Some of the minutes leave nothing to the imagination. At one point a faculty was removed from the list for considering because of her "Unselfish behavior toward other members of the class." It is interesting to note that she was unanimously elected to membership several years later. Attendance also initiated some interesting comments.
Dean Alba Bales in 1934, said that "definite steps to have those faculty members who neglected to pay dues, who have withdrawn personal support, should be informed of the seriousness of the lack of interest on their part in an organization which stands for scholarship."
By the spring of 1936, 496 members had been initiated into Chapter 10 of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
The book ends here.
My father was initiated into the Wisconsin chapter in 1932. There are others of his age who are still living in the area who might be able to help us resurrect the past—1936-1980. Muriel has a set of minutes since 1980.
That is part of the past history; we, you and I, are the future. Your election today commends you for a job well done, but we have a lot left to do. Last week, I met with members concerning the national foci of early excellence, international and interdisciplinary studies, and healthy body-healthy mind. We had good brainstorming session.
The early excellence group suggested adopting the Great Books Program, sending letters to outstanding students, enrichment programs at child care centers, volunteers and projects at the Children's Museum, invitations to attend the initiations, connecting kids to the university, and encouraging advanced placement kids to hear guest speakers.
The interdisciplinary group questioned the interdisciplinary courses now on the books. How does the faculty respond to them? Do the personalities of the teacher and students mix? Suggested programs are: bio-technology, the human condition in a changing world, environmental engineering, engineering and the humanities, the Honors Program. There are 60-65 students currently in the core program.
Healthy body-healthy mind? If a member is intellectually strong, what do they do with their bodies? What makes us tick? There was a great job at our meetings, but how about other meetings you attend?
There are lots of ways you can support our agenda. I hope you will be involved while you are on this campus; transfer your membership if you move to another campus, consider a life membership.
You said it earlier "Let the Love of Learning Rule Mankind." You have the controls, now let's go for it. Congratulations.
–Carolyn Nelson, Chapter President 1989-1990
For more information: please contact Suzzanne Kelley at suzzanne.kelley@ndsu.edu; 701-231-6848; NDSU Phi Kappa Phi, Dept. 2360, P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050
