Alpha Gamma Kappa
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Alpha Gamma Kappa | |
---|---|
ΑΓΚ | |
Professional | |
Affiliation | Independent |
Status | Active |
Emphasis | Podiatry |
Scope | National |
Motto | Pedis Studium, (Zeal for the Foot) |
Colors | Cardinal and Gold |
Symbol | Skull and Crossbones |
Flower | White Rose |
Patron Greek divinity | Asclepius |
Patron Roman divinity | Mercury |
Publication | The Mercurius |
Chapters | 6 Active |
Headquarters | 370 Hawthorne Ave. Oakland, CA 94609 United States |
Website | Official website |
Alpha Gamma Kappa (ΑΓΚ or AGK) is the oldest and largest professional fraternal organization for students and practitioners of
Mission statement
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."[citation needed]
History
On January 21, 1939, eight men at Illinois College of Chiropody and Orthopedics (now
It became a national fraternity in 1948 with the chartering of Beta chapter at the
In 2007, a transfer student from Scholl College to the
Symbols and traditions
The fraternity's colors are cardinal and gold and its jewel is the white pearl. The white rose is the official flower of the fraternity. Its color represents purity and truth, while its beauty and fragrance symbolize the affection and friendship of the brothers. Annually, chapters hold a spring White Rose Ball.
Its badge is diamond-shaped, trimmed in gold with the Greek letters ΑΓΚ appearing in gold and surmounting a skull and crossbones in gold on a background on black onyx. On the back of the badge is the motto Pedis Studium or "Zeal for the Foot." The pledge pin is a triangle of cardinal with the winged foot of Mercury in the center.
Asclepius, the Greek demigod of medicine and healing holds a special place in Alpha Gamma Kappa tradition and symbolism. The pledge manual of the fraternity is named The Asklepian. Each year on or near November 7, chapters hold a celebration known as Asclepius Day with a festive party or event. The Roman god Mercury is the Patron of Alpha Gamma Kappa. His winged sandal is a prominent symbol, displayed on the fraternity's coat-of-arms and the pledge pin.
The fraternity flag is rectangular 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 flag is used only during ritualistic ceremonies and on special occasions.
Governance
Since 1939, the fraternity has functioned as a confederation with chapters being loosely affiliated with one another. There have been no national officers or conventions. Individual chapters are subordinate to the respective podiatric medical student association at their college or school.
Activities
In the 1960s, the Beta chapter started and maintained a free clinic completely run by students to provide podiatric medical care to the less fortunate in Cleveland. In 2013, the Alpha chapter saw a resurgence in social and fundraising activities, raising thousands of dollars to provide care for uninsured patients through Rosalind Franklin University's new Interprofessional Community Clinic.[2]
The fraternity's highest and most prestigious award is the "Pedis Studium Award" which is presented by chapters 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.
Chapters
Chapters | Charter date | Institution | Location | Status | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha | 1939 | Rosalind Franklin University
|
North Chicago, Illinois | Active | [1][a] |
Beta | 1948 | Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine | Independence, Ohio | Active | [1][b] |
Gamma | 1961 | Samuel Merritt College
|
Oakland, California
|
Active | [3] |
Delta | October 2, 2007 | Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine
|
Miami Shores, Florida
|
Active | |
Epsilon | 2008 | Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
|
Active | |
Zeta | 2009 | Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|
West Des Moines, Iowa | Active |
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "AGK History | Samuel Merritt University". 2017-05-29. Archived from the original on 2017-05-29. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
- ^ "RFUMS - Alpha Gamma Kappa". Sites.google.com. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- ^ "Alpha Gamma Kappa | Samuel Merritt University". Archived from the original on 2017-07-21. Retrieved 2023-08-27.