Alpha Kappa Delta () is an international honor society of sociology. It was founded by Emory S. Bogardus at the University of Southern California in 1920.' It has over 152,000 members across more than 700 chapters worldwide. It is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
History
In 1915, one of the earliest American collegiate sociology departments was created at the University of Southern California, under the direction of Professor Emory S. Bogardus. Wanting to support the new program with a forum for students and faculty to discuss sociological research, Bogardus created Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) on November 21, 1920 and served as its first president.
In 1921, Bogardus contacted a select group of American universities, inviting them to join Alpha Kappa Delta. Three schools created an AKD chapter: the University of Wisconsin, Northwestern University, and the University of Kansas. These three schools, along with the University of Southern California, became the United Chapters of Alpha Kappa Delta in 1924.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the leaders of Alpha Kappa Delta, namely Kimball Young, Reed Bain, and Luther L. Bernard, attempted to increase membership. This effort was tested by World War II which dropped both membership and attendance at organizational meetings. Bernard led Alpha Kappa Delta through these trying years until Andrea B. Hollingshead was elected Alpha Kappa Delta's president in 1948.
As of 2024, Alpha Kappa Delta has initiated more than 152,000 members. However, the society closed most of its active chapters in 2024, with several of the surviving chapters consolidating in 2023. Its national headquarters are located at 2507 James Street in Syracuse, New York.
The society's motto is or "To investigate humanity for the purpose of service". The society's emblem is a key that was designed by Melvin J. Vincent in 1920. Its quarterly publication is Sociological Inquiry. Chapters are only allowed at institution with two fulltime sociology professors and a graduate program in sociology.