Alpha Delta (ΑΔ) was an American journalism honor fraternity or recognition society. It formed on December 28, 1929, at Rock Island, Illinois. It merged into Alpha Phi Gamma in 1957.
History
Alpha Delta was formed on December 28, 1929, at Rock Island, Illinois by students who were leaders within the Illinois College Press Association and the editor-in-chiefs or business managers of campus newspapers.[1] Its founders included:[2]
Robert Aykens, Illinois Wesleyan Argus
Oliver W. Connett, The Bradley Tech
Newell H. Dailey, Augustana Observer
Howard Dunker, The Bradley Tech
Edward V. Hanh, Illinois Wesleyan Argus
Floyd F. Johnston, Augustana Observer
The purpose of Alpha Delta was as a journalism recognition society for both men and women; it was also called an honorary fraternity.[2][3][4]It was chartered by the State of Illinois as a non-profit organization on February 7, 1930.[2] It was governed by a national council elected at a national convention that included two representatives of each chapter.[2][5]
The Illinois Alpha chapter at Augustana College was installed in March 1930.[6] This was followed by chapters at Bradley University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Parsons College, and Brenau University that same year.[1][2] The society grew to include nineteen chapters in nine chapters between 1930 and 1957.[2] It sponsored a national competition for college journalism excellence, presenting keys to the winners.[7][8] The chapters' activities included hosting speakers and organizing educational conferences for high school journalists.[9][10]
In the spring of 1957 (after February 21[11] and before May 10[12]), Alpha Delta merged into Alpha Phi Gamma, a larger journalism honor society.[1]
Symbols
The Alpha Delta badge was a key with concave corners, decorated with a quill, scroll, and hourglass above the Greek letters ΑΔ. Its colors were blue and silver.[2]
Membership
Membership in Alpha Delta was open to men and women.[2] Potential members were required to demonstrate proficiency in journalism by having served one year on the staff of a college newspaper or in the study of journalism.[2][3][4][13] The fraternity also initiated honorary members, including faculty.[14]
Chapters
Following is a list of Alpha Delta chapters in 1957, at the time of the merger into Alpha Phi Gamma:[1] Inactive chapters and institutions are in italics.
^ abcdAnson, Jack L.; Marchenasi, Robert F., eds. (1991). Baird's Manual of American Fraternities (20th ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Baird's Manual Foundation, Inc. p. VIII-36–37. ISBN978-0963715906.
^ abcdefghiRobson, John, ed. (1963). Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (17th ed.). Menasha, Wisconsin: The Collegiate Press, George Banta Company, Inc. pp. 745-746.
