Kappa Alpha Order is a national fraternity with chapters at over 120 universities across the United States. The UPenn chapter, known as the “Kappa Alpha Society,” is one of the most prestigious and selective fraternities on campus.
History and Origins
The UPenn chapter of Kappa Alpha was founded in 1854 by a group of students who wanted to create a fraternity that would be based on academic excellence, leadership, and service to the community. The fraternity’s first meeting was held in the College Hall on April 29, 1854, and its charter was granted by the national organization on May 10, 1854.
Membership
Membership in Kappa Alpha is highly competitive. The fraternity only accepts a small number of new members each year, and the selection process is based on a combination of academic achievement, leadership experience, and personal qualities such as integrity and loyalty.
To be eligible for membership, students must be enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania as full-time undergraduates. They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing. In addition, they must have demonstrated leadership potential through their involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
Chapter House
The UPenn Kappa Alpha chapter house is located at 3708 Walnut Street in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The house is a three-story brick building that was built in 1901. It has been renovated several times over the years, most recently in 2015.
The chapter house is a central gathering place for Kappa Alpha members. It is used for meetings, social events, and study sessions. The house also has a library, a dining room, and a recreation room.
Activities and Events
Kappa Alpha members are involved in a wide range of activities and events on campus. They participate in intramural sports, attend social events, and volunteer in the community. The fraternity also hosts a number of annual events, including a fall formal, a spring picnic, and a scholarship dinner.
Notable Alumni
The UPenn Kappa Alpha chapter has a long and distinguished history of producing successful alumni. Some of the fraternity’s most notable alumni include:
- William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States
- J. Edgar Hoover, the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States
- Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States
- George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States
- George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States
Legacy
The UPenn Kappa Alpha chapter is one of the most prestigious and selective fraternities on campus. The fraternity has a long and distinguished history of producing successful alumni, and it continues to be a vital part of the UPenn community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the GPA requirement for membership in Kappa Alpha?
The minimum GPA requirement for membership in Kappa Alpha is 3.0.
2. How many new members does Kappa Alpha accept each year?
Kappa Alpha only accepts a small number of new members each year. The exact number varies depending on the year, but it is typically around 20-30 students.
3. What is the selection process for Kappa Alpha?
The selection process for Kappa Alpha is based on a combination of academic achievement, leadership experience, and personal qualities such as integrity and loyalty.
4. Where is the Kappa Alpha chapter house located?
The Kappa Alpha chapter house is located at 3708 Walnut Street in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia.
5. What activities and events do Kappa Alpha members participate in?
Kappa Alpha members participate in a wide range of activities and events on campus, including intramural sports, social events, and community service. The fraternity also hosts a number of annual events, including a fall formal, a spring picnic, and a scholarship dinner.
6. What are some of the notable alumni of the UPenn Kappa Alpha chapter?
Some of the notable alumni of the UPenn Kappa Alpha chapter include William Howard Taft, J. Edgar Hoover, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
7. What is the legacy of the UPenn Kappa Alpha chapter?
The UPenn Kappa Alpha chapter is one of the most prestigious and selective fraternities on campus. The fraternity has a long and distinguished history of producing successful alumni, and it continues to be a vital part of the UPenn community.
