Mu Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi National Fraternity at UMaine Presque Isle celebrates it's 55th Founders day on Saturday, January 10th

From the 1960 Anniversary Book of Kappa Delta Phi

    The first information available concerning the beginning of Mu Chapter, Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity, Aroostook State Teachers College, begins with its founding in 1952.

    Our fraternity being a professional, educational fraternity, encourages its members to achieve scholastic excellence in order that they may be qualified as capable and respected representatives of their profession.

    The sponsorship of social events represents an important phase of the fraternity's activities. These functions aid in the development of social confidence which is essential to the progress and success of the true educator.

    Mu Chapter is dedicated to upholding the ideals of Aroostook State Teachers College and manifests its loyalty through its members, who support college functions and participate in official student offices.

    The growth of Mu Chapter has increased tremendously. The year of its founding saw only 6 members. Over an eight year span the fraternity has grown to an enrollment of 83 members. This year there are 2.5 student members of which 19 are active.

    One of the most outstanding events of the year is our fraternity ball. The brothers of Mu Chapter select four queen candidates and the Queen is crowned the night of the ball during a colorful ceremony. Due to the widespread popularity of the fraternity ball, the event was held off campus and moved to the Presque Isle,  Northeastland Hotel, where there was a capacity crowd of two hundred. This event is already being looked forward to with great expectation this year.

    At commencement exercises each year we present a scholarship to one of our outstanding students of the college. One of our brothers, Albert Smith was awarded this scholarship last year. Plans are being formulated for this spring's presentation.

    After the college basketball games, Mu Chapter sponsors an informal dance and serves refreshments in which small proceeds are netted. This year the fraternity was fortunate in being able to sponsor six after-game parties.

    Some of our income is made by way of a vending machine in one of the college recreation rooms and a campus cleanup each spring.

    Since we are a professional fraternity, Mu Chapter has started this year a series of speakers on an educational level. Our first speaker was a police detective who spoke on how we as future teachers could help in the prevention of juvenile delinquency. The male student body was invited.

    The college winter carnival was held the second week in February. One of the key events was the snow sculpturing contest in which the fraternity won the award. Norman Keefe designed the entry.

    A fraternity basketball team was recently organized for the first time in its history. A temporary schedule has been set up with semi-pro competition in the near area. The team consists of 14 members under the direction of Brother Ward Ketch, who is expecting a winning season.

    March 7th was the date of the Kappa Talent Show, and was one of our newest endeavors.

    During the past year of 1961, the fraternity has achieved the position of the most outstanding and beneficial organization on campus. This fact is recognized by both the faculty and the student body. Also the fraternity attained the highest point average of any organization on campus.

    We had the largest number of representatives from out chapter in the history of the chapter

    Officers

    President - Douglas McGowan

    Vice President - Robert Blanchard

    Recording Secretary - Russell Kenney

    Corresponding Secretary - Ward Ketch

    Treasurer - Peter Brierley

    Chaplain - John Smith

    Historian - Richard Rand