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Alpha Gamma Kappa
Additional recommended knowledge
The Alpha Gamma Kappa Mission StatementMission 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."
HistoryAlpha Gamma Kappa (AGK) was founded in 1939 by eight students at the Illinois College of Chiropody and Orthopaedics, now the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. The organization began as a social organization for podiatry students, but later developed into a professional organization promoting education, community service, and leadership. Chapters were later chartered at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, the California School of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, California and the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami, Florida. Today, four active chapters exist. All endeavor to promote podiatric medical education at their respective podiatric medical colleges through such activities as guest lectures, free foot clinics for the underprivileged, and scholarships for students. GovernmentThe Fraternity functions as a confederation with chapters being loosely affiliated to one another. There are no national officers or convention. Individual chapters are subordinate to the respective podiatric medical student association at their college or school. There are six officers for each chapter: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Pledgemaster. There is a Ritual of Initiation that was written by the Alpha Chapter in 1939, and is used by most chapters, however, all other chapter traditions and customs vary from chapter to chapter. The Badge of the fraternity consists of a black onyx diamond, trimmed in gold, and embossed with the greek letters "ΑΓΚ" and a skull and crossbones in gold. On the back of the Badge is the motto of the Fraternity, "Pedis Studium." AGK has long been considered the oldest and most prestigious of the podiatric medical fraternities; the other major podiatric medical fraternity being Kappa Tau Epsilon established at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1965.
Symbols and Insignia
The white rose is the official flower of AGK. Its significance is explained in the pledge ceremony as: “The white rose is emblematic of purity and truth, which you shall endeavor to strive for not only as a pledge, but most especially as a member. Last, but far from least, its beauty and fragrance are symbolic of the real affection and strong abiding friendship which characterize us as sworn brothers, striving together for one common objective and purpose, the promulgation of the philosophy of Alpha Gamma Kappa - a spirit which will improve the world around us, improve the profession of podiatric medicine, and most importantly improve ourselves.” Each year chapters hold a formal in the spring, which is referred to as, “White Rose Ball.”
The official jewel of AGK is the white pearl. It is often used to adorn AGK badges.
Asclepius, the Greek demigod of medicine and healing holds a special place in AGK tradition and symbolism. The pledge manual of AGK is named, “The Asklepian.” Each year on or nearest November 7th, AGK chapters hold a celebration known as “Asclepius Day” with a festive party or event.
Mercury, the Roman God is referred to as the “Patron of AGK.” His winged sandal is a prominent symbol, which is displayed upon the coat-of-arms and the pledge pin.
The official badge of AGK is a diamond of black onyx, trimmed in gold with the greek letters “AΓK” appearing in gold and surmounting a skull and crossbones in gold. Upon the back of the badge is the open motto of AGK, "Pedis Studium."
The pledge pin is a triangle of cardinal with the winged foot of Mercury of white in the center.
The flag of AGK is rectangular in shape 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 AGK flag is used only during ritualistic ceremonies and on special occasions. AwardsThe Fraternity's highest and most prestigious award presented by a chapter is the "Pedis Studium Award." This award is presented 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 and have given themselves of the highest degree to the benefit and perpetuity of podiatric medicine.
Active Collegiate Chapters
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Alpha_Gamma_Kappa". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |