Alpha Gamma Kappa

Alpha Gamma Kappa, AΓK, or more commonly "AGK" was founded in 1939 at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. The Fraternity exists as the oldest and largest professional fraternal organization for students and practitioners of podiatric medicine in the United States and Canada.

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The Alpha Gamma Kappa Mission Statement

Mission

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."

History

Alpha 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.

Government

The 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

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 White Pearl

The official jewel of AGK is the white pearl. It is often used to adorn AGK badges.

• Asclepius

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

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 Badge

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

The pledge pin is a triangle of cardinal with the winged foot of Mercury of white in the center.

• The Fraternity Flag

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.

Awards

The 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

• Alpha: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University
• Beta: Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
• Gamma: California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College
• Delta: Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine