History

During a time when business was still looked at with skepticism as a subject of professional study, in 1900, New York University announced that it would be offering evening classes in commerce, accounting, and finance. In order to increase student loyalty and combat doubt, four men developed a vision for unity as they crossed the Brooklyn Bridge each evening after class. These men became known as the "Brooklyn Four." They developed a plan of action for this vision, and it soon manifested itself and grew to become the nation's first professional business fraternity, which was founded at a meeting held on October 5, 1904.

On March 20, 1905, a formal application was submitted to the State of New York for the incorporation of Alpha Kappa Psi. The charter was drawn, and it was signed by the ten Founding Fathers: George L. Bergen, Irving L. Camp, Robert S. Douglas, Daniel V. Duff, Howard M. Jefferson, Nathan Lane, Jr., Frederic R. Leach, Morris S. Rachmil, William O. Tremaine, and Herbert M. Wright.

The charter was approved and Alpha Kappa Psi was officially incorporated two months later on May 20, 1905. Women were allowed into the fraternity in 1976, increasing its membership. Alpha Kappa Psi now has over 260 College Chapters, more than 90 Alumni Chapters, and greater than 175,000 members. Alpha Kappa Psi is one of largest college fraternities in America.  

The Rho Upsilon Chapter, at Missouri Western, was officially installed in the fall of 2000.  It rapidly grew to an average of about 30 members a semester.  In 2003 and 2004, we were named "Most Outstanding Departmental Organization of the Year," by the Student Government Association.  There is more history to be made in the coming years!