Dr. Simon |
Dr. Simon: You have been informed of the three ideals upon which Phi Delta Kappa is founded: research, service, and leadership. One of the special benefits membership in Phi Delta Kappa has to offer is the fellowship of your professional colleagues. Cultivate their friendship, share joyously in their aspirations, acknowledge their good deeds, and be ready to aid them if they stumble and fall. Offer freely the best that is in your heart and mind and you will receive nothing less in return. We trust that the ideals explained to you in this initiation ceremony will heighten your appreciation of the qualities, which should mark you as a member of Phi Delta Kappa. And now the symbolism of the crest of the fraternity will be explained to you. |
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 Gay Wiseman, Chapter President |
President Wiseman:
Delta Kappa has a crest, which has a special significance
for each one of us. The three keystones on the shield represent the three
organizations: Pi Kappa Mu of Indiana University, Phi Delta Kappa of Columbia
University, and Nu Rho Beta of the University of Missouri, which united
in 1910 to form Phi Delta Kappa. The three stars on the keystones represent
the student, the home, and the school. The book and the burning lamp, service
by the flaming torch, leadership symbolizes research by the upraised hand
and sword. Surrounding the shield are acanthus leaves, which signify learning
and growth. Such is the symbolism of the crest.
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Dr. Sandi Gardner |
Dr.
Sandi Gardner: I shall now explain the meaning
of the emblem of the fraternity. It is a triangle whose three sides represent
the student, the home, and the school. Three Greek letters find a place
on the sides of the triangle. PHI is the first letter of philanthropia (pronounced
fee-lan-thro-pee-ah), expressing our love for mankind through service to
the student. DELTA is the first letter of diakribeia (pronounced dee-ah-kree-bee-ah),
expressing the search for accurate knowledge to further our understanding
of the education process. KAPPA is the first letter of koinothropia (pronounced
koi-no-tro-phee-ah), expressing the support of a universal public school
system, open to all. The whole expression may be meaningfully translated
as "To investigate the education process scientifically in the interest
of humanity."
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