Title: Phi Epsilon Kappa, Alpha Kappa Chapter Records, 1945-1981

ID: OGLMC1423

Primary Creator: Phi Epsilon Kappa, Alpha Kappa Chapter (1949-)

Extent: 1.25 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 08/00/2000

Subjects: University of North Dakota - Student Organizations

Languages: English

Honorary physical education society, active on the UND campus since 1949

The Phi Epsilon Kappa records are from 1945 to 1981, with the majority from the late 1960s to the early 1970s when the chapter's records were carefully maintained, largely due to the labors of member Don Eshelby. There is little from the self-titled "Seven Lean Years" which denoted the relative inactivity of the society until the mid-1950s. The records include the constitution and bylaws which predate the 1960s, the organization's ritual and initiation ceremonies, membership listings, meeting minutes, financial records, correspondence, and various newsletters. Also included are 11 photographs, small portrait-sized pictures sent to the campus chapter from alumni, and the chapter's charter plaque from April 30, 1949. The plaque was placed on a shelf adjacent to the collection.

The national Physical Education honorary society Phi Epsilon Kappa was founded in 1913 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The 25th collegiate branch of the organization was founded at the University of North Dakota in 1949 as the Alpha Kappa Chapter. This honorary society drew its prospective members from physical education majors and minors, and from local instructors and coaches at nearby schools. Members were exclusively male until the late 1970s when females in the field belonged to a separate society. It promoted activities related to physical education such as athletic events, intramurals, and conferences. The chapter supported itself throughout the school year and summer with fundraising from lifeguard duty, coat check services, and program sales at campus athletic events. The society also encouraged philanthropic services including sports clinics, local refereeing, and hospitality and coffee rooms. The Alpha Kappa chapter received national recognition in the mid-1960s for its exceptional efficiency.

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Source: University of North Dakota Athletics Department

Acquisition Method: Donation; 2000-2477

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Phi Epsilon Kappa, Alpha Kappa Chapter Records. OGLMC 1423, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in December 2014.