Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) at West Point is a 21st century phenomenon. Established in 2001, the Sociology Program in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership inducts the newest members into the AKD International Sociological Honor Society every spring in Thayer Hall.

According to the official handbook, AKD is a democratic and international society of scholars dedicated to the ideal of three Greek words: Antropon Katamanthanein Diakonesein or “to investigate humanity for the purpose of service.” The purpose of AKD according to its constitution is “...to promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement of the human condition.” The goal and purpose of AKD is reflected in its name, Alpha Kappa Delta, which was created by Dr. Emory S. Bogardus at the University of Southern California in 1920.

Alpha Phi of New York, the West Point Chapter, strives to promote the study of social issues and serve humankind, while at the same time providing an extracurricular outlet for cadets interested in the study of sociology.

Alpha Phi of New York initiates both faculty and cadets. Following the annual initiation of cadet and faculty members, invited guest speakers present research, make speeches, or give talks in their respective areas of interest. Past speakers have included renowned sociologists in their fields of specialization. These lectures are generally open to the USMA community as well.

Professor Ender has high praises for the yearly ceremony. “Alpha Kappa Delta gives the Sociology Program at West Point an opportunity to showcase the talent of our faculty and students, while also allowing us to bring in guest speakers to lecture on topics relevant to cadets and sociology at West Point. Everyone has a wonderful time, we celebrate academic achievement, we learn something new, and we generate interest in sociology among cadets, staff and faculty outside of the department.”

Beginning the society back in 1920 at the University of Southern California while the chair of the department of sociology, Dr. Bogardus proposed to the graduate students that they form a society where the students could become acquainted with each other's research projects and where they could meet informally with the faculty and staff for suggestions and criticisms. Today, with thousands of members in over 440 chapters throughout the world, AKD is truly an international sociological honor society.

2019-2020 Inductees

Emerson Bribiesca '21
Brandi Nichelle Braggs '21
Stephanie Marie Dudgeon '21
Raven Olivia Hudspeth '21
Olivia Violet Johnson '21
Andrea Jane Karlen '20
Koi Simone Kizzie '20
Alexander Minsoo Yang '21
Claire Mie D. Yanai '21
Miranda Sophie Williams '20
Bryan M. Williams