Omicron Kappa Epsilon

Omicron Kappa Epsilon was founded at Union College in Schenectady, New York. Before fraternities gained popularity, literary societies with Greek names were present at many colleges and universities. At Union College, Kappa Alpha Society, Delta Phi, and Sigma Phi evolved and organized as "secret" societies, now considered the first collegiate fraternities in the United States. By the end of 1833, these fraternities presented their constitutions to Union's president, Dr. Eliphalet Nott. Nott authorized the fraternities for membership by juniors and seniors, despite opposition from some students and faculty members. In 1858, the Fraternal Society decided to affiliate with a national fraternity and searched for a like-minded group not already located at Union College. In early 1859, sixteen members of the society and a tutor signed a petition to establish a chapter of Alpha Delta Phi at Union. Richard Salter Storrs, president of Alpha Delta Phi, issued a charter for Union chapter on June 14, 1859. Since then, the society has continued to operate as a local social fraternity at Hope College. == Symbols ==

Omicron Kappa Epsilon's colors are blue and gold. The society's Greek letters, '''', stand for Oligoi Kai Eklektoi'' in Greek, meaning “Few and Chosen.” Its motto is "the pursuit of friendship, love and truth". Its crest is a shield topped by a yellow and blue "rope that binds the men of Fraternal" and a gold "sun that never sets on Fraternal." On the gold shield are a blue and white book of knowledge, a red lion representing strength, and a blue lion that represents courage. ==Activities==

Omicron Kappa Epsilon's activities include social events, charitable and service projects, sports, and scholarly lectures. ==Chapters==

Following is a list of Omicron Kappa Epsilon chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are in italic. ==Notable members==

• Tim Brown (Hope) - former president of Western Theological Seminary • Gerrit J. Diekema (Hope) - former United States congressman • Edward D. Dimnent (Hope) – former president of Hope College • James E. Bultman (Hope) – former president of Hope College and former president of Northwestern College second president of Kalamazoo College • Mayo A. Hadden Jr. (Hope) – World War II Ace and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral • Arend Lubbers (Hope) – former president of Grand Valley State University and former president of Central College • Jason Spaulding (Hope) - co-founder, New Holland Brewing Company • Rev. Nathaniel G. Spaulding (Union) – president of Fort Plain Seminary and Collegiate Institute and president of the Amenia Seminary • Mike Stevens (Hope) - co-founder, Founders Brewing Company • Brett VanderKamp (Hope) - co-founder, New Holland Brewing Company • Calvin A. Vander Werf (Hope) – former president of Hope College • Ame Vennema (Hope) – former president of Hope College == See also ==