1) THE ORIGINS OF DKE INTERNATIONAL

Delta Kappa Epsilon was founded at Yale University on June 22, 1844 by fifteen members of the class of 1846 in protest against what they saw as the injustices and limitations of the prevailing society system. The founders of DKE wanted a more fraternal community of tastes and interests; in the words of one founder, “the candidate most favored was he who combined in the most equal proportions the gentleman, the scholar, and the jolly good fellow,” criteria which have remained unchanged to this day.

2) THE ORIGINAL FOUNDING OF DKE AT AMHERST COLLEGE

October 30, 1846: Amherst Charter voted favorable upon, Yale.
November 1, 1846: Amherst Charter signed and dated.
November 3, 1846: Amherst Charter submitted for faculty approval.
November 14, 1846: Louis Ledoux ’48 travels to New Haven and is initiated “in due form and with ceremony.” He becomes the first Amherst DKE. He returns to Amherst to initiate the rest of the pledges.
November 23, 1846: First meeting of DKE at Amherst held in North College.

3) FALL OF DKE AT AMHERST COLLEGE

September 23, 1983: Julian Gibbs’ “White Papers” published posthumously.
October 15, 1983: Trustees announce formation of Ad Hoc Committee to study campus life at Amherst.
January 14, 1984: Interim report released by Trustees; genetically gifted students foresee imminent demise of fraternities.
February 21, 1984: Amherst students “sit-in” to protest lack of student input regarding “the west bank of Amherst”; DKE banner makes national news.
February 25, 1984: Doomsday! Special issue of The Student officially announces the abolishment of fraternities; the cry of “Fuck the Trustees” can be heard echoing throughout the Pioneer Valley. Beginning at 9:00 p.m. the 50th Annual DKE Champagne Party marks the end of an era…