Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. is the largest professional pharmaceutical fraternity in the world. It was founded on May 30, 1879, at the Russell Military Academy in New Haven, Connecticut, as the Society of Kappa Psi. Initially, it was a literary Greek-letter society that later evolved into a joint medical-pharmaceutical fraternity until 1924[1][2][3].

History

The fraternity began as a prep school organization but later expanded into colleges. The first collegiate chapter, Delta, was established at the University of Maryland in 1898, followed by the Gamma Chapter at Columbia University's College of Pharmacy the same year[2][3]. Kappa Psi operated jointly as both a medical and pharmaceutical fraternity until 1924, when it split into two distinct groups: Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity and Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity[2][3]. Theta Kappa Psi, the medical group, later merged with Phi Beta Pi in 1961 but dissolved this union in 1992[2].

Kappa Psi was incorporated as a national fraternity on June 15, 1903, and welcomed women into its ranks in 1977[3][5]. Today, the fraternity comprises 103 collegiate and 72 graduate chapters across the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas[2].

Structure and Activities

Kappa Psi emphasizes fellowship, industry, sobriety, and high ideals as its core values[5]. Members are involved in various service projects and academic activities that foster a spirit of professionalism within the pharmacy profession. The fraternity encourages members to be active in student organizations, community service, and professional development[1][5].

Symbols

The fraternity's colors are scarlet and cadet gray, and its flower is the red carnation. Its official publication is The Mask[2][3].

Membership and Impact

With more than 6,000 student members and over 87,000 alumni members, Kappa Psi plays a significant role in the professional lives of pharmacists and pharmacy students across the United States and internationally[2][5]. Many prominent figures in pharmacy are members of Kappa Psi, contributing to the profession's advancement and service[1][5].