This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2021) |
The Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society (ΑΚΜ) is an American collegiate honor society recognizing academic excellence in all areas of study.
| Alpha Kappa Mu | |
|---|---|
| ΑΚΜ | |
 | |
| Founded | 26 November 1937 Tennessee A&I State College |
| Type | Honor society |
| Affiliation | ACHS |
| Emphasis | General scholarship |
| Scope | National |
| Colors | Royal blue and White |
| Symbol | Torch, Quill, Open book |
| Publication | AKM Newsletter |
| Chapters | 79 |
| Members | 92,000 lifetime |
| Headquarters | c/o Dr. Mollie B. Brown Executive Secretary-Treasurer Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society 324 Enterprise Drive Albany, GA 31705 |
| Website | Official website |
History edit
Alpha Kappa Mu was founded on November 26, 1937 at Tennessee A&I State College. Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society grew out of an idea conceived by Dr. George W. Gore, Jr., then Dean of Tennessee A & I State College. Representatives from five colleges which already had local scholastic honor societies on their campuses met in November 1937, to study Honorary Scholastic Societies at the invitation of Dr. Gore. The formation of "The Federation of Honor Societies" was the outgrowth of this meeting. The Executive Committee chosen for this Federation was:
- Dean James C. Evans, West Virginia State College, Chairman
- Miss Georgia L. Jenkins, Tennessee A & I State College, Secretary-Treasurer
- Dean W. T. Gibbs, North Carolina A & T College
- Dr. W. E. Farrison, Bennett College
- Dr. George W. Gore, Jr., Tennessee A & I State College
The original goal of the honor society was to promote and reward academic excellence among African-American students. Due to its roots, most Alpha Kappa Mu chapters are located at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, though some can be found at predominantly white colleges; today acceptance of new members is race-blind.[1]
A biennial convention is held during odd years, in March, at a rotating selection of universities.[1]
The Society has grown to approximately 92,000 members affiliated with 79 different chapters. Most chapters are found in the South and Midwest, and the majority are at public colleges and universities.[2]
Alpha Kappa Mu was admitted to the Association of College Honor Societies in 1952.
Eligibility edit
Juniors, seniors, and graduate students are permitted to join with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
Symbolism edit
The official colors of Alpha Kappa Mu are Royal Blue and white.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c Noted in the Alpha Kappa Mu Constitution, accessed 19 Sept 2021.
- ^ Western Michigan University's campus Western Herald newspaper ran a profile of Alpha Kappa Mu on November 21, 2016. Accessed 19 Sept 2021.