Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity has reappeared on the Fort Hays State University Campus.
Originally founded in 1914 at the University of California, Berkeley, AKL initiates men of good standing who have respectable grade point averages, and respectable values including their five trademark values; Judeo-Christian principles, leadership, scholarship, loyalty, and self-support. AKL has more than 40 chapters around the country with 27,000 alumni.
“Our ideal member has a GPA above a 2.8, is a member of other organizations on campus, and above all, has the desire to leave a legacy of greatness with our fraternity and the university,” said Jeremy Roberson, chapter services consultant of AKL at FHSU.
The organization has begun its recolonization with five “founding fathers.” These men include Adam Daniel, sophomore, Arriba, Colo, TJ Dozier, junior, Aurora, Neb, Bryce Nemeth, freshman, Cozad, Neb, Tyler Walters, junior, Ellis, Kan, and Curtis Renz, freshman, Hays, Kan.
“I wanted to join a fraternity to have a better sense of community, have people who I know would help me. I haven’t been in the fraternity long, but I’ve already met great people and learned so much. I’m also excited for what the future brings” says member Daniel. Each man has a different reason for joining, but ultimately the same result, a brotherhood bond and friendships to last a lifetime. Nemeth joined so he “could get not involved and enhance [his] college experience at FHSU.”
While the recolonization of any chapter can be a slow start, the members of Alpha Kappa Lambda remain hopeful while they continue to reach out to fellow Tiger men to grow their chapter. “We are getting numerous new members almost daily. I’m excited to see how AKL will grow and become a great fraternity on campus” says Nemeth. They also have several old artifacts from the last time AKL was on the FHSU campus, holding their traditions strong, and showing their individuality.
Allissa Kearn, junior and member of the Delta Zeta Sorority noted, how “exciting it is to see the Greek Life community growing at FHSU, it’s an incredible experience that more people should have the opportunity to try!”