POur Founders

On the campus of New York University, George L. Bergen, Howard M. Jefferson, Nathan Lane Jr., and Frederic R. Leach came together to build an organization based on the principles of fostering individual welfare, promoting research in commerce, educating the public about higher ideals in business, and advancing business education at the collegiate level. It was from these “Brooklyn Four” that the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity was founded on October 5, 1904. While working during the day and attending night classes, the Brooklyn Four, eager to grow their group, extended their brotherhood to Irving L. Camp, Robert S. Douglas, Daniel V. Duff, Morris S. Rachmil, William O. Tremaine, and Hebert M. Wright. Recognizing the need to create a constitution and appoint individuals to key positions, Mr. Douglas was elected president; Mr. Jefferson, secretary; Mr. Lane, treasurer; Mr. Tremaine, vice president; and Mr. Rachmil, financial secretary. On March 20, 1905, Alpha Kappa Psi applied for a charter of incorporation in New York, with early meetings being held outdoors or in makeshift spaces, such as a carpenter’s workroom. The fraternity’s early years were marked by slow, steady growth, with the first official convention held in November 1905!