The induction ceremony, not intended to be a secret ceremony, provides a public dedication to Kappa Alpha Order and its principles. Most chapters hold this ceremony either in the chapter house or a nearby chapel and invite parents and alumni. Immediately following the ceremony, some chapters hold a mothers’ club meeting and a concurrent session for fathers to address chapter finances and new member education. An open house for invited guests, chapter members and the new inductees can follow the parent briefings.
As part of the ceremony, the new members are led into a room that has been arranged for the ceremony. At one end of the room is a long table covered with a white table cloth and the official flag or the supplemental flag of KA is stretched across the front of the table. A large vase of crimson roses on the center of the table is flanked by two tall, yellow or golden candles. The three highest officers of the chapter stand behind the table, wearing the official jewel of their office.
Number I
“This day is one of particular significance to you and to us. To you, it represents the occasion when you have voluntarily and definitely decided to dedicate your future life and service to the high principles and ideals of an organization into which you will shortly be initiated. To us it represents the acquisition of new material for our brotherhood and the reception of new brothers into our hearts. In being invited to unite with our fraternity you have received a unanimous vote of election. That you may be better informed as to the purpose and administration of Kappa Alpha, we take this opportunity to advise you of our symbols and teachings by a brief ceremony.”
Number II
“The insignia of a new member, with which we shall shortly invest you, is the outward and visible sign of your acceptance of our invitation and indicates to the public that you will subscribe to our principles and strive to be worthy of our confidence and trust. Therefore, the wearing of it imposes upon you to lead your life - both privately and publicly - in keeping with those fine ideals of character and achievement for which Kappa Alpha Order has been noted since its inception in 1865. It further admonishes you to commit no act which would reflect unfavorably in any manner upon yourself and upon the organization which has so singularly honored you.”
“You will also remember that the acceptance of this insignia signifies your agreement to comply with the regulations of our organization and to conform to the conditions lawfully laid upon you during the period of your education. It should also be noted that you should cheerfully obey and execute all directions that may be given you before and after your initiation into the Order. This emblem must be worn by you at all times until your initiation.”
Number III
“The colors of Kappa Alpha Order are crimson and old gold. Our flowers are the magnolia and the crimson rose. These things are symbolic and will later be explained to you. For the present we give you the crimson rose. Its color is emblematic of the blood shed in the defense of right and Christianity by the knights of old. It also signifies courage and fortitude - to withstand not only the onslaught of our enemies from without, but to conquer and overcome our enemies from within: false pride, jealousy, deceit and passion. It also represents a firm allegiance to the high ideals of character and purpose in Kappa Alpha Order. Last, but far from least, its beauty and fragrance are symbolic of the real affection and strong abiding friendship which characterize us as sworn brothers, striving together for one common objective and purpose, the promulgation of the philosophy of Kappa Alpha Order - a spirit which will make men better and the world a brighter place in which to work and live.”
Number I
“On behalf of the _______________ chapter of Kappa Alpha Order, I formally extend to you an invitation to join our membership and to become members awaiting initiation in our organization. You will signify your acceptance by raising your right hand and repeating after me the following obligation:”
“I do hereby accept the invitation . . . to membership in Kappa Alpha Order . . . and do solemnly swear and pledge myself to join Kappa Alpha Order . . . at such time as I may become eligible for initiation . . . in accordance with the rules and regulations . . . of Kappa Alpha and of the university (or college) . . . I do further pledge myself to exert every effort . . . through study and diligent application . . . to become eligible for initiation and always to work . . . for the interest and ideals of Kappa Alpha Order . . . So help me God.”
“As your name is called, you will step forward and be vested with your KA insignia.”
As each new member’s name is called, he steps forward for the Number II to place a new member pin on his shirt over his heart in the same manner that the official badge is worn. Each new member is then congratulated by the Number III, Number II and Number I, in that order.
Number I
“It is a pleasure for me to welcome you as the new members of the ___________ chapter of Kappa Alpha Order. I congratulate you on the wisdom of your choice and the chapter on its good judgement in your selection. I trust you will find the same joys in the fraternity that we ourselves have found. This is now your chapter and your fraternity; give them the consideration that they deserve. Except for your formal initiation, we are now your brothers. Treat us accordingly. Brothers (addressing the members of the entire chapter who are in the room during this ceremony), please give a hearty welcome to our new brothers.”
All initiated brothers clap enthusiastically and welcome the new members into the chapter.
