What is this old collegiate plaque?

October 15, 2018 8:35 AM

This plaque was my partner's grandfather's. Can you identify it? He went to Wesleyan University in Connecticut - a bit before WW2, I think. This may be the crest of some society - maybe academic, maybe fraternity, I have no idea. Can the hivemind help identify it? Thanks!
posted by entropone to Grab Bag (4 answers total)

Best answer: Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
posted by JoeZydeco at 8:56 AM on October 15, 2018 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: thanks.

ugh.
posted by entropone at 9:34 AM on October 15, 2018 [5 favorites]

Glad to help.
posted by JoeZydeco at 10:03 AM on October 15, 2018

In the nineteen-twenties fraternities were VERY different. They were a lot more like merit organizations, like the boy scouts and worked to encourage studying and good behaviour and networking among members. This does not mean your partner's grandfather was a frat boy. That's what the frats turned into but they were originally organizations dedicated to academic excellence. By the thirties they were slipping a bit because nepotism was getting bigger, but I wouldn't gag too hard unless you find out anything negative about the gentleman.

"The Cultivation of General Literature and Social Culture, the Advancement and Encouragement of Intellectual Excellence, the Promotion of Honorable Friendship and Useful Citizenship, the Development of a Spirit of Tolerance and Respect for the Rights and Views of Others, the Maintenance of Gentlemanly Dignity, Self-Respect, and Morality in All Circumstances, and the Union of Stout Hearts and Kindred Interests to Secure to Merit its Due Reward."
posted by Jane the Brown at 11:05 AM on October 15, 2018 [3 favorites]