 The KEY
Over 100 years ago. eleven men founded an order based upon the principles of friendship, character, scholarship, and justice. Since its founding it has opened the doors of opportunity, tradition, and brotherhood to thousands of men. Now, these doors have been opened to you.
The earliest emblem of The Delta Chi Fraternity was designed by Founder Peter Schermerhom Johnson, using the ancient symbol of the Hand and Key. For this emblem, which represented the founding of a new fraternity at Comell University in the fall of 1890, Founder Johnson wrote a poem that contained the following lines:
"And the meaning of that emblem, as oft been told to me: Is that wisdom's rarest treasures, fill the hand that grasps the key"
"We have placed that ancient emblem on the banner that we love, Golden key of golden promise, with the open hand above. Aid our maters' strength, my brother, that our own fraternity: In the coming years yet distant, have the hand that grasps the key."
Delta Chi has now come full circle by providing you with The KEY- our total membership education program.
In the days of old, the training of the knight-errant did not stop once he obtained his knighthood. Each day presented a different challenge for him to conquer or a new quest on which to embark. So it is today that initiation in Delta Chi does not end a members education. In fact, it is only the beginning.
College life is filled with transitions and challenges. As new doors of opportunity appear, membership in Delta Chi will provide you with the keys to open them. Delta Chi wants to help you develop tangible skills; to implement a project for the betterment of the chapter; to grow as a stronger, more ethical leader; and to gain skills that will help you in your chosen area of endeavor.
Through membership in Delta Chi, you will be offered a well-rounded opportunity for personal growth through brotherhood. The KEY program is designed to provide you with a co-curricular experience throughout your undergraduate days and beyond. One of the program's primary goals is "to develop in the fraternity a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth," as evident in the program's slogan- Keep Educating Yourself. In other words, the skills you learn today will never leave, and you will always continue to build on these experiences.
Just like the knight-errant of old, you have now embarked upon a new quest. Using this guide, you will travel through The KEY, mastering different aspects of your life. These masteries will build upon each other as you move at your own pace. Each area presents its own challenges and activities. By conquering each of these areas, you will not only be taking steps toward completion of the program, you will also be growing as an individual and a leader.
Delta Chi wants to give each of its members the key to helping them develop the necessary skills for successfully managing life's many challenges and taking advantage of the many opportunities on your campus and in your surrounding community.
The goal of this program is simple: To help each member of Delta Chi grow and develop as an individual. May you "... have the hand that grasps the key."
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