Kappa Nu (ΚΝ) was an American college fraternity that was active from 1911 to 1961 when it merged with Phi Epsilon Pi.[1]
| ΚΝ | |
 | |
| Founded | November 12, 1911; 112 years ago (1911-11-12) University of Rochester |
|---|---|
| Type | Social |
| Former Affiliation | NIC |
| Status | Merged |
| Merge Date | October 14, 1961 |
| Successor | Phi Epsilon Pi |
| Emphasis | Jewish |
| Scope | National |
| Colors | Purple and White |
| Symbol | Star |
| Jewel | Amythest |
| Publication | Kappa Nu |
| Chapters | 27 |
| Headquarters | US |
Kappa Nu was founded at the University of Rochester on November 12, 1911. The founders were:
All six were pre-medical or medical students.[1] In 1917, five loosely connected groups (U of Rochester and others created by men who had left Rochester) held a convention in Rochester and set up Kappa Nu as a National Fraternity. By the 1918 Convention, Kappa Nu had 10 chapters. It continued to add chapters thru 1931.[2]
On October 14, 1961, Kappa Nu's 13 existing active chapters voted to merge with Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity. Of these, at three campuses where Phi Epsilon Pi already existed, those chapters declined to participate in the merger.
In 1970, Zeta Beta Tau absorbed Phi Epsilon Pi.[3]
The badge is a diamond shield displaying a monogram of the Greek letters ΚΝ arranged horizontally along one plane below which is a six pointed star and above which are קנ (Kuf Nun - the equivalent letters in Hebrew), standing for קשר נעורים Kesher Neurim ("Ties of Youth").[1]: 54 The jeweled base of the pin is surrounded by 20 pearls with an amethyst set at each of the corners. The colors were purple and white.[4][3]
As of 1920, the fraternity had a semi-annual publication called Kappa Nu.[4] the Baird's Archive notes this was called The Reporter, published three times per year.
There were 27 chapters established. The chapters of Kappa Nu were:[1][4][3]