Honorary and Professional Organizations

Alpha Kappa Psi has been an active organization, open to both men and women, on Drake's campus for over 50 years. Members come from all walks of life, but have a common interest: business. AKPsi is the oldest business fraternity in the nation. Started in 1904 by a group of gentlemen in Brooklyn, New York, it has grown to over 190 college chapters across the nation and around the world. In 1976, it became co-ed. The fraternity is dedicated to its members both professionally and socially. Every year events are planned that allow members to meet and mix with employees of national companies. Trips are also taken to national events located around the country. Members get what they want out of the organization because they design the programs. The group attempts to appeal to everyone's interest, so there is everything from marketing to actuarial, entrepreneurs to employees of large corporations who share their advice and observations with the group.

American Marketing Association is the principal professional association for marketers around the world. It has a student chapter at Drake as well as a professional chapter in Des Moines. Any student with an interest in marketing, regardless of major or undergraduate or graduate status, may join. The chapter hosts monthly meetings with speakers from the business community, sponsors a “day on the job” program for members and offers eligibility to attend monthly professional chapter meetings in downtown Des Moines.

Beta Alpha Psi (Βαψ) is an international honorary organization for Financial Information students and professionals. ΒΑΨ has a chapter at Drake University. Membership in the organization is by invitation only and requires a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average both overall and in accounting. The objective of ΒΑΨ is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance, and information systems, providing opportunities for self-development, service, and association among members and practicing professionals, and encouraging a sense Of Ethical Social And Public Responsibility.

Drake Actuarial Student Society (DASS) exists to help students in their study of actuarial science. Drake’s annual Actuarial Evening, co-hosted by DASS, is the organization’s major event of the school year. The evening consists of a career fair exclusively for students interested in actuarial science, mathematics, economics, statistics, or finance. To further facilitate communication between students and prospective employers and assist students in understanding the profession, DASS brings in several speakers from well-known companies throughout the year. Students are also assisted and encouraged by the organization in their actuarial exam-taking efforts. Amidst all of their work and studying, DASS members also like to have fun at various social events held during the year.

Drake International Business Society is organized to bring together those parties interested in international commerce and cultivate this relationship through professional and social events related to international business.

Drake University Society for Human Resource Managers (SHRM) student chapter is for all students interested in learning more about managing people. Members are offered a variety of occasions throughout the school year to meet with other members, faculty, HR practitioners, and management professionals. Guest speakers are invited to discuss topics such as interviewing, resume writing, training, employment discrimination, and drug testing. The Drake chapter is supported by the national SHRM headquarters as well as the central Iowa chapter, which provide members with up-to-date information on the latest trends and resources to further promote professional development.

Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society in Economics, one of the world's largest academic honor societies, was established to recognize the achievements of economics students throughout the world. The primary objectives currently include the recognition of scholastic attainment and honoring of outstanding achievement in economics; the establishment of closer ties between students and faculty in economics within colleges and universities, and among colleges and universities; and the publication of its official journal, The American Economist. Drake University's chapter is committed to providing its members with information relating to careers in economics and current economic issues through invited speakers, group discussions and chapter meetings. Members must have completed 12 semester hours of economics courses and attained at least a 3.0 average in economics courses, as well as an overall G.P.A. of 3.0.

Pi Alpha Alpha is a national honor society for students in public administration. Election to membership is based upon scholarship and commitment to the values of the public sector and public management.

Professional Organizations in the college include Alpha Kappa Psi, Delta Sigma Pi, Gamma Iota Sigma and Sigma Iota Epsilon fraternities, Drake University Society for Human Resource Managers and the Drake Insurance Society.

[Back]