Iota Kappa Phi was founded in 1960 at the University of Indiana. Thanks to the efforts of Kenneth Klouse, Iota Kappa Phi came to the Newark College of Engineering on November 14th, 1961. The first two years were difficult for the brotherhood as we had to move three times. Finally on December 10th, 1963 we moved into the residence where we have remained to this day, 277 Martin Luther King Blvd. Our three story brownstone is easily recognizable because of the green paint, white trim and our letters decorating the facade. For decades students looking for the best parties or a chance at becoming part of a family have followed the green foot steps that lead the way from campus to our front door.
The letters of our organization stand for our official house motto which means Strength Through Brotherhood. This idea has been a founding principal in our organization since the beginning regarding all rules and codes of conduct concerning brothers. To maintain this strength we have always purposely kept our numbers small so that all brothers will have a strong bond with one another. It is also because of this that Iota Kappa Phi has long been an influential force with the Inter Fraternity and Sorority Council. In the past our brothers have taken on the responsibilities of varying executive positions on the IFSC and have proved we are a force to be reckoned with.
Being a brother of Iota Kappa Phi does not stop when a brother graduates or transfers to another school. We are an active organization that holds several entire brotherhood events each year such as Dinner Dance, Canoe Trip, Thanksgiving Dinner, Work Weekends, and Christmas Party. When it comes to the day to day running of the house, alumni are equal to active brothers because they are allowed to vote on any decision. Our alumni do not give up any of the rights and privileges they have earned.
Our house is guarded by our two house dogs: Bear and Yager. Bear is a Golden Retriever who has been a brother since the summer of 1997. Yager is a German Sheppard Pitt mix who one day hopes to replace Bear as top dog of the house. Our house dogs are at every house event and party, including Canoe Trip where they accompany us down the river on our canoes.
Iota Kappa Phi is a local fraternity which means that we are the only Iota Kappa Phi in the country. To be a brother means to be part of a close knit family. It also means that the rules and codes of conduct are subject to the discretion of the brothers and no one else. We have long prided ourselves on our independence and our ability to survive for over forty years in the face of all opposition.
Our Brotherhood in front of Eberhardt Hall in 1964
Perhaps this write up from the 1964 yearbook will help explain all this better:
IOTA KAPPA PHI
"A relative newcomer to N.C.E.’s fraternal community, Iota Kappa Phi has made some enormous strides since its beginning in December, 1961. Having as their first fraternity house, a brick faced storefront, the brothers have since moved to an eleven room building directly across from Eberhardt Hall, but were forced to relinquish it in order to make room for the College expansion program. Their present location is a thirteen-room brick structure in what may soon be known as fraternity row.
In April, 1963, Iota Kappa Phi received the honor of becoming a voting member of the I.F.C. The brothers have enthusiastically engaged in numerous interfraternity activities, among which are I.F.C. football, softball, Greek Week competitions and an ugly man contest. The establishment and growth of a new fraternity has come about as the result of hard work, determined spirit, and a genuine belief in the principles of fraternity, Iota Kappa Phi stands today looking toward a bright future, for if spirit and desire can produce such amazing growth, who can say what the future holds."
