Kappa Kappa Psi Creed
We, the brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, believe that service to the college or university band program fosters responsibility, loyalty, and leadership; that a spirit of brotherhood is enhanced by the participation in a band program; that music is a universal language and truly the greatest of the arts; and that through fraternal participation, each member will strive for the highest.
Kappa Kappa Psi was founded on November 27th, 1919 by five band members who wanted to do more for their programs. The Delta chapter at the University of Oklahoma was founded May 21st, 1921.
In the spring of 1919, a small group of our founding fathers began considering the formation of a band fraternity at the University of Oklahoma, but the idea didn't come to fruition until the following spring. On April 19, 1921 ten men came together to petition and compose the charter for a new chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
On May 21, 1921, seven members of the Alpha Chapter came to the University of Oklahoma and installed the Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Louise Gerlach was the chapter's first sponsor. The ten founding OU bandsmen became the first brothers of the Delta Chapter.
Three Delta brothers have had the honor to serve as the National Kappa Kappa Psi President:
Ψ Scott P Squyres (1922-1926)
Ψ Oscar J. Lehrer (1929-1932)
Ψ William R. Wehrend (1937-1939)
Bouga came to be the Delta chapter's mascot in 1996 when our brothers William Davis and Gene Leiterman were camping at Lake Thunderbird. They came across a three foot long stick that was deemed Bouga. Later, when back at Lake Thunderbird, a new seven foot stick was found and became the new mascot of the Delta chapter. This stick opened chapters and was kept safe by our Sergeant at Arms & Parliamentarian until it fell apart seventeen years later.
In 2023, we commissioned a new Bouga to be made highlighting symbols and figures of our history and traditions. Bohumil Makovsky, the founder of KKΨ, is guiding our way at the top of Bouga along with our crest, our letters are on the side, and our motto "AEA" is inscribed on the bottom. Bouga continues to serve as tradition as our chapter's mascot and bring Delta joy.
Δ J. Lee Burke Award:
Ψ Tyson Misak, 2011
Ψ Graham Delafield, 2016
Ψ Hannah Cheeseman, 2019
Ψ Brooklynn Briles, 2024
Ψ Hunter Olden, 2025
Δ D.O. Wiley:
Ψ 2013, 2014, 2015, 2024
Notable Honorary Brothers of the Delta Chapter:
Ψ John Philip Sousa
Ψ Karl King
Ψ Frank Simon
Ψ Herbert L. Clarke
Ψ Harold Bachman
Ψ William D. Revelli
The Delta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, founded on April 28, 1946, is our sister chapter and works to continuously serve our university and band programs with the brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi. Founders of TBΣ removed the "Beta" designation of the chapter, so the KKΨ and TBΣ chapters could be known as "twin" chapters at the University of Oklahoma. Together, the Delta chapters of our Greek organizations serve our college and band program through combined pep gigs, fundraisers, and other bonding activities.