Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
AZ
Alpha Zeta Fraternity
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
Alpha Zeta, a professional honorary fraternity in agriculture founded on November 4, 1897, at Ohio State University, established the South Dakota Chapter at South Dakota State College on February 25, 1924. Efforts to secure a charter began in 1919 when President Willis E. Johnson initiated correspondence with the national organization. During the application process, the prospective members operated as the Hopkins Club. After several attempts, the chapter was successfully chartered with 19 founding members, with support from President C. W. Pugsley and faculty affiliated with Alpha Zeta.
As part of a fraternity historically associated with land grant institutions, the South Dakota Chapter has recognized scholarship and leadership within agricultural and natural resource disciplines. The chapter has participated in campus activities and service initiatives consistent with the fraternity’s emphasis on leadership, fellowship, and professional development. Through its affiliation with the national organization, the chapter has remained part of a broader network promoting achievement in agriculture and related fields.