AKD was created in 1920 by Dr. E.S. Bogardus and sociology students and staff at the University of South California.  Alpha Kappa Delta is an International Sociological Honor Society.  It promotes human welfare through the association of a fellowship group interested in developing scientific knowledge that may be applied to the solution of social problems wherever they are found.  Currently, AKD has more than 250 active chapters across the country and 40,000+ members with two chapters in the Republic of China.

AKD at IUP began at IUP in 1974 under the direction of Professors Chancy Rawleigh, Al Louden, and Esko Newhill.  IUP holds an annual induction dinner in the spring to honor new members and their achievements and interests in sociology.  Past AKD members at IUP have received financial support to attend the American Sociological Association's meetings and Honors Program.  This year, members hope to work on various community and social projects in Indiana county.