Kappa Mu Epsilon CREST

The KME Crest

Since the first serious group of students of mathematics to be organized into a fraternity was the Society of Pythagoras, it was decided that the emblems of Kappa Mu Epsilon would be those of the Pythagoreans as nearly as possible. Emblems chosen for the new fraternity were the five-pointed star and the pentagon. Since r = a sin 5 theta (a five-leafed rose) fits into the pentagon, the wild rose which usually has five petals was chosen as the fraternity flower. The pink of the wild rose and the silver of the star were chosen for the colors.
In making the crest, it seemed advisable that the sciences using mathematics should be recognized, so five symbols were selected for these and placed around the star on the shield.

Above the shield is a streamer with the name of this organization: Kappa Mu Epsilon. Atop that streamer is the design of the badge of the society. The badge, which is also the pin given to members, is a pentagon with the sides slightly concave. In the upper half is the five-leaf rose and in the lower half are the Greek letters Kappa Mu Epsilon.

Below the shield is a streamer upon which is printed in Greek the Kappa Mu Epsilon motto. The motto, translated into English, is "Develop an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics." The objective of the organization since its inception has been the fulfillment of this motto.

Symbols on the Shield
Around the star are symbols indicative of the many areas using and influencing mathematics. At the upper right is a butterfly, for the life sciences; at the lower right is a moon with three stars, for the physical sciences; at the bottom is the symbol "S angle n," for business and economics; at the lower left is a shamrock beneath a slide rule, for engineering; at the upper left is the book of knowledge for the many other areas that rely on recorded mathematical truths.

Webpage designed and created 9/22/96 by John Callaway of the KME Alpha Chapter of Oklahoma at Northeastern State University.
Currently maintained by Dr. Joan E. Bell. Last update: 5/4/12

E-Mail comments to: bellj@cherokee.nsuok.edu