Founding Father of Kappa Kappa Psi
Before becoming involved in the fraternity, Dick Hurst was already a campus leader, serving as **President of the College Band** during 1922 — his class year.
Hurst held numerous leadership roles both in college and in the fraternity: - Freshman Class Secretary-Treasurer - College Band President (1922) - Drum Major (1920-1922) - National Secretary (among first National Officers) - Grand Secretary (1922-1923) This shows his widespread respect and trustworthiness.
Hurst served on the **Fraternity Pin Design and Coat of Arms Committee** alongside Clyde Haston and William H. Coppedge, helping create the fraternity's iconic visual symbol.
Like William Scroggs, Hurst played the **cornet** — a brass instrument that provides bright, clear melody in the band.
Hurst's experience as Drum Major (1920-1922) gave him conducting and leadership experience, preparing him for his roles in the fraternity's governance.
Hurst was one of the few founding fathers who came from Oklahoma's largest city, bringing urban perspective to the predominantly rural group.
Beyond his work with the College Band, Hurst was involved in: - Student Senate - Wildcat (student newspaper) - Enterprise Association - Redskin Board and Staff - Lambda Chi Alpha social fraternity - Alpha Kappa Psi professional fraternity This shows he was a truly engaged student leader.
The fact that Hurst was elected Freshman Class Secretary-Treasurer shows that even as a young student, he earned the trust of his classmates.
As National Secretary, Hurst was involved in the critical early decisions about how the fraternity would expand and communicate with new chapters.
From the time he was selected as a charter member in fall 1919 to his election as Grand Secretary in 1922-1923, Hurst rose quickly in the fraternity's ranks, showing his capability and dedication.
From the time he was selected as a charter member in fall 1919 to his election as Grand Secretary in 1922-1923, Hurst rose quickly in the fraternity's ranks, showing his capability and dedication.
Key moments in the life of Dick
9 events across 1 era
Dick Hurst represents the multi-talented, campus-engaged founding father who brought leadership skills developed across many organizations to the creation of Kappa Kappa Psi.
His work as National Secretary and later Grand Secretary made him the keeper of the fraternity's growing organizational records during the critical expansion period. His involvement in the badge design committee connected him to one of KKPsi's most enduring symbols.
Hurst's quick rise through fraternity leadership — from charter member to National Secretary to Grand Secretary in just a few years — shows how valuable his skills were to the young organization. He was one of the most active founding fathers in shaping the fraternity's early institutional structure.