Wanting to support the new program with a forum for students and faculty to discuss sociological research,[2] Bogardus created Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) on November 21, 1920 and served as its first president.

[5] During the 1930s and 1940s, the leaders of Alpha Kappa Delta, namely Kimball Young, Reed Bain, and Luther L. Bernard, attempted to increase membership.

[7] The name Alpha Kappa Delta was chosen by Bogardus and represents the first letters of three Greek words: The society's motto is Anthropon Katamanthanein Diakonesein or "To investigate humanity for the purpose of service".

[9][1] In 1924 Gertrude A. Stephens wrote the lyrics to Alpha Kappa Delta's hymn in conjunction with Charles H. Gabriel who composed the music.

[1][6] Membership in Alpha Kappa Delta is open to juniors and seniors who are sociology majors who are in the top 35 percent of their class with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.