The fraternity began with fifteen friends at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California who wanted to create a club for Hispanic students at the predominantly Anglo campus.[5][2] Initially, the group called itself "Naco", after Spanish slang for a person who gets along well with everyone.[5] This became Nu Alpha Kappa on February 26, 1988.[4] The fraternity was established based on a commitment to "Carnalismo" or brotherhood, the search for knowledge, and the retention and pride of culture.[2]
Eleven of the original organizing friends became the fraternity's founders, including:[3]
Antonio Arreola
Marin Arreola
Nicolas Arreola
Ernesto Garcia
Moises Herrera
Jesse Martinez
Hector Mendoza
Joel Romero
Alberto Salazar
Antonio Valenzuela
Ramiro Ramos
Symbols
The name ΝΑΚ was selected to represent the "nac" sound in Xinaco.[3]Xinaco (CHI-Na-Kos), a
Nahuatl word used by the
Olmecs, describes "an educated, amiable individual whose personality and charisma transcends and enlightens all cultures and social".[3]
The fraternity's colors are red, white, and bronze.[3][6] Its mascot is XiNAKo.[3] Its motto is "Men of Mind, Men of Culture, Men of Pride."[3][6]
National philanthropy
Nu Alpha Kappa supports the
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and its Hispanic/Latino Stem Cell and Marrow Initiative in California, Colorado, and Nevada.[5][6] Its other charity is the NAKLand Children's Carnival.[6]
Alumni Association
The ΝΑΚ National Alumni Association was officially established in 2014.[7]
Chapters
Collegiate chapters
Nu Alpha Kappa has established collegiate chapters in California, Nevada, and Colorado.[1][8] Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters and institutions are in italics.