ABOUT US
Building tomorrow's leaders through serving our communities today
Circle K International (CKI) is a service, leadership development, and friendship organization, sponsored by a Kiwanis club on a college or university campus. It is a self-governing organization and elects its own officers, conducts its own meetings, determines its own service activities, and establishes its own dues structure.
​
CKI is the largest service organization of its kind, with thousands of members in hundreds of clubs on campuses worldwide. It offers numerous opportunities for service learning and character education programming.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
OUR TENETS
SERVICE
Service is the heart of CKI. Collectively, CKI members volunteer more than one million hours on their campuses and in their communities annually. Without service, CKI would be just another campus activity. Through service, college and university students are making the world a better place.
Distinguished Club President: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Freya Zhang (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Ashley Westover (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Vice President: Nanxi Huang (Western CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Secretary: Adrian Lo (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Vannasack Phonesavanh (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Mushtari N. Mohammad (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
New Member Award: Eileen Kim (McMaster University CKI)
​
Single Service Award: University of Ottawa CKI
This year's award goes to University of Ottawa CKI, who fundraised money and collected feminine hygiene products to put into donated purses to give to women’s shelters in need of such items.
​
Outstanding District Committee Chair: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
Most Service Hours: University of Toronto CKI
Membership Development: Western CKI
This year's award goes to Western CKI, with a 75% increase.
​
Outstanding Monthly Reporting: University of Ottawa CKI
Largest Convention Delegation: McMaster University CKI
Dues Derby Award: University of Guelph CKI
WASH Project Award of Excellence: University of Guelph CKI
Val Wilkins Award: Christina Moica (Western CKI)
​
Society of Distinguished Collegians: Jordan Dunlop (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Freya Zhang (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Ashley Westover (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Vice President: Nanxi Huang (Western CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Secretary: Adrian Lo (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Vannasack Phonesavanh (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Mushtari N. Mohammad (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
New Member Award: Eileen Kim (McMaster University CKI)
​
Single Service Award: University of Ottawa CKI
This year's award goes to University of Ottawa CKI, who fundraised money and collected feminine hygiene products to put into donated purses to give to women’s shelters in need of such items.
​
Outstanding District Committee Chair: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
Most Service Hours: University of Toronto CKI
Membership Development: Western CKI
This year's award goes to Western CKI, with a 75% increase.
​
Outstanding Monthly Reporting: University of Ottawa CKI
Largest Convention Delegation: McMaster University CKI
Dues Derby Award: University of Guelph CKI
WASH Project Award of Excellence: University of Guelph CKI
Val Wilkins Award: Christina Moica (Western CKI)
​
Society of Distinguished Collegians: Jordan Dunlop (Western CKI)
Learning the importance of volunteerism and altruism
Discovering and developing leadership talents and skills that will be used in future career and professional positions
Applying concepts learned in the classroom to everyday situations when planning a project or organizing an event
Networking with professionals in similar fields of interest through interaction with members of the sponsoring Kiwanis club
Developing friendships that last because members spend time with others who have similar values and ideals
Applying to receive scholarships for future educational costs
Gaining professional training in areas such as membership recruitment, leadership skills, public relations, and organization through attendance at conventions and conferences
Participating in district and International conventions and leadership development conferences
For more information, reach out to brockcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
For more information, reach out to uofghcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
For more information, reach out to uoftcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto
Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram
For more information, reach out to uwindsor.cki@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Windsor
Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Website
For more information, reach out to western.cki@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London
Developing college and university students into a global network of responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to service.
Stay tuned for an update!
Need some ideas? Visit the Project Directory!
In 1936, Jay N. Emerson, a member of the Pullman Washington Kiwanis Club, presented a plan to his club proposing that the Pullman Kiwanis Club purchase a house that could be rented to young men in need of assistance to attend the local college. The plan became a reality as the Kiwanians established the "Circle K House" at Washington State College.
For 10 years, the "Circle K House" became affiliated with a Greek letter organization (Kappa Iota Phi), although it continued to be sponsored by the Pullman Kiwanis Club.
Eleven years later in 1947, Donald T. Forsythe, Trustee of Kiwanis International, aided in transitioning Circle K from a fraternity to a service-oriented organization.
That year, during September, the first Circle K club similar to our present-day organization, was chartered at Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois. (The college moved to its present-day location of Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1962.)
To be the leading global community-service organization on college and university campuses that enriches the world one member, one child, and one community at a time.
Stay tuned for an update!
The International Committees are currently working on developing the following service areas, to allow for greater flexibility for clubs:
Mental Health
Environmental Justice
Childhood Development
Food Insecurity + Homelessness
More information coming soon!
Join Circle K members from across the district (and maybe even internationally!) this fall for our annual Fall Leadership Conference! Learn more about the organization, bond with fellow leaders, and discover more about yourself during the retreat!
More information about FLC 2020 coming soon...
For 2 years, the Carthage College Circle K Club existed alone. But on March 26, 1949, the University of Western Ontario became the second Circle K Club to charter – making CKI an international organization!
Carthage College and the University of Western Ontario were soon joined by the Louisiana Polytechnic Institute on May 13, 1949. Circle K gained momentum and grew rapidly throughout the United States; sixteen more clubs chartered in 1950.
I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of humanity's potential.
With the formation of Circle K clubs, Kiwanis International established a Special Committee on Circle K Clubs in 1952. Andy Hodges of Carthage, Illinois, was appointed chairman of the committee.
To emphasize the advantages of the democratic way of life.
To provide the opportunity for leadership training in service.
To serve on the campus and in the community.
To cooperate with the administrative officers of the educational institutions of which the clubs are a part.
To encourage participation in group activities.
To promote good fellowship and high scholarship.
To develop aggressive citizenship and the spirit of service for improvement of all human relationships.
To afford useful training in the social graces and personality development.
To encourage and promote the following ideals:
To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and the application of high social, business and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship.
To provide through CKI clubs a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism that makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and goodwill.
Each year, the Eastern Canada District gathers to celebrate a year of service, prepare for the upcoming year, and elect the new board while establishing new friendships and connections.
More information about DCON 2020 coming soon...
CKI is excited to continue its five-year signature project, in partnership with UNICEF, called WASH. WASH is the collective term for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. WASH aims to provide education, awareness, and funding to supply clean drinking water and sanitation education to schools and children in underdeveloped regions.
Live to Serve, Love to Serve
25 Circle K members, representing 15 clubs, along with several Kiwanis International Board members met at the 1953 Kiwanis International Convention from June 22-24, 1953. At the end of the meeting, Kenneth B. Creasy from Ohio Wesleyan University emerged as the first President of Circle K.
Spark! is a four-day leadership experience designed to help ignite CKI members' leadership potential, with an emphasis on developing future leaders. There will only be a limited number of students selected to participate and we are currently accepting nominations. Anyone may nominate a CKI member. Ideal participants are individuals who are interested in developing their leadership skills, show strong potential for future impact in CKI, and are starting to think about what their next steps are to achieve their goals. Ideal participants are also those who have not yet had major leadership roles within CKI (at the district or international levels). Please note, Spark! is not an officer training conference and is not designed to prepare an individual for any specific officer role.
International convention is the biggest event of the CKI year! Traditionally held in mid-June or early July, international convention is a time for members from all over the world to gather and discuss the business of the organization. Members elect the President, Vice President, and Trustees. Members also vote on amendments to the Bylaws of the organization. Of course, it's not all business. International convention is a time to meet members from around the world and exchange ideas, form lasting friendships and make wonderful memories!
First annual convention was held October 17-19, 1954, at Carthage College. 114 members, representing 35 Circle K Clubs, attended the convention.
After the elections, Eugene C. Alford, Jr., from Georgia Institute of Technology, was elected the second President of Circle K.
CKI Constitution and Bylaws adopted.
The Board of Trustees of Kiwanis International voted to grant official international recognition to Circle K, October 23, 1955 – Circle K International was finally a reality.
As Circle K International began to award charters to individual clubs, plans to form Circle K Districts began. By the summer of 1956 there were 4 unofficial Circle K Districts: California-Nevada-Hawaii, Michigan, Texas-Oklahoma, and Missouri-Arkansas.
The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees accepted a proposal to allow the establishment of Circle K Districts on February 22, 1957.
The very first Circle K District to be officially recognized was the Texas-Oklahoma District.
The second Circle K District was Kentucky-Tennessee which was closely followed by Michigan. Four more Districts were added in the 1957-58 administrative year: Missouri-Arkansas, California-Nevada-Hawaii, Ohio, and Alabama.
With six Clubs, the Ontario-Quebec-Maritimes Circle K District became an official District.
The six Clubs were University of Western Ontario, Ryerson Institute of Technology, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Waterloo College, Carleton University, and Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology (the precursor to Algonquin College).
The First Ontario-Quebec-Maritimes Circle K District Convention was held in the Spring of 1959. Michael B. Martin, of the University of Western Ontario was elected the First Governor of the new District.
By 1964, Circle K had become the largest collegiate service organization on American and Canadian college campuses. Membership had topped 10,000 members.
Another milestone in Circle K history was also reached as Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, became home to the 500th Circle K Club to be chartered by Circle K International.
In addition to being the largest collegiate service organization, Circle K became the fastest growing collegiate service organization on the North American continent with a membership of over 12,000 in 600 clubs during the 1964-65 administrative year.
John D. Eadinger, from the University of Western Ontario Circle K Club, London, Ontario, Canada, became the first individual from our mighty District to be elected as Circle K International President.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada hosted Circle K International’s first International Convention outside of the United States.
The House of Delegates at the 1971 International Convention overwhelmingly voted to allow women to join Circle K. CKI was the first organization in the Kiwanis family to open membership to women.
The District name was changed to "Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District" to reflect our unity with the Caribbean District and to mirror our Kiwanis District's name.
​
Cathy Ann De Diana, from the Ryerson Circle K Club, became the first female District Governor a year after women were allowed into Circle K.
In 1975, Gregory Faulkner of the New York District was elected to the position of International President, serving as the first African-American to hold this office.
The first club to be officially chartered outside of the United States and Canada was the College of the Bahamas on April 25, 1977.
A fourth nation joined Circle K International on October 27, 1977, when Mico College of Jamaica was chartered.
Circle K International extended into a fifth nation with the chartering of a Circle K Club at the University of Suriname, Suriname, which became part of the Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District of Circle K International.
During the 1977-1978 service year, the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District was chosen as an outstanding district owing to the significant increase of membership from 108 to 345 students.
In 1984, Susan E. McClernon of the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota was elected the first female president of Circle K International.
Recognition of outstanding leadership and service is a cornerstone of Circle K International operation. 1988-89 introduced the first Circle K International "honor society," the Society of Distinguished Collegians.
The Society of Distinguished Collegians was established to recognize no more than 2% of each district's membership who qualify based on their academic achievements and contributions as a members of Circle K.
CKI establishes a unified service focus for clubs.
Members of CKI surpass the USD $420,000 mark in the effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.
CKI announces its international fundraiser, Saving Lives: The Six Cents Initiative, which pays for clean water for children who need it most.
LEADERSHIP
The potential of CKI lies in its ability to positively influence members of society who are facing ultimate personal decisions and those who will one day create the vision of humanity for generations to come. Leadership opportunities afford CKI members the resources and tools needed to become active citizens. CKI members can assume leadership responsibilities at all levels of the organization and through various experiential training conferences.
Distinguished Club President: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Freya Zhang (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Ashley Westover (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Vice President: Nanxi Huang (Western CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Secretary: Adrian Lo (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Vannasack Phonesavanh (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Mushtari N. Mohammad (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
New Member Award: Eileen Kim (McMaster University CKI)
​
Single Service Award: University of Ottawa CKI
This year's award goes to University of Ottawa CKI, who fundraised money and collected feminine hygiene products to put into donated purses to give to women’s shelters in need of such items.
​
Outstanding District Committee Chair: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
Most Service Hours: University of Toronto CKI
Membership Development: Western CKI
This year's award goes to Western CKI, with a 75% increase.
​
Outstanding Monthly Reporting: University of Ottawa CKI
Largest Convention Delegation: McMaster University CKI
Dues Derby Award: University of Guelph CKI
WASH Project Award of Excellence: University of Guelph CKI
Val Wilkins Award: Christina Moica (Western CKI)
​
Society of Distinguished Collegians: Jordan Dunlop (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Freya Zhang (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Ashley Westover (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Vice President: Nanxi Huang (Western CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Secretary: Adrian Lo (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Vannasack Phonesavanh (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Mushtari N. Mohammad (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
New Member Award: Eileen Kim (McMaster University CKI)
​
Single Service Award: University of Ottawa CKI
This year's award goes to University of Ottawa CKI, who fundraised money and collected feminine hygiene products to put into donated purses to give to women’s shelters in need of such items.
​
Outstanding District Committee Chair: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
Most Service Hours: University of Toronto CKI
Membership Development: Western CKI
This year's award goes to Western CKI, with a 75% increase.
​
Outstanding Monthly Reporting: University of Ottawa CKI
Largest Convention Delegation: McMaster University CKI
Dues Derby Award: University of Guelph CKI
WASH Project Award of Excellence: University of Guelph CKI
Val Wilkins Award: Christina Moica (Western CKI)
​
Society of Distinguished Collegians: Jordan Dunlop (Western CKI)
Learning the importance of volunteerism and altruism
Discovering and developing leadership talents and skills that will be used in future career and professional positions
Applying concepts learned in the classroom to everyday situations when planning a project or organizing an event
Networking with professionals in similar fields of interest through interaction with members of the sponsoring Kiwanis club
Developing friendships that last because members spend time with others who have similar values and ideals
Applying to receive scholarships for future educational costs
Gaining professional training in areas such as membership recruitment, leadership skills, public relations, and organization through attendance at conventions and conferences
Participating in district and International conventions and leadership development conferences
For more information, reach out to brockcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
For more information, reach out to uofghcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
For more information, reach out to uoftcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto
Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram
For more information, reach out to uwindsor.cki@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Windsor
Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Website
For more information, reach out to western.cki@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London
Developing college and university students into a global network of responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to service.
Stay tuned for an update!
Need some ideas? Visit the Project Directory!
In 1936, Jay N. Emerson, a member of the Pullman Washington Kiwanis Club, presented a plan to his club proposing that the Pullman Kiwanis Club purchase a house that could be rented to young men in need of assistance to attend the local college. The plan became a reality as the Kiwanians established the "Circle K House" at Washington State College.
For 10 years, the "Circle K House" became affiliated with a Greek letter organization (Kappa Iota Phi), although it continued to be sponsored by the Pullman Kiwanis Club.
Eleven years later in 1947, Donald T. Forsythe, Trustee of Kiwanis International, aided in transitioning Circle K from a fraternity to a service-oriented organization.
That year, during September, the first Circle K club similar to our present-day organization, was chartered at Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois. (The college moved to its present-day location of Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1962.)
To be the leading global community-service organization on college and university campuses that enriches the world one member, one child, and one community at a time.
Stay tuned for an update!
The International Committees are currently working on developing the following service areas, to allow for greater flexibility for clubs:
Mental Health
Environmental Justice
Childhood Development
Food Insecurity + Homelessness
More information coming soon!
Join Circle K members from across the district (and maybe even internationally!) this fall for our annual Fall Leadership Conference! Learn more about the organization, bond with fellow leaders, and discover more about yourself during the retreat!
More information about FLC 2020 coming soon...
For 2 years, the Carthage College Circle K Club existed alone. But on March 26, 1949, the University of Western Ontario became the second Circle K Club to charter – making CKI an international organization!
Carthage College and the University of Western Ontario were soon joined by the Louisiana Polytechnic Institute on May 13, 1949. Circle K gained momentum and grew rapidly throughout the United States; sixteen more clubs chartered in 1950.
I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of humanity's potential.
With the formation of Circle K clubs, Kiwanis International established a Special Committee on Circle K Clubs in 1952. Andy Hodges of Carthage, Illinois, was appointed chairman of the committee.
To emphasize the advantages of the democratic way of life.
To provide the opportunity for leadership training in service.
To serve on the campus and in the community.
To cooperate with the administrative officers of the educational institutions of which the clubs are a part.
To encourage participation in group activities.
To promote good fellowship and high scholarship.
To develop aggressive citizenship and the spirit of service for improvement of all human relationships.
To afford useful training in the social graces and personality development.
To encourage and promote the following ideals:
To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and the application of high social, business and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship.
To provide through CKI clubs a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism that makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and goodwill.
Each year, the Eastern Canada District gathers to celebrate a year of service, prepare for the upcoming year, and elect the new board while establishing new friendships and connections.
More information about DCON 2020 coming soon...
CKI is excited to continue its five-year signature project, in partnership with UNICEF, called WASH. WASH is the collective term for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. WASH aims to provide education, awareness, and funding to supply clean drinking water and sanitation education to schools and children in underdeveloped regions.
Live to Serve, Love to Serve
25 Circle K members, representing 15 clubs, along with several Kiwanis International Board members met at the 1953 Kiwanis International Convention from June 22-24, 1953. At the end of the meeting, Kenneth B. Creasy from Ohio Wesleyan University emerged as the first President of Circle K.
Spark! is a four-day leadership experience designed to help ignite CKI members' leadership potential, with an emphasis on developing future leaders. There will only be a limited number of students selected to participate and we are currently accepting nominations. Anyone may nominate a CKI member. Ideal participants are individuals who are interested in developing their leadership skills, show strong potential for future impact in CKI, and are starting to think about what their next steps are to achieve their goals. Ideal participants are also those who have not yet had major leadership roles within CKI (at the district or international levels). Please note, Spark! is not an officer training conference and is not designed to prepare an individual for any specific officer role.
International convention is the biggest event of the CKI year! Traditionally held in mid-June or early July, international convention is a time for members from all over the world to gather and discuss the business of the organization. Members elect the President, Vice President, and Trustees. Members also vote on amendments to the Bylaws of the organization. Of course, it's not all business. International convention is a time to meet members from around the world and exchange ideas, form lasting friendships and make wonderful memories!
First annual convention was held October 17-19, 1954, at Carthage College. 114 members, representing 35 Circle K Clubs, attended the convention.
After the elections, Eugene C. Alford, Jr., from Georgia Institute of Technology, was elected the second President of Circle K.
CKI Constitution and Bylaws adopted.
The Board of Trustees of Kiwanis International voted to grant official international recognition to Circle K, October 23, 1955 – Circle K International was finally a reality.
As Circle K International began to award charters to individual clubs, plans to form Circle K Districts began. By the summer of 1956 there were 4 unofficial Circle K Districts: California-Nevada-Hawaii, Michigan, Texas-Oklahoma, and Missouri-Arkansas.
The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees accepted a proposal to allow the establishment of Circle K Districts on February 22, 1957.
The very first Circle K District to be officially recognized was the Texas-Oklahoma District.
The second Circle K District was Kentucky-Tennessee which was closely followed by Michigan. Four more Districts were added in the 1957-58 administrative year: Missouri-Arkansas, California-Nevada-Hawaii, Ohio, and Alabama.
With six Clubs, the Ontario-Quebec-Maritimes Circle K District became an official District.
The six Clubs were University of Western Ontario, Ryerson Institute of Technology, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Waterloo College, Carleton University, and Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology (the precursor to Algonquin College).
The First Ontario-Quebec-Maritimes Circle K District Convention was held in the Spring of 1959. Michael B. Martin, of the University of Western Ontario was elected the First Governor of the new District.
By 1964, Circle K had become the largest collegiate service organization on American and Canadian college campuses. Membership had topped 10,000 members.
Another milestone in Circle K history was also reached as Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, became home to the 500th Circle K Club to be chartered by Circle K International.
In addition to being the largest collegiate service organization, Circle K became the fastest growing collegiate service organization on the North American continent with a membership of over 12,000 in 600 clubs during the 1964-65 administrative year.
John D. Eadinger, from the University of Western Ontario Circle K Club, London, Ontario, Canada, became the first individual from our mighty District to be elected as Circle K International President.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada hosted Circle K International’s first International Convention outside of the United States.
The House of Delegates at the 1971 International Convention overwhelmingly voted to allow women to join Circle K. CKI was the first organization in the Kiwanis family to open membership to women.
The District name was changed to "Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District" to reflect our unity with the Caribbean District and to mirror our Kiwanis District's name.
​
Cathy Ann De Diana, from the Ryerson Circle K Club, became the first female District Governor a year after women were allowed into Circle K.
In 1975, Gregory Faulkner of the New York District was elected to the position of International President, serving as the first African-American to hold this office.
The first club to be officially chartered outside of the United States and Canada was the College of the Bahamas on April 25, 1977.
A fourth nation joined Circle K International on October 27, 1977, when Mico College of Jamaica was chartered.
Circle K International extended into a fifth nation with the chartering of a Circle K Club at the University of Suriname, Suriname, which became part of the Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District of Circle K International.
During the 1977-1978 service year, the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District was chosen as an outstanding district owing to the significant increase of membership from 108 to 345 students.
In 1984, Susan E. McClernon of the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota was elected the first female president of Circle K International.
Recognition of outstanding leadership and service is a cornerstone of Circle K International operation. 1988-89 introduced the first Circle K International "honor society," the Society of Distinguished Collegians.
The Society of Distinguished Collegians was established to recognize no more than 2% of each district's membership who qualify based on their academic achievements and contributions as a members of Circle K.
CKI establishes a unified service focus for clubs.
Members of CKI surpass the USD $420,000 mark in the effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.
CKI announces its international fundraiser, Saving Lives: The Six Cents Initiative, which pays for clean water for children who need it most.
FELLOWSHIP
With each element and aspect of CKI, members experience fellowship and develop lifelong relationships with fellow collegians, advisors, Kiwanians, and citizens in their communities. Through activities such as mentoring children, networking with professionals, or bowling as a group, CKI members develop social skills, meet new people, and strengthen relationships.
Distinguished Club President: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Freya Zhang (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Ashley Westover (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Vice President: Nanxi Huang (Western CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Secretary: Adrian Lo (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Vannasack Phonesavanh (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Mushtari N. Mohammad (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
New Member Award: Eileen Kim (McMaster University CKI)
​
Single Service Award: University of Ottawa CKI
This year's award goes to University of Ottawa CKI, who fundraised money and collected feminine hygiene products to put into donated purses to give to women’s shelters in need of such items.
​
Outstanding District Committee Chair: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
Most Service Hours: University of Toronto CKI
Membership Development: Western CKI
This year's award goes to Western CKI, with a 75% increase.
​
Outstanding Monthly Reporting: University of Ottawa CKI
Largest Convention Delegation: McMaster University CKI
Dues Derby Award: University of Guelph CKI
WASH Project Award of Excellence: University of Guelph CKI
Val Wilkins Award: Christina Moica (Western CKI)
​
Society of Distinguished Collegians: Jordan Dunlop (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Freya Zhang (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club President: Ashley Westover (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Vice President: Nanxi Huang (Western CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Secretary: Adrian Lo (University of Toronto CKI)
​
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Vannasack Phonesavanh (Western CKI)
Distinguished Club Treasurer: Mushtari N. Mohammad (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
New Member Award: Eileen Kim (McMaster University CKI)
​
Single Service Award: University of Ottawa CKI
This year's award goes to University of Ottawa CKI, who fundraised money and collected feminine hygiene products to put into donated purses to give to women’s shelters in need of such items.
​
Outstanding District Committee Chair: Clara Lockhart (University of Ottawa CKI)
​
Most Service Hours: University of Toronto CKI
Membership Development: Western CKI
This year's award goes to Western CKI, with a 75% increase.
​
Outstanding Monthly Reporting: University of Ottawa CKI
Largest Convention Delegation: McMaster University CKI
Dues Derby Award: University of Guelph CKI
WASH Project Award of Excellence: University of Guelph CKI
Val Wilkins Award: Christina Moica (Western CKI)
​
Society of Distinguished Collegians: Jordan Dunlop (Western CKI)
Learning the importance of volunteerism and altruism
Discovering and developing leadership talents and skills that will be used in future career and professional positions
Applying concepts learned in the classroom to everyday situations when planning a project or organizing an event
Networking with professionals in similar fields of interest through interaction with members of the sponsoring Kiwanis club
Developing friendships that last because members spend time with others who have similar values and ideals
Applying to receive scholarships for future educational costs
Gaining professional training in areas such as membership recruitment, leadership skills, public relations, and organization through attendance at conventions and conferences
Participating in district and International conventions and leadership development conferences
For more information, reach out to brockcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
For more information, reach out to uofghcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
For more information, reach out to uoftcirclek@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto
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For more information, reach out to uwindsor.cki@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Windsor
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For more information, reach out to western.cki@gmail.com!
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London
Developing college and university students into a global network of responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to service.
Stay tuned for an update!
Need some ideas? Visit the Project Directory!
In 1936, Jay N. Emerson, a member of the Pullman Washington Kiwanis Club, presented a plan to his club proposing that the Pullman Kiwanis Club purchase a house that could be rented to young men in need of assistance to attend the local college. The plan became a reality as the Kiwanians established the "Circle K House" at Washington State College.
For 10 years, the "Circle K House" became affiliated with a Greek letter organization (Kappa Iota Phi), although it continued to be sponsored by the Pullman Kiwanis Club.
Eleven years later in 1947, Donald T. Forsythe, Trustee of Kiwanis International, aided in transitioning Circle K from a fraternity to a service-oriented organization.
That year, during September, the first Circle K club similar to our present-day organization, was chartered at Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois. (The college moved to its present-day location of Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1962.)
To be the leading global community-service organization on college and university campuses that enriches the world one member, one child, and one community at a time.
Stay tuned for an update!
The International Committees are currently working on developing the following service areas, to allow for greater flexibility for clubs:
Mental Health
Environmental Justice
Childhood Development
Food Insecurity + Homelessness
More information coming soon!
Join Circle K members from across the district (and maybe even internationally!) this fall for our annual Fall Leadership Conference! Learn more about the organization, bond with fellow leaders, and discover more about yourself during the retreat!
More information about FLC 2020 coming soon...
For 2 years, the Carthage College Circle K Club existed alone. But on March 26, 1949, the University of Western Ontario became the second Circle K Club to charter – making CKI an international organization!
Carthage College and the University of Western Ontario were soon joined by the Louisiana Polytechnic Institute on May 13, 1949. Circle K gained momentum and grew rapidly throughout the United States; sixteen more clubs chartered in 1950.
I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of humanity's potential.
With the formation of Circle K clubs, Kiwanis International established a Special Committee on Circle K Clubs in 1952. Andy Hodges of Carthage, Illinois, was appointed chairman of the committee.
To emphasize the advantages of the democratic way of life.
To provide the opportunity for leadership training in service.
To serve on the campus and in the community.
To cooperate with the administrative officers of the educational institutions of which the clubs are a part.
To encourage participation in group activities.
To promote good fellowship and high scholarship.
To develop aggressive citizenship and the spirit of service for improvement of all human relationships.
To afford useful training in the social graces and personality development.
To encourage and promote the following ideals:
To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and the application of high social, business and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship.
To provide through CKI clubs a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism that makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and goodwill.
Each year, the Eastern Canada District gathers to celebrate a year of service, prepare for the upcoming year, and elect the new board while establishing new friendships and connections.
More information about DCON 2020 coming soon...
CKI is excited to continue its five-year signature project, in partnership with UNICEF, called WASH. WASH is the collective term for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. WASH aims to provide education, awareness, and funding to supply clean drinking water and sanitation education to schools and children in underdeveloped regions.
Live to Serve, Love to Serve
25 Circle K members, representing 15 clubs, along with several Kiwanis International Board members met at the 1953 Kiwanis International Convention from June 22-24, 1953. At the end of the meeting, Kenneth B. Creasy from Ohio Wesleyan University emerged as the first President of Circle K.
Spark! is a four-day leadership experience designed to help ignite CKI members' leadership potential, with an emphasis on developing future leaders. There will only be a limited number of students selected to participate and we are currently accepting nominations. Anyone may nominate a CKI member. Ideal participants are individuals who are interested in developing their leadership skills, show strong potential for future impact in CKI, and are starting to think about what their next steps are to achieve their goals. Ideal participants are also those who have not yet had major leadership roles within CKI (at the district or international levels). Please note, Spark! is not an officer training conference and is not designed to prepare an individual for any specific officer role.
International convention is the biggest event of the CKI year! Traditionally held in mid-June or early July, international convention is a time for members from all over the world to gather and discuss the business of the organization. Members elect the President, Vice President, and Trustees. Members also vote on amendments to the Bylaws of the organization. Of course, it's not all business. International convention is a time to meet members from around the world and exchange ideas, form lasting friendships and make wonderful memories!
First annual convention was held October 17-19, 1954, at Carthage College. 114 members, representing 35 Circle K Clubs, attended the convention.
After the elections, Eugene C. Alford, Jr., from Georgia Institute of Technology, was elected the second President of Circle K.
CKI Constitution and Bylaws adopted.
The Board of Trustees of Kiwanis International voted to grant official international recognition to Circle K, October 23, 1955 – Circle K International was finally a reality.
As Circle K International began to award charters to individual clubs, plans to form Circle K Districts began. By the summer of 1956 there were 4 unofficial Circle K Districts: California-Nevada-Hawaii, Michigan, Texas-Oklahoma, and Missouri-Arkansas.
The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees accepted a proposal to allow the establishment of Circle K Districts on February 22, 1957.
The very first Circle K District to be officially recognized was the Texas-Oklahoma District.
The second Circle K District was Kentucky-Tennessee which was closely followed by Michigan. Four more Districts were added in the 1957-58 administrative year: Missouri-Arkansas, California-Nevada-Hawaii, Ohio, and Alabama.
With six Clubs, the Ontario-Quebec-Maritimes Circle K District became an official District.
The six Clubs were University of Western Ontario, Ryerson Institute of Technology, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Waterloo College, Carleton University, and Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology (the precursor to Algonquin College).
The First Ontario-Quebec-Maritimes Circle K District Convention was held in the Spring of 1959. Michael B. Martin, of the University of Western Ontario was elected the First Governor of the new District.
By 1964, Circle K had become the largest collegiate service organization on American and Canadian college campuses. Membership had topped 10,000 members.
Another milestone in Circle K history was also reached as Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, became home to the 500th Circle K Club to be chartered by Circle K International.
In addition to being the largest collegiate service organization, Circle K became the fastest growing collegiate service organization on the North American continent with a membership of over 12,000 in 600 clubs during the 1964-65 administrative year.
John D. Eadinger, from the University of Western Ontario Circle K Club, London, Ontario, Canada, became the first individual from our mighty District to be elected as Circle K International President.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada hosted Circle K International’s first International Convention outside of the United States.
The House of Delegates at the 1971 International Convention overwhelmingly voted to allow women to join Circle K. CKI was the first organization in the Kiwanis family to open membership to women.
The District name was changed to "Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District" to reflect our unity with the Caribbean District and to mirror our Kiwanis District's name.
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Cathy Ann De Diana, from the Ryerson Circle K Club, became the first female District Governor a year after women were allowed into Circle K.
In 1975, Gregory Faulkner of the New York District was elected to the position of International President, serving as the first African-American to hold this office.
The first club to be officially chartered outside of the United States and Canada was the College of the Bahamas on April 25, 1977.
A fourth nation joined Circle K International on October 27, 1977, when Mico College of Jamaica was chartered.
Circle K International extended into a fifth nation with the chartering of a Circle K Club at the University of Suriname, Suriname, which became part of the Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District of Circle K International.
During the 1977-1978 service year, the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District was chosen as an outstanding district owing to the significant increase of membership from 108 to 345 students.
In 1984, Susan E. McClernon of the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota was elected the first female president of Circle K International.
Recognition of outstanding leadership and service is a cornerstone of Circle K International operation. 1988-89 introduced the first Circle K International "honor society," the Society of Distinguished Collegians.
The Society of Distinguished Collegians was established to recognize no more than 2% of each district's membership who qualify based on their academic achievements and contributions as a members of Circle K.
CKI establishes a unified service focus for clubs.
Members of CKI surpass the USD $420,000 mark in the effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.
CKI announces its international fundraiser, Saving Lives: The Six Cents Initiative, which pays for clean water for children who need it most.
WHERE WE ARE
AROUND THE WORLD
EASTERN CANADA DISTRICT
Our district is comprised of three divisions across the provinces of Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador.