History of Chi Psi

Today, Chi Psi Fraternity is present at thirty-two of America's finest and most respected institutions of higher learning. Sometimes the number has been higher, sometimes lower, but Chi Psi has prevailed to the present day through its innovative and unique outlook. While some fraternal organizations see themselves as not much more than a club or meeting place for their members, Chi Psi has taken the idea of 'Brothers' to heart and to the fullest extent of its capabilities. It is with this spirit that today we look back at our Alphas and our past with extreme pride, and await the future and the exciting change and advancement it will bring.

The twentieth of May, 1841 is marked as the date that Chi Psi Fraternity was founded upon the soil of Union College in Schenectady, New York. The eighth fraternity founded in the United States and the fifth at Union itself, Chi Psi was unique, being the first fraternity to be founded upon principles of brotherhood and as a social fraternity. Through this and many other innovations, it has been marked as one of the pioneering fraternities in the United States. It is this spirit of innovation that has allowed the Brotherhood and Fraternity itself to remain to the present day, and to create its unique perspective on the world of higher education and Greek societies.

Be it the first fraternity house, or 'Lodge', built in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Brothers of Alpha Epsilon in 1846, or an extensive scholarship and fellowship program run by the first fraternal educational foundation founded in 1926, Chi Psi has been the leader in bringing innovations like these to its Brothers. It is in this way that the undergraduates of today will become the alumni leaders of tomorrow, and continue upon the path of creation and improvement that was started over 160 years ago.

Other firsts included the first full-time Alpha Visitor, or traveling leadership consultant, and an educational program that supplements the formal curriculum of colleges and universities. This program, the Chi Psi Education Initiative, helps our Brothers understand and recognize the challenges they will face in the near future, and how to advance their lives intellectually, morally, and socially. With a system of engaging and informative programs such as The Oliver and Marie Rowe Program for Leadership Development (Rowe PLD), or the Alpha Management Retreat (AMR), Chi Psi plays a role in every part of our undergraduate's college experience, ensuring that the undergraduates reach the highest level of accomplishment and success. Chi Psi recognizes that the bond of Brotherhood is eternal, and does not end after one takes up their cap and gown for graduation. We are Brothers for life.

Alumni play an important role within the structure of the Fraternity. Be it working at the Central Office, taking a position on a local alumni corporation, the Executive Council, The Chi Psi Educational Trust, or by attending one of the many alumni events around the nation. A number of alumni associations exist around the country, giving alumni the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones in their communities. Alumni also take an active part in the Fraternity's Annual Convention, where their ideas and concerns for the Fraternity are heard as loudly and as often as the undergraduates.

© Copyright 2005 James McCliggott '99. All rights reserved.
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