Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity

Phi Kappa Psi, commonly known as Phi Psi, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization and a collegiate social fraternity. Founded on February 19, 1852, at Jefferson College (now part of Washington & Jefferson College) in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, it has become one of the largest and most prominent fraternities in the United States.

Founding

Phi Kappa Psi was established by William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore, who nursed their classmates during a typhoid fever epidemic. This experience led them to found a fraternity based on "the great joy of serving others" to promote friendship, honor, and service to mankind. The Greek letters ΦΚΨ represent the phrase "Friend's Association of Honor" in Greek.

Mission and Philanthropy

The fraternity is guided by its motto: "Conjugati Amicitia, Vindicate Honore, Et Ducti Vero, Vivimus et Vigemus," which translates to "United by friendship, Sustained by honor, And led by truth, We live and we flourish." Phi Kappa Psi focuses on addressing poverty as its primary philanthropic effort and encourages its members to achieve academic excellence and leadership through service.

Structure and Governance

The supreme governing body of Phi Kappa Psi is the Grand Arch Council (GAC), which meets biennially. The council manages the fraternity's policies and promotes adherence to its values. The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation, established in 1914, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and grants for its members.

Chapters and Membership

As of recent years, Phi Kappa Psi has over 90 active chapters at accredited colleges and universities across the United States and has initiated more than 179,000 members since its founding. The fraternity has a strong network of active and lifetime members, currently numbering over 5,500 active members and more than 143,000 lifetime members.

History and Impact

Throughout its history, Phi Kappa Psi has played a significant role in shaping the lives of its members through leadership development, academic support, and community service. The fraternity forms part of the "Jefferson Duo" along with Phi Gamma Delta, both founded at Jefferson College. Despite facing challenges, including episodes of misconduct at local chapters, Phi Kappa Psi remains committed to its founding principles of friendship, honor, and service.

Notable Initiatives

• The Order of the S.C.: Established in 1920, this "fraternity within a fraternity" recognizes loyal alumni who contribute significantly to Phi Kappa Psi.
• Anti-Hazing Policies: Historically, Phi Kappa Psi was one of the first fraternities to oppose hazing, adopting a resolution against it in 1894.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many fraternities, Phi Kappa Psi has faced incidents of misconduct, including hazing and other forms of abuse, despite national policies aimed at preventing these behaviors. These occurrences have led to the suspension or closure of local chapters in some cases.