Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity

Alpha Chi Rho (ΑΧΡ), commonly known as the Crows, is an American nonprofit men's collegiate fraternity. It was founded on June 4, 1895, at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, by the Reverend Paul Ziegler, his son Carl Ziegler, and their friends William H. Rouse, Herbert T. Sherriff, and Reverend William A.D. Eardeley.

History

The fraternity was established with the vision of creating a distinct Greek letter society focused on brotherhood and moral principles. Reverend Ziegler authored the first Exoteric Manual of Alpha Chi Rho, outlining the fraternity's ideals and principles, which have been revised over time to reflect the fraternity's growth and changes[2][4]. Initially, the fraternity faced skepticism from existing fraternities, but it quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the largest at Trinity College[2].

In the early 1900s, Alpha Chi Rho underwent significant organizational changes, establishing a National Council for overseeing its affairs and expansion. This period also saw notable contributions to the fraternity's rituals and landmarks by members like Henry Blakeslee and Carlton Hayes[2]. By 1909, Alpha Chi Rho had chapters at prestigious institutions such as Dickinson College, Yale University, and Cornell University[2]. The fraternity became a charter member of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 1909 and remains an active member[2].

Principles and Symbols

Alpha Chi Rho's core principles, known as the Landmarks, emphasize universal brotherhood, high moral standards, brotherly love, and judgment based on intrinsic worth[4]. The fraternity's symbol is the Labarum, and its colors are garnet and white. Its motto is "ΑΝΔΡΙΖΕΣΘΕ" or "Be Men"[1].

Current Status

Today, Alpha Chi Rho operates with over 30 active chapters across the United States and maintains a strong focus on leadership development and community service. It also hosts programs like the Leadership Scholarship Institute to enhance personal and fraternal development among its members[4].

Notable Chapters and Achievements

Chapters of Alpha Chi Rho have achieved recognition for excellence, with the Zeta Phi Chapter at Clarkson University winning multiple Chapter of the Year awards[5]. The fraternity continues to evolve while preserving its founding ideals and fostering lifelong bonds among its members.