Phi Kappa Psi History

Over 150 years ago, the foundation of a brotherhood to be named Phi Kappa Psi was laid out. It was after the devoted service to stricken friends during an outbreak of typhoid that William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore founded the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity for the great joy of serving others. Their ideals have been sent down through the ages by nearly 100,000 members who appreciate what Moore and Letterman accomplished on February 19th, 1852.

Phi Kappa Psi has become what it was initially intended to be: an ensemble of outstanding students residing at esteemed colleges and universities throughout the country. The Fraternity's purpose was, and still is, to improve each member's intellect and well-being by cultivating their humanity. Without the forces of proper love and empathy, an educated man can only lose the good use of the intellect which he has acquired. It is the intent of a fraternity to supplement the education given by a university, with an education in life.

The first chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity was established at Jefferson College in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, taking the name of Pennsylvania Alpha. Yet, as soon as it was established, Charles Page Thomas Moore left in search of another institution on which he could spread his ideals. In a year after the original founding, the second chapter was established at the University of Virginia, which soon became the Second Grand Chapter, eventually becoming the executive head of the Fraternity. By the end of 1855, six additional chapters had been established. These include: Virginia Beta at Washington and Lee University; Pennsylvania Beta at Allegheny College; Pennsylvania Gamma at Bucknell University; Pennsylvania Delta at Washington College; Virginia Gamma at Hampden-Sydney College; and Pennsylvania Epsilon at Gettysburg College.

In 1885 there was decision to form a unique method of government, the only one of this type even today. The basis of this government was constructed around the idea of positioning central power in the hands of undergraduates. It was drafted, along with the rest of the new constitution, by William Clayton Wilson. Under this new constitution, the governing body of the Fraternity is the Executive Council, which consists of four elected graduates and six undergraduates from separate districts. This government is still in effect today and adds to the uniqueness of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.

The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity continues to flourish. It has expanded to include nearly 100,000 members and nearly 100 active chapters. It has also generated many influential alumni such as former President Woodrow Wilson and current mayor of New York City, Michael R. Bloomberg.

Our Founders