Phi Kappa Sigma
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| Motto | Stellis Aequus Durando ("Equal to the Stars in Endurance.") |
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| Colors | Black and Old Gold |
| Symbol | Maltese Cross |
| Flower | Yellow Chrysanthemum |
| Founded | August 16 , 1850 at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA |
| Type | Leadership & Social |
| Scope | International |
| Headquarters | 2 Timber Drive Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Homepage | Phi Kappa Sigma Website |
Phi Kappa Sigma (ΦΚΣ) is an international all-male college social fraternity. Its members are known as "Phi Kaps" or "Skulls", because of the skull and crossbones (☠) on the fraternity's badge and coat of arms. Phi Kappa Sigma was founded by Dr. Samuel Brown Wylie Mitchell at the University of Pennsylvania on August 16, 1850.[1]
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[edit] The Objects of Phi Kappa Sigma
The objects of the Fraternity shall be the promotion of good fellowship and the cultivation of the social virtues among its members; the protection of the just rights and the advancement of the best interests, present and future, individual and collective, of all those who shall be associated together as members of the Fraternity; the encouragement of good scholarship and breadth of training for its members; and cooperation in the educational and cultural programs of institutions of higher education in which Chapters are located.
[edit] Badge
Dr. Mitchell designed the fraternity's badge composed of a Maltese cross supporting the six-pointed star, the Greek letters Phi, Kappa, and Sigma, and a skull and crossbones. No modification, except in size, has ever been made to the badge originally designed by Dr. Mitchell.[1]
In the 1850s, the Southern chapters inaugurated the custom of wearing silver skulls on their badges, and thus were known as the "Silver Skulls." Iota Chapter, at Columbia University, adopted a smaller badge in 1861 than had been worn previously by the membership of any chapter and also copied the Southern custom of utilizing the silver skull. The silver skull on the badge was never reinstituted by any chapter after the Civil War, and is now a legend in the fraternity.[1]
[edit] History
[edit] Founding and early years
Dr. Mitchell's papers indicate that on August 16, 1850, he had determined to install a new fraternal order on the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) campus in the fall of 1850. On October 19, 1850, Mitchell together with six other men—Charles Hare Hutchinson, Alfred Victor Dupont, John Thorne Stone, Andrew Adams Ripka, James Bayard Hodge and Duane Williams—organized the Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma. So, while the fraternity's official founding date is considered August 16, it celebrates "Founder's Day" on October 19 in commemoration of of the establishment of the first chapter.[1]
Fraternities were not welcomed by faculties and administrators of many universities prior to the American Civil War. Many chapters were forced to exist sub rosa or become extinct, as a result of the antagonism evidenced toward social fraternities. Along with other fraternities, Phi Kappa Sigma was banned from UPenn in 1852. The fraternity, however, maintained a sub-rosa existence with headquarters in Mitchell's rooms at the Philadelphia Hospital, where he later served as Assistant Physician.[1]
While the fraternity operated at the clandestine level at UPenn between 1852 and 1855, Dr. Mitchell and his fellow brothers established chapters at more receptive institutions—Princeton University, Lafayette College, Jefferson College (now Washington & Jefferson College), Dickinson College, Franklin & Marshall College, and the University of Virginia. In the mid-1850s, UPenn rescinded its ban on fraternities and in January 1855, Phi Kappa Sigma was officially recognized by the school.[1]
[edit] Pre-Civil War
The development of the abolition movement in the North and the arguments over secession in the South made it impossible for the fraternity to grant charters to many groups located in Northern colleges, particularly in New England. This fact slowed the growth and development of the fraternity above the Mason-Dixon Line. Theta Chapter, at Centenary College, circulated a petition among the Southern chapters asking for an amendment to the fraternity constitution providing that the fraternity "be an organization for white men, and for white men only." It was further requested to ascertain and inform all chapters about the attitude of the Northern brothers on the issue of slavery. Mu Chapter, at the old University of Louisiana (now Tulane), presented the problem before the fraternity's 1860 convention. After three days of debate, the chapters unanimously voted not to include any discriminatory clauses in the constitution—a policy that has never been modified in any way.[1]
[edit] Civil War to 1900
There were fifteen active chapters of the fraternity when the Civil War began, but the conflict destroyed the eight southern chapters and seriously weakened the others. The affairs of the fraternity—both nationally and locally—were supervised by two young alumni who maintained correspondence with all chapters in the North and with individual Phi Kaps in the South. Of the eight southern chapters, Eta was revived at the University of Virginia in 1872, Lambda at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1877, and Mu at Tulane University in 1893.[1]
[edit] Post-war expansion
Following the Civil War, the fraternity instituted chapters at Randolph-Macon College in 1872 and at the University of Richmond in 1873. Upsilon Chapter was installed at Northwestern University in 1872, which provided a base for further expansion in the Midwest. Phi Kappa Sigma became an international fraternity with the founding of the Alpha Beta chapter at the University of Toronto in 1895.[2] The first West Coast chapter was established at the University of California at Berkeley in 1903.[1]
The fraternity's expansion policy between 1860 and 1890 was relatively conservative, focusing primarily on the East Coast. With the establishment of the Psi chapter at Pennsylvania State University in 1890 and the Rho chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1892, the fraternity began a more comprehensive expansion policy—lasting about 25 years—developing chapters at institutions from coast to coast.[1]
[edit] 20th century
The turn of the century was a period of growth and reorganization for the Fraternity. Under the leadership of Grand Alpha James Hartley Merrick, the Chapter Advisor system was adopted, making Phi Kappa Sigma one of the first fraternities to utilize such a program. Also during this time, the Fraternity experienced the greatest growth in its history, with the chapter roll totaling 30 in 1906. Merrick's determination and leadership had strengthened the Fraternity and placed it in a position of prominence in the interfraternity world. In order to support the financial burden of the Fraternity, the Phi Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund was established in 1907. To improve organizational operations, the convention of 1915 voted to establish a General Headquarters in Philadelphia, where the daily business of the Fraternity could be conducted under the supervision of a professional staff.
The United States' entrance into World War I severely curbed the growth of Phi Kappa Sigma as well as many other fraternities. Over 1,400 members of Phi Kappa Sigma were in the armed services during World War I. Remarkably, the Fraternity continued to operate during this period. Chapters were allowed to initiate men, but social functions were severely curbed.
The years between the two World Wars were quiet ones for Phi Kappa Sigma. The outbreak of World War II, however, once again threatened the livelihood of the Fraternity. In 1942, the first complete year of American involvement in the War, the Fraternity set two records: 623 initiates, and an undergraduate population which exceeded 1,000 men. These mileposts were short-lived however, for in the first six months of 1943, these numbers were drastically reduced. Over 2500 Phi Kaps entered military service, and nearly half of Phi Kappa Sigma's forty chapters closed.
Grand Alpha Murray H. Spahr instituted a Maintenance and Rehabilitation Fund to compensate for the decrease in the number of men who returned to the active chapters after the war. As the war ended and the number of Phi Kaps returning to their chapters was significantly fewer, the Fund helped to ease the financial burden until chapters got back on their feet. Of the chapters closed during World War II, all except except those at the University of Chicago and the University of Minnesota were reactivated.
The Phi Kaps who fought for their country were awarded many decorations ranging from the Purple Heart to the Congressional Medal of Honor for Distinguished Service. However, the war did not pass without leaving its scars on our Fraternity. Over 200 Phi Kaps gave their lives in service to their country. The first half of the twentieth century, although twice interrupted, witnessed several major administrative changes in Phi Kappa Sigma. The Convention of 1927 provided that an Executive Secretary be appointed as a representative of the Executive Board to administer the General Headquarters of the Fraternity and to promote and develop close relationships between the chapters and Headquarters. However, it was not until 1947 that the first full-time Executive Secretary, later designated Executive Director, was appointed. His major responsibilities were the supervision of all fraternity affairs, chapter visitation, alumni affairs, and fund-raising. The Field Secretary position, which later became t he Assistant Director position, was established in 1948 in order to provide a closer tie to the undergraduate chapter and conduct chapter visits.
In order to bolster the scholastic endeavors of the Fraternity, the Phi Kappa Sigma Educational Fund was created in 1953. Its income, which is generated through alumni donations and appreciation, supports numerous scholarships for undergraduate members.
After the close of World War II, Phi Kappa Sigma began to grow again. In 1948, the Beta designations for new chapters started with the installation of the Beta Alpha chapter at the University of Oregon. In 1950, the fraternity held its Centennial Convention in Philadelphia. More than 300 brothers attended, revising the Constitution, visiting the International Headquarters Building and Memorial library, and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Fraternity. The 1950s were banner years for Phi Kappa Sigma as well as many other fraternities. Fraternity membership in North America reached an all-time high and this positive growth continued into the early 1960s. The middle and late 1960s however, brought student opposition to the Vietnam War and the "anti-establishment" movement. Fraternities were seen as part of the "establishment" and thus came under fire from students. These student attitudes continued into the early 1970s and caused a marked decrease in fraternity enrollments and initiations. After the end of the Vietnam War and the quieting of student unrest, Phi Kappa Sigma and other fraternities ran into many member and chapter issues such as alcohol and behavioral problems which translated into today's risk management issues and the need for liability insurance.
A study of fraternities began in the early 1980s which helped to bring into focus certain common and detrimental practices. Students responded to the new decade by modifying their behavior and resolving to strengthen their fraternities. At the 81st Grand Chapter, the Fraternity's organizational structure was extensively modified to accommodate current demands and services. The Executive Board, while retaining authority for the operation of the Fraternity, was restructured. The Grand Delta position was created to improve communication between the Fraternity and undergraduate chapters. In 1982, the Phi Kappa Sigma Foundation was created to promote scholarship and leadership programming for the undergraduate members of the Fraternity. The Foundation manages the Annual Alumni Giving Program and Baltzer Graduate Scholarship programs. Funds donated to the Annual Giving Program are used for numerous programs including the Regional Leadership Conferences, educational programs and videotapes. The Baltzer Graduate Scholarship Program, which was made possible through a generous bequest, provides grants to graduate students who give advisory assistance to undergraduate Phi Kap chapters.
With the development of a more positive atmosphere on college campuses, the Fraternity began to emphasize expansion. Phi Kappa Sigma became a stronger institution, both locally and internationally. Expansion proceeded at a steady pace and the number of the Fraternity's international programs increased. The 1980s were strong years for Phi Kappa Sigma and they helped to set the tone for the Fraternity into the 1990s and beyond.
In recent years, the Fraternity has continued to meet the challenges of the fraternal environment. Procedures for chapter expansion, both undergraduate and alumni, have been modified with the commitment toward continued growth while maintaining strength and continuity. The Director of Chapter Services position was created in 1990 to supervise the Assistant Directors, coordinate chapter visitation and provide better assistance and services to the chapters. This enhancement to the Fraternity's internal structure, combined with the reorganization of the management team of alumni volunteers, helped to increase the number of visits and services offered to the undergraduate chapters.
Brotherhood, quality, and commitment are the fibers that comprise a strong International Fraternity. With one-hundred fifty years of experience, Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity continues to produce loyal and outstanding members and remains capable of meeting every challenge that the future may hold.
[edit] The Statement of Core Values
We commit to the value of Trust, the foundation of a relationship based on a belief in oneself as well as others, which is earned and strengthened through experience. The value of trust is found in our reliance on each other and enables an open comfort in interacting with brothers.
We commit to the value of Honor, staying true to a set of higher standards and morals in the face of adversity. Membership in Phi Kappa Sigma means a commitment to leading an honorable life.
We commit to the value of Respect, which begins with yourself and the practice of the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This statement is the acceptance of the ideals of others. In order to move forward as a brotherhood, we must continue to consider each other's viewpoints.
We commit to the value of Knowledge, the acquisition of thought, theory and principles following in the footsteps of our founding fathers in accordance with our oath of brotherhood. With this knowledge we will come closer to self-discovery, the improvement of society and the translation of knowledge into power.
We commit to the value of Wisdom, a virtue gained through experiences of self and others. Wisdom is the application of knowledge and past experiences to make decisions regardless of the situation. Through sharing wisdom, a bond is formed between young and old, teacher and student; this bond is what brings us together.
We commit to the value of Responsibility, by being reliable in the fulfillment of the objectives of our Fraternity and our personal obligations, enduring the consequences of our actions.
We commit to the value of Integrity, our inner foundation for holding true to our values of trust, honor, respect, knowledge, wisdom, and responsibility that guides us to make the best decisions.
As we have seen these values to be critical in the past, they will become even more important in the future! As adopted by the 90th Grand Chapter, Philadelphia, PA, July 22, 2000
[edit] Public mottos
Phi Kappa Sigma has taken on multiple public mottos, each pertaining to a different aspect of the fraternity.[3]
- "Brotherhood is more than skin deep": Brothers are chosen based on the worth of their character, not their religion, race, or wealth.
- "Once a Phi Kap, always a Phi Kap": Phi Kappa Sigma is a life-long commitment not limited to college years.
- "Stellis Aequus Durando": Latin for “equal to the stars in endurance”, this motto pays tribute to the many years Phi Kappa Sigma has survived.
[edit] See also
- Gamma Delta Chi, former Kappa chapter at Dartmouth College.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity - History. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
- ^ Phi Kappa Sigma instituted one other chapter in Canada—at the University of British Columbia—which is now inactive. This leaves the Alpha Beta chapter as the only active Phi Kappa Sigma chapter outside the United States.
- ^ Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity - Purpose and Principles. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
[edit] External links
Categories: Articles lacking sources from March 2007 | All articles lacking sources | Cleanup from March 2007 | All pages needing cleanup | International student societies | North-American Interfraternity Conference | United States student societies | Fraternal and service organizations | 1850 establishments
