 William H. Letterman and Charles P.T. Moore founded Phi Kappa Psi in the little college town of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, when they were nursing their stricken friends during an epidemic of typhoid fever at their college. It was through these long night vigils that an appreciation of the great joy of serving others came into their lives. Calling a number of others to join them, a Brotherhood was founded on February 19, 1852. It flourished, and gradually extended to other colleges and universities throughout the country. Idealists all, these founders of Phi Kappa Psi taught a new fraternity - a Fraternity that would complement the work of the university by cultivating those humanities without which the educated man fails of his greatest usefulness. At the outbreak of the War between the States during the Civil War, Phi Kappa Psi had a membership of approximately 600, 452 of whom enlisted, and by the end of the war, with a membership meantime of nearly 800, 552 had been in service. 254 served in the Union and 298 served in the Confederate Army. After the war ended, there became calls for a change in Fraternity government. At the Grand Arch Council of 1885, there was sufficient strength for the supporters of this change to carry it out. At this Council a special committee was appointed to draft an entirely new system, providing for a strong, centralized Executive Council, the officers of which should be graduates, with undergraduates elected to serve as the heads of each District of the Fraternity. The next year a special Grand Arch council was called in Indianapolis to report upon the new government and its efficiency. The report showed favorably on the new government, and with the exception of a few minor amendments, it is still in place today. Phi Kappa Psi recognizes the need and value of the best and broadest education possible and encourages that goal within our membership. But unless actuated by a proper love for and service to mankind, the educated man may often waste his talents. It is to counteract this tendency that Phi Kappa Psi was founded to encourage the best in men, to inspire and assist them to reach their potential as students, brothers, men and citizens.  The History of the Pennsylvania Iota ChapterThe Pennsylvania Iota Chapter was founded by Edgar Fahs Smith at the University of Pennsylvania in 1877. E.F. Smith would go on to serve as Provost of the University. The original chapter house, which currently houses the Colonial Penn Center, was built in 1904 and designed by Brothers Francis A. Gugert and Frank A. Rommel. After disbanding in 1972, a new colony was initiated in 1976, and the chapter was reinstated in 1978. The current chapter house is located at 3934 Spruce Street. Today, the Chapter boasts a membership of 61 undergraduates. For more information, please visit Phi Kappa Psi's National Fraternity Website |
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