History

Phi Psi National History

Founded over 150 years ago, Phi Psi boasts a rich history at many of the nation's top colleges and universities. It was founded in 1852, the 17th oldest Fraternity. It boasts more than 100,000 members in over 150 years.  There are around 100 chapters and colonies nationwide.  Our four-year cost of membership is below the average for National Fraternities and includes benefits that are not included in the fees of some other fraternities.

The Ritual of Phi Kappa Psi, is based on universal values and ideals, rather than those of any specific religion. As such, Phi Psi does not exclude membership on the basis of religious beliefs. In fact, where oaths are to be taken, initiates may request the use of any religious text that may hold the most significance to the individual.

The Endowment Fund - Phi Kappa Psi established one of the first endowment funds in the nation and awards over $200,000 in scholarships each year to Phi Psi students. It also provides 200,000 in grants to support programs in leadership, scholarship and service.

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 time of our founding, Jefferson College was considered one of the "Big Three" in what was known as the "Jeffersonian Cradle." The other two institutions comprising this group, Harvard and Princeton, were of very nearly equal size and equal high esteem. These institutions all graduated predominantly ministers, lawyers and physicians from an academic curricula based in classical literature, religious doctrine and basic sciences.

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.

Phi Kappa Psi was first founded with the intent of expansion to campuses across the nation, it has never merged with any other national fraternity. Almost every other men's college fraternity was founded as a local club and later determined that growth to other campuses was good.

An image of Phi Psi's first house

Minnesota Beta History

Minnesota Beta was formed in 1888 by Byron H. Timberlake and James E. Erf. Minnesota Beta's chapter house was built in 1905, and has been remodeled late in the 20th century. In the last twenty or so years, Minnesota Beta has been known for being one of the top houses for grades, intramural sports, and social activities.

This chapter also takes part in many philanthropic events; from participation in Habitat for Humanity building houses, to volunteering with the Jeremiah program to help watch children for single mothers while they receive life training. Our chapter tries to maintain Phi Psi Nationals goal of 500 hours of community service, which far exceeds most other houses.