History

Local History

Fraternities have been a part of Duke campus life since the late nineteenth century. Nearly 38 percent of Duke men affiliate themselves with one of the fraternities officially recognized by the University. Even for those who remain independent, Duke Greeks are often a prime source of social life on campus.

The popularity of the Greek way at Duke, however, is not without its flaws. Some freshman initially interested in rushing became disillusioned and alienated by the overwhelming process, and they declined pursuing Greek affiliation. In the fall of 1986, six Duke freshman took issue with the problems of the Duke Greek system and created their own Brotherhood. These men became the founders of Alpha Sigma Delta.

Steven Dale Ritchie, '90

Michael Todd Loose, '90

Kevin Paul Lenox, '90

Donald Jeffrey Ray, '90

William Frederick Walker, '90

Andrew Kenneth Jones, '90

 

The future of Alpha Sigma Delta looks extremely encouraging. In the Fall of 2006, the Brothers moved into their new Lodge in Edens 3A. The Alpha looks forward to being an even more positive influence on the Duke and Durham communities.

 

National History

Chi Psi was founded on May 20, 1841 at Union College in Schenectady, New York. The eighth fraternity founded in the United States and the fifth at Union itself, Chi Psi was unique, being the first fraternity to be founded upon principles of brotherhood and as a social fraternity. Through this and many other innovations, it has been marked as one of the pioneering fraternities in the United States. It is this spirit of innovation that has allowed the Brotherhood and Fraternity itself to remain to the present day, and to create its unique perspective on the world of higher education and Greek societies.

 

This innovative spirit has generated many firsts in the fraternity world. In 1846, Chi Psi Fraternity was responsible for constructing the first fraternity house in America. The undergraduates at the University of Michigan constructed a log cabin in the woods in Ann Arbor to provide a meeting place for the Fraternity, as the faculty was then hostile to secret societies. The undergraduates dubbed the cabin "the Lodge" and this tradition has continued today as all Chi Psi chapter houses are called "Lodges." Today, these Lodges are present at thirty-two of America's finest and most respected collegiate institutions.

 

Other firsts included the first full-time Alpha Visitor, or traveling leadership consultant, and an educational program that supplements the formal curriculum of colleges and universities. This program, the Chi Psi Education Initiative, helps our Brothers understand and recognize the challenges they will face in the near future, and how to advance their lives intellectually, morally, and socially. Through various other programs, such as The Oliver and Marie Rowe Program for Leadership Development (PLD), or the Alpha Management Retreat (AMR), Chi Psi plays a vital role in every part of the undergraduate college experience.

 

Chi Psi also recognizes that the bond of Brotherhood is eternal, and does not end after graduation. We are Brothers for life. As such, alumni play an imperative role in the structure of the Fraternity. Whether it is working with the Central Office on a national level or an Alpha Corporation on the local level, alumni take an active part in the success of Chi Psi.

 

For over 160 years, Chi Psi has dedicated itself to refining and elevating fraternal friendship. The Chi Psi experience provides a unique opportunity for worthy gentlemen with its innovative leadership and scholarship programs, small size, and committed alumni volunteers. Chi Psi Fraternity looks forward to the challenges of the future and to maintaining its status as of one America's preeminent fraternities.