Brotherhood
The idea behind Phi Kappa Psi
The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is a private association of educated men who endeavor to live honorably and humanely. Its Brotherhood is open to men of talent and character, but to those in particular who as gentlemen feel an affinity with one another in the common ways of college life and, moreover, in the pursuit of excellence. Such men may differ in their origins, backgrounds, and beliefs, and even be set upon diverse purposes, interests and vocations. Yet as Brothers in Phi Kappa Psi, they are vitally united in their dedication to the highest standards of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual integrity. Read More…
For young men, Phi Kappa Psi helps to shape the random experiences of the college years into a more stable form in which life beg ins to reveal larger, clearer purposes, and friendships become firm and lasting. In the middle years the Fraternity helps to sustain mature men in the settled courses of life, strengthening their resolve and renewing their spirits through the ripening of friendship. In later life the Fraternity helps to impart the harmony and wholeness that can lead the principled man, upheld by the loyalty of his friends, to understanding and contentment. Above all, Phi Kappa Psi creates a moral order for the conduct of life that, generation after generation, unites men of honor, decency, and good will in enduring friendship and Brotherly love.
View SourceHistory
Learn how Phi Psi became what it is today
Founded over 150 years ago, Phi Psi boasts a rich history at many of the nation's top colleges and universities. 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. Read More…
The Michigan Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi began as the Theta Sigma Dinner Club. It applied for charters from Phi Kappa Psi and Tau Kappa Epsilon. Phi Kappa Psi granted out charter on November 11, 1954. Our chapter house was built in 1910, as a one family unit and sat vacant for a number of years until it was purchased from Charles Williams. Mr. Williams was made an honorary member by our chapter. Our founding fathers, Robert George and Karl Kaub, were the Phi Psi's credited with actually finding the house. One day George and Kaub were walking down Abbott Road, when they noticed water pouring out of the front door of our soon to be house. They called for help immediately. It was later learned that the house had been vacant for a time since the passing of Mr. Williams' wife. He had not remembered to shut off the water for the winter and as a result the water pipes froze and broke. When the weather finally warmed up in the spring, the water thawed and the basement flooded. George and Kaub later aquired the house which has remained the Michigan Beta chapter house ever since.
Alumni
Get caught up with the chapter
Phi Kappa Psi alumni are the driving force behind the longevity and success of its chapters. Without them we cannot truly function a fraternity. Michigan beta relies on its alumni for job support after graduation, financial contributions, housing corps management and continued involvement in the chapter. If you are a Michigan Beta alumni and would like to get involved with chapter or make a financial contribution please contact our current alumni relations chair. Be sure to check back periodically for alumni events and updates. Hope to see you in East Lansing in the near future! Events…