Fraternity and Sorority Life
Union College has a rich history of Greek life, dating back to 1825, with the founding of the first fraternity in America. In the course of the next two years, two additional fraternities were founded at Union, creating what is nationally known as the Union Triad (Kappa Alpha Society, Sigma Phi, Delta Phi). Currently, Union's fraternity and sorority system consists of twelve fraternities and five sororities. There are three governing bodies for these organizations: the Inter-fraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council. The fraternity and sorority community encompasses approximately 33% of the overall student population.
The Inter-fraternity Council is the governing body for the following nine NIC organizations:
- Alpha Delta Phi: The Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity was founded in 1832 at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, by Samuel Eells (1810-1842). Alpha Delta Phi is the fourth oldest fraternity in existence. While founded as a literary society, it evolved into one of the most distinguished of the original American college fraternities. It has retained its focus on its literary roots, by attracting only the best students at only the best colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. Alpha Delta Phi was the first fraternity at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Amherst, and Bowdoin. Originally residing in Grant Hall, Alpha Delta Phi has been at Union College since 1859. Alpha Delta Phi is a small chapter at Union, and this allows for much closer ties and a much more unified brotherhood than some of the larger fraternities. There are no cliques or groupings within our brotherhood. We are also extremely diverse, with brothers from different nations and many different regions of America.
- Alpha Epsilon Pi
- Chi Psi
- Delta Kappa Epsilon: The Theta Chi Chapter of ?DKE? (pronounced Deek) was built on strong foundations that have existed at Union College since 1893. While the chapter itself has undergone many changes in its storied history, the doctrine of its first founders still echoes in the hearts of its members. Persistence and determination have allowed DKE to become a leader on campus. DKE brothers are heavily involved in campus athletics, community service and academic endeavors. When not engaged in campus or community activities, DKE brothers can often be found engaged in fierce competition on their volleyball court.
- Phi Delta Theta: "Phi Delt" was founded in 1848 at Miami University in Ohio, and Union?s Beta Chapter was established at Union in 1883. Since that time, over 1150 men have lived up to their promise of friendship, sound learning, and moral rectitude. They have continually shown leadership qualities as well as strong moral character. One of Union?s last actual fraternity houses is located up-campus overlooking the 50 yard line of the football field. After extensive construction and renovations during most of last year, the chapter house is open again and better than ever. The enormous transformation marks a new era at Phi Delta Theta.
- Psi Upsilon: "Psi U" was founded at Union College in 1833, and is known for its towering flag pole and distinguished alumnus including President Chester A. Arthur. Today, the tradition continues, as Psi U brothers embody the fraternity?s pursuit for moral, social, and intellectual excellence on campus. Recently relocated to Fox Hall South, Psi Upsilon offers its brothers unparalleled unity, lifelong friendships and the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the Union community.
- Sigma Chi: "Sig Chi" was founded in 1855 at Miami University in Ohio, and Union?s Gamma Zeta Chapter was established in 1923. Sigma Chi has over 200 chapters all across the US and Canada with well over 150,000 alumni world-wide. Having so many chapters open to you with thousands of alumni ready to assist a fellow brother is quite an honor and a privilege. We are striving to become a premier college leadership organization through leadership programs for our brothers like Sigma Chi Horizons and the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop held annually to train and inspire our fraternity?s future leaders. The fundamental purpose of the Sigma Chi Fraternity is the cultivation, maintenance, and accomplishment of the ideals of friendship, justice and learning. We try to do this by cheering on our brothers at basketball games and intramural sports, holding philanthropy and social events for the campus to come and share our fellowship and hospitality, and striving to be successful student leaders in all aspects of campus life. Being a Sigma Chi is incredibly fun and rewarding. Being a member fosters leadership, builds character, and promotes positive relationship skills which will enable our members to become productive and caring participants in their families, colleges and communities. It is a life-long commitment and a big responsibility that few can experience.
- Sigma Phi: "Sig Phi" was founded at Union College on the 4th of March, 1827. It is the second member of the Union Triad, making it the oldest national fraternity in existence. What can a young man expect from Sigma Phi beyond its core values of friendship, love and truth? He will have mentors and role models who can provide support and guidance in scholastics, social behavior, loyalty, honor and individual responsibility. None are excluded from our consideration. The only requirement for membership is that the candidate be a matriculated male in good standing with the college. Since its founding in 1827, Sigma Phi has never had any religious, racial or other barriers to membership. New members will have similar qualifications and characteristics to the graduating brothers they replace, but they have yet to experience the permanent transformation from youth to manhood that will occur in the setting Sigma Phi provides.
- Theta Delta Chi: "T D CHI" was founded at Union College on October 31, 1847 (Halloween), and has since expanded to numerous other campuses. Theta Delta Chi has offered young men the opportunity to enjoy life-long friendships and develop important academic, business, and social skills that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning and success. We are an enthusiastic, well-rounded, diverse, intelligent, and athletic group of students who hold friendship, philanthropy, and leadership in high regard. We are extremely proud of our many ?firsts.? We were the first fraternity to: publish a magazine (?The Shield?), adopt colors (black, white, & blue), design and fly a characteristic flag, adopt a precious stone (ruby), issue a pledge pin, form an endowment fund, adopt a flower (the carnation), and adopt a patron saint (the Roman goddess Minerva, which is now accepted as the patron saint of all fraternities, and is also Union?s icon). We love to celebrate our proud heritage here at Union. Our motto reflects what it is to be one of our brothers: ?Our Hearts Are United.?
The Panhellenic Council is the governing body for the following three NPC organizations:
- Delta Delta Delta: "Tri Delt", founded in 1888 at Boston University, began as an organization concerned with the growth and development of college woman and has evolved into a leader among sororities. The Beta Psi chapter of Tri Delta was founded at Union College in 1981 and currently consists of 120 active collegiate members. Tri Delta?s chosen philanthropy is Children?s Cancer Charities, namely St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital. Last year our chapter hosted an event where over $10,000 was raised for St. Jude?s Hospital, making us one of the top ten most successful Tri Delta chapters internationally for this event. Along with other philanthropic events such as our Pancake Breakfast, we have and continue to sponsor educational speakers ranging from the topic of anti-hazing to alcohol awareness. We proudly maintain a diverse and motivated sisterhood where we strive to uphold the purpose of Delta Delta Delta; to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.
- Gamma Phi Beta: Gamma Phi Beta was founded in 1874 at Syracuse University, making it one of the ten oldest women?s groups in America and the sisterhood for which the term ?sorority? was coined. The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta was installed on the Union College campus in May of 1986 and is one of the 142 collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Gamma Phi is a very active sorority on campus. Along with our big philanthropic events such as, the Breast Cancer Walk, Throw a Pie, making scarves for the homeless, working with COCOA House, and raising the most money for Relay for Life; we also participate in smaller philanthropic events throughout the term. Not only is it very fulfilling to give back to the community but it is also one of the ways the sisters spend time with each other. We have the largest, free standing house on this campus; therefore, we do not have to share our space with anyone except sisters. With help from the school we have been able to make the sorority house really feel like home. The women in the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Union College will celebrate 20 wonderful years on this campus and we are excited for our future.
- Sigma Delta Tau: "SDT" is a diverse group of women with common goals: friendship, trust, understanding, and support. Seven special women founded Sigma Delta Tau at Cornell University in 1917. SDT is one of the most well known sororities nationally, with sixty-three chapters nationwide. Our chapter, Beta Xi, was the first sorority founded at Union College and was established on November 20, 1977. Along with friendship and fun, our sorority sponsors several fund raisers. Our biggest outreach is for the Prevent Child Abuse America organization including "Shots for Tots", a student/faculty basketball game each spring. We have also helped to sponsor a student trip to New Orleans to aid with Katrina relief. We invite fraternities to the school's Safe-Space films and hold presentations that promote alcohol awareness. We are proud of our diverse and amazing group of sisters. Our sorority members include Dean's List students; women who have gone abroad to Germany, Japan, Barbados, and beyond; co-editors of the college newspaper; and varsity athletes.
The Multicultural Greek Council is the governing body for the following NPHC & NALFO organizations:
- Alpha Phi Alpha
- Iota Phi Theta: Iota Phi Theta was founded on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State University, and established at Union on March 8, 2005. Throughout America, Iota Phi Theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. The Fraternity is and shall forever remain dedicated to its founders? vision of ?Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!? Iota Phi Theta is an organization for leaders, leaders who wish to keep their personal identity, while working with others to accomplish great things!
- Lambda Pi Chi: Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. was founded on April 16, 1988 at Cornell University by five strong women who sought to establish an organization that would transcend their collegiate experience and consolidate their strength as responsible women devoted to the community. Tau Chapter at Union College was founded on June 5, 2005 by three women who felt the need to bring an organization that celebrated the beauty, courage, strength and vigor of not only the Latina woman, but all women through community service and Hermandad, our special sisterhood. Today, the women of Lambda Pi Chi are dedicated to academic excellence, public service, cultural awareness and la Hermandad. Our determination and loyalty to these values continue to define our relentless spirit. It is through sincere knowledge that La Hermandad Nunca Termina that we will continue to accomplish all we have set out to do.
- Omega Phi Beta
- Phi Iota Alpha