A Fraternal History of Marin County California

University and College Greek Letter Fraternities - History, Background, and Ritual

While the only University in Marin County (Dominican University in San Rafael) has no fraternities or sororities, many Marin residents are alumni of Universities and Colleges whose campus life included Greek Letter Fraternities. The nearby University of California at Berkeley alone has some thirty-two fraternities, while the University of San Francisco has eight, Stanford University has fifteen, San Jose State and San Francisco State each have more than fourteen Greek Fraternities.

University - College Greek Letter Fraternities

According to Albert Stevens' Cyclopedia of Fraternities (1896) (hereinafter cited as "Stevens") referring to Phi Beta Kappa states, "The Greek-letter fraternities antedate all other existing secret societies in America, except the fraternity of Freemasonry." Id. at 345. Many of the oldest of the Greek-letter college fraternities were born during the period of 1828-1845, covering the anti-Masonic agitation, after Phi Beta Kappa had given up its status as a "secret society." "At that time the English Order of Foresters was just being introduced here; the English Order of Odd Fellows had not been domesticated more than a decade and had only a few members; the English Order of Druids was a newcomer; the American Improved Order of Red Men, as at present organized, was only then taking shape, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians had just arrived at New York from Ireland." Id. at 346.

It is believed that the earliest Greek-letter fraternities organized along the outward lines of Phi Beta Kappa (formed 1776 at College of William and Mary), such as Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi, and Delta Phi, probably did not have elaborate rituals at that time. The second wave of growth, which included Alpha Delta Phi and Skull and Bones (1837), Beta Theta Pi (1839), Chi Psi and Scroll and Key (1841), and Delta Kappa Epsilon (1844) brought with them elaborate rituals that proved an inspiration to societies that followed. Id. at 346.

These rituals are believed to have been extensively derived from Freemasonry. As Stevens states: "[S]ome of the better known college fraternities give unmistakable evidence, to those of their members in a position to judge, of having been rummaged in the bureau drawers of Freemasonry, Odd Fellowship, Forestry, the Templars, Knights of Malta, and other 'orders' for ritualistic finery. Zeta Psi was founded by Freemasons. Delta Psi, Columbia, 1847, was dressed up by some one who had access to rituals of the bastard Masonic rites of Misraim and Memphis. Psi Upsilon hung its harp low on the tree of symbolic Masonry, while its offspring, Delta Kappa Epsilon, read up on the Vehmgerichte and ancient Grecian mysteries before selecting a few ceremonials which would better fit nineteenth-century college life. Theta Delta Chi went far afield and returned with the Forestic legend, while the earlier "Alpha Delts" were evidently inspired by what they knew of Royal Arch Masonry and the Red Cross degree as conferred in commanderies of Masonic Knights Templars." Id. at 346-347.

Although each fraternity's ceremonies strive for uniqueness, there are similarities in the initiation ritual of each. College fraternity rituals are all based around "The alter in the chapter house." Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 9 (17th ed. 1968). According to Baird, the ritual and the alter go together. Id. p. 9. In this sense, college fraternities have adopted the same ritual space as those adult fraternities such as the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias that have to some degree imitated the Masonic model that preceded them.

Beyond the ritual space created by the alter, the ritual typically includes an explanation of the secret signs and symbols and the meaning of the secret motto represented by the Greek letters of the fraternity. High ideals and high moral and ethical teachings are central to the theme in most rituals, which provide instruction in the higher purposes of the fraternity and members' individual responsibilities. Most ceremonies include an address or charge to the new initiate challenging him to be of good character and to be loyal to the other members of the society. (See, "Reflections on the College Fraternity and its Changing Nature" by K.C. Owen, Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities, (20th ed. 1991).)

While college fraternities generally work only a single initiatory degree, there are two distinct commitments made toward membership. In the process of joining the fraternity, the prospective member generally takes two oaths. The first is taken in conjunction with their "impledgement." At this stage, they are not entrusted with all the secrets of the fraternity but are given a secret handshake or equivalent and the unique pledge pin or badge of the fraternity. After completing this "probation" period during which the pledge must learn about the fraternity, the pledges undergo initiation. During the initiation the candidate takes his final oath or oaths to the fraternity, and is invested with additional signs, the secret brothers' password, and badge. Thereafter, they are a full member of the fraternity, with voting privileges and the right to wear the fraternity's official badge with which they were invested. Thus, while a man might "de-pledge" and never become an initiated member, he would have only limited knowledge of the fraternities "secrets," and could not pass himself off as a brother at another chapter house of that fraternity.

With regard to the fraternity badge or pin, most fraternities retain ownership of the pins. If a brother gives up their membership in the fraternity, or on the death of the brother, the badge or pin is supposed to be returned to the fraternity.

Although Freemasonry directly or indirectly inspired the ritual of Greek-letter fraternities, it clearly had no influence in the area of horse-play or hazing except in the case of Acacia and perhaps Sigma Nu, both of which began with no horse-play, no hazing policies similar to Freemasonry.

Other college fraternities may have undertaken hazing in imitation of other existing fraternal organizations. The Odd Fellows had experienced problems eradicating individual Lodge's practices of conferring unofficial, so-called side degrees based on pranks to embarrass the candidate and amuse the members. These side degrees often employed apparatus such as mechanical (sometimes electrified) goat rides. At least one fraternal supply company arose whose business was chiefly supplying apparatus such as mock guillotines, explosive spankers, electrified swords, etc. One early fraternity, the Sons of Malta (extinct by 1868), purportedly used rough pranks that frequently endangered life and limb extensively in its "initiation." Stevens at 284. Some late formed non-collegiate fraternities, such as the Knights of the Maccabees (formed 1878) came to incorporate such gimmicks in their official ritual.

Despite Freemasonry's abhorrence of rough-play or hazing practices, Freemasons and Odd Fellows have proven staunch supporters of college students right to organize fraternal groups. For instance, in "1845, the faculty of the University of Michigan demanded the disbandment of chapters of Alpha Delta Phi, Chi Psi, and Beta Theta Pi under penalty of expulsion of members and required new students to sign a pledge not to join such societies….Alpha Delta Phi and Chi Psi fought the faculty tooth and nail, in the press throughout the State, by means of an informed and healthy public sentiment, and with the aid of Freemasons and Odd Fellows, until the rule was rescinded." Stevens at 331-332. Such opposition to Greek-letter fraternities continued to exist and in 1879, the University of California at Berkeley refused to permit a chapter of one of these societies, rousing a similar campaign that also led to the order being rescinded. Id. at 332.

University of California at Berkeley

In 1868, the California Legislature passed an act establishing the University of California, whose first campus was at Berkeley. Interestingly, UC Berkeley as it came to be known was the outgrowth of the Oakland Academy that was founded by a Freemason, Henry Durant, in June, 1853.

Durant's Oakland Academy was located on the northeast corner of Fifth and Broadway over a former Fandango Hall. The first class consisted of three enrollees. The Oakland Academy survived and prospered mainly through the efforts of Henry Durant and his brother in Freemasonry, Samuel B. Bell. These two Masons campaigned for funds and induced many of citizens to contribute liberally to support the new college. Finally enough money was raised to purchase four square blocks, bounded by Twelfth, Fourteenth, Franklin and Harrison Streets. The relocated institution became known as Dr. Durant's College School until its incorporation and chartering in April, 1855, as the College of California. In 1869, the College of California finally became the University of California, an institution whose foundations were thus laid by Masons. (See, How Sturdy an Oak: A Centennial History of Live Oak Lodge No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons in California, Arthur R. Andersen (1954).)

Some of the thirty-two Greek-letter fraternities of U.C. Berkeley are as follows and known Masonic connections are noted more particularly below:

Acacia was founded in 1904 at the University of Michigan by fourteen members of a Masonic Club and among men’s college Greek letter societies, is the sole non-Greek letter fraternity. Although organized as a college fraternity and making no pretense of being a Masonic body, Acacia's membership was restricted to those who had already taken the Masonic obligations until 1935, when the chapters voted to end that requirement; Although the organization was to be built on the ideas and principles inculcated by the vows already taken in the lodge room, times had changed and men entering college were younger and in many cases, too young to have joined a Masonic Lodge. Until 1921, Acacia permitted dual membership in Greek-letter fraternities. According to Alan Axelrod's International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders (1997), "In addition to the normal activities of a college fraternity, Acacians receive instruction in the ideals and culture of Freemasonry." (Axelrod at 2.) The badge is in the form of the right triangle of Pythagoras, well known to all Freemasons.

Alpha Delta Phi (ADF) was founded in 1832. The "Alpha Delts" were evidently inspired by what they knew of Royal Arch Masonry and the Red Cross degree as conferred in commanderies of Masonic Knights Templars." Stevens at 346-347 "The crossed swords and the unbroken column are easily traceable to the general attention given secret societies between 1828 and 1835, and to the Masonic fraternity in particular, modifications of several of the ceremonies of which, in lodge, chapter and commandery, may be found in even the modern Alpha Delta Phi ritual." Id. at 347. The "Alpha Delt" badge is "gold, in the form of an oblong, with rounded corners. It presented a field of black enamel containing a white crescent with the horns up, enclosing an upright, five-pointed, emerald star. The field was bordered with a rope of gold and beneath the crescent was the date of foundation, 1832. On the reverse, on plain gold, was engraved the name of the owner, his college and class, with a pair of crossed swords over the star and crescent upon the shaft of a conventionalized monument. …The emblem more commonly in use by members to-day is a gold crescent containing a smaller, raised, black enameled crescent, closely set about with pearls, and upon which in gold are the letters Alpha, Delta, Phi. In the star, held by the points of the crescent is a large emerald contrasting with pearls which surround it." Id. at 347.

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEP),

Alpha Gamma Omega (AGW)

Alpha Sigma Phi (ASF) was founded at Norwich University, VT.

Alpha Tau Omega (ATW) was founded in 1865. The badge is a black Maltese cross, without the indentations, with a circular field at the center, in which are the Tau, three stars, a crescent above and the clasped hands below. The letters Alpha and Omega are on the arms of the cross, with the T at the center, present the fraternity name vertically and horizontally. Id. at 349.

Beta Theta Pi (BQP) was founded in 1839 at Miami University, Oxford Ohio: It was inspired by the chapter of Alpha Delta Phi that had been established at Miami University in 1835. Id. at 349. Beta Theta Pi subsequently expanded to other universities and absorbed the Mystical Seven fraternity in 1889 that had been formed at Wesleyan in 1837 and the Alpha sigma Chi fraternity in 1879 that had been formed at Rutgers in 1873. Id. "The badge of Beta Theta Pi is an eight-sided shield of gold, the sides of which turn inward. Along the edges a row of pearls encloses a field of black enamel which displays the letters Beta Theta Pi; above them a diamond encircled by a wreath of green gold, and below the letters Alpha, Omega, Lamda, Theta. Its earlier badge was even still more suggestive of the Alpha Delta Phi slab badge, being an oblong with corners curved inward instead of rounded off, and the Beta Theta Pi under a crescent and three stars instead of the waxing moon and a single star. The crescent on the "Beta" badge ultimately became the wreath and diamond." Id. at 349-350.

Chi Phi (CF) was founded at Princeton in 1854. A second Chi Phi society came into existence until an accord merging the two was reached in 1874. Subsequent to the merger, a Chapter was established at the University of California Berkeley in 1875. The badge is a monogram formed of Chi and Phi. Id. at 350-351.

Chi Psi (CY) was founded in 1841 at Union College, New York. Its badge contains many Masonic symbols. "Its badge consists of a gold monogram formed of Chi and Psi, the former heavily jeweled and over the latter on which, at the top, appears either a quartered circle or a passion cross, and at the bottom a skull and cross bones under three daggers. The latter are significant in that they point to some of the haute grades of Freemasonry, from which storehouses, a few of the secret characteristics oaf this exceptionally secret college fraternity were drawn." Id. at 351.

Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) founded 1844 at Yale. Delta Kappa Epsilon's ritual is purportedly based in part on the Vehmgerichte and thus may bear some similarity to the 21st Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, also known as the Noachite or Prussian Knight Degree. "The badge resembles that of Psi Upsilon, except that in the center of the black field the golden letters Delta Kappa Epsilon appear upon a white scroll." Id. at 352.

Delta Tau Delta (DTD) was founded 1860 at Bethany College, VA. Id. at 353. Several of its founders were Masons and did not intend to form a national college fraternity. "The badge is a square slab of gold, with concave sides, displaying the letters Delta Tau Delta over a crescent and under a radiated eye. There is a five pointed star in each corner." Id. at 354.

Delta Upsilon (DU) The first chapter was formed at Williams College in 1834. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 281 (17th ed. 1968). Delta Upsilon began as a protest against the domination of college affairs by the secret societies. The early Anti-Secret Confederation adopted its constitution in 1847 and the various chapters eventually settled on the name Delta Upsilon which was already in use by some of the chapters. The chapter at Berkeley was founded in 1896. While this fraternity arose during the period of the anti-Masonry movement, "there is no record in the annals of the early chapters of Delta Upsilon to warrant the conclusion that anti-Masonry had anything to do with the founding of the fraternity. Id. The badge of the fraternity adopted in 1858 is a monogram of the letters Delta Epsilon, the letter Delta superimposed over the Upsilon; in 1912 a standard badge without jewels was adopted. Id.

Kappa Delta Rho (KDR) Was founded in 1905 at Middlebury College. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 292 (17th ed. 1968). The primary aim of the fraternity was the attainment of true standards of manhood and brotherly love; social distinction, athletic prowess and high scholarship were secondary considerations. Id. Lambda Chapter of KDR was formed at Berkeley in 1924. The badge is formed by the Greek letters K and P in gold, joined side by side with the letter Delta, closely set in pearls, superimposed on the K and P. Id.

Kappa Sigma (KS) was founded in 1867 at the University of VA. Stevens at 355. "The badge is an inverted crescent of gold, attached to and below which, by four of its points, is a five-pointed star with the letters Kappa Sigma in its center, encircled by jewels. At the top, on the crescent, a skull and bones are engraved; at the left, the crossed keys, and at the right, crossed swords." Id. at 355-356.

Lambda Chi Alpha (LCA) Was founded at Boston University in 1909. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 296 (17th ed. 1968). A principal organizer and author of the ritual was John E. Mason, and English scholar and philologist. Id. The Mu Chapter at Berkeley was established in 1913. Id. at 298. The badge is a pearl-set crescent with horns turned toward the left, and enclosing a monogram of the Greek letters Lambda, Chi, Alpha. The center of the crescent bears the Greek letters Delta Pi in gold on black enamel. The pledge button is of interest. It consists of a gothic arch superimposed over the silhouette of the Theta Kappa Nu official badge of four triangles. Id. at 297.

Lambda Phi Epsilon (LFE)

Phi Delta Theta (FDQ) was organized in 1848 at Miami University, Oxford Ohio. Stevens at 358. "The Phi Delta Theta badge, in the form of a shield, presents those letters on a white scroll upon a black field below 'a radiated eye'." Id. at 359.

Phi Kappa Tau (FKT)

Pi Alpha Phi (PAF)

Pi Kappa Alpha (PKA) was founded at the University of Virginia in 1868. Stevens at 360. "The badge displays a diamond field upon a shield, with the letters Pi Kappa Alpha on the former." Id.

Pi Kappa Phi (PKF)

Pi Lambda Phi (PLF) was founded at Yale University in 1895. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 333 (17th ed. 1968). The founders sought to "establish 'not a narrow esoteric fraternity, but a fraternity in which all men were bothers, no matter what their religion, a fraternity in which ability, open-mindedness, far-sightedness, and a progressive, forward-looking attitude' would be 'recognized as the basic attributes." Id. Pi Kappa Alpha has absorbed two other fraternities through merges, Phi Beta Delta in 1912 and Beta Sigma Tau in 1948. Id. at 334. California Tau Chapter was established at Berkeley in 1922. Id. at 335. The badge is a pentagon-shaped pin with gold border, bright gold finish, royal blue enameled panel, Greek letters Pi, Kappa, Alpha in black appearing on band of gold, bright finish, running diagonally from upper left to lower right corner of panel, lamp in upper field, a mullet in lower field, profile of a rampant lion's head turned left, superimposed on center of border. Id. at 334.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) was founded at the University of Alabama in 1856. Stevens at 362. "The badge is a diamond-shaped slab, with the usual border of jewels enclosing a black field in which the letters Sigma, Alpha, Epsilon are displayed over a representation of an upright human figure beside a recumbent lion. Below this are the letters Phi and Alpha." Id. at 362. The ritual of SAE was written by one of the eight founders, Leslie DeVotie. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 337 (17th ed. 1968). The officers of a chapter are the Eminent Archon, Eminent Chaplain, Eminent Chronicler, Eminent Herald, Eminent Preceptor, Eminent Recorder, and Eminent Warden. The badge was designed by another founder, John B. Rudulph. Id. The Berkeley Chapter is called Kappa Beta Chapter and was founded in 1894. Id.

Sigma Alha Mu (SAM) was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 342 (17th ed. 1968). Its founders were all of the Jewish faith but in keeping with the founder's intent, the constitution was amended and its rituals revised in 1953 to make eligible for membership any student of good moral character. Id. The Sigma Chapter at Berkeley was founded in 1929. Id. at 343. The badge is octagonal, containing a center octagon of black enamel with the letters Sigma, Alpha, Mu inlaid in gold and bordered with sixteen pearls. Id.

Sigma Chi (SC) was the third of the so-called Miami Triad, being formed at Miami University, OH, in 1855. Its founders had all been members of Delta Kappa Epsilon but had withdrawn over a disputed election in the Erodelphian Literary Society. The initially called the new fraternity Sigma Phi, in ignorance of a pre-existing fraternity of that name: hence they changed their name to Sigma Chi. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 344 (17th ed. 1968). "The fraternity was established upon the principal that true strength lies in a well-rounded symmetrical development of individual character." Id. The Alpha Beta Chapter of Sigma Chi was established at Berkeley in 1886. Id. at 347. The badge "is a cross of gold and white enamel. In the center is an elliptical plate of black enamel displaying the letters Sigma Chi in gold. On the upper arm of the cross are two crossed keys; on the right arm, a scroll, and on the left, an eagle's head. On the lower arm is a pair of clasped hands above seven stars. Two small chains connect the upper arm of the cross with the horizontal arms." Id. at 345-346.

Sigma Nu (SN) was founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute. Stevens at 363. The founder of the fraternity and author of its ritual, James Frank Hopkins, was himself a Mason. Hopkins was completely opposed to hazing and other immature practices: He, with two fellow cadets established Sigma Nu (initially called the Legion of Honor) which institutionalized that opposition. The Beta Psi Chapter of Sigma Nu was instituted at the University of California Berkeley in February 1892. The badge is a fifteen-pointed, five-armed cross in a circular field, in the center of which is a coiled serpent. On each of the arms or panels is a pair of crossed swords, below which are distributed the letters Sigma, Nu, Epsilon, Tau, Tau." Id. at 363.

Sigma Phi Epsilon (SFE) was founded in 1901 at Richmond College, now the University of Richmond, VA. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 353 (17th ed. 1968). The California Alpha Chapter at Berkeley was founded in 1910. Id. at 356. The fraternity was founded by young men who were ministerial candidates who sought brotherhood, chief among them was Carter Ashton Jenkens. Id. at 353. Jenkens looked to the Bible for a foundation and found the principal he sought in Mathew 22:37-40: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou Shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Id. Jenkens also devised the symbolism of the fraternity, including the heart shaped badge, consistent with the theme of agape or Christian love. On the heart is displayed the skull and cross bones and the letters Sigma Phi Epsilon in gold or silver on a background of black enamel. Only pearls or diamonds are permitted in the mounted badges. Id. at 354.

Theta Chi (QC) was founded at Norwich University, VT, in 1856. The oath and ritual were written by the founders, Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase, whose forebears were Episcopalian pioneers. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 369 (17th ed. 1968). Mu Chapter of Theta Chi was but the twelfth Chapter of the fraternity and was established in 1913. Id. at 372. "Although Theta Chi was established at a semimilitary institution, its founders and those who built up its traditions in succeeding years introduced nothing into its ritual, its constitution, its nomenclature, its customs, its character, or its symbolism that suggests the military in any way." Id. at 369. The badge has a gold rattlesnake, with a ruby-set eye. The rattlesnake is fashioned to firm a Theta, with swords crossed diagonally over the Theta to form a Chi. Id.

Theta Delta Chi (QDC) was founded at Union College in 1847 by men who were all members of Phi Beta Kappa. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 373 (17th ed. 1968). Andrew H. Green was the chief compiler of the constitution and ritual. Id. The Delta Deuteron Chapter of Theta Delta Chi was established at Berkeley in 1900. Id. at 376. The badge of Theta Delta Chi is a shield of gold with a face of black enamel displaying the letters Theta Delta Chi surmounted by two five-pointed gold stars with diamond centers; below are two arrows crossed. The border of the shield is studded with pearls. Id. at 374.

Theta Xi (TX) was founded in 1864 (the only fraternity founded during the Civil War) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 376 (17th ed. 1968). The Nu Chapter at Berkeley was founded in 1910. Id. at 379. The badge is a monogram made by inclining the Theta on the Xi. The rim of the Theta is set with twenty graduated pearls and its bars with a single stone, either a diamond or a ruby. Id. at 378.

Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) was founded in 1898 in New York City at an organizational meeting at the Jewish Theological Seminary under the inspiration of Rabbi Gustav Gottheil and his son Richard J.H. Gottheil, professor of languages at Columbia University. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 381 (17th ed. 1968). It was originally called simply Z.B.T. but within two years of its founding, its original Zionist objective was eliminated and it became a social college fraternity. Id. In 1906 it changed its name, giving the initials Z.B.T. the Greek letters Zeta Beta Tau. Id. The Alpha Eta Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau at Berkeley was established in 1920. Id. at 382. The badge is in the shape of a diamond, edged with whole pearls. In the slightly raised center are the Greek letters Z B T in gold on a black background running along the short diagonal. Above the letters appear a skull and crossbones in white, and below is the six-pointed star of hope in light blue. Id. at 382.

Zeta Psi (ZY) was founded in 1847. The "very secret" Zeta Psi was founded by Freemasons. Stevens at 336. They were John B. Yates Sommers, William Henry Dayton, and John M. Skillman. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 383 (17th ed. 1968). The Iota Chapter of Zeta Psi was established at Berkeley in 1870. Id. at 384. "It impresses upon its members, rather more than some like organizations, the importance of profound secrecy regarding the society and its affairs. It will probably surprise members to learn that its secret work, so-called, embodies several features borrowed from Freemasonry. The badge, however, has no resemblance to the better known Masonic emblems, consisting of a gold monogram formed of a jeweled Zeta, with a circle in its upper and an A in its lower angle, placed upon a Psi, upon the left arm of which is a five-pointed star, and upon the latter a Roman Faces." Stevens at 364.

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University has fourteen fraternities on campus. The University was founded in 1899.

Alpha Gamma Delta

Alpha Kappa Omicron

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Alpha Phi International Fraternity

Alpha Phi Omega - Mu Zeta Chapter

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Phi

Delta Sigma Pi

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated

Kappa Psi Epsilon

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc

Phi Sigma Sigma

Pi Kappa Phi (PKF) See above.

San Jose State University

San Jose State was founded in 1857 as Minns' Evening Normal School. Among the fraternities at San Jose State:

Acacia Chapter founded in 1966

Alpha Tau Omega Chapter founded in 1950

Delta Sigma Phi Chapter founded in 1949

Delta Upsilon Chapter founded in 1948

Kappa Sigma Chapter founded in 1964

Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter founded in 1950

Omega Psi Phi Chapter founded in 1962

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chapter founded in 1958

Sigma Alpha Mu Chapter founded in 1962

Sigma Chi Chapter founded in 1952

Sigma Nu Chapter founded in 1951

Sigma Pi Chapter founded in 1950

Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter founded in 1958

Theta Chi Chapter founded in 1948

Theta Xi Chapter founded in 1951

Stanford University

Leland Stanford University opened in 1891. It may be noted that Sen. Leland Stanford, was himself a Freemason. Stevens at 96. Today, Stanford University has fifteen fraternities including the following:

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi)

Alpha Delta Phi Society (ADP) See above.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (APA)

Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) See above.

Delta Upsilon (DU) See above. The Chapter at Stanford was founded in 1896.

Kappa Alpha Order (KA) founded in 1865 at Washington and Lee University, Virginia. Id. at 355. Its badge is a gold shield on which are a cross having four arms of equal length and the letters Kappa and Alpha on a black field." Id.

Lambda Phi Epsilon (LPE)

Phi Kappa Psi (PKP) was founded in 1852 at Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. Id. at 359. Its government is patterned after some of the regular secret societies, as are some of its secret features. Id. "The badge is a conventional shield, with a jeweled border bearing the letters Phi Kappa Psi above an antique lamp and below "a radiated eye," on either side of which is a five pointed star." Id. at 360.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) See above. The Stanford Chapter is called Kappa Alpha Chapter and was established there in 1892. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 341 (17th ed. 1968).

Sigma Chi (SC) See above. The Alpha Omega Chapter at Stanford was founded in 1891. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 347 (17th ed. 1968).

Sigma Nu Fraternity (SN) See above. The Beta Chi chapter of Sigma Nu was instituted at Stanford University in November 1891 and inspired the institution of the chapter at the University of California Berkeley the following year.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (SPE) See above.

Theta Chi (TX) See above. Alpha Epsilon Chapter was established at Stanford in 1920. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 372 (17th ed. 1968).

Zeta Psi (ZY) See above. The Mu Chapter of Zeta Psi was founded at Stanford in 1892. Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities, ed. Baird et al., p. 385 (17th ed. 1968).

University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco was founded in 1855. The University of San Francisco has eight fraternities. The fraternities include:

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) See above. The USF Chapter is called Kappa Sigma Chapter.

Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) See above.

Note: The author is an alumnus of USF, graduating with a B.A. cum laude in 1987 and a J.D. in 1990. As a Senior Undergraduate, he was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit University Honor Society.

For additional information on hazing, see: Stop Hazing