Since the 1700's, secret brotherhood societies have been established to build character and nurture leadership qualities among their members. The concept of fraternity has inspired individual of great social conscience to make changes to benefit their fellow man. A fraternity ensures that no man stands alone; he is responsible to his brothers, and in times of needs, he will never be deserted.
The emergence of fraternity at the college level began with the founding of the Flat Hat Club at the College of William and Mary. Established to escape tight faculty control over student life, the original six member group hoped to bring more issues under direct student leadership. Within twenty years, however, the Flat Hat Club dissolved and was eventually replaced by P.D.A. Society.
The origin of Greek-letter organizations has a rich history that spans the decades of college life. Since their inception Greek Letter Societies have existed to serve the student and the host college or university. On December 5, 1776, the first Greek-letter fraternity was founded. Eight students from William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia, the second oldest college in America, founded Phi Beta Kappa. Their motive was to arrange, within the bonds of strict secrecy and of tested friendship, for opportunities to discuss freely the exciting issues of their times, including the recently proclaimed Declaration of Independence. Phi Beta Kappa had all the characteristics of the present day fraternity: the charm and mystery of secrecy, a ritual, oaths of fidelity, a grip, a motto, a badge for external display, a background of high idealism, a strong tie of friendship and comradeship, an urge for sharing its values through nationwide expansion. It was formed for social and literary purposes and held regular meetings. Directly or indirectly, all present-day fraternities trace their origin to Phi Beta Kappa's example. Phi Beta Kappa now exists as an academic honor society.
Ethnic fraternities developed as a result of the need to share and celebrate cultural diversity. As fraternities and sororities began their expansion and development on American college campuses during the beginning of the 19th Century, minorities were not included in this process. When the presence of minorities becomes more prevalent the need for support became an increasing issue. In 1916, the first Asian fraternity was founded at Cornell as Rho Psi, which now exists as an alumni club with chapters in New York, Hawaii, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Hong Kong. Today, over 37 Asian fraternities and sororities have existed over time with 27 of them founded since 1970 in California and New York.
While the concept of brotherhood and unity isn't new, our dedication and commitment towards promoting it is.
