Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations. Every group was founded with purpose, values, principles, and a mission in context of their time and experience in American history.
Women’s Fraternal Organizations
The six women’s sororities on campus are governed by the Panhellenic Council (PHC), founded locally in 1981. Elected Council officers meet weekly to discuss current issues, advocate for the community, and plan events. Every chapter has delegate representatives who guide the direction of the councils. PHC President is Sam Papalia (papalias@lafayette.edu).
Visit the Lafayette College Panhellenic Council Website
Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Gamma Delta is an international women’s organization committed to providing opportunities for personal development, service to others and a space for members to forge their own paths – all through a lifelong spirit of sisterhood. Inspired by the vision and values defined by their Founders, Alpha Gamma Delta challenges members to lead lives of significance that positively impact their communities. Inspire the Woman. Impact the World.
Foundation: May 30, 1904 at Syracuse University
Lafayette Founding: 1981
Chapter Name: Zeta Theta
Values: Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Sisterhood
Colors: Red, Green, and Buff
Symbols: Red/Buff Roses with Green Asparagus Plumosus Fern, Squirrel, and Pearl
National Philanthropy: Feeding America and Meals on Wheels
President: Kate Demaree
Email: demareek@lafayette.edu
Alpha Phi
Alpha Phi International Fraternity is more than just a Greek-lettered organization—it’s a community of empowered women supporting one another for a lifetime. Their sisterhood stretches across the United States and Canada with 172 collegiate chapters and a global network of high-achieving alumnae. When you join Alpha Phi, you’re welcomed by a community of more than 270,000 members committed to lifelong friendships, leadership, academic excellence, personal growth, and community involvement. Alpha Phi is always working to improve and grow. Continue reading to learn more about our history but also about our future—the new programs and resources we are developing and implementing to strengthen our organization.
Foundation: October 10, 1872 at Syracuse University
Lafayette Founding: April 23, 1989
Chapter Name: Eta Sigma
Values: Scholarship, Service, Loyalty, Leadership, and Character Development
Colors: Bordeaux and Silver
Symbols: Lily of the Valley, Forget-me-not, Ivy, and Phi Bear
National Philanthropy: Alpha Phi Foundation – Heart Health
President: Shreya Raizada
Email: raizadas@lafayette.edu
Delta Gamma
Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the Lewis School for Girls by three young women who were unable to go home for the Christmas break. Together, Anna Boyd, Mary Comfort and Eva Webb created a club of “mutual helpfulness.” They chose the Greek letters Delta and Gamma because of their desire to “Do Good.” It remains Delta Gamma’s motto today and a driving force in all we do. Delta Gamma is a sisterhood built on a commitment to making the world better through not only service, but also a deep appreciation for each individual.
Foundation: December 25, 1873 at the Lewis School for Girls
Lafayette Founding: 1982
Chapter Name: Epsilon Xi
Values: Foster high ideals of friendship among women, Promote educational and cultural interests, Create a true sense of social responsibility, and Develop the best qualities of character
Colors: Bronze, Pink, and Blue
Symbols: Cream-Colored Rose, Anchor, and Hannah Doll
National Philanthropy: Service for Sight
President: Renee Pascoe
Email: pascoer@lafayette.edu
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa Kappa Gamma is a women’s fraternity that was founded in 1870. We pride ourselves on our sisterhood, leadership, and philanthropic efforts on and off-campus. Through our shared values and diverse personalities, Kappa offers a home away from home and a family that is truly incomparable. Our sisterhood is built by our love and strengthened by our shared efforts to grow as women. Kappa continuously provides its members with support for their academic endeavors. Our deep bonds of sisterhood are only made better by our national philanthropy, which focuses on promoting positive mental health. We also enjoy our many social events throughout the year. Becoming a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma is something that does not just last four years of college, but instead is an experience for a lifetime.
Foundation: October 13, 1870 at Monmouth College
Lafayette Founding: 1980
Chapter Name: Zeta Beta
Values: Friendship, Leadership, and Scholarship
Colors: Dark Blue and Light Blue
Symbols: Fleur-de-Lis, Key, and Owl
National Philanthropy: Active Minds, The Jed Foundation, Mental Health America, The National Alliance of Mental Illness, The National Eating Disorders Association, and Jack.org
President: Molly Nylund
Email: nylundme@lafayette.edu
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.
In 1981, our founding mothers saw the need for a sorority that crossed the societal boundaries of race, religion, culture, and class. While other Greek organizations are and continue to grow more diverse, our organization foundation is based on diversity and our sisters embrace multicultural ideals and interests; we seek to use our sorority as a vehicle to educate the surrounding campus and community on issues of diversity. We recognize that diversity is not limited to race, and we are proud to say we have achieved a sisterhood which is quite diverse with respect to not only race, but religious heritage, geographic origin, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, nationality, political ideology, and even choice of major and career. Ultimately, multiculturalism is the belief that there is inherent value in discovering, understanding, and appreciating all the ways in which people are different from each other. It is for this reason that we differentiate ourselves, in name and in purpose, from Greek organizations with the word “MUlticultural”.
Foundation: November 21, 1981 at Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Lafayette Founding: July 2021
Chapter Name: Huitaca
Values: Academic Excellence, Unity Amongst All Women, and University and Community Service
Colors: Baby Blue and White
Symbols: The Amazon Woman
National Philanthropy: NAACP
President: Yerimar Peguero-Bethancourt
Email: pergueroy@lafayette.edu
Pi Beta Phi
In 1867, 12 courageous young women set the stage for a thriving organization that continues to enrich the lives of many during their collegiate years and beyond. Throughout our history, Pi Beta Phi has helped young women develop meaningful relationships with others while reaching their personal potential. These relationships help sisters adapt to college life by providing a sense of belonging, mutual support and guidance. Our legacy of philanthropic service, innovative member programming, premier events and leadership development programs help our sisters become Friends and Leaders for Life.
Foundation: April 28, 1867 at Monmouth College
Lafayette Founding: 1980
Chapter Name: Pennsylvania Eta
Values: Integrity, Lifelong Commitment, Honor and Respect, Personal and Intellectual Growth, Philanthropic Services to Others, and Sincere Friendship
Colors: Wine and Silver Blue
Symbols: White Carnation, Arrow, and Angel
National Philanthropy: Read > Lead > Achieve
President: Ashleigh Anzevino
Email: anzevina@lafayette.edu
Men’s Fraternal Organizations
The six men’s fraternities are governed by the Interfraternity Council (IFC), founded locally in 1916. Elected Council officers meet weekly to discuss current issues, advocate for the community, and plan events. Every chapter has delegate representatives who guide the direction of the councils. The purpose of the IFC is to provide and maintain a community environment that fosters unity, representation, communication, and governance amongst the fraternities of Lafayette College. The IFC President is Bobby McClosky (mccloskr@lafayette.edu).
Visit the Interfraternity Council Website
Chi Phi
Chi Phi is considered by some as the oldest American men’s college social fraternity that was established as the result of the merger of three separate organizations, each of which bore the name of Chi Phi. These organizations were the Chi Phi Society, founded at the College of New Jersey (Princeton); the Chi Phi Fraternity, established at the University of North Carolina; and the Secret Order of Chi Phi, founded at Hobart College. Chi Phi is an organization that is proud of its rich history, which includes Chapters and members from around the world. At the same time, Chi Phi keeps an eye to the future, always looking for the next group of men that we will call Brothers and the next great Chapter that will be leaders on their campus. Perhaps you and a group of your friends are men who will go down in Chi Phi history as Chapter founders and leaders.
Foundation: December 24, 1824 at Princeton University
Lafayette Founding: 1874
Chapter Name: Rho
Values: Truth, Honor, and Personal Integrity
Colors: Scarlet, Blue, and Gold
Symbols: Chakett and White Chrysanthemum
National Philanthropy: Boys & Girls Club of America
President: Mikey Kotler
Email: kotlerm@lafayette.edu
Delta Kappa Epsilon
Founded in 1844 at Yale University, Delta Kappa Epsilon is one of the oldest and most prominent fraternities in the U.S. “Deke” is known for producing outstanding gentleman, leaders, and jolly good fellows. DKE has enriched the lives of students by teaching the importance of learning, leadership, and community service. We aspire to be a highly respected fraternity, focused on excellent chapter performance, populated with men of distinction whose behavior is exemplary in all respects and who go on to become leaders in their chosen fields of endeavor. Our policies and educational programs challenge members to be better men, to embrace the values of diversity and inclusion, and to create safe environments where all members are heard and where the social and physical wellbeing of all individuals are protected. DKE is more than just a place to live while an undergraduate. Our members, from the day they join DKE, are afforded the opportunity to form lifelong friendships, grow as a person through fraternal and collegiate experiences, and graduate ready to find success in all facets of life.
Foundation: June 22, 1844 at Princeton University
Lafayette Founding: 1855
Chapter Name: Rho
Values: Dignity, Excellence, Kindness, and Esteem
Colors: Azure, Gules, and Or
Symbols: Pansy and Rampant Lion
National Philanthropy: Movember – Men’s Health
President: Tyler Nyberg
Email: nybergt@lafayette.edu
Delta Tau Delta
It was 1858 at Bethany College in what is now northern West Virginia. The Neotrophian Literary Society, an organization that allowed students to practice and demonstrate their skills in poetry, public speaking and writing essays, voted to give a prize. But the members of another organization held control over the Neotrophian Society, and they fixed the vote. Eight men were not content to be idle and let this continue. Angered by these unscrupulous tactics, they responded by forming a secret society at the college. Its initial goal was to wrestle control from the Neotrophian Society away from a group of unjust students and return it to the control of the student population, as well as to bond the student body through respect and common values. These men were drawn together by common aims and brotherly regard. They came to be known on the campus only by the Greek letters Delta Tau Delta. They founded an organization based on the principles of truth, courage, faith and power. These principles guided the Fraternity through its beginnings. Since 1858, the Fraternity has spread to nearly 200 campuses, with more than 130 active chapters and colonies comprised of roughly 10,000 students. More than 170,000 men have joined the brotherhood of Delta Tau Delta since its founding.
Foundation: 1858 at Bethany College
Lafayette Founding: 1874
Chapter Name: Nu Crescent
Values: Truth, Courage, Faith, and Power
Colors: Royal Purple, White, and Yellow Gold
Symbols: Purple Iris
National Philanthropy: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
President: Michael Roberts
Email: robertmi@lafayette.edu
Delta Upsilon
Delta Upsilon was never intended to be “just another fraternity.” From the Fraternity’s very beginnings, it strived to be something different. In the 1830s, faculty and students at Williams had become concerned by the two fraternities on campus for many reasons, but particularly in their successful placement of members into high campus offices, regardless of their qualifications. Looking to change that, a group of men formed what would become Delta Upsilon. Their goal: create a new, non-secret society that would welcome “all good men and true.” Fraternity membership is one of the most valuable extra-curricular experiences available to college men. What makes Delta Upsilon different from the rest? While our mission and vision remain true to our founding purpose, we are not stuck in the past. Our aim is to provide a modern fraternity experience that creates men of character no matter the era. Delta Upsilon is the premier men’s fraternity committed to Building Better Men for a global society through service, leadership development and lifelong personal growth for our diverse membership. Put simply, Delta Upsilon builds good men who are difference makers. The experiences we offer are relevant and better prepare men for the world than the typical college experience. We are proud of what our Fraternity stands for, and we proudly share that with others.
Foundation: November 4, 1834 at Williams College
Lafayette Founding: 1885
Chapter Name: Lafayette College
Values: Promotion of Friendship, Development of Character, Diffusion of Liberal Culture, and Advancement of Justice
Colors: Sapphire Blue and Old Gold
Symbols: Duck
National Philanthropy: Global Service Initiative
President: Anthony Abenante
Email: abenanta@lafayette.edu
Phi Kappa Psi
The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is an association of men of integrity who strive to develop the individual in his intellect, his involvement in the community and in his faith. The Fraternity was founded on Feb. 19, 1852 at Jefferson College by William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore. It currently has more than 100 chapters across the United States with over 6,500 undergraduate members and over 80,000 living alumni. The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity engages men of integrity, further develops their intellect and enhances community involvement. With a legacy built on acceptance and trust, each brother realizes his highest potential through a lifelong experience of service and excellence. The oath Phi Psis take to the Fraternity’s basic principles of honor, truth and service to others influence these patterns for the rest of their lives. Phi Psi chapters utilize their collective influence to hold themselves to being men of excellence who behave responsibly. This means that Phi Psi chapters don’t haze their new members, they obey the law, they act in a manner that brings honor not just to themselves but to Phi Psis everywhere, they treat women with respect and they protect those who cannot defend themselves. That last point is especially true, as we hold ourselves to our founding motto “The Great Joy of Serving Others.” Service is at the core of what we do, and it is a big reason why our actions stand out in crowd and attract the best. Holding yourself to a higher standard can be what separates you from the pack during and after college.
Foundation: February 19, 1852 at Jefferson College
Lafayette Founding: 1869
Chapter Name: Pennsylvania Theta
Values: Honor, Truth, and Service to Others
Colors: Cardinal Red and Hunter Green
Symbols: Jacqueminot Rose
National Philanthropy: Boys & Girls Club America
President: Antonio Arena
Email: arenaa@lafayette.edu
Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Sigma Chi Multicultural Fraternity was founded on November 16, 1996, at the New York City College of Technology of the City University of New York. Phi Sigma Chi was founded by Heraldo Gabriel, Carlos Lopez, Archer Hutchinson, Steven Lee, Noah Rodriguez, and Marvin Simon – six men who sought to establish an organization built on true brotherhood and diversity with roots in self and community development. Striving to be diverse and unique while preparing tomorrow’s leaders with the necessary skillset for various life challenges defines the true nature of our brotherhood. We have formed a union among members of different races, religions, and cultures all working toward a common goal to improve the state of our communities through leadership development and the cultivation of self-worth.
Foundation: November 16, 1996 at New York City College of Technology
Lafayette Founding: 2023
Chapter Name: N/A
Principles: Pride, Unity, Brotherhood, Respect, Wisdom, and Loyalty
Colors: Crimson and Gold
Symbols: Phoenix
National Philanthropy: 363 Campaign, Sickle Cell Disease Awareness
President: Shahking Gomez
Email: gomezs@lafayette.edu
Zeta Psi
A global fraternity sustained by love and lifelong friendships since 1847, Zeta Psi members recruit and develop authentic, honorable men, loyal to creating a better brotherhood and better communities. Zeta Psi is a historic, elite, and intimate brotherhood. Since 1847, we have taken pride in the caliber of schools we are at and the quality of men we invite to join. Zeta Psi has active chapters at the best schools in the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, and France, and from them, recruits the finest of men — leaders, scholars, athletes, and philanthropists. A uniquely valuable sense of community stems from our intimate size that groups with 100, 200 or more chapters can’t match. That sense of real brotherhood is very important to us, and it’s why we have such involved, life-long alumni.
Foundation: June 1, 1847 at New York University
Lafayette Founding: 1857
Chapter Name: Tau
Values: Tolerance, Humility, Respect, and Sacrifice
Colors: Zeta Psi Gold, Pure White, and Pure Black
Symbols: White Carnation
National Philanthropy: Zete Kids USA
President: George Sima
Email: simag@lafayette.edu
A Message Concerning Unrecognized Organizations:
At Lafayette College, we welcome the opportunity for students who are eligible to participate in Greek-letter organizations. If you believe that your son or daughter has been recruited or is an active member of an unrecognized organization, please contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office staff. Click to read a statement on unrecognized groups at Lafayette College. Please refer to the following document below of our current unrecognized Greek-letter organizations.
Unrecognized Group Listing
Students interested in starting a new Fraternity or Sorority at Lafayette College?
The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life is interested in helping you to identify a values-based organization that supports both your personal values and the values of Lafayette College. Please review the following document that contains information on how you to start a fraternal organization. Recognition Process
Please review the following report conducted in 2018 concerning NPC sorority extension.
National Organizations Interested in starting a new Fraternity or Sorority at Lafayette College?
The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life can assist to answer questions regarding institutional policies related to student contact. Please review the following documents that contain information on the Expansion/Extension process at Lafayette College. Additionally, NPC organizations may review our 2018 report on extension.
Guidelines for Student Contact