Chi Psi Fraternity is a strong presence at thirty of America's finest and most respected institutions of higher learning. Sometimes the number has been a bit higher or lower, but Chi Psi has prevailed to the present day through its innovative and unique outlook. While some fraternal organizations see themselves more as a club or meeting place for their members, Chi Psi has taken the idea of brotherhood to heart and to the fullest extent of its capabilities. It is with this spirit that today we look back at our Alphas and our past with extreme pride, and await the future and the exciting change and advancement it will bring.

     The twentieth of May, 1841, is the date that Chi Psi Fraternity was founded upon the soil of Union College in Schenectady, New York. The eighth fraternity founded in the United States and the fifth at Union itself, Chi Psi was unique, being the first fraternity to be founded upon principles of brotherhood and as a social fraternity. Through this and many other innovations, it has been marked as one of the pioneering fraternities in the United States. It is this spirit of innovation that has allowed the Brotherhood and Fraternity itself to remain to the present day, and to create its unique perspective on the world of higher education and Greek societies.

     Be it the first fraternity house (or Lodge) built by Michigan Brothers in Ann Arbor in 1846, or an extensive scholarship and fellowship program run by the first educational foundation in the fraternity world, Chi Psi has been the leader in bringing innovations like these to its Brothers. It is in this way that the undergraduates of today will become the alumni leaders of tomorrow, and continue upon the path of creation and improvement that was started over 160 years ago.

     Other firsts included the first full-time Alpha Visitor, or traveling leadership consultant, and an educational program that supplements the formal curriculum of colleges and universities. This program, Chi Psi's Program for Excellence, helps our Brothers understand and recognize the challenges they will face in the near future, and how to advance their lives intellectually, morally, and socially. With a system of engaging and informative programs such as The Oliver and Marie Rowe Program for Leadership Development (Rowe PLD), or the Alpha Management Retreat (AMR), Chi Psi plays a role in every part of our undergraduate's college experience, ensuring that the undergraduates reach the highest level of accomplishment and success. Chi Psi recognizes that the bond of Brotherhood is eternal, and does not end after graduation. We are Brothers for life.

     Alumni play an important role within the structure of the Fraternity. Be it working at the Central Office, taking a position on a local alumni corporation, the Executive Council, The Chi Psi Educational Trust, or by attending one of the many alumni events around the nation. A number of alumni associations exist around the country, giving alumni the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones in their communities. Alumni also take an active part in the Fraternity's Annual Convention, where their ideas and concerns for the Fraternity are heard as loudly and as often as the undergraduates.

     For over 165 years Chi Psi has dedicated itself to the cultivation of an elevated and refined friendship. Simultaneously, Chi Psi strives to foster education and responsibility while providing a unique opportunity on the thirty colleges and universities. With original leadership and scholarship programs, committed alumni volunteers, and financial resources, Chi Psi can look back at what it has accomplished with pride. The leadership of Chi Psi also looks to the future and knows with confidence that Chi Psi will succeed in the challenges facing it, and remain one of America's premier fraternities.