Gamma Chi was chartered on April 15, 1998 with over a hundred brothers. Originally we were slated to be the Gamma Upsilon Chapter. The first meeting was held on January 26, 1998 in the UCF Student Union. Over three hundred people attended this meeting.
On February 1, 1998 the first Organizational Meeting was held and the first executive board was elected: Kristin Gillenwater (President); Daron A.S. "Dash" Holt (Vice President); Amber Goldberg (Recording Secretary); Scott Garson (Corresponding Secretary); Gary H. Gotwalt (Treasurer); Beau Ratliff (Rush Advisor); Allison "Allie" Young (Initiation Advisor); Matt Salois (Parliamentarian); and Pedro Davila (Historian). Kristin Gillenwater was the first brother to sign the Gamma Chi roll book as Gamma Chi 1.
Unfortunately do to scholastic obligations; Amber Goldberg had to resign from her position and the chapter. She then became the first Honorary Brother of the chapter.
The Chapter creed was written in the spring semester of 1998 by Georgianna Miller and is called Fellowship.
Phil, the chapter cartoon, was first designed in the spring of 1998. Brother Shaun Lynch created the final version of Phil that appears to date. Phil is rarely used as a chapter symbol now that Gamma Chi adopted it's chapter mascot.
The chapter mascot, The Phoenix, was established in the fall semester of 1998. The Phoenix was chosen to represent the chapter because of the myth surrounding it. In Greek mythology, the Phoenix was a bird that had purple, green, white, and gold feathers that would combust and then rise again from its ashes. This was chosen to represent the several stumbling blocks that the fraternity has had throughout its creation.
In the Spring of 1999, the chapter felt that it should adopt a philanthropy. During this time Ken Tse (one of the charter brothers) had a relapse of leukemia. The Chapter felt that we should involve ourselves in raising funds for cancer research in order to not only help others, but as a sign of support for one of our own. We have participated in several American Cancer Society events since then.
Our chapter is divided into smaller groups called families. Although brotherhood as a whole is an essential part of the fraternity, these families help to create stronger bonds among brothers and should be allowed time in the spotlight. Choosing a big brother should always be based on who you get along with well in the chapter, because they are a little's confidante, friend, and help in time of need. To all future little brothers of Gamma Chi, please take this into consideration when choosing a big brother.
Our Mission Statement
In carrying out the purpose of the National Fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi shall strive to personify and encourage three ideals:
- The acquisition and dissemination of information and knowledge through scholarship.
- The application of professional skills and the fostering of leadership qualities by promoting and advancing the welfare of humanity.
- The fostering of non-discriminatory, fraternal fellowship within Phi Sigma Pi's ranks.
History
Phi Sigma Pi was founded at Central Missouri State University on February 14, 1916, by E.L. Hendricks, C.A. Phillips, and C.H. McClure. The Fraternity became national in 1921 when a second chapter was founded at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. The National Fraternity has since evolved from an honorary professional fraternity to a professional education fraternity, and then, in 1966, to an honor fraternity for all disciplines. Phi Sigma Pi became coeducational in 1977.
Currently, there are chapters chartered throughout the Mid-West and East Coast. Today, over 20,000 students, alumni and faculty in ninety-four (94) institutions nationwide have met the standards for membership in Phi Sigma Pi.
Facts
Active Chapters: Collegiate Chapters: 94 Alumni Chapters: 4
Founded: Founded February 14, 1916, at Central Missouri State University
Incorporated: December 2, 1966, in Pennsylvania
Annual National Meetings: National Convention held in November; Grand Chapter Conference held each summer
Scholarships: Richard Cecil Todd and Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship awarded annually
All collegiate chapters maintain affiliation with Student Government or the Honor Groups on their campuses.
Phi Sigma Pi maintains no affiliation with the Social Greek System.
Minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average and one semester or one quarter of college work required for student membership.
Honorary memberships may be offered.
