Fraternity & Sorority Life
Spanning Generations
Dating back to 1854, F&M's fraternity and sorority communities have a long-standing legacy of developing students holistically across their founding principles that foster leadership, service, scholarship, integrity, and friendship, and fostering lifelong friendships and generational affinities.
The Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) staff collaborates with and supports students, alumni, faculty, staff, and parents by facilitating engaging educational, cultural, and leadership development programs.
Formally Recognized Chapters
F&M is proud to support several recognized sororities and fraternities.
Sororities
Chi Omega, Phi Lambda Chapter
History Founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, Chi Omega is the largest women’s fraternal
organization in the world with over 408,000 Initiates, 181 collegiate chapters, and
248 alumnae chapters. Throughout Chi Omega’s long and proud history, the Fraternity
has brought its members unequaled opportunities for personal growth and development. Established at F&M 1987 Chapter Nickname ChiO Chapter Type Sorority Council National Panhellenic Association Philanthropy Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of
children with critical illnesses. Since 1895, Chi Omega Fraternity members have given their time and talent to provide
service to others. In the late 1990s, the leadership in Chi Omega researched opportunities
for establishing a national philanthropy, and in 2002, they announced the Chi Omega/Make-A-Wish
alliance. Since the start of this alliance, Chi Omega has raised more than 35 million
dollars and has volunteered over 1.4 million hours for Make-A-Wish. Because of this
commitment, they recognize Chi Omega as one of their Cause Champion sponsors. Instagram
Alpha Phi, Zeta Sigma Chapter
History
Alpha Phi’s history begins in 1872, rooted in the bold innovation of our ten Founders
— some of Syracuse University’s first female students. Several decided that they were
not satisfied with merely participating in the classroom. Denied admission to the
men’s fraternities, they decided to create their own fraternity for women. From the
beginning, these courageous women envisioned an expansive sisterhood, and their leadership
and organizational practices set the tone for the Alpha Phi of today. Much like our
present-day membership, the Founders were a group of curious women who did not back
down from a challenge. They had a clear vision for our sisterhood and the confidence
in one another to make an impact.
Established at F&M
1982; re-established April 6, 1987
Chapter Nickname
Aphi
Chapter Type
Sorority
Council
National Panhellenic Association
Philanthropy
The Alpha Phi Foundation, which supports Women’s Heart Health
Website
https://alphaphifandm.wixsite.com/zetasigma
Kappa Delta, Eta Lambda Chapter
History Via kappadelta.org: In 1897 at State Female Normal School in Farmville, Virginia,
four women forever forged their friendship by creating the sisterhood we know today
as Kappa Delta. Now, 125 years later, Kappa Delta has 168 collegiate chapters and
over 200 active alumnae chapters filled with inspiring, confident women. When you
join Kappa Delta, you join a network of friendship, leadership, confidence and action. Established at F&M May 3, 2008 Chapter Nickname KD, “Kaydee” Chapter Type Sorority Council National Panhellenic Association Philanthropy Confidence Coalition: Prevent Child Abuse America Via kappadelta.org: Founded by KD sister Donna J Stone, Prevent Child Abuse America has been a national philanthropy, supported by thousands
of KD sisters, for over 41 years. To date, Kappa Delta has raised over $33 million
through collegiate and alumnae Shamrock events across the country for the prevention
of child abuse and to build a better world and community where children can grow up
confidently in safe and thriving communities. Girl Scouts of the USA Via kappadelta.org: Since 1998, Kappa Delta and Girl Scouts have been partnered together to make a difference in the
lives of countless girls across the country. Kappa Deltas serve as mentors and volunteers,
host confidence-building programs, educational events, campus tours and other activities
with Girl Scouts in their communities. The Lehmen Center The Eta Lambda chapter of Kappa Delta partners locally with The Lehmen Center, which,
via cassd.org/thelehmancenter, “offers emergency respite care for children newborn
through six years of age in a 24-hour crisis nursery, child-centered creative art
therapy, family advocate services, and parent educational and support groups.” Eta
Lambda’s Shamrock events support both The Lehmen Center and PCAA. Email Website Instagram
Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Lambda Gamma Chapter
History Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, on the campus
of Howard University by 22 women. These founders were committed to promoting academic
excellence and providing assistance to those in need. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated, founded on principles of public service, sisterhood, and scholarship,
made its first significant impact by participating in the women's suffrage movement
just three months after its establishment. Established at F&M Chartered at Millerville University on February 23, 1974 Council National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Philanthropy Five Point Progromatic Thrust Email Website https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/ Instagram
Delta Sigma Theta is a part of the Divine 9, nine historically Black Greek-lettered
fraternities and sororities that comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
DST has more than 300,000 members, making it the largest sorority in the Divine Nine,
and has more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is a private, not-for-profit organization
whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in
local communities throughout the world. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate
and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa),
Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, Southern
Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea.
Established at F&M on September 2017; first women at F&M joined Spring 1987
Delta Research and Educational Foundation
Alpha Xi Delta, Iota Psi Chapter
History
Founded in 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois, Alpha Xi Delta is one of
the oldest women’s fraternal organizations in the United States. Alpha Xi Delta is
a progressive organization dedicated to the personal growth of women. Through membership
in Alpha Xi Delta, Sisters are inspired to realize their potential through the ideals
our Founders instilled in our Fraternity: Sisterhood, leadership, knowledge, and service
to our communities.
Established at F&M
December 7, 2014
Chapter Nickname
AXiD
Chapter Type
Sorority
Council
National Panhellenic Association
Philanthropy
Kindly Hearts Initiative
The Kindly Hearts Initiative serves as the umbrella to our philanthropic focus on supporting children and teens experiencing foster care or homelessness. Alpha Xi Delta chapters and associations have the opportunity to support key impact organizations making a national or regional difference under the umbrella of our focus as well as the option to collaborate with local impact organizations that support children and teens experiencing foster care or homelessness.
Key impact organizations
Key impact organizations making a national or regional difference under the umbrella
of our focus benefit from the fundraising efforts of our National Impact Campaign,
Letters of Love. Alpha Xi Delta has identified FosterClub and StandUp for Kids as
our key impact organizations.
Sigma Lambda Gamma, Pi Zeta Chapter
History During the fall of 1989, the foundation of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
began when a group of collegiate women recognized the need to form an organization
that provided empowerment to women of all cultural backgrounds at the University of
Iowa. The humble beginning of Sigma Lambda Gamma was built at the University of Iowa,
Iowa City, Iowa. Under the guidance of University of Iowa staff, Esther Materón-Arum,
and Mary Peterson, the vision came to fruition on April 9th, 1990, when the University
of Iowa Panhellenic Council officially recognized the organization as a sorority. Through the continued commitment and leadership of the founding mothers, Gloria Cuevas,
Julieta Maria Miller-Calderon, Maria Ester Pineda, Danell Marie Riojas-Carbajal, and
Guadalupe (Lupita) Temiquel–McMillian, the operation of Sigma Lambda Gamma National
Sorority, Inc. began to thrive nationally. Sigma Lambda Gamma flourished on over 130 college campuses nationwide and continues
to provide an avenue for educational excellence to individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Our members recognize the need for togetherness and support one another in their varying
cultures, identities, and backgrounds. On campus, we aim to provide a safe place for
our collegiate members to learn, grow, and accomplish their dreams. Our organization
continues to support our alumni after college through Alumni Associations, task forces,
and volunteer opportunities. Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. is a sisterhood of empowered members who
have chosen this affiliation as a means to achieve personal development in their lives
and make a difference in our global community. Through our network of thousands of
sorority members, our organization continues to be a pioneer in the fraternal world
through the development of innovative programming initiatives and being an advocate
for social change. Today, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. has evolved into a multicultural
sorority that continues to honor that we were originally founded to create a safe
space for Latina women on a predominately white campus in the midwest. Many of our customs and traditions continue to come from our Latina roots. Since its
founding, our scope and appeal as a vibrantly diverse sorority committed to empowering
all of our members have become a central element of the organization. Membership into Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. is open to all individuals
who identify as women or as non-binary, maintain exceptional morals & ethics, with
a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, and who are pursuing or have completed
courses leading to a degree at an accredited college or university. Established at F&M March 30, 2019, achieved chapter status April 7, 2021 Chapter Nickname SLG Chapter Type Sorority Council F&M All Greek Council Philanthropy The Sigma Lambda Gamma Education Foundation and Breast Cancer Awareness The Sigma Lambda Gamma Education Foundation serves as the philanthropic entity for
Sigma Lambda Gamma. Our mission, vision, and activity serve to support the purpose
and principles of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority. The Foundation supports the
empowerment of all by providing our members with chapter grants and scholarships.
We believe if we educate a woman, we educate a generation. The Sigma Lambda Gamma
Education Foundation mobilizes the giving power of our members and donors to change
the world. Click here to support the Sigma Lambda Gamma Education Foundation. Sigma Lambda Gamma and its member groups actively support the important societal issue
of Breast Cancer Awareness. Our support of this cause comes in various avenues: from
fundraising campaigns; educational workshops to create awareness; active participation
in run/walk events; volunteer participation with organizations; or a combination of
these forms. Email Instagram
Fraternities
Phi Kappa Sigma, Zeta Chapter
History
Established on October 13, 1854, the Zeta chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma at Franklin &
Marshall College is the fraternity's oldest active chapter worldwide and the first fraternity on F&M’s campus, making it a pioneer of tradition and leadership. This chapter has significantly
shaped the campus culture, emphasizing leadership, scholarship, and community service.
With a history rich in tradition and a reputation for excellence, its members lead
impactful initiatives and contribute to both local and national philanthropic efforts.
The Zeta chapter not only offers a deep sense of brotherhood but also provides a very
strong network of alumni, ensuring mentorship and opportunities that extend well beyond
college years.
Established at F&M
Est. October 13, 1854
Chapter Nickname
Phi Kap
Skulls
Chapter Type
Fraternity
Council
Interfraternity Council
Leadership Opportunities
Men of Honor Institute offers a meticulously designed curriculum aimed at developing undergraduate fraternity members into scholars, leaders, and gentlemen. This annual gathering, which has been held for over two decades, equips top members from various chapters with skills to drive positive change within their communities and chapters.The program enhances self-awareness and understanding among members, helping them align personal and organizational values to positively influence organizational culture.
Operations Skills Institute (OSI)
Operations Skills Institute (OSI) is a weekend-long event that offers advanced training
for chapter officers through a retreat-like experience at an outdoor education center.
The program combines large group seminars with competitive small group activities
to foster sharing of best practices and encourage brotherly rivalry. Participants
enhance their managerial skills, benefiting both themselves and their chapters.
Scholarship Opportunities
Annual Scholarship Program
Two active members are awarded financial assistance for their academic success and
involvement within the fraternity and the community.
Philanthropy
Our Fraternity’s national philanthropy partner is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the largest not-for-profit health agency dedicated to finding cures for people with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma—collectively known as blood cancers.
Haunted House $500 LLS
Raised over $500 with our annual Haunted House toward our national philanthropy partner the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Fall '23 Skullhouse Concert
Three bands performed at our Skullhouse concert including two school bands. There
were burgers, hot dogs, yard games and even haircuts.
Spring '24 Skullhouse Concert
Four bands performed at our Skullhouse concert including three local bands. There were burgers, hot dogs, and yard games.
School Supplies Drive for Fulton Elementary School
We did a school supply drive for the month of September and collected about $500 worth of school supplies for a local elementary school.
Coat Drive
Lancaster can get pretty cold in the winter especially at night, so we hosted a winter clothing/coat drive in February for the Lancaster County Food Hub. We collected about 30 winter coats and an assortment of hats, gloves, and scarves.
Food Drive
For the month of November, we had a food drive to help combat food insecurity during the holiday season. Through this we collected over 100 pounds of non-perishable goods for Lancaster County Food Hub.
Chipotle Fundraiser
In September, we had a fundraiser at Chipotle where a percentage of the proceeds went to helping brothers in need pay for dues.
LLS Bake Sale
In March, we raised about $300 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through a bake sale.
Spaghetti Sunday
In September, we invited the campus community to come and eat spaghetti with us, and
we raised about $200 to help finance the Fall 2023 Skullhouse Concert.
Chi Phi, Zeta Chapter
History The Chi Phi Fraternity, as it exists today, is the outgrowth of three older 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. In the fall of 1854, Mayer organized a second chapter of the Chi Phi Society
at Franklin and Marshall College. Joseph Henry Dubbs, later a distinguished professor
of history at his alma mater, was the first initiate of the Zeta chapter. Hence the
name “Dubbsheim” is above the Chi Phi house on the campus today. Established at F&M Est. Fall 1854; re-established 2023 Chapter Nickname Chi Phi Chapter Type Fraternity Council Interfraternity Council Philanthropy Every year, our Brothers perform over 500 volunteer hours within our community and
raise over $10,000 for philanthropic causes. St.Baldrick's Our Brotherhood nationally organizes the St.Baldrick's at RPI event that consistently raises over $25,000 annually to help fund cures for
pediatric cancers. Boys & Girls Club We also maintain a good relationship with the local Boys & Girls Club as a part of our national philanthropy where we do tutoring and host events for children
in the community. Pie a Chi Chi Phi partners up with Chi Omega in taking pies to the face for charity! This is
done on Hartman Green and all proceeds go to Make a Wish. Max Fly High Anti-Hazing 5k The Max Gruver Foundation is fighting to raise awareness and educate young people
to understand the importance of looking out for each other, stepping up when a situation
appears to be getting out of control, and bring an end to hazing. Max Gruver died
due to alcohol hazing in his fraternity on Sept. 14, 2017. Chi Phi at F&M will host
this event on March 23rd and all proceeds will go to the cause. Dunleavy-Callahan 5k This 5k run goes to support cancer research. Both Dunleavy and Callahan are alumni
who lost family members to cancer. This is a yearly event that happens in the fall
semester. In the past, over $20,00 has been raised. Instagram
Zeta Beta Tau
History Zeta Beta Tau, or ZBT, was founded in 1898 at City College of New York in 1898 as
a literacy group to have a safe space for Jewish men who were barred from engaging
in Greek life. The organization eventually evolved into what we know today as Zeta
Beta Tau, or ZBT. The chapter at F&M was founded in 1922 as the “Towers Club,” which
was a predominantly Jewish mens social club at F&M. In 1929, the members of the Towers
Club founded the F&M chapter of ZBT. The chapter eventually chartered in 1931 when
all criteria was met per our national organization. In 1962, ZBT at F&M went “NO HAZE," becoming the first chapter on the F&M campus to
do so. This initiative was formed by ZBT brothers Jim Saltzman ’65 and Ken Duberstein
’65. Both men went on to outstanding careers in public service, with Duberstein going
on to be Chief of Staff in the White House for President Ronald Reagan. "NO HAZE"
remains a key part of our credo today for ZBTs across the world. During the 1988-89 school year, the College derecognized all Greek life on campus.
ZBT lost the charter from our national organization because of a policy stating chapters
without a house could not have a charter. The chapter decided that, even without the
charter, ZBT still needed a presence at the College and ZBT became known as the A-T
Club, which operated until the early 2010s. In 2015, the chapter officially reopened with College backing. The chapter operated
until 2023 when it was closed due to many issues relating to COVID-related incidents
and lack of recruitment. The chapter reopened in 2025 after an academic year of hiatus
and is going stronger than ever. Established at F&M Chapter Nickname A-T, Zeebs Philanthropy
Co-Ed Honors Fraternity
Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity, Zeta Beta Chapter
History Phi Sigma Pi was founded on February 14, 1916 at the University of Central Missouri,
initially as a men’s honors fraternity. However, this was changed at the National
Convention in 1977, when our Constitution was amended to admit eligible women, making
Phi Sigma Pi a “co-ed” honors fraternity. In 2014, we replaced “co-ed” with Gender
Inclusive! Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity is an inclusive organization dedicated to:
promoting lifelong learning, inspiring Members to lead, and cultivating lasting fraternal
bonds, while always conducting our lives with honor. We commit ourselves to a life
of social service with the goal of improving humanity through our principles: Scholarship,
Leadership, and Fellowship.Combined, the Tripod guides our Members to be successful
contributing citizens while at campus and into their professional careers. Established at F&M 2010 Chapter Nickname PSP Chapter Type Gender Inclusive, National Honors Fraternity Council Interfraternity Council Philanthropy Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Website Zeta Beta Chapter | Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity Instagram
Fraternity & Sorority Councils at F&M
College Panhellenic Council
The College Panhellenic Council is the governing body for National Panhellenic Council sororities at F&M, with the mission of developing and maintaining women’s fraternity life and inter-fraternity relations through:
- Considering the goals and ideals of member groups in supportive relation to student life;
- Promoting superior scholarship and intellectual development;
- Cooperating with member women’s fraternities and the college administration in concern for and maintenance of high social and moral standards;
- Complying with National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Unanimous Agreements, resolutions, and policies, and
- Governing in accordance with rules established by the Panhellenic Council to not violate the sovereignty, rights, and privileges of member women's fraternities.
Interfraternity Council
The Interfraternity Council is the governing body for and oversees the active fraternity chapters at F&M, with the Council's Board comprising an elected representative from each chapter representing each chapter. The Council promotes our member fraternities’ shared interests and values of leadership, service, brotherhood, and scholarship while enabling fraternal organizations to thrive and grow through collaboration and teamwork, self-governance and accountability, and ethical, impactful leadership.
For more information, contact us at fsl@fandm.edu.
Meet Our Students
December 13, 2022
Winter Graduate Spotlight: Erin Maxwell Follows a Family Legacy
At age 6, Franklin & Marshall senior Erin Maxwell attended her first protest. A passion for civic engagement has followed since. Meet the editor of The College Reporter.
December 1, 2022
Rouse Scholar Turns Adversity into Curiosity
Stricken with a mysterious illness in high school, Franklin & Marshall student Sara Beqiraj took adversity and spun it into curiosity. That perspective is what put Beqiraj, a biochemistry and molecular biology major and Spanish minor, on the path toward earning the prestigious Rouse Scholarship. "It was a scary experience, but being able to see the medical world from that patient perspective was really valuable to me because I was able to see how doctors work together in a team and how they approach treating patients with conditions like mine," Beqiraj said.
June 3, 2021
Two F&M Swimmers to Compete in Olympic Trials
Victory in the pool is often decided by one hundredth of a second. But for two Olympic hopefuls on the Franklin & Marshall College men's swim team, one year has arguably made all the difference. For senior Chris Schiavone, one gap year after high school steered the multi-sport standout away from water polo and toward swimming. The postponed 2020 Olympic games gave junior Brendan Cline time to realize his full potential and qualify for trials just weeks before the May 31 deadline.