Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
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. All collegiate chapters maintain affiliation with Student Government or the Honor Groups on their campuses and have no affiliation with the Social Greek System. The organization is based on a tripod of 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
Today, Phi Sigma Pi has chapters on approximately 100 college campuses, with a total undergraduate and alumni membership surpassing 30,000 members.
The Alpha Rho Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi
The Alpha Rho Chapter was founded at Virginia Tech on November 3, 1991. The group quickly became well-known on campus and one of Phi Sigma Pi's strongest chapters. Members are very active within Phi Sigma Pi as well as other organizations on-campus, ranging from honor societies to social fraternities/sororities to academic department organizations to a cappella singing groups. The Chapter organizes many activities and events which include but are not limited to:
- Weekly mentorship program at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School
- Monthly trash clean-ups at the Virginia Tech Duckpond, the organization's Adopt-A-Spot
- Scholarship nights and road trips
- Intramural sports
- Monthly theme parties
- Tailgates for every home football game
- Participation in other student organization philanthropic events and competitions
For its excellence in programming, the Chapter was recognized by Virginia Tech as the Student Organization of the Year in 1998. In addition, Alpha Rho has been honored nationally by Phi Sigma Pi with its highest honor, the Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award, eight times. The Chapter has received several other major national Phi Sigma Pi awards for excellence in administration, service, and alumni relations. The strength of the Chapter was further acknowledged by the national fraternity following the events of 4/16 when it was bestowed with the Chapter Most Able to Overcome Adversity Award.