Why Rush Chi Phi?
To those within the circle of our brotherhood, this question needs no answer. The lasting friendship, the high ideals, the spirit of Chi Phi the fun and challenge of being part of a group with common and worthwhile objectives… these must be experienced, and therefore to the prospective member we point to our distinguished history, our fraternal strength, and the character of our chapter, the devotion and accomplishments of our alumni. Chi Phi is our nation’s oldest fraternity a fraternity that was founded right here at Hobart College.
What is a College Fraternity?
A fraternity is not as transparent as it seems. It is more than a house, humble and old, or new and magnificent. It is more than a group of fellows wearing the same Greek letter on their shirts, or rings on their fingers. It is more than a Greek Letter on a windshield. It is more than a big dance or inter-fraternity game.
The Greek letter fraternity, in its highest expression, is a group of men of common purpose; living, playing, studying together, with an underlying feeling of deep friendship. It is a group of select men, each of whom contributes to the group and benefits from this association with chosen brothers of the same character. It is a group of men united in a high ideal beautifully expressed in a ritual. It is association that makes a man of the boy who entered college, and sends him out into the world poised and self-confident. Even more important, he is surrounded with a group of friends who will be closed to him through life.
Our pledge program
Our pledge program is modern, constructive, worthwhile, and enjoyable. Therefore, there is no place for hazing. Rather, the focus of the pledge program is on the development of lasting friendships and brotherhood that can only benefit the fraternity and all its members. We the Brothers of Chi Phi, promise that those who complete our pledge process will always look back upon that accomplishment with fondness and pride.
Heritage
The Secret Order of Chi Phi was founded in 1860 by twelve students in Geneva Hall. As a founding order of Chi Phi, the Upsilon Chapter holds special significance within the Chi Phi National Fraternity. Many of the fraternity’s secrets and tradition, as well as much of its ritual, originated here at Hobart College.
Four Years? Or Forty?
Many fraternities speak to you of four years. Chi Phi speaks to you of forty or more—and such you must regard it. For Chi Phi represents the loyalty of lifetime.
Many groups point to campus accomplishments, and we are proud of our own. But Chi Phi can also point to almost two centuries of history made fine by the loyalty and accomplishments of men who pledged their devotion to Chi Phi as students. Every man who wears our badge is a brother to be welcomed as such in college, business, in life. Such is the brotherhood of Chi Phi.
Chi Phi National Upsilon Alumni Association Chi Phi Clothing and Gear Hobart College
| Comments, Questions, or Suggestions please email md0778@hws.edu | Updated September 2006 |