Xi Chapter History
The Xi Chapter of Phi Sigma Phi was originally founded on the campus of Central Michigan University as the Xi Chapter of Phi Sigma Epsilon National Fraternity in 1941, shortly before the beginning of World War II.
In 1985, all but seven chapters of Phi Sigma Epsilon merged with Phi Sigma Kappa National Fraternity. Xi Chapter became the “Epsilon Xi Chapter” of Phi Sigma Kappa. In 1993, Phi Sigma Kappa removed the Chapter’s Charter, and the Chapter briefly operated as a local fraternity. In 1994, Phi Sigma Phi National Fraternity, Inc. colonized the Chapter, and it became known as the Xi Chapter of Phi Sigma Phi National Fraternity, Inc. On November 18, 1995, the Chapter was officially chartered as the Xi Chapter of Phi Sigma Phi National Fraternity, Inc.
In October 2018, Central Michigan University removed official recognition of the Chapter as a registered student organization. The University took that action in violation of its own policies and without a hearing and without an official finding of misconduct. The National Fraternity, however, did not remove the Charter, and decided to continue to support the Xi Chapter.
Phi Sigma Phi National History
Phi Sigma Phi National Fraternity - Founded July 30, 1988
The history of Phi Sigma Phi begins not so much with an actual date, but rather with the evolution of ideals and dedication to independence and freedom of choice. On July 30, 1988, in South Bend, Indiana, Phi Sigma Phi National Fraternity was formally organized to serve as a national organization, uniting college men who wished to share in the spirit of true friendship and brotherhood. Years of fraternity experience and know-how laid the foundation of this new national fraternity.
The Founding Seven
The group of alumni and undergraduate college men who were the driving force behind the formation of Phi Sigma Phi were alumni and former chapter members of Phi Sigma Epsilon who elected not to participate in a merger between Phi Sigma Epsilon and Phi Sigma Kappa in 1985. Seven chapters and select alumni supported this new and independent organization. The undergraduate chapters which became “The Founding Seven” of Phi Sigma Phi were:
Lambda Chapter – Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Omega Chapter – University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Phi Beta Chapter – University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Phi Iota Chapter – Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin
Phi Kappa Chapter – West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, West Virginia
Phi Mu Chapter – Concord College, Athens, West Virginia
Sigma Zeta Chapter – University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, Wisconsin
National Determination and Support
The dawn of the 1990′s saw Phi Sigma Phi settle into its position as that of a strong and determined new national fraternity. The National Council and Staff of Phi Sigma Phi were determined to chart a course for this new national fraternity where the emphasis was on superior service and support for the membership. The initial turmoil of the late 1980′s gradually settled, and the desire and drive for expansion was put into action.
The first new colony of Phi Sigma Phi was founded at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. In 1989, a Lambda Chapter brother transferred from EMU to MSU, and began a colony. This colony was formally chartered as Epsilon Alpha Chapter by the National Council of Phi Sigma Phi on March 2, 1991. Forty-three brothers became the first new chapter initiates into the new National Fraternity. On November 18, 1995, the Xi Chapter at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, was chartered and became the ninth chapter of Phi Sigma Phi. In 1997, Phi Sigma Phi was officially recognized as the 66th member fraternity of the National (now North-American) Interfraternity Conference (NIC).