From Phi Beta Kappa to Delta Sigma Pi: 8 fraternities in Ivy League colleges

As record numbers of Indian students pursue higher education in the United States, fraternities and sororities have become integral to their college experience, offering not only a sense of community but also critical professional and social networks.

In Short

• US universities see a 35% rise in Indian students in 2022-2023
• Professional fraternities provide career-specific skills and networking
• Fraternities and sororities offer leadership and social opportunities

In recent years, US universities saw a 35 per cent rise in Indian students in 2022-2023, with about 269,000 enrolled. This trend highlights the appeal of American institutions, especially for STEM programmes and post-graduation work opportunities through the Optional Practical Training programme.

Fraternities are social organisations for male students at colleges and universities. They offer a sense of brotherhood, leadership development, and opportunities for social and philanthropic activities. Fraternities are often recognised by their Greek letter names and have their own houses or chapters on campus.

On the other hand, sororities are social organisations for female college students. They offer sisterhood, leadership development, and opportunities for social and philanthropic activities. Recognised by Greek letter names, they have dedicated houses or campus chapters.

Fraternities, both social and professional, foster skills and networks that drive lifelong success. Members gain alumni support, mentorship, and career resources.

For families, fraternity legacies offer multifaceted value through academic support, professional mentorship, and community bonds.

Key benefits include lifelong networking, as alumni provide career guidance and industry insights; shared values, as fraternities uphold principles like leadership and philanthropy; and strong community ties, giving students friendship and support, especially those far from home.

In Ivy League institutions, fraternities have been a part of campus life for generations, with each offering a unique focus on academic, social, or professional development.

Below are some notable fraternities in the Ivy League and their contributions to student life and professional growth:

1. Delta Sigma Pi (1907) – New York University

Founded at NYU, Delta Sigma Pi unites business students to support career development, networking, and leadership within the field. With chapters across the US, Delta Sigma Pi provides mentorship, resources, and a professional community that prepares members for careers in business, connecting them to a vast alumni network.

2. Alpha Delta Phi (1827) – Hamilton College, New York

With a focus on literature and social engagement, Alpha Delta Phi expanded to Ivy League schools and has fostered academic growth for nearly two centuries.

Known for its commitment to scholarship and intellectual exploration, the fraternity encourages members to actively engage with the arts and humanities.

3. Phi Beta Kappa (1776) – College of William & Mary

While not a traditional fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic honour societies in the US, with chapters across Ivy League institutions.

It honours students who achieve exceptional academic accomplishments, promoting a culture of intellectual excellence and curiosity. It was founded by five students at the College of William & Mary in 1776.

4. Sigma Chi (1855) – University of Miami, Ohio

Present in Ivy League schools like the University of Pennsylvania, Sigma Chi emphasises leadership and community service. Known for its philanthropic work, Sigma Chi has developed a wide-reaching alumni network and is active in cultivating leaders in business, law, and government.

5. Delta Kappa Epsilon (1844) – Yale University

Founded at Yale, Delta Kappa Epsilon is known for its commitment to brotherhood, leadership, and scholarship. With a history of notable alumni, including multiple U.S. Presidents, DKE chapters are active in community service and uphold values of loyalty and ethical leadership.

6. Zeta Psi (1847) – New York University

Among the first fraternities to expand internationally, Zeta Psi has chapters at several Ivy League campuses. The fraternity places a strong emphasis on loyalty, intellectual growth, and leadership development, providing a robust support network for its members.

7. Kappa Alpha Society (1825) – Union College, New York

Kappa Alpha Society is the oldest social fraternity in the U.S., with chapters at Princeton and Columbia. Known for its strong traditions of intellectual achievement and community involvement, the fraternity upholds values of personal and academic development.

8. Theta Delta Chi (1847) – Union College, New York

With a mission centred on fostering lifelong friendships and leadership skills, Theta Delta Chi is active at Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Columbia.

The fraternity provides a supportive environment for academic and social growth, equipping members with skills for both personal and professional success.

Fraternities like Delta Sigma Pi and those at Ivy League institutions provide members with leadership training, career support, and a strong network of alumni mentors. Beyond social connections, they foster a sense of responsibility through philanthropic initiatives and community service.

Evolving from mere social clubs, these organisations have become pillars of support, skill development, and lifelong friendship, creating a legacy that empowers each generation to build successful futures.

- Article by Kavya Khandelwal