173 YEARS OF PHI PSI:

174 YEARS OF PHI PSI:

BROTHERHOOD MOVING FORWARD

BROTHERHOOD MOVING FORWARD

Founders Day is a time for Phi Psis around the world to join together to honor Founders William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore.

In 1850, as a typhoid fever epidemic struck Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and many left to escape the spread, Letterman and Moore decided to stay and care for their classmates who contracted the disease. The bond formed that winter between Letterman and Moore inspired them to establish a brotherhood built upon the idea of The Great Joy of Serving Others, and on February 19, 1852, Phi Kappa Psi was formed.

It has been 174 years since our Fraternity’s founding, and this bond lives on through our 90,000+ living alumni and over 90 campuses nationwide.

2026
FOUNDERS DAY
SCHEDULE

Tuesday, February 17

State of the Fraternity

Join us for the annual State of the Fraternity webinar, where you’ll hear a comprehensive overview of the organization’s progress, priorities, and path forward. This session will highlight key achievements from the past year, current initiatives shaping our undergraduate and alumni experience, and strategic goals designed to strengthen the Fraternity for generations to come.

This webinar is hosted by Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity’s Executive Director Ron Ransom Butler ’00. Click the button below to regsiter!



Wednesday, February 18

Founders Day of Giving Chapter Challenge

The Founders Day of Giving Chapter Challenge is Phi Psi’s official social fundraising initiative. It is a time for Phi Psis, family and friends to join in support of the fraternity experience and honor the founding of our brotherhood by Founders William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore.

Gifts made during the Chapter Challenge (2/18-2/19) provide the essential funding for member development, safe housing, and merit- and need-based scholarships. As Phi Psi grows within our chapters and expands to new campuses and communities, the demand for these resources is greater than ever before.

So, are you ready for a little brotherly competition? Help us inspire more than 1,000 members to join in celebrating Phi Psi’s 174th Founders Day by making your gift during the Founders Day of Giving Chapter Challenge and inviting your brothers to participate as well.

Alumni, undergraduates, friends, and family can make a donation of $18.52 or more (for our founding) from any of the funds listed under the designation dropdown. By selecting the chapter they are associated with under the chapter dropdown, their participation will count toward the challenge. The top three chapters/colonies in overall donors and dollars raised during the challenge will bring home prizes.*

Most Donors

  • Champion: $5,000
  • Second Place: $3,000
  • Third Place: $2,500

Most Dollars

  • Champion: Free Rush T-Shirt Order of the Active Chapter
  • Second Place: Phi Psi Swag Bag for the Active Chapter
  • Third Place: Phi Psi Swag Bag for the Active Chapter

The top three chapters/colonies in both categories will also receive a custom trophy to display in their chapter’s trophy case and will be listed on a perpetual trophy housed at Laurel Hall. They will also receive recognition in The Shield and on Phi Psi social platforms.



Thursday, February 19

Happy Founders Day!

Time to celebrate 174 years of Phi Kappa Psi! Let’s spread the excitement and show you’re proud to be a Phi Psi on our Founders Day by:

  • Wearing your letters
  • Posting on social media and tagging @PhiKappaPsi
Reading of the Creed

Join fellow Phi Psis from across the country for a special Reading of the Creed webinar. This reflective and meaningful time offers members — undergraduates and alumni alike — an opportunity to reconnect with the values that unite us, revisit the timeless words of The Creed, and explore how its principles continue to guide our brotherhood today.

Following the webinar, all attendees are welcome to stay for a relaxed virtual happy hour, where brothers can socialize, share stories, and enjoy fellowship in true Phi Psi spirit. Click the button below to register!






Is there a Founders Day celebration near you?

Go to our Events page to find out!

Founders Day of Giving Chapter Challenge

Click below to make a gift for Phi Psi’s official social fundraising initiative!