Greek Life
Join a tradition at Albion of more than 130 years.
Each chapter offers student leadership roles, service opportunities, and academic support in a close-knit environment. Greek students can be found all over campus, involved in almost every student organization and athletic team. Here are some of the details of what it means to be Greek at Albion.
Sororities
The on-campus advisor for the Panhellenic Sororities is the Associate Vice President for Student Development, Connie Smith. You can reach Connie at [email protected] or 517-629-0750. The on-campus adviser for the Multicultural Sororities and Fraternities is the Assistant Dean of Campus Life, Sharese Mathis. You can reach Sharese at [email protected] or 517-629-0433. Each sorority has a lodge in which they hold meetings and various events, but sorority women do not live in these lodges. Instead, they live all across campus in residence halls. This gives members the opportunity to make meaningful connections with non-affiliated folks on campus, women in other sororities, and be directly immersed in campus life. For any questions regarding on-campus living arrangements, please contact the Office of Community Living at [email protected]
Alpha Chi Omega
Beta Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1887
- Flower: Red carnation
- Motto: “Together let us seek the heights.”
- Colors: Scarlet red and olive green
- Symbol: Three stringed lyre
Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885, at DePauw University, with the purpose “to provide the advancement of the intellectual, social and moral culture of its members.” Its official mission statement reads, “Alpha Chi Omega is a national women’s organization that enriches the lives of members through lifetime opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning and service.” Its philanthropies focus on domestic violence awareness and the MacDowell Colony, the oldest artists’ colony in the United States, located in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Alpha Chi Omega is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Zeta Chapter – Chartered at Albion College in 2001
- Flower: Pink tea rose
- Symbol: Ivy leaf
- Motto: “By Culture and By Merit”
- Colors: Salmon pink and apple green
In 1908, at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first historically black sorority founded in this county. The purpose of the Sigma Zeta Chapter and of the national sorority is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.
Alpha Xi Delta
Phi Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1915
- Flower : Pink kilarny rose
- Badge: The quill
- Motto : “The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword.”
- Colors : Double blue (light and dark) and gold
- Jewel: Pearl, diamond and sapphire
- Mascot: BetXi Bear
Alpha Xi Delta was founded in 1893 at Lombard College. Alpha Xi Delta’s vision reads, “Inspiring women to realize their potential.” The mission of Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is “to enrich the life of every Alpha Xi Delta.” Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy is Kindly Hearts Initiative which serves as the umbrella to our philanthropic focus on children experiencing foster care or homelessness. Alpha Xi Delta is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). NPC’s creed was written by an Alpha Xi Delta.
Delta Gamma
Zeta Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1883
- Flower: Cream-colored rose
- Symbol: Anchor
- Motto: “Do Good”
- Colors: Bronze, pink and blue
Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 at the Lewis School for Girls. The organization’s primary purpose “is to create an environment for our members in which lasting friendships and our vows of sisterhood emanate all aspect of our Fraternity. We encourage an atmosphere which will foster high ideals of friendship among college women, promote their educational and cultural interests, create in them a true sense of social responsibility and develop in them the best qualities of character.” Philanthropically, Delta Gamma’s goal is to “stop blindness before it starts”; money raised by chapters has funded genetic research, Braille books, and so forth. Anchor Splash is an activity hosted by the Zeta Chapter of Delta Gamma to raise funds for this cause. Delta Gamma is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference.
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.
Albion College Colony – Founded at Albion College in 2022
- Flower: Red Rose
- Motto: “Semper Unum et Inseparabilis” – “Always One and Inseparable”
- Colors: Red, Gold, and Royal Blue, with Black and White as background colors
- Symbol: Pegasus and Unicorn
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. Is devoted to serving our community while fostering a sense of pride and respect for our heritage. The sorority was founded on September 29th, 1990, by thirteen inspiring young women from four different schools in the state of New York: SUNY Albany, SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY New Paltz, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This diverse group of women came together with the goal of creating an organization that would help their communities, unites women, and promote scholarship.
Kappa Alpha Theta
Pi Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1887
- Flower: Black and gold pansy
- Symbol: Kite and twin stars
- Colors: Black and gold
Kappa Alpha Theta was the first Greek-letter fraternity for women. It was established in 1870 at Indiana Asbury College (now DePauw University). Its purpose reads: “The intellectual ambition of the Fraternity shall be the attainment of highest scholarship. The social aim of the Fraternity shall be to exercise the widest influence for good. The moral aim of the Fraternity shall be the standard of love.” Kappa Alpha Theta’s philanthropic partner is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The organization is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference.
Kappa Delta
Sigma Pi Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1923
- Flower: White rose
- Symbol : Nautilus shell, dagger, teddy bear and katydid
- Motto: Ta Kala Diokomen, which stands for “Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest.”
- Colors: Olive green and pearl white
- Jewels: Diamond, emerald and pearl
In 1897, Kappa Delta was founded at State Female Normal School (now Longwood University). Its stated purpose is “to promote true friendship among the college girls of our country by inculcating into their hearts and lives those principles of truth, of honor, of duty, without which there can be no true friendship.” Kappa Delta’s national philanthropies are Girl Scouts of the USA, Prevent Child Abuse America, Children’s Hospital (in Richmond, Virginia), and Orthopaedic Research Awards. It is also a member of the National Panhellenic Conference.
Fraternities
The on-campus advisor for the fraternities is is the Associate Vice President for Student Development, Connie Smith. You can reach Connie at [email protected] or 517-629-0750. Each fraternity has a house that is considered “on-campus housing.” For any questions regarding on-campus living arrangements, please contact the Office of Community Living at [email protected]
Alpha Tau Omega
Beta Omicron Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1889
- Flower: White tea rose
- Symbol: Heraldic cross pattee
- Colors: Azure and old gold
Founded in 1865 at the Virginia Military Institute, Alpha Tau Omega was the first fraternity established as a national organization, not as a local group. It was also the first fraternity founded after the Civil War. Its creed reads in part: “To bind men together in a brotherhood based upon eternal and immutable principles.” Nicknames for its members include Taus, Alpha Taus, and ATOs. Alpha Tau Omega is a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference.
Delta Sigma Phi
Alpha Tau Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1917
- Flower: White carnation
- Motto: “Better Men. Better Lives.”
- Colors: Nile green and white
Delta Sigma Phi was founded in 1899 at City College of New York. The fraternity’s stated purpose is “to fulfill the desire of serious young college men for a fellowship and brotherhood, as near a practical working ideal as possible, not fettered with too many traditional prejudices and artificial standards of membership, by a clean, pure, and honorable chapter home life.” Delta Sigma Phi’s core values are culture, harmony, and friendship, and it has a philanthropic partnership with the March of Dimes. It is also a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference.
Delta Tau Delta
Epsilon Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1876
- Flower: Iris
- Motto: “Lives of Excellence”
- Colors: Purple, white and gold
Delta Tau Delta was founded in 1858 at Bethany College, in what is now West Virginia, on the principles of truth, faith, power, and courage. It now has over 125 active chapters, whose members “live by the principles of integrity, accountability, truth and courage.” Delta Tau Delta is a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference.
Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated – Founded at Albion College in 2024.
- Flower: Red carnation
- Symbol: Diamond
- Motto: “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor”
- Colors: Crimson and cream
In 1911, at Indiana University, Kappa Alpha Psi became one of the first historically Black fraternities founded in the United States. It was established as a response to the limited social and academic opportunities for Black students at predominantly white institutions during that time. The purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi is to encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor, promote the spiritual, social, intellectual, and moral welfare of its members, and to support and inspire service in the public interest. The fraternity seeks to unite college men of culture, patriotism, and honor in a bond of fraternity, while preparing them for leadership and success in their academic and professional pursuits. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.
Omega Psi
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated (New Group)
- Flower: African violet
- Motto: Friendship is Essential to the Soul
- Symbol: Lamp
- Colors Royal Purple and Old Gold
Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ) Omega Psi Phi fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911, the first at a historically black university, by three Howard University students, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman, and their faculty adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just. Its purpose was “to attract and build a strong and effective force of Handsome men dedicated to its Cardinal Principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.”
Sigma Chi
Alpha Pi Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1886
- Flower: White rose
- Symbol: White cross
- Mission: To develop values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus and community.
- Motto: In Hoc Signo Vinces, which means “In this sign you will conquer.”
- Colors: Blue and old gold
Sigma Chi was founded in 1855 at Miami University. Its core values are friendship, justice, and learning. The famous song “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi,” was composed by two Albion College Alpha Pi alumni in 1911 and is the best-known of all fraternity songs. Sigma Chi’s philanthropies are Children’s Miracle Network and Huntsman Cancer Institute; the organization is a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference.
Sigma Nu
Gamma Gamma Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1895
- Flower: White rose
- Symbol: Serpent
- Colors: Gold, white and black
Sigma Nu, founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute, is a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. Its mission reads: “To develop ethical leaders inspired by the principles of Love, Honor and Truth. To foster the personal growth of each man’s mind, heart and character. To perpetuate lifelong friendships and commitment to the Fraternity.”
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Omega Chapter – Founded at Albion College in 1926
- Flower: Red carnation
- Colors: Cherry red and gray
Founded in 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University, Tau Kappa Epsilon is the largest social fraternity in the world, with 272 chapters internationally and approximately 250,000 active members and alumni. The organization’s philanthropies are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association. Tau Kappa Epsilon is a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference.
Councils
Albion College Interfraternity Council
The six fraternities on campus are all members of the North-American Interfraternity Conference and make up Albion College’s InterFraternity Council (IFC). IFC governs and coordinates the activities of the fraternal chapters on campus.
Albion College Panhellenic Council
Five of the seven sororities on campus are members of the National Panhellenic Conference. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. is a member of The National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, Inc. All seven chapters make up Albion College’s Panhellenic Council, which governs and coordinates the activities of the sorority chapters on campus
For more information on these councils please email [email protected]
Honoraries
Order of Omega
Order of Omega is a national leadership honorary for sorority and fraternity members who have made significant contributions to the Greek community, to Albion College, and to the greater Albion community. Its mission is to unite leaders within the Greek system for a common good. Order of Omega promotes continuing leadership and responsibility for those Greeks involved.