Dear Parents,

For over a century Phi Kappa Theta has been a place for men to grow through brotherhood.  Thousands of men nationwide, and hundreds at Washington State have found themselves with the help of Phi Kappa Theta.  College is the time when personalities are formed, and enduring friendships are made.  Phi Kappa Theta is a place where these critical processes can happen.  Young men are challenged to become active, compassionate members of the fraternity and society.  We are founded on ideals of excellence in four critical areas, fraternity, intellect, spirituality, and scholastics. These ideals are carried on today, embedded in the foundation of all of our men.

It is a new year at Washington State and students are in a new place.  Finding a comfortable place to grow and find oneself is one of the most important things to a successful college career.  Phi Kappa Theta encourages all men to reach their potential, and provides many with the place they need to become valuable members of society.  Phi Kappa Theta would like to wish your son good luck in his quest for self discovery. 

If you have any questions or concerns about Phi Kappa Theta, or fraternity life, please feel free to contact our myself or our recruitment chair.

Sincerely,
Comeran Tileh
Vice President

RUSH PKT!                

Brief History of Fraternities

In the early 1820's, several other fraternities were created, all utilized Greek letters, displayed a badge, had a ritual and were secret societies. By the turn of the century, 40 national fraternities were in existence throughout the country.

Since 1900 the development of fraternities has been so rapid that the 20th century organizations outnumber those established previously.

World War's I & II were a great strain on the fraternity system. Most college aged men were fighting overseas and many chapters closed.

At the end of WW II, and largely because of the GI Bill, the "Golden Age& of Fraternities started as a result of the large influx of men into college. Universities with 40 fraternities, each with 50-150 men were not uncommon.

The sixties and seventies were a tough period of fraternities as the youth of those eras questioned the "establishment" - fraternities were seen as part of this "establishment."

Today, college fraternities have returned to their roots. They exist to provide a "home away from home", encourage high scholastic achievement, foster community spirit, and teach much needed leadership skills.

Statistics

• Greeks graduate colleges and universities at a rate of nearly 20% higher than non-Greeks.
• Seventy-six percent (76%) of our nation's senators, 71 percent of the men listed in Who's Who in America, and 85 percent of the Fortune 500 executives hold fraternity membership.
• Greek members overwhelmingly contribute a higher proportion of donations to their university alumni associations.
• Fraternity membership is at an all-time high of over 400,000 collegiate men nationwide.
• All but two U.S. presidents have been fraternity men.

Benefits

• a group of caring, supportive friends to help members make the adjustment to college and be friends for life.
• scholastic resources to help members achieve their academic goals.
• hands-on opportunities to practice leadership skills.
• encouragement to get involved in the campus and the community and exercise their fullest potential.
• an emphasis on the importance of giving of oneself through active participation in community service projects.
• inter-collegiate contacts that expand a member's horizon.
• career opportunities through interaction with fraternity alumni.

This page taken with respect from http:/www.phikappatheta.org