About Alpha-Pi
During the year of 1910 local fraternities were prevalent at Iowa State University and amongst those organizations was an organization by the name of the Latauma (Lambda Tau Alpha) Club. After a long existence on campus these men were interested in connecting themselves with a national organization that fit with their vision of a fraternity built on the ideals of the sacredness of friendship of man with man. Soon after, they discovered Chi Phi and its rich history and roots throughout the nation. Chi Phi being the oldest social fraternity and its dedication to upholding its sacredness and dignity fully proved to be a worthy organization for these men.
This was the beginning of the history of Chi Phi at Iowa State University. The chapter flourished in spreading the values of Chi Phi into the 1920’s and all was looking up for our brothers. One fateful evening a fire broke out on the first floor of the Chi Phi house due to a misplaced cigarette after a social event with a local sorority. The fire set the house in flames but due to good fortune all of the brothers were able to make it out with only minor burns. As the brothers were fortunate to come out alive the chapter never fully recovered from this disaster. This fire was not only crippling to the chapter but poorly timed happening amongst the great depression. Fraternal organizations were struggling along with the country and Chi Phi was no exception. The loss of the house crippled the chapter’s ability to stay competitive amongst the community and soon the chapter closed its doors. But this would not be the first time Chi Phi would close its doors on this campus. During the 1970’s Chi Phi would return back to Iowa State University once again with the support of still living alumni. The brothers continued to strive in spreading the values of our founders to the men of Iowa State but the timing was not right. Lack of national and alumni support for the organization led to, again, Chi Phi shutting its doors at Iowa State but that would not be the end.
In the Fall of 2015 Chi Phi returned back to Iowa State University determined to spread the values of Chi Phi. To extend the tender hand of friendship to the men who enrolled in this University and once and for all solidify Chi Phi’s place at Iowa State. Not long after, men of like minds and a vision to impact the community flocked to the organization determined to create one like no other. An organization that embodied the vision of building better men and embracing the challenge of taking men in one of their most impressionable stages of their lives and showing them the tenderness of friendship of man with man. Chi Phi has become one of the fastest growing and impactful fraternities at Iowa State and this is just the beginning. We continue to dedicate ourselves to building a supportive and loving brotherhood for all of the men who find themselves at the doors of our organization. Chi Phi at Iowa State has become one of the most highly achieving Chi Phi chapters in the country and not only do we make an impact on the local level but also the national level. The future of Chi Phi at Iowa State is looking as bright as ever and we are determined that 2015 is the last time Chi Phi will have to return to this University.
