The History of Phi Sigma Kappa
Still another challenge to fraternities occurred with the anti-greek feeling which spread throughout the country in the late 1960's and 1970's. Membership in Greek organizations declined significantly during these years, and a number of chapters were lost. More recently, a period of expansion has occurred. While we have not lost sight of the attitude of our founders that we should not seek bigness for its own sake, Phi Sigma Kappa affirmed a desire for purposeful expansion in the 1980's and 90's which will enhance our ability to provide the programs and services expected of a strong international fraternity. It was in this context that the merger of Phi Sigma Kappa with Phi Sigma Epsilon was first discussed in 1984. The consummation of the merger on August 15, 1985 is truly one of the most important milestones in our history.
At the Convention in 1987 in Long Beach, California, two years following the merger, the crest and flag were changed in order to incorporate the symbolism of Phi Sigma Epsilon. This formally finalized the merger. With the addition of the Phi Sigma Epsilon chapters, the Grand Chapter was able to expand its services to our undergraduates. In 1988 the biannual Leadership School became an annual training meeting for chapter officers and volunteer alumni officers.
The Foundation has grown and is able to fund many new educational programs for our undergraduate brothers. The Foundation bought a new Headquarters building in Indianapolis as an investment, the income going back to fund educational programs.
Many new challenges have faced our Fraternity over the last decade, including "risk management," the decline in interest in fraternities and changes in the whole face of higher education. With dynamic leadership Phi Sigma Kappa has been able to meet these many challenges,and is ready to move ahead in the coming years.
What future generations may make of our more recent history remains to be seen. Perhaps we are too close to extract "heritage" from events still warm in our memories. But this much is certain: the same principles that inspired our leaders in those first few tentative steps away from Amherst and Emporia still guide us today. Our Fraternity is stronger than it has ever been. The door to the future is open to us and challenges us with exciting opportunities. We shall always remember our past, but our goal shall always be to carry with us those honorable principles and traditions bequested to us so that we can make them continually relevant to the experiences of today. In turn, we pledge to pass on these principles to those who will follow us, so that each generation of brothers, united by a common bond to Phi Sigs from every place and time, can proudly proclaim: BY THESE THINGS WE STAND!