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Our History 

The 1961 Panhellenic Council: Standing, from left: Michele Venne, MaKine Kuffel, Donna Tyner, Jon Toney, Coralen Richardson and Dione Kopta. Seated are Nancy Stout and Kathy Robinson. Source: [1961 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Carolyn Penketh and Coralen Richardson prepare to serve at the installation of the Delta Omicron chapter of Alpha Chi Omega in 1961. Source: [1961 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
A week of coffee hours and fireside discussions with fraternity members highlighted the rush week program sponsored by the Inter-fraternity Council in 1960. Source: [1960 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
The Alpha Xi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha: 2011 member photo. Source: PSU Chronicles article: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Members of Alpha Phi greeting potential new members in Fall 1961. Source: [1961 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
1948 Viking Yearbook photo of Delta Tau Rho Beta Chapter. Source: [1948 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
The Eta Phi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on the campus of Portland State University on March 27, 2017. The chartering members are Sade Beasley, Kyra Berry, Taianna Campbell, Veronika Evans, Kian McNair-Speech, Demian Lucus, Tiara Simpson and Jasmine Taylor. Source: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ​Eta Phi Chapter website
1949 Delta Tau Rho "Treasures in Silhouette" dance Source: [1949 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
1950 joint dance event called Frost Fantasy held by Delta Tau Rho and Sigma Delta Omega. Source: [1950 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Alpha Phi Omega Iota Iota chapter in 1950 Viking yearbook Source: [1950 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of the Iota Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Omega in the 1951 Viking Yearbook Source: [1951 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Sigma Delta Omega, a local fraternity, in the 1951 Viking Yearbook Source: [1951 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Ami Kai, a local sorority founded at PSU in 1952. Source: [1952 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Vikes members becoming members of the Gamma Chi chapter of Alpha Phi in the 1959 Viking Yearbook Source: [1959 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
The symbol of Alpha Kappa Delta, a local sorority at PSU. Source: [1957 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
The 1993 Panhellenic Council members Source: [1993 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
A photo of members of Pi Beta Phi at their chapter house in 1976. Source: [1976 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Greek Week 1991 - members of Phi Delta Theta, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Chi Omega, and Phi Sigma Sigma participated. Source: [1991 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Alpha Chi Omega member Rachel Fonda at a 1991 Greek Week event Source: [1991 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Phi Delta Theta in 1993 Viking Yearbook Source: [1993 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha in the 1993 Viking yearbook. Source: [1993 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Phi Delta Epsilon - 2019 Greek Week event Source: Greek Council Connect Page
Alpha Chi Omega 1964 recruitment party event Source: [1964 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Omega Delta Phi tabling in 2015 at La Casa. Source: Greek Life at Portland State University Facebook Page
Charter Day - March 24th, 1945 of the Beta Psi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated. Source: Portland Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta website
Founding members of the Delta Omicron chapter of Alpha Chi Omega in 1961. Source: [1961 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
A photo of Carolina Regalado - 2017 graduate of PSU and member of Delta Sigma Theta Beta Psi chapter Source: Delta Sigma Theta Beta Psi chapter Facebook page
Members of Kappa Delta Chi wearing their letters for Wednesday's we Wear Greek to raise awareness of Greek Life at PSU - May 2019 Source: PSU Kappa Delta Chi instagram account
Return of Phi Delta Theta Oregon Epsilon - Colony Induction: March 7th, 2019 Source: Phi Delta Theta fraternity website
Members of Alpha Chi Omega at a 1992 Greek Week tug-of-war activity Source: [1992 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
September 1979 - Fall Rush signage outside of Smith Union Source: [1979 Viking Yearbook], University Archives Digital Gallery, PSU Library Special Collections & University Archives
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha - Pi Sigma Chapter at 2015 SALP Party in the Park event Source: Alpha Kappa Alpha Pi Sigma Instagram page



Greek Life has a rich legacy and history at Portland State University. We've included a timeline of Greek Life below, as well as several links to other resources outlining the history of our diverse community.  

Historical Timeline of Greek Life at Portland State University:
​

1945: 
Beta Psi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is chartered on March 24th. Their service area is compromised of University of Oregon, Portland State University, Western Oregon University, and Oregon State University. 

1946: 
Portland State University opened as the Vanport Extension Center for 220 students in Vanport, a city built to house wartime shipyard workers.
1947:
Beta chapter of Delta Tau Rho was the first Greek letter organization to be granted a charter by the student council of Portland State University (then known as Vanport College.) This chapter was affiliated with the Alpha chapter at Lewis & Clark College, which later became Sigma Phi Epsilon. 

1948:
After surviving a devastating flood that year, PSU moved three times before finding its permanent home in 1952 in the heart of downtown Portland.
1949:
Sigma Delta Omega, a local fraternity and Vikes, a local sorority, are founded at and officially recognized by PSU. 

1950:
◦ Iota Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, receives their charter and are officially recognized by PSU on June 3.
◦ Local fraternity Theta Nu, and local sorority Pi Epsilon Pi, created to promote interest in women's sports are founded at and officially recognized by PSU.
◦ Delta Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. is chartered December 9. This chapter extends to most universities in the state of Oregon including University of Oregon, PSU, Willamette, Lewis & Clark, Warner Pacific. 
1951:  
Local sorority Ami Kai is founded at and officially recognized by PSU. 
1952:
Iota Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Omega went inactive. 
1953:

◦ Local fraternity Beta Sigma Rho is founded at and officially recognized by PSU and establishes the first fraternity house right across the street from the school.                   ◦ Local fraternity Kappa Phi is founded at and officially recognized by PSU. 
1954:

◦ Local sorority Chi Gamma is founded at and officially recognized by PSU.
◦ Zeta-Kappa chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon is established as an affiliate. 
1956:
Local fraternities Tau Kappa and Phi Delta Nu are founded at and officially recognized by PSU. 
1957:

◦ Alpha Kappa Delta, a local sorority is founded and officially recognized by PSU.
◦ The Interfraternity Council is founded in May. 
1958:

◦ Local fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon is founded and officially recognized by PSU. ◦ Zeta-Kappa Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon receives its charter May 30. 
1959:

◦ On March 26 the members of Vikes, the oldest sorority at PSU, were formally installed as pledges into Alpha Phi Fraternity as members of Gamma Chi chapter.
◦ The members of Tau Kappa Epsilon move into their fraternity house.
◦ The members of Lambda Phi Epsilon receive assistance from a fraternity of the same name at Lewis & Clark College and become the Beta chapter of this organization. Their first pledge class is installed in January.
◦ Alpha Lambda chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, at the time a national music sorority, now a co-ed international professional music fraternity, is installed on November 15 by the national president of the organization.
◦ On May 26, Kappa Epsilon Phi, a local sorority is founded and officially recognized by PSU. 
1960:  

◦ On December 3, the Oregon Delta chapter of Pi Beta Phi is formed from former members of local sorority Chi Gamma. 
◦ On September 22, Phi Sigma chapter of Delta Delta Delta is formed from members of local sorority Ami Kai.
1961:
◦ Delta Omicron chapter of Alpha Chi Omega was chartered at PSU and officially recognized May 13. This chapter was formed from the former members of local sorority Alpha Kappa Delta.
​
◦ Zeta Mu chapter of Delta Zeta is formed at PSU. 
◦ The Panhellenic Council is established at PSU.
◦ Rho Sigma Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi is installed January 21 and was formed from members of the former local sorority Kappa Epsilon Phi.                            ◦ Members of Alpha Phi move into the first sorority chapter house on campus.
◦ Delta Omicron chapter of Delta Zeta is formally installed February 4.
◦ A new establishment of Gamma Phi Beta is formed on April 7.
◦ Delta Tau Rho, the oldest local fraternity at PSU, becomes Theta Epsilon chapter of Kappa Sigma. 
1963:
Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi is founded on May 12. 
1964:  

◦ PSU President Millar halts recruitment activities amidst the rejection of four candidates, two of whom were Black students. After months of deliberation, the sororities are reinstated on the condition that local chapters be free to select members without alumnae veto. Correspondence between President Millar and national officers lead to the disaffiliation of 3 Panhellenic Council chapters.
◦ Panhellenic Council loses its recognition. 
◦ Phi Sigma chapter of Delta Delta Delta closes October 15. 
1965:
Zeta Mu chapter of Delta Zeta closes. 
1969:
Beta Omega chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma is chartered at PSU. 
1972:
Rho Sigma chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi closes and becomes inactive. 
1973:
Gamma Phi chapter of Alpha Phi closes and becomes inactive. 
1980:
Oregon Delta chapter of Pi Beta Phi's charter is relinquished. 
1983: 
Zeta-Kappa chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon celebrates 25 years since their PSU charter date. 
1991:
Oregon Epsilon chapter of Phi Delta Theta is founded at PSU May 25. 
1992: 
Pi Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha is founded at PSU April 26. 
1998:
Alpha Lambda chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, a co-ed music fraternity, became inactive. 
2003: 
Lisa McCalla, the first Coordinator of Student Government Relations & Adviser to Greek Life is hired by PSU. Wendy Endress, former dean of students and associate vice provost for student affairs lead the search after receiving input from members of the Greek Life community at PSU. 
2008:  

◦ Alpha Xi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is founded at PSU. 
◦ Zeta-Kappa chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon is closed July 3rd. 
2010:
Pi Omicron chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi is founded at PSU. 
2011:
Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi is re-chartered March 19.

2012: 
Delta Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi became inactive after this year. 
2014: 

◦ Beta Tau chapter of Omega Delta Phi is founded at PSU June 6.
◦ The Beta Omega chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma ceases all chapter operations and becomes inactive in March. 
​2015: 
The Beta Mu chapter of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. is founded at PSU March 20. 

2017: 
◦ Eta Phi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on the campus of Portland State University on March 27.
◦ Eta Omega chapter of Delta Gamma was founded on October 15.
◦ Oregon Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity is founded November 18. 
2018:

Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi becomes inactive after this year. 
2019: 
◦ Oregon Epsilon chapter of Phi Delta Theta re-chartered at PSU March 7th.
◦ Pi Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha became inactive. 
2020:

◦ Spring term meetings and events were held virtually due to the university's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
◦ The Theta Epsilon chapter of Kappa Sigma left Student Activities and Leadership Programs in December and is no longer recognized as a student organization.
2021: 
Meetings and events continued virtually during the 2020-2021 academic year in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
2023:

​Oregon Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity becomes inactive. 
Sources:
PSU Chronicles article about the Alpha Xi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Special Collections & University Archives: The Viking
Zeta Phi Beta Portland State University history 
Portland State Perspective: Spring 1983
The History of Pi Beta Phi: Oregon Delta chapter
Article about Phi Delta Theta
Portland Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta

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  • About Us
    • Meet the Staff
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Our History
    • Historically Black Greek Organizations
  • Greek Council
  • Panhellenic Council
  • ΑΧΩ
  • ΔΓ
  • KΔX
  • ΦΔΘ
  • ΩΔΦ