Community History

The story of the University of Iowa Fraternity and Sorority Life community started in 1866 with the establishment of Beta Theta Pi as the first chapter on campus. From there our community saw rapid growth, welcoming it's first sorority in 1867, IC Sororisis, which eventually adopted the name Pi Beta Phi in 1888. In 1914, the third chapter nationwide of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded, welcoming the Divine Nine onto campus. One of the most interesting things about the history of the University of Iowa Fraternity and Sorority Life is that the institution is home to two founding chapter, Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. in 1986 and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. in 1990. They were both founded at Danforth Chapel in Hubbard Park. Our chapters are all unique in their own way, rich in tradition, and are deeply intertwined with the history of the University itself. Today, over 3,200 students at Iowa are members of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community. That comes out to around 14% of the total undergraduate student body.

Defining Opportunity 

Being a part of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community at Iowa means caring about Fraternity and Sorority Life's five opportunities. Fraternities and sororities are the opportunity at Iowa to find your place to belong, to serve, to lead, to thrive, and to succeed as a student and throughout life. By joining a fraternity or sorority, you have the opportunity to begin your legacy at Iowa. 

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