House Web Page: http://rso.cornell.edu/iotaland
National Web Page:
http://www.iotaphitheta.org
E-mail: iotaphitheta@cornell.edu
Chapter Name: Epsilon Sigma Chapter
National Founding/Date: Morgan State College, 9/19/1963
Cornell Founding: 12/02/2000
Flower: Yellow rose
Colors: Charcoal Brown & Gilded Gold
Philanthropy: The Afya Njema Program, The Developing Better Fatherhood Project, The IOTA Political Mobilization Campaign, Community Reclamation Initiative, Cultural Education Movement
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Epsilon Sigma Chapter
Cornell University
541 Willard Straight Hall
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 254-7491
Iota Phi Theta® Fraternity, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is “Building A Tradition and Not Rest Upon One”. A brotherhood of more than 30,000 predominately Black college educated men, the Fraternity currently has over 250 chapters located throughout the world. The major programs of the Fraternity are based upon the organization's principles:
12 non-traditional students at Morgan State University founded the Fraternity in 1963. These men were unique for several reasons. First of all, many were long-time friends. Spruill, Coakley, Dorsey, and Gregory had known one another since grade school, and Spruill and Coakley's friendship extended to when the two were pre-schoolers.
Even more uniquely, many of these men were what are now referred to as "Non-Traditional Students" and were 3-5 years older than the average college student. Gregory, Willis, and Brown were all service veterans, and Brown, Hicks, and Briscoe were married with small children. Of this group of 12, several were also working full-time jobs and all were full-time students.
Based upon their ages, heightened responsibilities, and increased level of maturity, this group had a slightly different perspective than the norm for college students. It was this perspective from which they established the Fraternity's purpose, "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men." Additionally, they conceived the Fraternity's motto, "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
The organizational structure and governance of the Fraternity is invested in the Grand Council, which meets in National Convention biennially. Regional Conferences are held in the eight geographic regions of the organization during twice a year. As Iota Phi Theta continues to grow and strengthen, so will its commitment to make meaningful contributions to society in general, with particular emphasis in the African-American community. Throughout America, Iota Phi Theta® has come to represent excellence in all areas. The Fraternity is, and shall forever remain dedicated to its founders' vision of "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. conducts all of its activities in accordance with the rule that governs organizations whose tax status is 501 (c)(7).
