The Phi Beta Chapter of Psi Upsilon at William & Mary began in 1981, when a group of friends led by Kip Smith and Phil Evans began considering whether there was a space for a different type of fraternity on campus. A fraternity that balanced academics, community service, and social life while accepting members for who they are. On April 14, 1984, twenty-one undergraduate members and one honorary member were initiated, formally establishing the Phi Beta Chapter.
During its original period of activity, Phi Beta developed a reputation for scholarship, service, and an individualistic chapter culture. In 1991-1992, "the chapter earned William & Mary's Davis Cup for achieving the highest GPA among campus fraternities," while also participating in service projects including Housing Partnerships and its own AIM philanthropy. 1 The chapter then became inactive in 2006.
Efforts to revive Phi Beta began more than a decade later. The Phi Beta Alumni Association was incorporated in Virginia in 2018, and alumni began working with interested William & Mary students in 2019. On July 19, 2020, Psi Upsilon formally recognized the Phi Beta Owl Club, beginning the undergraduate organization's reestablishment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four graduating members were initiated in spring 2021, and the organization then gained recognition from William & Mary and the Interfraternity Council. On April 23, 2022, sixteen members were initiated into Psi Upsilon in the Wren Chapel. Since reestablishment, Phi Beta has continued to rebuild its membership, traditions, alumni relationships, scholarship, philanthropy, and service. The chapter celebrated the 40th anniversary of its original charter in 2024. Recent chapter activities have included service with Williamsburg Community Growers, Habitat for Humanity, and Heritage Humane Society; fundraising for Habitat for Humanity; renewed Homecoming traditions; and the creation of the chapter's first composite since reestablishment.
Material in the Special Collections Research Center
- Psi Upsilon Fliers and Photographs, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, William & Mary.
External Resources
- The Diamond of Psi Upsilon magazine - Spring/Summer 1992
- Psi Upsilon Fraternity
- Psi Upsilon Fraternity Phi Beta Chapter Website