History of the Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity

 


On November 2, 1883, 11 men at the University of Michigan formed the fraternity. At that time, there were a number of literary societies at Michigan, but Phi Delta Chi's founders believed something should be organized exclusively for the College of Pharmacy. A Quotation from the early records reads: "Both students and faculty recognized that such an organization would bring students of pharmacy together for the discussion of scientific questions pertaining to pharmacy and its sister sciences."

The forward-looking young men who on that day in 1883 banded together to form an association that has grown into Phi Delta Chi are all deceased. But their names will long be remembered by every Phi Dex: Charles Edward Bond, Franklin Herbert Frazee, Llewellyn Hall Gardner, Calvin Pomeroy Godfrey, Adolph Gustave Hoffman, Arthur Gilliam Hopper, Charles F. Hueber, George Pawling Lemon, Arthur Sidney Rogers, Azor Thurston, and Albert Tenny Waggoner.

UM seal

 

founders

Albert Benjamin Prescott (1832-1905) then Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Michigan, encouraged the 11 founders in the formation of the society. He was made the first honorary member and then served as the group's sponsor. Dean Prescott's name has been associated with the highest and finest traditions and awards of the fraternity throughout the years. Prescott is acclaimed as an innovator in pharmaceutical education. He served the American Pharmaceutical Association as President in 1900.

Origins of the name PHI DELTA CHI


Originally, our Fraternity was called Phi Chi, recalling the words Pharmacy and Chemistry. At the second meeting of the society, a motion was made to change the name to Phi Delta Chi, but the motion failed. Meanwhile, two medical fraternities founded in 1889 and 1894 also took the name Phi Chi, perhaps evoking Physics and Chirurgery. Shortly after the turn of the century, these two medical fraternities merged into one, retaining the name Phi Chi. There was disagreement as to who had the right to the name, but members of the pharmacy group reconsidered the name Phi Delta Chi. By 1909, the Fraternity had grown to 14 Chapters. When they met in Grand Council at Chicago in March 1909, they proposed to change the name of the Fraternity to Phi Delta Chi, rather than pursue the disagreement with the medical fraternity. This change was ratified and took effect March 1, 1910, during Grand Council in New York City. Today we are proud to celebrate a century of DELTA, marking the fraternity’s evolution into what it is today.

Our Brothers

Phi Delta Chi originally accepted for membership men in the fields of pharmacy and chemistry, the latter including both chemistry majors and chemical engineers. During the depression days of 1928-1933 difficulties arose because the fraternity was serving two professions, and therefore membership requirements were changed to include the persons majoring in the field of pharmacy only. And thus Phi Delta Chi as we know it today was formed, a Professional Fraternity serving the field of Pharmacy.

Many Phi Dex Brothers have made considerable names for themselves within the industry, including Lilly (Epsilon) and many others. Other Brothers have become famous in the political life of the nation, the states, and local jurisdiction. On the list are Hubert H. Humphrey (Theta), a Vice President of the United States, several governors, many mayors, and large number of state legislators, several judges, many members of federal agencies in Washington and hundreds of local public officials.

Throughout the years it has been a matter of considerable pride to Phi Delta Chi's that the organization not only has been kept intact through wars and economic crises, but that Brothers always came forward to carry on the work of the organization and to expand it. Since our founding in 1883, Phi Delta Chi has chartered more than 70 collegiate Chapters and has initiated more than 50,000 men and women into the Brotherhood. Every year, Phi Delta Chi holds one of its national meetings. Grand Council and the Leader Development Seminar are held on alternating years, the most recent being the 67th Grand Council in Phoenix, Arizona.

MISSION

PHI DELTA CHI PHARMACY FRATERNITY develops leaders to advance the profession of pharmacy. PHI DELTA CHI, a lifelong experience, promotes scholastic, professional, and social growth in its Brothers. We strive to provide quality services to our patients, thereby advancing public health and strengthening ourselves as health professionals.

ACTION


PHI DELTA CHI is America's first professional fraternity in pharmacy. Since 1883, we have worked to advance the profession of pharmacy and its allied interests, and to foster and promote a fraternal spirit among our Brothers. We intend to continue to be first as a source of progress for the profession. These primary programs will improve our Brothers and their communities: