Students in fraternities and sororities hone their leadership skills as they participate in governance and community-service activities. About 25 percent of Kenyon students become members of Greek associations.
At Kenyon fraternities, sororities and societies occupy "divisions" of residence halls at the southern end of campus, so they live in an integrated way among independent students. Social opportunities hosted by Greek organizations are open to the whole campus.
Greek Organizations
Greek life at Kenyon includes four active fraternities, four sororities and one coeducational service society.
Alpha Delta Phi of Kenyon College is a Greek organization dedicated to the betterment of its brothers as well as the community at large by developing its members morally, intellectually and socially as a means to better itself and the community it functions within. The fraternity's tradition is to seek members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, interests and skills. In this climate, each brother develops an appreciation of those different from himself and comes to understand how the viewpoints of others can enrich his own life.
Representing a wide array of interests and backgrounds, this brotherhood is open to all men of the campus, and seeks to help brothers develop a sense of commitment, motivation and genuine affection for the fraternity, but also the ability to emerge from this undergraduate career and make their place as a leader in the world.
Nickname: AD
Founded: 1832 at Hamilton College
Established at Kenyon: 1858
Colors: emerald green and white
Symbol: star & crescent
Member Dues: $325/semester
Philanthropy: AD Afterhours, recycling
The brothers of Beta Theta Pi take the idea of brotherhood seriously, becoming more diverse every year. Academics combined with extracurricular activities enhance the Kenyon experience. To build lasting bonds of friendship and brotherhood the Beta ritual calls for: Mutual Assistance, Intellectual Growth, Trust, Responsible Conduct, and Integrity. The brothers of Beta Theta Pi are committed to a high standard of excellence in all aspects of life, including academics, community service and friendship.
Nickname: Beta
Founded: 1839 at Miami University (OH)
Established at Kenyon: 1879
Colors: Blue and pink
Symbol: red dragon
Member Dues: $350/semester
Philanthropy: Knox County Humane Society
Traditional Events: Toga party, winter formal, alumni weekend
As Kenyon's oldest fraternity, our goal is the cultivation of general literature and social culture, advancement and encouragement of intellectual excellence, the promotion of honorable friendship and useful citizenship, a spirit of tolerance and respect for the rights and views of others, the maintenance of dignity, self respect, and morality in all circumstances and the union of stout hearts and kindred interest to secure to merit its due reward. The Lambda chapter stays involved in the Kenyon community by organizing a series of charitable events, hosting social functions, and serving in leadership roles across campus life. We can be found across campus participating in varsity and club athletics, members of student government and a variety of other student organizations. We take great pride in our presence across campus life and support our brothers in all of their campus-wide efforts.
Nickname: Deke
Founded: 1844 at Yale University
Established at Kenyon: 1852
Colors: Crimson, azure, and gold
Symbol: Rampant lion
Member Dues: $300/semester
Philanthropy: Shawn Kelly Holiday Party for Knox County Headstart, Knox County Headstart donation drive
Traditional Events: Alumni Reunion Weekend, Champagne Formal, Dad's Weekend, Beach Party
Since its 1858 founding at Bethany College, Delta Tau Delta chapters have spread across the U.S. and Canada. Kenyon's chapter, established in 1881, was one of the first Delt chapters in the nation. Members excel at community service, academic and athletic excellence, and leadership while maintaining a strong and social brotherhood. Each brother of Delta Tau Delta not only strives to bring out the best in his character, but also excels academically and socially. We achieve this ideal by basing our actions on our founder's four fundamentals: Truth, Courage, Faith, and Power. Distinguished Kenyon alumni include Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury John Snow and T. Rowe Price Global Investments CEO Todd Ruppert. The organization remains committed to lives of excellence, and is involved in numerous areas of campus life including varsity athletics, musical groups, and student government.
Nickname: Delt
Founded: 1858 at Bethany College
Established at Kenyon: 1881
Colors: Purple, white and gold
Member Dues: $375/ semester
Philanthropy: American Red Cross campus blood drives, Relay For Life, annual JDRF lock in to end diabetes
Traditional Events: Fine Gentlemen and Upstanding Ladies Party, Fun House, Safari Party
Delta Phi (D Phis)
Phi Kappa Sigma (Phi Kapps)
Phi Kappa Tau (Phi Taus)
Psi Upsilon (Psi U)
Our mission is to bring women and nonbinary students into an inclusive, inspiring, safe and joyful space to grow as siblings and individuals. We foster intellectual, cultural, ethical and social development, and instill a commitment to leadership. We create an environment of shared understanding and respect, which leads to lifelong relationships that transcend the collegiate experience. Above all else, we value intellect, the pursuit of excellence, graciousness, respect and the building and maintaining of lasting connections within the siblinghood and the Kenyon community.
Nickname: AST
Founded at Kenyon: 2014
Colors: Emerald green and gold
Symbol: Anchor, yellow rose and white pearl
Member Dues: $220.00/semester
Philanthropy: Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Pine Mountain Settlement School
Traditional Events: Fall and spring formals, dessert & discussions
The sorority is based on the Greek philosophy of eudaimonia — the idea that a good life is based on friendship, happiness, knowledge and virtue. Through these four ideas, we plan to enrich ourselves, our sisters, and the community as a whole. Our sisterhood places a strong emphasis on the ideals of a service-oriented community through volunteer work and philanthropy. We welcome women of different backgrounds, experiences and beliefs.
Nickname: EDM
Founded at Kenyon: 2000
Colors: Cranberry, silver and white
Symbol: Daisy
Member Dues: $120/semester (payment plans are available)
Philanthropy: CROP Hunger Walk, Relay For Life, Humane Society, New Directions
Traditional Events: America Party, Apple Picking, Halloween Party, Parents' Night Out (community service), Fall and Spring Formals, Spring Picnic
Theta Delta Phi fosters growth of its members by upholding the ideals of academic excellence, community involvement, visionary leadership, and social responsibility. Our core values, unity, honor, wisdom, courage and sincerity are embraced and exemplified by our members. As the oldest sorority at Kenyon, Theta is committed to building upon the tradition of our past as we continue to grow. There is no stereotypical Theta — each sister is incredibly different, but we are all connected by the fact that we love to be together and have a good time.
Nickname: Theta
Founded at Kenyon: 1987
Colors: Purple, black and gold
Symbol: Snake
Member Dues: $110/semester
Philanthropy: Relay For Life, Earth Day, Wiggin St. Elementary, Harvest Festival, Holiday Card making for the elderly
Through a core foundation of sisterhood, Zeta Alpha Pi advocates the cultivation of the intellect and leadership; the fostering of positive relationships, individual and societal, through service to the College and the community; the embodiment of Kenyon College's values and beliefs, such as academic excellence; and the formation of interminable bonds that enrich the college and post-college experience and will be carried throughout our lifetimes.
Nickname: Zeta
Founded at Kenyon: 2001
Colors: Navy, blue and white
Symbol: Tulip, rabbit and opal
Member Dues: $200/semester
Philanthropy: Raise funds and awareness for Stop the Clot!, an organization dedicated to research of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Traditional Events: Highlighter Party, Zeta Formal each semester, Sorority Dinner at the end of each semester
The Archon Society is a co-educational, inclusive service and social fraternity. Our mission is to unite Kenyon students with the residents of Knox County through excellence in service and community outreach programs. The members of the Archon Society strive to organize a variety of service and events while creating a sense of community within the organization, the College and Knox County.
Nickname: Archons
Established at Kenyon: 1947
Colors: Maroon and gold
Symbol: Shining Star of Truth
Member Dues: $40/semester
Philanthropy: Members are expected to complete 18 hours of community service per semester, and do so by participating in numerous events throughout the semester.
Traditional Events: Fall and Spring Formal