Phi Alpha Kappa

Phi Alpha Kappa is a Christian fraternity at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Phi Alpha Kappa was founded in 1929 by graduate students who were all alumni of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Greek letters Phi Alpha Kappa stand for "The Fraternity of Alumni of Calvin."

History
The period immediately following W.W.I was characterized by a renewed interest in higher education. Increasing numbers of Calvin College graduates were enrolled in universities for postgraduate study. The majority of Calvin graduates enrolled at the University of Michigan, and by the late 1920s nearly 30 Calvin students lived on the Ann Arbor campus. Most of these men roomed in private homes or boarded under unsatisfactory circumstances.

Once or twice a year a "Calvin Party" was organized. Because of the shared Dutch background and religious beliefs of those in attendance, these meetings were always enjoyed. They afforded the students a chance to reminisce, visit with old friends, and make new acquaintances with others of a similar background.

A number of men conceived the idea of creating a "Calvin House" on campus. By the spring of 1929, they had formalized plans for the fraternity presently known as Phi Alpha Kappa.

Through the years, Phi Alpha Kappa grew less and less associated with Calvin. It has recruited graduates from the University of Michigan, Hope College and Grand Rapids Community College and admits many current undergraduates at the University of Michigan. Currently, it houses around 30 students majoring in engineering, physics, medicine, dentistry, biological sciences, chemistry, and architecture. Also diminished is its Dutch membership, which now stands at about fifty percent.

Mission statement
"Phi Alpha Kappa is a fraternity of men who are unified in their desire to walk with God. It is the mission of Phi Alpha Kappa to provide for the needs of these men as they attend college. This includes the provision of a safe clean living environment, which will serve as their home. More importantly, Phi Alpha Kappa aims to promote the growth of its members, as individuals and members of the fraternity, through a central focus on God.

College is a place where diverse people with unique perspectives come together. Phi Alpha Kappa sees this diversity as strength and seeks to foster in it an attitude of Christian acceptance. Phi Alpha Kappa is a place where members have the freedom to make choices under the loving guidance of their fellow brothers. It is this atmosphere, which fosters growth in the members while they assist each other in the pursuit of Godly wisdom."

House Crest

Notable Alumni
Edgar Prince

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