Chi Beta Phi - History

History

Chi Beta Phi originated in the mind of John Howard Greene during his senior year at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA. While working in the laboratory, Mr. Greene conceived the idea of a general science fraternity which would give to undergraduates special opportunities to discuss the latest achievements in science and the outstanding problems in his field of endeavor. With the assistance of his classmates and three professors in the science departments of Randolph-Macon, and with faculty approval, the Fraternity was organized in April, 1916. For four years Chi Beta Phi existed as a local organization. However, during the school year 1920-21, an expansion program was inaugurated and three chapters were installed (College of William and Mary, Hampden-Sydney College, and Emory University).

On May 5 and 6, 1922, the first National Convention was held in Williamsburg, VA. It was here that the real organization of Chi Beta Phi began. At the first convention a system of nomenclature was put into effect. Each chapter was assigned a Greek letter which was given out by the chapter’s beginning in Chi Beta Phi. Hence, Randolph-Macon College became Alpha chapter, the first born of Chi Beta Phi.

The Fraternity steadily continued to grow through the years and on May 13, 1925, Chi Beta Phi became a chartered National organization. On May 27, 1935, Chi Beta Phi was approved as an associated society by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Chi Beta Phi was solely a society for men until May 11, 1939, when it merged with the sister society Chi Beta Phi-Sigma and became Chi Beta Phi National Science Fraternity. Rho Chapter was reinstated as the first co-educational chapter. In 1999 the National Conference approved a name change to Chi Beta Phi National Science Honorary.

Today the Honorary consists of more than 25 chapters located throughout the eastern United States. It has a growing membership which numbers about 7,000. Once a year, the chapters meet to discuss business and welcome new chapters to the organization. Everyone comes to enlighten their minds. However, none of this could have ever been without the dream of science major John Howard Greene.