Our History

Theta Xi Fraternity was founded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, on April 29, 1864, by Peter Fox, Ralph Packard, Christopher Waite, George Brainerd, Samuel Buel Jr., Henry Farnum, Thomas Raymond, and Nathaniel Starbuck.

In the first forty years of its existence, the Fraternity founded six more chapters at Yale University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, Cornell University, and Lehigh University.

Our Fraternity was founded by engineers, for engineers.

The Alpha Psi Chapter at Missouri S&T was also created by engineers for engineers. In 1949, at what was then named Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (MSM), a small local organization called Chi Sigma founded the Alpha Psi Chapter of Theta Xi Fraternity and continued the tradition of an engineering culture.

Traditionally, the Alpha Psi Chapter of Theta Xi has been led by engineers. Although the majority of the Chapter is comprised of engineering students, Missouri S&T now supports many different collegiate majors and we welcome members from all academic disciplines.

Theta Xi is a team player

Since our founding Brothers were initiated into the bonds of Theta Xi Brotherhood, the Alpha Psi Chapter of Theta Xi Fraternity has worked to enrich the traditions of Missouri S&T’s Greek Community along with other prominent national Fraternities – including Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu, Sigma Pi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Triangle. Theta Xi has always been “right there” with the other Fraternities and Sororities to advance growth and traditions of the Greek Community at Missouri S&T through academic excellence and positive social experiences. Whether it is events shared with the community like Parent’s Weekend, Homecoming, Greek Sing, or St. Pat’s; or closed Brotherhood activities like our Founder’s Celebration, or Initiation – Theta Xi strives to create the best possible experience for our members throughout their college career.

This allows us to support and mentor new members who are studying engineering.

We enjoy a diversity of Brothers who are studying every type of engineering on campus. That gives our new members, and even upperclassmen an opportunity to go to a Brother who has been there, done that.

The Alpha Psi Chapter is now one of the 43 active Chapters of the Theta Xi National Fraternity. The tradition continues. Find a full listing here.

For more information on the history of our Fraternity, please visit www.thetaxi.org.