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Zeta Chi
ΖΧ
Founded	1905; 119 years ago (1905) Baker University
Type	Social
Affiliation	Independent
Status	Active
Scope	Local
Colors	Crimson and   Gold
Flower	Golden Chrysanthemum
Jewel	Blood Red Ruby
Philanthropy	Baldwin City Food Bank
Chapters	1
Headquarters	903 Eighth Street Baldwin, Kansas United States
Website	www.zeta-chi.org

Zeta Chi (ΖΧ) is a fraternity located at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. It is the oldest independent fraternity in the western United States.

History

Zeta Chi was founded on May 23, 1905 by 16 men who did not wish to join any of the previously existing fraternities at Baker University. By 1915 it reported 79 living undergraduate and alumni members.

Throughout the 20th Century the fraternity grew, eventually moving to its current headquarters on 903 Eighth Street, which was previously the house of the University President. During a 1911 visit to campus, President William Howard Taft stayed at the house belonging Professor William Markham which later became the Zeta Chi house.

In the mid 2000s the fraternity struggled with small pledge classes and repeated academic probation. To help alleviate these problems, in 2007 Zeta Chi officially became a "dry" house (not allowing alcohol on its property).

Symbols

Zeta Chi's colors are crimson and gold. its flower is the golden chrysanthemum. Its jewel is the blood-red rub.

Philanthropy

Originally, Zeta Chi was philanthropically affiliated with the Special Olympics, raising money for local chapters and spreading awareness of their activities. Most prominent among the member's activities is their annual Polyeuphany event, a benefit concert in which students and community members share their talents to raise money.

Notable members

• TaRon Graham, musician
• Warren Ortman Ault, historian
• Jared J. Grantham, nephrologist
• Raymond Pruitt, cardiologist

See also

• List of social fraternities

References

1. "Zeta Chi". bakeru.edu. Baker University. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
2. Baird, William (1915). Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities. Alcolm. p. 646.
3. ^ "Baker University celebrates centennial of Taft's visit | BaldwinCity.com". signal.baldwincity.com. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
4. "Zeta Chi fraternity stays dry". Baker Orange. 8 October 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
5. "Polyeuphony concert to benefit Special Olympics". www.thebakerorange.com. Retrieved 2015-12-28.

• Local fraternities and sororities
• Fraternities and sororities in the United States
• Student organizations established in 1905
• 1905 establishments in Kansas
• Baker University