Zeta Chi

Zeta Chi
ZX
Founded 1905 (1905)
Baker University
Type Social
Scope Local
Colors      Crimson
     Gold
Flower Golden Chrysanthemum
Philanthropy Special Olympics
Chapters 1
Headquarters 903 Eighth St.
Baldwin, Kansas, United States
Homepage Zeta Chi fraternity website

Zeta Chi (ZX) is a fraternity located at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS. It claims to be the oldest independent fraternity in the western United States.[1]

History

The Zeta Chi chapter house pictured in 1906.

Zeta Chi was founded on May 23, 1905 by 16 men who did not wish to join any of the previously existing fraternities. By 1915 it reported 79 living undergraduate and alumni members.[2]

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.

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).[3]

Notable Alumni

Raymond J. Pruitt, M.D.

Dr. Pruitt was a Cardiologist, a Rhodes scholar while at the University of Oxford, and the first dean of the Mayo Medical School. He was a member of Zeta Chi from 1930-1933.[4][5]

Jared J. Grantham, M.D.

Dr. Grantham, a distinguished Nephrologist and one of the world's foremost scientists in Polycystic Kidney Disease, was a member from 1954-1958.[6][7]

Philanthropy

Zeta Chi is 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.[8]

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. "Zeta Chi fraternity stays dry". Baker Orange. 8 October 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  4. "Guide to the Raymond D. Pruitt, MD Papers".
  5. "History: Educational Experiment". Mayo Clinic.
  6. "Dr. Jared Grantham's work makes KUMC an international leader in the battle against kidney disease.".
  7. Grantham, Jared. "Why I Think About Urine. Chapter 12: The Baker U Metamorphosis.".
  8. "Polyeuphony concert to benefit Special Olympics". www.thebakerorange.com. Retrieved 2015-12-28.


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