About Lambda Chi Alpha
Nickname: Lambda Chi
Motto: Every Man a Man
Colors: Purple, green and gold
Flower: White rose
Founded: Nov. 2, 1909, at Boston University
Founded at Fresno State: March 22, 1948
Philanthropies: American Red Cross and Feeding America
Lambda Chi Alpha was founded at Fresno State on March 22, 1948. Originally founded at Boston University on November 2, 1909, Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity today has over 170 active chapters and more than 320,000 initiated members in North America. Despite being considerably younger than many of North America's largest fraternities, Lambda Chi Alpha has built one of the largest living alumni populations in the fraternity world – approximately 220,000 brothers.
Since our founding at Fresno State in 1948, more than 1,500 men have been initiated into our brotherhood, empowering these young men to redefine what it means to lead and serve others.
Building Men of Character
At Lambda Chi Alpha, we believe that character is not inherited—it's developed. Through intentional education, shared values, and a Brotherhood committed to excellence, we help young men become leaders of integrity, purpose, and courage.
Rooted in our Creed:
"We believe in Lambda Chi Alpha, and its traditions, principles, and ideals. The crescent is our symbol; pure, high, and ever growing, and the cross is our guide; denoting service, sacrifice, and even suffering and humiliation before the world, bravely endured, if need be, in following that ideal.
May we have faith in Lambda Chi Alpha and passion for its welfare. May we have hope for the future of Lambda Chi Alpha and strength to fight for its teachings. May we have pure hearts, that we may approach the ideal of perfect brotherly love."
Our Creed is more than a motto—it's a living guide. It speaks to the kind of man we strive to become: one who values service, embraces sacrifice when necessary, and approaches life with courage, humility, and love for others.
"The crescent is our symbol—pure, high, and ever-growing… the cross is our guide."
These symbols reflect our belief that growth and moral leadership are ongoing pursuits. Every Member of Lambda Chi Alpha is challenged to live by these ideals—not just during college, but for life.
Our Values in Action
To bring our Creed to life, we have defined Seven Core Values that shape every aspect of a member's experience—from how they treat others to how they lead within their Chapter and community.
Loyalty
Commitment to the ideals and principles of Lambda Chi Alpha—and to each other. We teach members to prioritize trust and responsibility in every relationship.
Duty
Understanding and fulfilling one's obligations—not just to the Fraternity, but to the greater good. Our members learn to exceed expectations with integrity.
Respect
Honoring the dignity of every person. Respect forms the foundation for inclusion, empathy, and Brotherhood.
Service & Stewardship
Putting others before self and caring for something greater. Through service, Members learn leadership rooted in humility and purpose.
Honor
Living by a public moral code. Members are held accountable not just for what they do, but how they represent themselves and the Fraternity.
Integrity
Being true to one's values—consistently. We expect our members to be whole, authentic men who do the right thing even when no one is watching.
Personal Courage
Facing fear, challenge, or adversity with strength. This includes standing up for others, owning decisions, and growing through self-reflection.
Why It Matters
For parents, campus partners, and community leaders, character development is not just a nice-to-have—it's essential. In a world where young people are constantly tested, Lambda Chi Alpha offers a values-based path to adulthood, helping members emerge more grounded, self-aware, and prepared to lead with confidence.
We don't just hope young men will do the right thing—we give them the tools, the language, and the community to live it out every day.
Meet our Brothers
