Our Story

Alpha Chi Chapter’s Rich History

The Alpha Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta was founded in 1915 when Phi Lamda Psi, a local Lafayette sorority, petitioned Kappa Alpha Theta for a charter.

At that time, other Theta chapters on nearby campuses had to approve new chapters. Phi Lamda Psi’s petition was accepted and the Alpha Chi Chapter was installed at Purdue University on May 22, 1915.

Kappa Alpha Theta, the first women’s fraternity in the United States and the first on Purdue University’s campus, has been at the heart of Purdue’s Greek life since 1915. At the time, Purdue’s enrollment was 2,240 students with only 215 of them women.

Past and present Alpha Chi Chapter members have attained high academic achievement and leadership in every aspect of student life. The chapter has influenced the lives of over 2,750 initiates, nurturing women and cultivating lasting friendships in the process.

“Personal relationships are so very important in all our lives. Keeping the Alpha Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta strong is essential to assisting young women at Purdue in future years to have that same experience that so many of us treasure.” - Gloria Seddelmeyer Edwards, 1959 pledge class

Our alumnae are wives, sisters, mothers and grandmothers who hold family in a special place in their hearts. They are leaders in all industries across the world as well as small business owners. They are active in their communities and they are friends for life. - L-r: Katie Baugh Nielsen, pledge class 1969 with Barbara Johnson Burlingame, pledge class 1968

“I’ve told many people over time that the sorority experience provides a home away from home. You get to know people, have a support group, and go out into the world prepared.” - Lorna Gless Utley, 1973 pledge class

Chapter Houses through the Years

Early Chapter Houses

Established in 1915, the Alpha Chi Chapter moved into its first house at 140 N. Grant Street in 1915. As the chapter grew, the women moved into several homes, including 129 Sheetz Street, 12 Sheetz Street and 129 S. Grant Street. In May 1920, the chapter wrote, “The house committee is already scouring West Lafayette for a suitable home for next year. We only hope we can find a more spacious one as that is absolutely essential to our growing needs.”

Pictured: 129 Sheetz Street

172 Littleton Street, West Lafayette

In 1920, the chapter purchased D.D. Jacob’s house at 172 Littleton Street for $25,000. Conveniently located between the Sigma Chi and Beta Theta Pi fraternity houses, it was larger than the other houses the chapter had occupied to accommodate the growing number of Thetas. Over the years, it was enlarged and renovated many times.

607 N. Russell Street, West Lafayette

By the 1950’s, the chapter reflected the needs of a growing university. In 1956, the Littleton house was sold to the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and in 1957 the Theta house moved to a brand new home at 607 Russell Street, now 607 N. Russell Street.

Built in the popular ranch style of the time, the house was “huge”, “modern in every way”, and could accommodate 65 members.

Russell Street Expansion

In 1992, having purchased the two lots on the north side of the house, the chapter took on an expansion with a $2 million addition to the house, enabling membership to increase and live-in occupancy to 100. Additionally, much needed parking was added for members where the two lots had been.

In 2015, to coincide with the chapter’s 100th anniversary, over $1.2 million was raised from alumnae and friends and the mortgage was burned.