About Alpha Chi Sigma

Alpha Chi Sigma is a co-educational professional fraternity in chemistry. Membership is open to those who have an interest in chemistry, biochemistry, or other related subjects. Undergraduates, graduate students, and professors may all join. The over 56,000 members are students and alumni of 81 of the leading colleges and universities in the nation, and include 17 Nobel Laureates, 49 presidents of the American Chemical Society, and 19 presidents the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

There is no organization quite comparable to a professional fraternity. Socially, it presents members with the opportunity of meeting those interested in their work. Fraternal Bonds are ever so much stronger than professional ones, but there are no bonds as strong as those created through combined fraternal and professional interests. Members of Alpha Chi Sigma, many of whom are leaders in the industrial and scientific world, all share common fraternal ideals. Purely professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society and American Institute of Chemical Engineers have their place, and Alpha Chi Sigma constantly encourages its members to become active in these organizations. Social fraternities also offer much to the student, but only a professional fraternity – and Alpha Chi Sigma is the only national professional chemistry fraternity in the United States – can provide the college student and the professional in chemistry and related fields with the interests and bonds of a fraternity.

Alpha Chi Sigma was founded in 1902 at the University of Wisconsin – Madison by nine chemistry students. They set forth the three objectives for the fraternity.

These are:

1. To bind its members with a tie of true and lasting friendship,
2. To strive for the advancements of chemistry both as a science and as a profession.
3. To aid its members by every honorable means in the attainment of their ambitions as chemists throughout their mortal lives.

To promote chemistry, we prepare chemistry “magic shows” and take them to local schools or children’s organizations. We present 20–30 shows a year, reaching over 1500 children. Participation in this activity is an excellent way to practice your skills as a chemist and as a speaker. It also has a positive effect our community. Other community activities are Boy Scout and Girl Scout badge workshops, chemistry booths at the mall during National Chemistry Week, and a chemistry booth at K-State’s Open House.

In order to promote our other goal of helping chemists to establish solid friendships with each other, we have several social activities each semester, such as paintball and our annual Haunted Hunt. Other less formal events are organized throughout the year. Alpha Chi Sigma provides immediate friendships with others who often share outside interests and senses of humor. You will be surprised how many of your classmates, lab TAs, and chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering professors are currently members of our fraternity