08/08/2024
One hundred and fifty years ago, six friends at the University of Minnesota decided to start something bigger than themselves. They wanted to form the first organization of its kind at the University of Minnesota: a fraternity. They had heard of Chi Psi through an associate and decided to petition to start their own Alpha (chapter). The petition failed, however this started a tradition of perseverance that has run strong through Alpha Nu ever since. Soon after, they decided to petition again, and the national fraternity accepted it.
These bonds of fraternal love have held continuous and strong for the last 150 years, surviving many hardships in which we have lost brothers, almost lost our Lodge, and almost lost our Alpha. But when bonds are as resolute as the ones we share here at Alpha Nu, it will take more than hardship to kill our exalted friendship.
This year in particular has been great for Alpha Nu. We have made sure to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded to us as brothers of Chi Psi, whether it was sending a delegation to our neighbors, for the annual Midwest Regional Rowe Conference, sending two brothers to participate in the Chi Psi Outdoor Leadership Program so generously supported by our very own Ryan Ahlberg E ‘03 N ‘06, or the celebration of our Founders’ Day at the local Minneapolis Club, attended by brothers across generations to commemorate the everlasting bonds of our brotherhood at Alpha Nu.
The most important event this year, however, was the 183rd Chi Psi National Convention, which we had the absolute pleasure of hosting. There is something special about hosting hundreds of your brothers in your own home, whether it’s learning how to manage your Alpha more effectively, coming together at night to socialize and learn why Chi Psi is so special to all of us, or the formal banquet to wrap up the week with recognition for Alphas and brothers alike for their excellence. It is a time of celebration in which our truly elevated and refined brotherhood shines brighter than anything that may be affecting our brothers, Alphas, or world as a whole.
Here’s to another 150 years of brotherhood!
