frequently asked questions
Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about Iota Phi Theta Fraternity®, Incorporated, our chapter, and how we make an impact in the community. Whether you’re looking to learn more about our values, membership, or service initiatives, we’ve got you covered.
Iota Phi Theta is a historically African American fraternity founded on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Its mission is to build a tradition of leadership, brotherhood, and service.
Iota Phi Theta stands for the principles of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood. These values guide members in their personal, academic, and professional lives.
While sharing common goals of brotherhood and service, Iota Phi Theta places a unique emphasis on building relationships with one another first of all, and with the community, fostering social justice, and creating lifelong bonds through service and leadership.
Iota Phi Theta’s core values are scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood, with a focus on service, social justice, and uplifting communities of color.
While the numbers of famous members may not compare to other D9 organizations, Iota has a range of prominent members in various fields such as politics, education, business, and the arts. Notable members include Spencer Christian (former ABC weatherman), Bobby Rush (right hand man of Chairman Fred Hampton and American politician, activist and pastor who served as the U.S. representative for Illinois’s 1st congressional district for three decades), and T.C. Carson (actor, Living Single and voice artist).
The motto of Iota Phi Theta is “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One.”
Iota Phi Theta is involved in a variety of community service projects, including mentoring programs, voter registration drives, and health awareness campaigns like men’s health and wellness.
Prospective members can join through a formal intake process. While each chapter may have specific requirements, such as academic standards and community involvement, there are national standards to follow as well. Iota is not about just having large quantities of men, we’re more about the quality of the men we call brother. Interested individuals should contact their local chapter for details.
Yes, Iota Phi Theta offers scholarships to students who meet certain criteria. These scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and provide financial support for education.
The Nu Omega Alumni Chapter recently introduced
The Aaron F. West Scholarship for Black Male Scholars & Leaders. Read more about it here.
The Centaur, a key symbol in Iota Phi Theta, represents strength, discipline, and leadership. It reflects the fraternity’s commitment to being well-rounded men who balance intellectual and physical pursuits.
Iota Phi Theta national organization, geographic regions, and chapters host various events throughout the year, including Founders’ Week, regional conferences, leadership development programs, and signature events like the Nu Omega chapter’s ‘Papas and Ponytails’ father-daughter dance.
The National Leadership Conference is a biennial event where members come together to discuss leadership, professional development, and fraternity business while engaging in networking and workshops.
You can follow Iota Phi Theta on social media platforms, visit their national website, or connect with your local chapter to stay informed about events, initiatives, and opportunities.
