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Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is “Building A Tradition and Not Rest Upon One”. A brotherhood of more than 30,000 predominately Black college educated men, the Fraternity currently has over 250 chapters located throughout the world. The major programs of the Fraternity are based upon the organization's principles:
• Scholarship
• Leadership
• Fidelity
• Citizenship
• Brotherhood
12 non-traditional students at Morgan State University founded the Fraternity in 1963. These men were unique for several reasons. First of all, many were long-time friends. Spruill, Coakley, Dorsey, and Gregory had known one another since grade school, and Spruill and Coakley's friendship extended to when the two were pre-schoolers.
Even more uniquely, many of these men were what are now referred to as "Non-Traditional Students" and were 3-5 years older than the average college student. Gregory, Willis, and Brown were all service veterans, and Brown, Hicks, and Briscoe were married with small children. Of this group of 12, several were also working full-time jobs and all were full-time students.
Based upon their ages, heightened responsibilities, and increased level of maturity, this group had a slightly different perspective than the norm for college students. It was this perspective from which they established the Fraternity's purpose, "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men." Additionally, they conceived the Fraternity's motto, "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
The organizational structure and governance of the Fraternity is invested in the Grand Council, which meets in National Convention biennially. Regional Conferences are held in the eight geographic regions of the organization during twice a year.
As Iota Phi Theta continues to grow and strengthen, so will its commitment to make meaningful contributions to society in general, with particular emphasis in the African-American community. Throughout America, Iota Phi Theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. The Fraternity is, and shall forever remain dedicated to its founders' vision of "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. conducts all of its activities in accordance with the rule that governs organizations whose tax status is 501 (c)(7).
The members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc represent a unique segment of the nation’s demographic profile. Iota men are movers and influencers as we hold political offices, military offices, own businesses, are CEO of fortune 500 companies and are influential in a range of fields from medicine to law to business. A recent survey of our members showed that 95 percent of all Iota’s are well educated, earn competitive incomes, maintain positions of influence and respect within their communities of residence.
Alumni Iota’s comprise the largest proportion (72%) of our membership, while undergraduate Iota’s represent the other (28%) of our membership. We currently have 269 chapters across the world with 213 undergraduate chapters and 56 chapters are alumni.
A majority of the Iota members are employed as business men, military officers, engineers, and in the education field. Other occupations frequently reported include management, social services, medicine/health, law, performing arts, politics, and religion
Demographics
Mission of Iota