History of Greek Life at GW

Greek Life at The George Washington University and Columbian College goes back nearly 150 years. In 2008, GW will celebrate the sesquicentennial of the chartering of the Washington City Rho Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the first fraternity on campus. During the 19th Century, eight fraternities and one sorority were chartered at Columbian College.

Pi Beta Phi was the first chartered women's fraternity in 1889. The use of the word sorority did not occur until the early days of the 20th century.

Original Chartering Dates of GW Fraternities and Sororities