The Lodge wins Founders Trophy at national convention

The Stevens chapter of Chi Psi received national recognition when they were awarded the Founders Trophy this summer, which goes to the chapter, otherwise known as Alpha, that most exemplifies “Emerging Excellence.” Chi Psi is more commonly known as The Lodge (correction: Chi Psi Fraternity does not refer to itself as “The Lodge.” Some Alpha chapters, including the Alpha Xi chapter at Stevens, use it as a nickname on their campus), originating from Chi Psi being the first fraternity in the nation to establish a fraternity house, which resembled a hunting lodge. 

As one of only three awards that The Lodge presents at their Annual National Convention, this award is extremely prestigious and represents “the hard work and dedication we’ve put into improving all aspects of the Lodge this past year,” said Stevens Lodge President Theodore Sherman. He continued, “Receiving this award is an immense honor and source of pride for our active brothers and hundreds of alumni who see the Alpha continue to thrive after nearly one hundred and forty years.” When asked about the accomplishments of The Lodge, Sherman responded, “I’m most proud of the absolute dedication and pride my brothers have shown for the Lodge, especially our newest guys. Nationally, Alpha Xi has always been known as a very tight-knit, United Brotherhood, and I think one of the most important factors in us receiving the award is how we’ve been able to maintain those close bonds through such an adverse time.”

This is not the first time that Stevens’ chapter has received this honor, as it was one of the first Alphas to receive this award in 1975, and most recently in 2013 when the trophy was awarded for their significant increase in membership. Sherman notes that this was a factor in this year’s recognition as well, in addition to improvements “in all facets of our operation; recruitment, philanthropy, alumni relations, campus involvement and brotherhood unity all showed significant growth over the last year.” The Lodge will continue to exemplify Chi Psi’s values of Brotherhood, and the brothers are grateful for the recognition of their hard work this year. “The Founders’ Trophy represents the continued success of an organization that has persevered through two World Wars, a Great Depression, and now two global pandemics,” Sherman said.