Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity founded at Penn

Background. The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1849, Penn students began establishing residential fraternity houses, with early groups including Delta Phi, Zeta Psi, Phi Kappa Sigma, and Delta Psi located near the Ninth Street campus. Phi Kappa Sigma is recognized as an Antebellum fraternity, one of the country's earliest collegiate societies formed before the Civil War.

Symbolism. Commonly known as "Skulls," the fraternity's name is inspired by the skull and crossbones on its badge and coat of arms. Members are often recognized by a solid gold membership pin depicting the fraternity's symbol, a Maltese Cross surrounding a human skull. The organization is also referred to as Phi Kap, Skullhouse, or PKS.

Founding. Samuel Brown Wylie Mitchell founded Phi Kappa Sigma at the University of Pennsylvania. Mitchell recorded the initial concepts of the fraternity on August 16, 1850. Seven men formally founded the organization on October 19, 1850, becoming the founding fathers of Phi Kappa Sigma.