Kappa Rho at URI Chapter History
The history of the Kappa Rho Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) is closely intertwined with the university’s own beginnings and development. Our chapter originally began as a local fraternity known as Beta Phi.
Early Days: From a College in the Fields
Our roots trace back to 1887, when the Rhode Island General Assembly accepted a land grant bill signed by President Abraham Lincoln. A group of men—including Phi Gam Arthur Peckham of Denison College—persuaded the Assembly to purchase the 140-acre Watson Farm. This land would become the site of what was then called the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
On July 30, 1888, the Board of Managers held its first official meeting in a corn crib on the Watson property. This site is especially meaningful—it is the same land where our current chapter house stands today. The college was officially established in 1892.
The Beta Phi Years
In 1908, with the strong support of the college president, fraternities began to emerge. Rho Iota Kappa and Sigma Delta were founded, followed by Beta Phi in 1910. For its first three years, Beta Phi operated out of the Watson House, which later became the first women’s dormitory on campus. In 1913, Beta Phi became the first fraternity at the college to own a house. That building was later occupied by Sigma Nu and eventually demolished to make way for the URI Foundation.
Beta Phi played a vital role during both World Wars, 56 members served in World War I, with 4 making the ultimate sacrifice. Over 250 served in World War II, with 5 fallen brothers. During WWII, the chapter house was repurposed as the Student Union. Many brothers also went on to serve honorably in Vietnam and the Middle East.
A major milestone came in 1932, when Beta Phi became the first fraternity to build its own house on Alumni Avenue and just 13 years later, they became the first to pay off their mortgage. In 1967, a large addition was built, making it the largest fraternity house on the URI campus at the time.
Becoming Phi Gamma Delta
By the mid-1940s, challenging times for fraternities led Beta Phi to seek national affiliation. On December 9, 1950, the chapter was officially chartered as the 81st chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, becoming the Kappa Rho Chapter. That same year, the college was renamed the University of Rhode Island.
Kappa Rho thrived, with a strong emphasis on leadership, service, and brotherhood. Events such as Run to Brown, Jump Rope for Heart, and various food and toy drives became annual traditions. For over 30 years, the chapter was guided and nurtured by the beloved house mother, Mrs. Dorothy Noble, affectionately known as a "second mom" to her "Fiji boys."
A Long and Proud Legacy
In 2010, the brothers of Kappa Rho celebrated 100 years of fraternity life at URI. Most recently, in 2025, during our annual Norris Pig Dinner, we celebrated 75 years as a chapter of Phi Gamma Delta.
Developing Successful Leaders
The Kappa Rho Chapter has consistently helped young men grow into strong, principled, and successful leaders. Our brothers have embraced the values and ideals of our fraternity, giving back to the University, the Chapter, and society at large.
We live by our motto:
“Not for college days alone.”
And uphold the core values of Phi Gamma Delta:
Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality, and Excellence.
