A special interest group based on common beliefs known as the League of Knights (LOK) was formed at RIT in 1989. The LOK actively recruited new members and had two pledge classes. After being filled with strong and ambitious men, they decided to become a fraternity in the Spring of 1989. They interviewed with many different national fraternities from around the country and fell in love with the matching ideals of Phi Kappa Psi and the League of Knights.
The LOK was officially declared a colony of Phi Kappa Psi on March 17, 1990 and proceeded to take on five pledge classes during this time. The group became involved with many fundraising and philanthropic events in the community as well as on RIT's campus, and assimilated well into the Greek System and likeminded organizations. After two years of hard work and persistence, the League of Knights proved themselves worthy of becoming a recognized chapter of Phi Kappa Psi. National representatives came to Rochester on April 25, 1992 to perform the installation ceremony, and the New York Theta chapter was born.
The Grand Chapter Award is an annual award given by the National Headquarters to the most exceptional chapter in the Fraternity. New York Theta has been given this honor three times in its short life.
NY Theta - Years Won: 2006, 2013, 2020
The President's Cup Award is an annual award given to Greek Chapters at RIT. It can be given to any organization within Greek Life at RIT. New York Theta has been awarded the President's Cup a total of seven times.
NY Theta - Years Won: 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2009, 2011, 2015
