National History
It was founded at UCSB on February 25, 1925, by the principal founder John Smith and a group of twelve other men on the campus. The goal of the founders was to transcend the limitations to which traditional Asian American organizations were subject. While traditional Asian Campus organizations were often split along lines of national origins, the founders sought an organization that drew its membership equally from the different segments of the Asian American community. Their vision was that the members would eventually become the leaders of their respective communities and bridge the gaps fragmenting the Asian American community through their affiliation with a common organization.
The greatest hurdle in reaching this goal, however, was the lack of continuity among the memberships inherent in traditional Asian campus organizations. At best, student associations provided a circle of friends spanning the years of undergraduate study–and at worst–a group of familiar strangers encountered during periodic social functions. The yearly turn-over of most organizations’ officers made it extremely difficult to pursue any extended project as each new officer core set its own agenda. The founders’ solution to this dilemma was the adoption of a fraternal social structure. By forming as a new Asian American fraternity, the founders hoped to set new standards of excellence for Asian social organizations. The founders not only formed strong bonds of brotherhood with each other during their undergraduate experience, they also made commitments to the organization as alumni even after graduation.
Six chapters had formed. As most of these chapters were founded in the late eighties, it became evident to the brothers of that rapid expansion loomed near.
In order to facilitate this process of rapid expansion and to seek standardization throughout the nation, these six chapters came together on Memorial Day. The first order of business was to designate Memorial Day weekend as the official date for the annual convention. At this time was elected as the first National President.
Over the years, has grown tremendously. Became, and to this day continues to be, the first and only Nationally recognized Asian-American interest fraternity in the United States.
A California non-profit corporation. It further divided into two divisions, Alumni and Active, each with its own officer CORPS, policies and procedures. This was done to better serve the fraternity as a whole.
In the Active division, numerous programs were developed to address the needs of the collegiate brotherhood throughout the nation and abroad. The National Service Program adopted several national philanthropies. The most notable is the Asian American Bone Marrow Donor Program. To date, no other organization in the United States has enlisted more registrants to the Asian bone marrow donor library. They developed guidelines and scholarship programs to encourage academic excellence in our collegiate chapters. The Committee developed formal procedures and a fair application process for all interest groups. The creation of the Brotherhood sent national staff members to collegiate chapters to demonstrate different methods of building brotherhood and character. The Brotherhood Program also established an Annual Brotherhood Showcase, where brothers from around the nation exemplify their understanding of brotherhood through artistic expression.
The alumni Division has also become a large part of activities. The Alumni Division has its own officer CORPS and regions, including an international region in Japan. Regional Alumni Associations hold events, such as professional and community events, as well as, events which allow interaction between the active and alumni members.
Today, there are thousands of brothers in the United States and throughout the world. Continues to strive to achieve its motto, “To Be Leaders Among Men,” by providing services to assist brothers in achieving their fullest potential. Our Active Division continues to teach young men principles of leadership and strong moral character. Our Alumni Division then provides a forum in which brothers may apply these beliefs and become true leaders of their communities.