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Alpha Chapter University of Wisconsin-Madison Est. December 11, 1902
Who we are: Alpha Chi Sigma (often referred to as “Axe”) is a national, co-ed, professional chemistry fraternity, founded at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on December 11, 1902. It was founded by nine men, and remained an all-male organization until 1971, when membership was extended to women. The founding fathers laid out three objects to guide the fraternity: To bind its members with a tie of true and lasting friendship. To strive for the advancement of chemistry both as a science and as a profession. To aid its members, by every honorable means, in the attainment of their ambitions as chemists throughout their mortal lives. Our chapter at UW-Madison has an active membership of about 40 students, graduate and undergraduate. We also have two houses, at 619 and 621 N. Lake St., which house nearly half of our members. They serve as great places for members to gather for events like tutoring, chapter dinners, meetings, and social events.
History and Traditions: The fraternity draws its tradition from the ancient science of alchemy. The practice of alchemy is nearly as old as human thought itself, with evidence of the art found in hieroglyphics from Egypt. The true alchemist had three ambitions (just as the fraternity has three objects). The first ambition of the alchemist was to find the Elixir of Life. The Elixir of Life was believed to grant eternal youth. The second ambition was to find the secret of the Philosopher's Stone. The Philosopher's Stone was thought to be capable of turning ordinary metals into gold. The third and final objective of the alchemist was to discover a universal solvent. Although no alchemist ever achieved any of the three aforementioned goals, these common grounds helped to unite the diverse alchemists from around the world.
2007-2008 Scholarship Application
Last Updated 11/09/2007 Created & Maintained by Maggie Lalor and the Computer Committee Questions? Email lalor at wisc.edu |