Lambda Chi Alpha was founded by Warren A. Cole, while a student at Boston University, on November 2, 1909; with the expressed objective purpose of bringing about the association together of college students of good moral character in the various collegiate institutions within the United States and Canada; to foster a high Christian standard of life and ideals, to promote honorable friendship, to cultivate intellectual excellence, to secure for members the greatest advantages in college life, to establish brotherly love, mutual aid, close personal connection between alumni, undergraduates and college, and to bind them together for mutual pleasure and interest in college as well as after life by testing each with courage, self-control, obedience, democracy and courtesy toward all with whom the may come in contact.

Today, Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity is one of the largest men's general fraternities in North America with more than 247,000 initiated members and has held subsidiaries (called chapters) at more than 300 universities. It was the first fraternity to eliminate pledging and remains a leader in the fight against hazing, alcohol abuse, and other challenges facing today's college student. Lambda Chi Alpha serves to complement higher education by providing opportunities for academic achievement, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.