Wesleyan University Esse Quam Videri (EQV) records

The EQV freshman rushing booklet of 1961 states: ". . . In rushing we are not hindered by any discriminatory provision; rather our criterion for selection is based upon obtaining in EQV a diversity of personalities, talents, and interests." The Wesleyan fraternity EQV was formed in September 1959 when Wesleyan's Phi Gamma chapter of Alpha Chi Rho (AXP) voted to withdraw from their national organization. This move was the result of discrepancies between AXP's exoteric, or external manual, and its esoteric manual, describing the oaths to be taken by pledges during their initiation. AXP had been founded in 1895 as a Christian fraternity. In 1954 the national organization changed the language of the exoteric manual from ". . . membership from among Christians only" to a requirement that "members respect Jesus of Nazareth as their moral exemplar." The esoteric manual, however, kept the original language. For that reason, members of Wesleyan's Phi Gamma chapter chose to withdraw from the national organization. EQV stands for Esse Quam Videri, which is Latin for "to be, rather than to seem."

EQV was supported by many Phi Gamma alumni who voted to change the by-laws to allow Wesleyan to lease, and eventually own the AXP building at 300 High St. EQV remained there until the fall of 1965. By this time, AXP had successfully petitioned the administration to return to campus and reclaim their house. EQV now needed a new home. For the 1965-1966 year, they lived in the dormitories on Lawn Avenue, and in September 1966 they moved into the John Wesley House at 343 High Street. The group may have lost momentum following a house fire in early December 1967. EQV disbanded in the spring of 1968.