Final answer:
The first American college fraternity is Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1776 at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Kappa Alpha at Howard University, are vital aspects of college social life with many distinguished members.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first American college fraternity as we know it today is Phi Beta Kappa. It was created at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. This historic event occurred in the year 1776, during a period of intellectual and social ferment in the early United States. Fraternities and sororities have played a significant role in the social lives of students since then, with many prominent individuals being members of these Greek organizations.
For instance, Howard University in Washington, D.C., established several other fraternities in 1908, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., the first Black women's intercollegiate Greek organization founded at a Black university. Members of this fraternity include notable personalities such as Kamala Harris and Toni Morrison. These organizations have been an integral part of the American collegiate experience, providing a sense of community, leadership opportunities, and networks for support.