PI LAMBDA PHI

In mid-July, Pi Lam Alumni will return to UNC's Office of Student Affairs to make our case for a shorter timeline for the revocation of our charter. We will bring any letters received to that meeting to help bolster our case.

If you can, please write a letter addressed to Jonathan Sauls, but mail it to Jeremy Drawas so the letters can be delivered together. 

Deadline to mail letters: July 8th, 2022

Content:
Our message is laid out in our petition. Please keep the messaging similar, but use your own words as much as possible. 

Mail to:
Jeremy Drawas
222 Glenwood Ave
Unit #507
Raleigh, NC 27603

Address letter to:
Jonathan Sauls
Office of Student Affairs
Henry Owl Building, CB#500
230 E. Cameron Street
Chapel Hill, NC 

Petition link: pilamunc.com/recharter_petition

Thank you for signing up to help us clean on July 9th! Your assistance will go a long way. 

UPDATE: We will not have a dumpster, but will be doing dump runs with a trailer. All trash goes to back or on trailer (if parked elsewhere)

Please reach out to Jeremy Drawas with any questions at 919-264-9240 or [email protected]

Many folks helping today are friends of Jeremy / Brad, so don’t be surprised if you see some new faces. 

Many items have been marked with tape:
Green Tape = Donate (put in Parlor Room)
Blue Tape = Keep (this belongs to the undergrads or needs to be kept by the fraternity)
White Tape = Trash

Cleaning Objectives (in order)

1. Mattresses & Paint to the Trailer FIRST (must be dumped by 10am)
2. Remove all trash from house
   1. Break down wooden structures, bring to trailer
      (don’t throw away blue or green taped items)
3. Store all items to be donated in parlor room (TV area)
   1. If you’d like something that is marked for donation, it’s yours!
   2. Keep it tidy so we can easily showcase for Habitat for Humanity
4. Break down benches and other wooden structures (bars)
5. Clean surfaces (sweep / mop / vacuum / wipe)
   1. Clean items marked for donation (especially fridges)
   2. Lowest priority, but still important

Parking
If there is no parking at the house, I recommend parking at the "secret lot" located at 210 Pittsboro St. -- Take Pittsboro (directly across from the house and it's on the right <100 yards down the road.

Food & Drinks
We will have bagels and coffee at the house starting at 7am and pizza delivered at noon. We have lots of waters and sports drinks. We'll also have coolers filled with beer for everyone. Niko Carlson may also treat us to some delicious (fresh) beer from his brewery.

If you have any of the following, please bring them for the event: tools, truck / trailer (for haul away), gloves, strong friends.

We've been having some technical difficulties on our emails, so please share with anyone else in the area. Thank you and looking forward to seeing you soon!

Fratre,

Thank you for your support as we go through these turbulent times. As you may be aware, a disgruntled former brother has submitted a trove of incriminating documentation, referencing hazing, drinking, drug use, and evasion of oversight to the university and to our nationals. Out of context, much of this information was extremely damning and painted a dire picture of our brotherhood. However, as you know, our core values as a fraternity are much stronger than a few bad apples' delinquent actions.

Among other activities, our Alumni Chapter has created a coaches board to help the undergraduates change their culture, conducted a membership review to identify and remove the students who instigated the trouble, and proposed a list of sanctions (including social suspension, a financial donation, and chapter probation).

Unfortunately, the university has deemed that are actions are not sufficient and have taken the extreme action of revoking our charter. We are hoping that this petition will help with our appeal. Please read below and sign if you agree.

One of the many benefits of brotherhood is a lifelong connection to successful men who can share their knowledge with younger brothers.  In the undergraduate years, brothers are paired with a Big Brother who helps guide them through university and life challenges. In an effort to continue the mentorship aspect of brotherhood, we have recently launched the Alumni Mentor Program.

The Alumni Mentor Program aims to connect undergraduate brothers with accomplished alumni in their field of interest based on a number of different criteria, including but not limited to:

• Professional / Vocational Interests
• Major / Field of Study
• Location of Internship / Job Opportunity
• Hobbies and Interests

Alumni Mentors and Undergraduate Mentees are matched based on the above criteria. Undergrads receive advice and guidance from alumni who can help them reach their goals much faster.

Become an Alumni Mentor

The program seeks alumni who are willing to devote a few hours a month to building a connection with and mentoring current undergraduates.  Becoming an Alumni Mentor means you’ll be periodically speaking with your undergraduate mentee, helping them succeed through the difficult transition from college to the working world.  Past alumni mentors have helped undergraduates with job interview preparation, graduate school advice, and even in finding a career they are passionate about. If you are interested in becoming an alumni mentor (we are always looking for more help!), please reach out to our Alumni Mentorship Chair, Jason Scanlan [email protected].

 Matt Genett (right) and his Alumni Mentor Ed Hawes (left). Matt now works with Ed at Regions Bank.

Through the volunteer and fiscal support of a group of alumni, we have been able to create our Alumni Chapter and begin to actualize our dreams of a strong alumni community. Their support has sponsored our data collection campaign, built our website, and helped with chapter operations.

Please join in and show your support as we continue to expand our efforts.

Not four years, but a lifetime.

Our donation portals are secured by NationBuilder Payment Platform. The Alumni Association manages all money donated. All donations will be divided between alumni services, fraternity improvements, and other ventures, as determined by the Alumni Association.

I recently received the following story from John Coffey and wanted to share. I hope you enjoy!

I was a senior, Archon and Pledge Master the year Mike Piller pledged.  But even during the short time we had together, it was clear that he would go on to do great things.  When he was a pledge, his claim to fame was that his mother had written a song in the 50's called “Mr. Football” (obviously creativity runs in the family.) Michael came to my wedding in Gastonia and I remember catching up with him when my wife and I returned to 107 Fraternity Court for football weekends.  Later on during an internship, he worked with my wife in the news department at one of the Charlotte TV stations.  While there, she taught him how to drive a straight-drive, as he had just purchased a used Jaguar XKE (a really hot car in the late 60’s) that he was unable to drive. Unfortunately as so often happens, we get busy with families, careers and other obligations and begin to lose contact with our brothers who were so much a part of our Carolina experience.  How exciting it was to be watching TV in the 90’s and see Michael on the screen excitedly talking about a new series he and others were creating. Always the science-fiction buff, I had watched  “The Next Generation” for years but never really looked at the credits and noted his name.  My daughter and I watched “Voyager” regularly.  I was truly saddened by his premature death in 2005.  How neat that his son is continuing the legacy with the ABC series "Greek" and that Michael “lives on” in the new house.

When people think of fraternity rituals they immediately have the image of dark rooms lit by candles, college students dressed in robes, outdated language and unusual ceremonies, including oaths, passwords and a secret handshake. Although this common perception of Ritual is accurate, what is often hidden by a veil of secrecy is the true purpose and a unique set of values behind the Ritual.

Pi Lambda Phi, like other fraternities, has a Ritual. Although our Ritual is a symbolic meaningful experience which connects Pilams throughout generations, it is also much more. Our Ritual is not just a ceremony performed a couple times a year, but a set of values demonstrated through the lives of our Brotherhood. Pilams are expected to make our Ritual part of their daily ritual, or in other words, live the values of Pi Lambda Phi each and every day. Pi Lambda Phi is proud of our Ritual and we want to share with you its true meaning. If you choose to keep reading, you will learn about the Ritual of Pi Lambda Phi and what it means to be member of our organization. If you find these values meaningful we invite you to join us in a challenge we call "Living your daily Ritual".

Scholarship

Scholarship goes beyond your undergraduate or even graduate experience. Brothers of Pi Lambda Phi commit themselves to a lifetime of personal growth and discovery. A true Pilam knows he always has something to learn and never truly reaches the end of his educational journey.

Character

A Pilam is a man of character, a man of class and grace, and a man who will "Always be a Gentleman". A man of character is someone who gives back through community service and philanthropy and is never afraid to stand up for his convictions.

Leadership

A leader is someone who is willing to take on challenges and guide others through them. A leader is also someone, at any level of an organization, who seeks opportunities for personal and group growth. Through Pilam, members learn how to lead but also learn about the idea of servant leadership and what it means to be part of something larger than oneself.

Obedience (Commitment) 

Obedience refers to one’s commitment. A Brother of Pi Lambda Phi will always uphold his commitments to himself, his fellow brothers and all others to serve a greater good. Commitment comes in many forms, but none more important than committing to hold yourself and others accountable in times where it is easy to simply turn a blind eye. The lessons learned through Pilam enable our members to be successful contributing members of our Fraternity, their local community, and society as a whole.

Finance (Financial Responsibility)

Finance refers to how a Pilam chooses to invest his various resources; time, money and the relationships he builds throughout his life. A Pilam invests in his and others’ futures by wisely investing his resources and maximizing the return on investment in all facets of life, well beyond his collegiate experience.

Equality

Our fraternity believes that not only do we have to believe in equality; we have to fight for its existence. Therefore you will hear Pilams talk about the importance of the Elimination of Prejudice – a call to action. The pursuit of the Elimination of Prejudice is at the core of what it means to be a Pilam. Since 1895, Pi Lambda Phi has helped create a better understanding between people. Pi Lambda Phi and its members are committed to upholding the mission established by our Founders, and at the center of it all is the pursuit of the Elimination of Prejudice. To learn more about the Elimination of Prejudice philanthropy click here.

The Creed of Pi Lambda Phi

That all men are created free and equal.

That no society of men can flourish unless members of that society are endowed with the opportunities and privileges of freedom.

That freedom implies the elimination of prejudice. That the elimination of prejudice means a better understanding ‘twixt men.

That it is incumbent upon me to fight for such freedom, even with my life.

That it is incumbent upon me, in my personal life, to be devoted to the highest standards of honesty and justice.

That because my country is dedicated to the highest standards of freedom and justice for all men of all creeds, I hereby pledge allegiance to my country, and to its national symbol.

Alfred “Koko” Kovner’s Quote (1942):

“Joining a fraternity means nothing. But when you have really worked for it, sweated for it, cursed it, and loved it, as well as the men in it, you have something.”

Alfred "Koko" Kovner

Elements Quote:

“We have elements to mold this fraternity into a unit of proud Brothers. Our destiny lies within those Brothers who are willing to accept the challenge and undergo the task by assuming personal initiative towards an endeavor that will benefit Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity.”

Founders' Quote:

"Now, however, there has been founded the fraternity which seek only the most broad-minded, liberal, and progressive men. As will be seen in the account of this fraternity, in another part of this issue, the organization does not present itself as an experiment, but as an established fact. The fraternity seeks no members save those seeking it. And only the best of those who are progressive, industrious, and non-prejudiced, can seek it successfully."

Omega Beta had its incipience in September of 1938, when James (Jimmy) Schleifer first discussed the possibility of starting a chapter at UNC, with Murray Vale of the National Executive Council of Pi Lambda Phi. In the Fall of 1938, Hal Warshaw had a talk with the coach of the North Carolina Lacrosse team, Al Cornsweet, who had started the Phi chapter at Brown, and told Jimmy about it.

A nucleus of eight men got together. Among these were Jimmy Schleifer, his room mate, Al Buck, Bob Lerner, Carl Sherman, Whit Lees, Murray Secher, Hal Warshaw, and Marvin Mendelsohn. Along with Nat Sontag, a member of the National Executive Council, the group became known as Omega Beta Local Fraternity. The UNC IFC was petitioned for recognition, whish was obtained in April 1939. Then, Norm Davis, Rex of Omega Alpha arrived, and Omega Beta Local Fraternity duly became the Omega Beta Pledge Chapter of Pi Lambda Phi.

In the school year of ‘39-’40, the group was eager to be inducted into the National Fraternity in Sebtember, but a University regulation stated that a fraternity must remain on the campus as a local for one year. So rushing began under the name of Omega Beta Fraternity, pledge chapter of Pi Lambda Phi. Eleven men were pledged that year.

On the sixth and seventh of April, 1940, having proved its stability on the campus to the satisfaction of the University and the National Fraternity, Omega Beta Fraternity, pledge Chapter of Pi Lambda Phi was inducted and became Omega Beta chapter of Pi Lambda Phi. The brothers and pledges were officially initiated and installed at Omega Alpha Chapter, by members of the National Executive Council and many undergraduate brothers. The fraternity house was located at 302 Pittsboro St., and later moved to 107 Big Fraternity Court, where it remained until the chapter folded in the 1980’s and the house was taken over by Phi Kappa Sigma. The former house is now occupied by Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and the latter by the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi.

Big thanks to Frank Serra for the picture of the old fraternity house above!

RECOLONIZATION

In the Spring of 1995, 14 young men were initiated as the first pledge class after the chapter folded. They were initiated at the UVA Omega Alpha Chapter, the brother chapter. However over the following year, apathy grew among the brothers towards the National Office regarding their lack of support in the chapters efforts of acquiring a house. Due to the troubled relationships between the colony and Nationals, the colony was disbanded in the Spring of 1996.

In the Fall of 1996, Brother Joseph Chipman, the only remaining brother from the earlier recolinization, along with Brother Allan Lovette, a transfer from the ECU Delta Zeta Chapter, and the brothers from the NCSU Epsilon Kappa Chapter sprearheaded efforts to once again bring Pi Lambda Phi back to the UNC campus. Through much hard work and perseverance, they recruited a nucleus of 18 guys. After pledging during the Fall of 1996, they were initiated at the Delta Zeta Chapter on December 5, 1996, becoming (along with Brothers Chipman & Lovette) the Alpha class of founding fathers of the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity which has developed.

Thanks to the gracious donation of Michael Piller, who is among the greatest Pi Lams in our chapter’s history and the recent recipient of the highly esteemed Big Pi award, our brothers now live at 110 West Cameron Avenue in Little Fraternity Court. Here we come together to grow as men, socialize with our peers, and benefit the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mrs. Sandra Piller (middle) receiving Pi Lam's esteemed Big Pi Award in honor of her husband, Michael. 

The Big Pi Award is Pi Lambda Phi International's most prestigious award.