Pi Kappa Alpha Foundations

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Questions and Answers

What is the Preamble of Pi Kappa Alpha?

For the establishment of friendship on a firmer and more lasting basis, for the promotion of brotherly love and kind feeling, for the mutual benefit and advancement of the interest, of those with whom we sympathize and deem worthy of our regard, we have resolved to form a fraternity.

What does the Ode of Pi Kappa Alpha state?

Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow is yet to be, the destiny of Pi Kappa Alpha rests today with thee.

What does the Oak Tree stand for?

Strength and Endurance

What does the White Horse represent?

Leadership and Victory Signup and view all the answers

What are the common names for the Fraternity?

Pike, Pika, Pikaps, or Pi's Signup and view all the answers

What is the vision of Pi Kappa Alpha?

Pi Kappa Alpha will set the standard of integrity, intellect, and achievement for our members, host institutions, and the communities in which we live. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mission of Pi Kappa Alpha?

Pi Kappa Alpha is dedicated to developing men of integrity, intellect, and high moral character, and to fostering a truly lifelong fraternal experience. Signup and view all the answers

When was the first fraternity founded and what was its name?

Phi Beta Kappa founded at the College of William and Mary on December 5, 1776 Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Union Triad' refer to?

Kappa Alpha Society, Sigma Phi, and Delta Phi Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the oldest continuing fraternity?

Kappa Alpha Society founded at Union College in New York in 1825 Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Miami Triad' refer to?

Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and Sigma Chi Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the flower associated with Pi Kappa Alpha?

Lily of the Valley Signup and view all the answers

What colors represent Pi Kappa Alpha?

Garnet and Old Gold Signup and view all the answers

When was Pi Kappa Alpha established?

March 1, 1868 Signup and view all the answers

Who was the last founder of Pi Kappa Alpha?

William Alexander Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fraternity's quarterly magazine?

Shield and Diamond Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the fraternity make in 1960?

Removed the 'all white' restriction Signup and view all the answers

Where did the fraternity build its second headquarters in the 1980s?

Memphis, Tennessee Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of brothers initiated since 1868 were in uniform during WWII?

1/3 Signup and view all the answers

When and where was the current Coat of Arms settled?

1909 at the New Orleans Convention Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preamble

Established on March 1, 1868, at the University of Virginia.
Aimed to create friendships, promote brotherly love, and mutual advancement.

Ode

Refers to the transient nature of time: "Yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow is yet to be."

Symbols

Oak Tree: Represents strength and endurance.
White Horse: Symbolizes leadership and victory.

Names and Identification

Most commonly referred to as "Pike," with variations including "Pika," "Pikaps," or "Pi's."

Vision and Mission

Vision: Set standard for integrity, intellect, and achievement for members and communities.
Mission: Develop men with integrity, intellect, and high moral character; foster lifelong fraternal experiences.

Historical Context

First fraternity: Phi Beta Kappa, founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary.
Oldest continuing fraternity: Kappa Alpha Society, established in 1825 at Union College.

Triads and Circles

Union Triad: Kappa Alpha Society, Sigma Phi, Delta Phi.
Miami Triad (Ohio): Includes Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi.
Virginia Circle: Comprises multiple fraternities such as Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and Sigma Nu.

Founders and Key Figures

Founders: Robertson Howard, James Benjamin Sclater Jr., Frederick Southgate Taylor, Julian Edward Wood, Littleton Waller Tazewell (Bradford), and William Alexander.
Frederick Southgate Taylor: Served as presiding figure at the first convention.
Robert Adger Smythe: Founded Lambda Chapter and created the "Shield & Diamond" magazine.
John Shaw Foster: Important figure in Theta Chapter; father was a preacher.
Theron Hall Rice: Revived the Alpha Chapter and served as the first National President.

Fraternity Development

First Meeting: Conducted in Room 47 West Range at UVA, March 1, 1868.
Second Chapter: Beta Chapter opened at Davidson College in 1869.
First Convention: Held in 1874 in Richmond, Virginia.
Number of Chapters: Added 25 chapters between 1889-1909.

Membership and Identity

Initiated Members: 100,000 by 1976 and 200,000 by 2000.
Colors: Garnet and Old Gold.
Flower: Lily of the Valley.
The True Pike: Commitment to uphold fraternity values and serve community.

Milestones and Changes

** headquarters location changes:** Second headquarters built in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1980s.
1960 Change: Finalization of removal of "all white" restriction.
1994 Expansion: First chapter established in Canada.

Notable Alumni

Includes public figures and entertainers such as Tim McGraw, Jim Parsons, and Dan Bilzerian.

Smythe Award Criteria

Requires a composite chapter GPA of 3.00 and active participation in community service, recruitment, and campus activities.

Historical Recognition

Coat of Arms: Established at the 1909 New Orleans Convention.
Mason-Dixon Line Removal: Executed in 1909 as part of inclusivity initiative.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the foundational principles and history of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. This quiz covers its establishment and key ideals to promote brotherhood and mutual support among its members. Perfect for new members or anyone interested in fraternity culture.