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THE
SCHOLAR’S PROVINCE
THIRTEENTH EDITION
INITIATE HANDBOOK OF
PHI SIGMA PI
NATIONAL HONOR FRATERNITY
1
2
Copyright 2012 by Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Inc.
All rights reserved. First edition 1941.
Thirteenth edition 2012.
Printed in the United States of America by ITP.
Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
2119 Ambassador Circle
Lancaster, PA 17603
1-800-366-1916 (toll free)
717-299-4710
717-390-3054 (fax)
www.phisigmapi.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome 5
Phi Sigma Pi’s Anti-Hazing Policy 6
The Initiation Program 8
Purpose of the Initiation Program...................................................................... 8
Rights and Responsibilities of the Initiate....................................................... 9
National Expectations.......................................................................................... 11
Developing a Constructive Outlook................................................................. 11
Managing Your Time........................................................................................... 12
Choosing the Right Path..................................................................................... 13
The Fraternity Concept 15
Balancing Scholarship, Leadership and Fellowship......................................... 16
The Development of Fraternities.......................................................................... 17
The History and Evolution of Phi Sigma Pi 20
The Founders........................................................................................................ 20
The Birth of Phi Sigma Pi .................................................................................... 23
Growth & Stability (1916 - 1941)........................................................................ 23
The War Years and the Passing of the Old Guard (1942 - 1975)................... 28
Phi Sigma Pi Becomes Co-Educational (1976 - 1979)........................................ 32
Rebirth and Revitalization (1980 - 1999)............................................................. 33
Phi Sigma Pi in the 21st Century (2000 - Present)............................................. 38
Phi Sigma Pi Significant Milestones 41
The Greek Alphabet 42
Pronunciation Guide............................................................................................. 42
Insignia and Heraldry 43
The Coat of Arms.................................................................................................. 43
Phi Sigma Pi Jewelry............................................................................................. 44
The Grand Seal...................................................................................................... 45
The Shingle...................................................................................................... 45
Fraternity Colors................................................................................................... 45
The Ritual.............................................................................................................. 45
Fraternity Songs 46
Brothers Are We................................................................................................... 46
Brother.................................................................................................................... 47
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The Active Collegiate Member 48
Rights and Responsibilities............................................................................... 48
The Ideal Chapter Member................................................................................. 51
Financial Obligations.......................................................................................... 52
The Active Collegiate Chapter 54
Chapter Structure................................................................................................. 54
Chapter Officers................................................................................................... 55
Chapter Committees............................................................................................. 55
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure...................................................................... 57
Characteristics of a Stable Chapter.................................................................... 57
Life As a Phi Sigma Pi Alumnus 59
The Role of Alumni.............................................................................................. 59
National Alumni Association, Alumni Chapters & Alumni Associations... 61
The National Organization 63
Structure....................................................................................................... 63
Duties of the National Staff................................................................................ 64
National Services and Supplies......................................................................... 64
Leadership Advancement......................................................................................... 65
Teach For America.......................................................................................... 65
Leadership in Action.......................................................................................... 66
Phi Sigma Pi’s Expansion to New Campuses...................................................... 66
National & Regional Events/Affiliations 67
Annual National Convention................................................................... 67
Regional Conferences ............................................................................ 68
Alternative Break Project........................................................................ 68
Alumni Convention.......................................................................... 68
Professional Fraternity Association Membership Benefits........................ 68
The Phi Sigma Pi Foundation 69
Glossary 70
Phi Sigma Pi Online 72
Notes 73
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Dear Initiate:
We welcome you as you pursue active membership in Phi Sigma
Pi National Honor Fraternity. In the weeks to come, we hope
that you will embrace the opportunity to demonstrate your will-
ingness and worthiness to join such a dynamic and rewarding
organization. This handbook will be one of several educational
tools for you, the Initiate, to learn the history, structure, goals
and purpose of the National Fraternity.
The Scholar’s Province first appeared in 1941. Since its in-
ception, numerous revisions and additions have occurred. The
information in this handbook represents the common heritage
and institutions which bind all Phi Sigma Pi Brothers together.
It will serve as a guide to help you discover your potential as a
Brother of Phi Sigma Pi. The Brotherhood of Phi Sigma Pi
believes all its Members should not only learn, but inspire and
lead!
Phi Sigma Pi is a national honor fraternity that strives to uphold
the principles of scholarship, leadership and fellowship. As a
Member, you must constantly strive to embody these three prin-
ciples in your life. This can only be achieved through hard
work and dedication to not only your local Chapter but the en-
tire Brotherhood of Phi Sigma Pi.
As you travel down the road that lies ahead, you will do well to
keep these three principles in mind. Through scholarship, we
can attain knowledge and expand our minds to more clearly
see the possibilities surrounding us. Through leadership, we are
given the opportunity to positively influence others. Through
fellowship, we can reach out to others and share, thus strength-
ening the bonds which unite us as Brothers.
We wish you the best throughout your journey with
Phi Sigma Pi!
Fraternally,
The Brotherhood of Phi Sigma Pi
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Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity does not condone physical, mental or
emotional hazing of any kind, by any definition. The Grand Chapter (the
Fraternity’s supreme governing body) strictly prohibits the hazing of individuals
involved in any Fraternity activities, including initiation, as stated in our National
Constitution:
“Hazing shall be defined as, but not limited to, any action taken or situation
created, intentionally, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment,
harassment and ridicule. The actions and situations include, but are not limited
to: paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychologi-
cal shock, scavenger hunts which involve illegal activities, one-way road trips
which leave an individual to find return transportation, wearing apparel at any
time or location which is not appropriate, required engagement in public stunts
or buffoonery, morally degrading games or humiliating activities, compulsory
consumption of any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances or non-con-
trolled substances, and any other activities which are not consistent with the
regulations and policies of the sheltering institution, or behavior considered as
unbecoming of a Member of Phi Sigma Pi.”
To ensure that all Broth-
ers and Initiates under-
stand Phi Sigma Pi’s
anti-hazing policy, each
collegiate Brother and
Initiate must sign and
agree to uphold Phi
Sigma Pi’s national anti-
hazing policies. Access
to this will be provided to
you online through your
Chapter’s secretary.
PHI SIGMA PI’S ANTI-HAZING POLICY
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Report Hazing
If for any reason you believe that you or other Initiates have been in a situation
where hazing has occurred, or you believe there is a threat of hazing, please
contact the National Office immediately at 1-800-366-1916 or submit the con-
cern online at www.phisigmapi.org/Report Hazing.
Concerns may be reported anonymously. Once the National Office has been
notified of hazing concerns, the process outlined in the National Constitution will
be implemented. In cases where hazing activities are confirmed, disciplinary
action, where appropriate, will be imposed with the necessary parties, accord-
ing to national policy guidelines.
For more information about Phi Sigma Pi’s process for handling hazing com-
plaints, please see Phi Sigma Pi’s National Constitution.
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THE INITIATION PROGRAM
Purpose of the Initiation Program
The Initiation Program is a time of learning. It provides an opportunity for you,
the Initiate, and the Brothers to assess whether or not Phi Sigma Pi is the right
organization for you. If you are to reach your full potential as a Brother, you
must have a thorough understanding of our organization and a solid grasp of the
principles upon which we were
founded. Understanding the
goals and objectives of Phi Sigma
Pi and incorporating them into
your life can only be
accomplished through your
commitment to participating in the
Initiation Program.
Phi Sigma Pi’s Initiation Program
will prepare you for active
membership. Every new
Member of Phi Sigma Pi must be
capable of carrying out the duties
and responsibilities that
membership entails. The
continued success of the
Fraternity depends upon the
ability of the Brothers to lead the
Chapter. To aid you in your path
to Brotherhood, the National Council established the following guidelines. These
should become your personal goals as well as the Chapter’s goals for the Initiation
Program.
1. Become acquainted with the Chapter’s Active Alumni and
Honorary Brothers and adviser(s).
2. Learn all you can about the Chapter’s Active Collegiate Brothers
and fellow Initiates.
3. Learn the National Constitution and Chapter Bylaws.
4. Become familiar with the names and faces of the National
Council Officers and National Staff.
5. Know the locations of other Phi Sigma Pi Chapters.
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6. Learn about your college or university as well as the surrounding
community.
7. Develop pride in and dedication to Phi Sigma Pi.
8. Introduce yourself to situations requiring leadership.
9. Place yourself in positions of responsibility.
10. Learn how the organization works as well as the purpose and
ideals of Phi Sigma Pi.
11. Involve yourself in fellowship-building activities.
12. Help develop National and Chapter unity.
13. Learn National and Chapter history.
The coming weeks of your Initiation Program will be filled with learning, inspiration,
cohesiveness and achievement. Each individual must earn the privilege of
membership in Phi Sigma Pi and this must be accomplished in a positive, character-
building, dignified and constructive manner.
Although each Chapter differs as to how its Initiation Program strives to achieve
the aforementioned goals, its requirements and policy must be in agreement
with the National Constitution. Additionally, since the Chapter exists within the
framework of the collegiate institution, it is reasonable to require that Initiates
have a working knowledge of the local Chapter and school’s history and traditions.
The Initiation Program is a time of participation, collaboration, education and
achievement. If you cannot master the minimal yet essential obligations of the
Initiation Program, then the Chapter is justified in assuming that you are not yet
ready for the greater obligations and responsibilities of active membership. Each
Chapter has the discretion to release an Initiate from the Initiation Program
after efforts have been made to correct any concerns about the Initiate’s ability
to fulfill Initiation Program requirements.
Rights and Responsibilities of the Initiate
An Initiate is a novice, and
therefore justly limited in his
or her ability to influence Phi
Sigma Pi policies, practices,
activities and decision-
making. This is because the
knowledge of the Initiates is
incomplete, their talents are
untested and their exper-
ience is not yet acquired.
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Although the Initiates’ influence is limited at this time, each has the basic rights
granted to all Members of the National Fraternity. Phi Sigma Pi believes that
Initiates who are treated with respect during their Initiation Program will have
the maturity and confidence to lead the Fraternity as Brothers.
Initiates never surrender any of their social or legal rights. The only thing that
changes when an individual enters the Initiation Program is that he/she has
assumed new responsibilities. All Initiates have the right to expect mature,
responsible behavior from the Collegiate and Alumni Members. Likewise, the
Initiates must conduct themselves in a similar manner.
Membership in Phi
Sigma Pi does not
require the Initiates to
submit to undignified,
humiliating or degrad-
ing acts. Phi Sigma Pi
is a Brotherhood and
such behavior is
contradictory to our
values.
Although some Mem-
bers may have the
authority to make
decisions, no Member
or Initiate is obligated to tolerate any type of abuse from another. There is no
place in Phi Sigma Pi for physical hazing, mental or sexual harassment, or any
other activities. The National Constitution defines hazing (see page 6) and the
ramifications for any Chapter partaking in this type of destructive activity. Phi
Sigma Pi means too much to too many people to have its future destroyed by
irresponsible acts devised with no substance or foresight.
Initiates are expected to fulfill certain obligations and participate in projects with
the Chapter. These tasks may benefit the Chapter as a whole or be geared
toward cultivating the intellectual, service or social potential of the individual.
By fulfilling these assignments, the Initiates demonstrate their eagerness to take
on responsibility and work for the betterment of Phi Sigma Pi.
While each Initiate deserves the same consideration and respect as any
Collegiate or Alumni Member, this in no way implies that the Initiate is immune
from constructive criticism. Chapters must enforce rules and policies intended
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for the benefit of everyone. Individuals who do not observe these regulations
may be subject to a verbal warning or, in extreme cases, termination from the
Initiation Program or termination of membership.
National Expectations
The national expectations have been set forth to provide guidelines for both the
Chapter as well as the Initiate. It is believed that meeting these national
standards will aid in preparing you, the Initiate, for active membership. The
events listed below should be planned and/or completed by the Initiates with the
assistance of the respective committees and the Chapter during their Initiation
Program.
1. Coordinate each of the following events:
- Social event
- Service project
- Fundraising activity
- Scholarship event
2. Learn Phi Sigma Pi history (National and local)
3. Learn to sing the fraternal songs
4. Allow time for study hours
5. Familiarize yourself with each of your Chapter’s committees
6. Attend Chapter meetings to understand how meetings are
structured
7. Pass the national membership exam
8. Fulfill your financial obligations
Developing a Constructive
Outlook
An Initiate’s attitude toward the
Initiation Program and the National
Fraternity is an important factor in
determining his/her progress toward
the goal of active membership in Phi
Sigma Pi.
Because the Initiation Program is a
time of orientation and acclimation, the
best outlook one can have throughout
the program is one of inquiry,
open-mindedness and cooperation.
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Questions should be asked during this period. As an Initiate, you must want to
learn and must have the respect and willingness to be instructed. You should try
to remain open to situations until you fully understand them.
Projects that you undertake during the Initiation Program should be educational.
All activities should have legitimate purposes behind them. If you have
questions or doubts regarding projects, by all means, approach a Brother with
your thoughts and feelings. No individual should be subjected to situations that
they feel are against their values or beliefs.
Initiates earn the respect of the Brotherhood through hard work, dedication and
character development, not by performing ludicrous stunts or actions. The
Initiation Program is a time of reflection and personal growth. It is a process of
becoming a good Member by learning about Phi Sigma Pi history and ideals and
developing leadership skills. Phi Sigma Pi is meant to be a positive experience
designed to be contributory and beneficial throughout a person’s life.
Managing Your Time
While in college, your first
priority is undoubtedly academic
work. Upon joining Phi Sigma Pi,
the Fraternity should become one
of your top priorities. Phi Sigma
Pi will constantly strive to
complement your academic
pursuits and should never
interfere with your academics.
However, you should strive to
ensure that no other campus
commitments cause you to
neglect, undercut or devalue your
Fraternity obligations either.
Similarly, your membership in Phi
Sigma Pi should not cause you to drop out of other organizations to which you
belong. Phi Sigma Pi wants you to get involved, make the most of your college
years and become a well-rounded individual. Because Phi Sigma Pi is not a
social Greek fraternity, there is no conflict of interest if a member of a social
fraternity or sorority joins Phi Sigma Pi, or vice versa. Additionally, since Phi
Sigma Pi is an honor fraternity, membership in an honor society does not pose a
conflict of interest. However, Phi Sigma Pi emphasizes the need for all
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Members to be committed to the requirements and obligations of membership.
The Fraternity and your Chapter Brothers should not have to carry the burden
of a Member’s absence or neglect because he/she cannot manage his/her time
as a result of too many extracurricular commitments. The advancement of Phi
Sigma Pi should be a top priority of each Member.
The way you manage your
time is the key to getting the
most out of the activities you
have joined. Study should
never serve as an easy ex-
cuse to avoid participating in
Chapter functions. Good time
management skills will benefit
you not only in college, but for
the rest of your life as well.
The high caliber student at-
tracted to Phi Sigma Pi tends
to be a very busy person. A
sign of your maturity is how
well you are able to organize your time and balance your priorities so that all of
your responsibilities are properly fulfilled while you still enjoy leisure time.
Phi Sigma Pi should serve as a source of encouragement, growth and
inspiration. It should also provide academic, service and recreational
opportunities for all Members. Be sure that you can balance your activities and
do justice to them all.
Choosing the Right Path
Almost everyone questions the value or benefit of a project, occupation or
situation at some time in life. This is especially true when the circumstances are
rigorous and demanding. With this in mind, it is also probably true that nearly
every Initiate will reach a point when the responsibilities, pressures and
demands of membership in Phi Sigma Pi seem greater than any of the possible
benefits. The Initiation Program is a time of trial. Meeting the demands of the
Initiation Program as well as other life demands is sure to test your
perseverance, time management skills and understanding. Unfortunately, the
Initiate is placed in a position of having to complete these demands without
being able to truly assess the future positive value that fulfilling these demands
will have on his/her Fraternity experience, college performance and
employment potential. Therefore, it is important for the Chapter to offer
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support when needed.
All organizations have imperfections. There will be many crossroads through-
out the Initiation Program. Because of this, it is crucial to look at all factors in
perspective and avoid making rash decisions. Consider all things carefully. It is
easy to quit. It takes much more strength to persevere through uncertain times.
All Members and Initiates have at least one thing in common: they are all unique
individuals with their own per-
sonalities, desires and back-
grounds. One cannot expect
the many individuals who make
up a Chapter to have perfectly
matched viewpoints, ideals and
temperaments. It may be easy
to associate only with people
who share your values and
goals, but it has very little ben-
efit in preparing you for post-
graduate experiences and re-
lating to others who do not al-
ways see eye-to-eye with you.
Fraternities are not perfect
because they, like all other
organizations, are made up of
human beings. We all have
faults and weaknesses as well as strengths and attributes. The goal of this
Fraternity is to recognize our limitations, to continue to develop the positive
aspects we all possess, and to pull together as Brothers for the advancement
and benefit of the entire Fraternity.
No matter how long the Initiation Program lasts, it offers very little time for an
in-depth sampling of the Fraternity experience. The Initiation Program is a time
of change, adjustment and realization of one’s potential. If you make the most of
these experiences and help others around you do the same, membership in Phi
Sigma Pi will be all you want it to be.
When making a decision to continue or terminate your participation in the
Initiation Program, the Initiate is encouraged to talk to the Chapter Members
about his/her concerns. Through communication, many would-be challenges
have been transformed into terrific opportunities.
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THE FRATERNITY CONCEPT
Fraternities have arisen in response to the universal human need to form special
relationships with others who share similar ideals, goals and interests. Therefore,
all fraternities, whether social, service, professional or honor, must have a purpose
and plan of action to unite their Members.
Fraternities, whether male, female or coeducational, are built on the concept of
Brotherhood - a condition through which the closeness of the relationship
existing between Members promotes spiritual uniformity and resembles the
atmosphere of the family unit. As a family, we have grown since our founding.
Once an all-male organization, Phi Sigma Pi has evolved into a coeducational
organization, but the fellowship that exists among our Members unites all of us;
past, present and future. How do you define Brotherhood? It is a commitment
and belief in something
greater than us. That
commitment is directed
towards the goals of your
Chapter and the National
organization, but most
importantly, it is a
commitment to others, the
Brotherhood of Phi Sigma
Pi. Brotherhood exists when
individuals can feel free to
face their challenges
knowing that others are
concerned for their well-
being. It is more intimate
than just friendship—it has
its roots in the respon-
sibilities and obligations an
individual assumes upon
Induction into the Brother-
hood. Nationally, Members are referred to as Brothers. However, whether
conforming to a university policy or simply out of a personal preference, Chapters
may choose to use another term to refer to male and female Members.
The question most often asked is, “What is an ‘honor’ fraternity?” While not an
academic honor society, nor a social Greek organization, Phi Sigma Pi possesses
the best each has to offer and much more! Phi Sigma Pi is built upon a tripod of
scholarship, leadership and fellowship. This tripod represents the ideals we
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Balancing Scholarship, Leadership and Fellowship
Chapters have many options for activities which promote pure scholarship, such
as scheduling speakers, conferences, seminars and workshops for our Members
and the community at large.
They can also take part in
writing scholarly papers,
tutoring, promoting our
national philanthropy
(Teach For America) and
developing local scholar-
ships and awards to
recognize outstanding
individuals. Phi Sigma Pi
believes that by undertaking
service projects, students
can learn about the
problems facing today’s
society and can better
shape their views and
leadership skills. Phi Sigma
Pi encourages its Members
to offer themselves as
resources for charitable
organizations. Determining the type of service projects, whether they serve the
university, community, state or a local or national charity, is a decision that rests
entirely with the Chapter. Scholarship and leadership are useless unless one
has learned to work productively with others. Phi Sigma Pi promotes the concept
encourage our Members to carry out in their daily lives. Phi Sigma Pi seeks the
best and brightest men and women. Among the qualities we seek in potential
Members is academic achievement. Quantitatively, the standard measure used
is academic grade point average. Many collegiate organizations have academic
standards, and while our requirement is higher than most, it alone does not
define scholarly achievement.
Attaining and sharing scholarly knowledge as well as demonstrating leadership
through service to others as part of a Brotherhood is what Phi Sigma Pi offers
its Members. We are the preeminent collegiate organization for men and women,
an organization worthy of the title of Honor Fraternity. Committing yourself to
our ideals is challenging, but rewarding as it will lead to your worthiness of being
called a Brother of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.
17
of the well-rounded
individual. The knowledge
gained through working
closely with others toward
common goals builds
fellowship, the third principle
of Phi Sigma Pi.
Any activity that promotes
fellowship teaches people
about the intimacies and
qualities of others. The
knowledge gained through
these social events serves to
enhance working relation-
ships and eventually stim-
ulates the activity of the entire Chapter, encouraging better scholastic and service
projects. Events that build and enhance fellowship include such things as
banquets, intramural and sporting events or trips. Without these social and
recreational activities, a Chapter would grow weak and eventually become
inactive due to lack of commitment. Fellowship establishes commitment - and
that’s what Brotherhood is all about! However, at the same time, Chapters
must be image-conscious, realizing that they exist to uphold the entire tripod.
Phi Sigma Pi is a balance of scholarship, leadership and fellowship. Each leg of
the tripod must be equally stressed, or the Chapter may too closely resemble an
honor society, service organization or social fraternity. Each Chapter must actively
seek its own balance of scholarship, leadership and fellowship. Phi Sigma Pi’s
goals are to cultivate and encourage high scholastic achievement, build leadership
skills through service to others, and strengthen social skills. These allow the
individual to mature and develop into a thinking, concerned, well-rounded person
who will be an asset to our society.
The Development of Fraternities
Fraternal orders played a significant role in the societies of the ancient world.
As early as 1427 B.C., the Eleusinian Mysteries of Ancient Greece were well-
established, having developed from similar secret orders in Egypt and the Near
East over a thousand years earlier. Initiation periods consisting of lectures,
pageants and religious dramas were used to train prospective members before
entrance into Eleusinian Mysteries. Several of these orders had initiation or
probationary periods lasting as long as eight years. All the orders had secret
18
ceremonies, grips, passwords and symbols to distinguish them from others.
In 1776, both the United States and Phi Beta Kappa, the first American society
to have a Greek letter name, were established. The conditions of the
Revolutionary War and decades of struggle to form a nation which followed
were not conducive to the concept of the fraternity. However, as conditions
within the United States stabilized and demand for new facilities for higher
education became evident, the fraternity concept received renewed support.
By the fall of 1825, Kappa Alpha was formed at Union College in Schenectady,
New York. Externally, Kappa Alpha bore a close resemblance to Phi Beta
Kappa, which had placed its fifth chapter at Union in 1817. It had a Greek
name, it was secret and it had a badge. Kappa Alpha was so popular with
students, that in 1827 two new fraternities on the campus were formed - Sigma
Phi and Delta Phi. These three fraternities, known as the Union Triad, set the
pattern for the American fraternity system. As these three fraternities expanded
and placed chapters at other institutions, the concept of a national fraternity was
born.
Before the Civil War, fraternities existed exclusively for men. However, there
were scattered reports of women being granted membership into these
organizations. It was not until 1870 that Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa
Gamma were founded as the first
Greek letter fraternities for
women.
By World War I, the fraternity
system was well-established.
However, national fraternal
organizations would only charter
college chapters at four-year
colleges and universities.
Approximately 200 four-year
normal or teacher colleges were
off-limits. National fraternities,
whether social, scholastic,
professional or leadership oriented,
were reluctant to establish
chapters at these institutions. Most
of the teachers colleges around the
country evolved into what are now
state colleges and universities. The
19
Founders of Phi Sigma Pi recognized the need to provide the benefits that a
national fraternity could offer to young men in teachers colleges preparing for a
career in education.
The American College of Greek Letter Fraternity is one of the oldest
student organized activities on college campuses. It has continually
attracted the interest and active participation of the finest and ablest
students in the student body. It has become an integral part of the
total educational program of the college, and its contribution to the
education and training of the students has been distinctly wholesome
and varied.
- Interfraternity Research and Advisory Council
20
The Founders
The story of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity actually begins well over
100 years ago. In 1892, the Missouri Beta Chapter of Phi Lambda Epsilon
was organized as the first fraternity at the State Teachers College at Warrensburg,
Missouri (known today as the University of Central Missouri). In the spring of
1914, the chapter was disbanded, but from its ashes rose a new group; an
organization focused on strong academic achievement, service to mankind and
a celebration of fellowship. Several members of Phi Lambda Epsilon, along
with other male students, took their plans for this new fraternity to the faculty.
At first, the faculty did not look favorably on this endeavor, mostly because of
the recent closing of Phi Lambda Epsilon. However, three influential men gave
their support and encouragement to this fledgling group. The faculty was swayed
by these three men into granting the establishment of the new Fraternity, and on
February 14, 1916, the Alpha Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi was born. These three
men were the Fraternity’s founders: Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks, Dr. Claude A. Phillips
and Dr. C. H. McClure.
Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks
Dr. Hendricks was a well-respected man on the State Teachers College –
Warrensburg campus, serving as president of the Warrensburg institution from
1915 until his retirement in 1937. He began his service as head of the History
Department in 1910. He was one of the foremost members of the American
Association of Teachers Colleges and was an active champion of progressive
policies for the professional education of teachers. He served the National Or-
ganization of Phi Sigma Pi diligently and would serve in the newly created posi-
THE HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF PHI SIGMA PI
“In many ways, we have become like a crystal. We will never
find greatness in the beauty that makes us attractive, but by the
strength of the bonds that hold us together.”
- Josh Marder, Alpha Rho 258
2000-2002 National President
2004-2010 Vice President of Finance
21
tion of Central Regional Director from 1931
until 1935. In addition to his involvement
with the establishment of Phi Sigma Pi, he
was also instrumental in founding the Al-
pha Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma, a na-
tional social fraternity chartered at
Warrensburg in 1920. Dr. Hendricks died
on November 22, 1938 at his home after
suffering a heart attack following an illness
that had lasted since June of that year. His
death was announced in the December,
1938 issue of The Lampadion (the
Fraternity’s newsletter) with the words,
“Dr. Hendricks’ passing removes one of
the landmarks from the national field of
teacher education.”
Described by future National Officer and Alpha alumnus Rolla F. Wood as a,
“...large, handsome man with a Grecian face. Dr. Hendricks will forever be
remembered by those who knew him, and he was an inspiration to every stu-
dent that entered the doors of Central Missouri State Teachers College.”
To honor his endearing commitment to progressive education, the Dr. Eldo L.
Hendricks Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Programming is presented
to Chapters that have provided exceptional educational, cultural and leadership
programs benefiting their Members and the
community in which they live. This award is
presented at the Awards Banquet held at Na-
tional Convention each year.
Dr. Claude A. Phillips
Dr. Phillips, described by Wood as someone
whose, “...enthusiasm and breadth of vision
caused him to be a favorite of those who were
in his classes,” served for many years as the
dean of faculty at the Warrensburg Institu-
tion. Dr. Phillips spent a total of 18 years at
Warrensburg before becoming the director
of the University Elementary School at the
University of Missouri. His lectures and writ-
ings on various phases of elementary educa-
Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks
Dr. Claude A. Phillips
22
tion made him well-known throughout the country as he served as the chairman
for the University of Missouri Committee on Accredited Schools and Colleges
from 1926 to 1949. Dr. Phillips wrote several books on education, including
Adventuring in Young America and Building Our Country, both published in
1929. While his activity on a national level was limited, Dr. Phillips returned to
Alpha Chapter to lecture and inspire well into the 1950s.
The Claude A. Phillips Fellowship Award was created in 2006 to honor those
Chapters that have captured the true spirit of fellowship and Brotherhood through
Chapter events. This award is presented at the Awards Banquet held at Na-
tional Convention each year.
Dr. C.H. McClure
Dr. McClure served Warrensburg for 18
years, 13 of which were as head of the
History Department. In 1928, McClure
accepted a teaching position at the State
Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri,
(now known as Truman State University)
where he worked to form a Chapter of Phi
Sigma Pi. His efforts led to the chartering
of Beta Chapter in 1929. He served as both
National Counselor and Vice President from
1930 to 1937. Outside of his contributions
to Phi Sigma Pi, Dr. McClure had several
books published, including The Story of
Ancient Times in 1937, and A World Back-
ground for the United States
in 1946.
In recognition of all that he had given to the Fraternity since its nationalization in
1921, he was awarded the first Distinguished Service Key (the highest honor to
be bestowed on an individual Brother) ever issued by Phi Sigma Pi in 1931.
Wood describes McClure as, “...someone who was able to take the common
things in life and make them appear beautiful and important, and who had the
ability to inspire all of his students with confidence in themselves and will for-
ever be remembered by all who knew him.”
To recognize Dr. McClure as the first recipient of a Phi Sigma Pi Distinguished
Service Key, the C.H. McClure Single Service Award is named in his honor,
and is presented to Chapters that have held outstanding service projects. This
Dr. C.H. McClure
23
award is presented at the Awards Banquet held at National Convention each
year.
The Birth of Phi Sigma Pi
On February 14, 1916, Phi Sigma Pi was founded and originally named Phi
Sigma Pi Honorary Professional Fraternity. The three founders decided that
Phi Sigma Pi would stress not only scholarship, leadership and fellowship, but do
so in a concept of an equal tripod dedicated to these three ideals. Dr. Hendricks,
the leading force behind the creation of Phi Sigma Pi, was the first person to
sign a Phi Sigma Pi roll book and is therefore known as Alpha 1. He was
followed by Dean Phillips, Alpha 2, and Professor McClure, Alpha 3. In addition
to the three faculty members, the first chapter included 10 Collegiate and
Honorary Members.
Growth & Stability (1916 – 1941)
From the very moment that Phi
Sigma Pi was founded, Chapter
Members at Warrensburg in-
tended to make the organization a
National Fraternity. During the
first four years, the Alpha Chap-
ter managed to perfect a local con-
stitution, establish a National Con-
stitution that detailed how to start
new Chapters and defined the
roles of National Officers, pre-
pared a ritual and actively pro-
moted the Fraternity to other in-
stitutions. As the careers of the
early Alpha Chapter Brothers
bloomed, new doors of opportu-
nity were opened to start Chap-
ters at other institutions around the
country.
In fact, many early Alumni would go on to serve as faculty advisers for newly
started Phi Sigma Pi Chapters at different universities, a proud and honorable
tradition that continues to this day. Whether as graduate students, university
administrators or faculty, Phi Sigma Pi Alumni play a substantial role in promot-
ing and teaching our ideals to future Brothers.
University of Central Missouri
24
On May 2, 1921, the Fraternity became national when the Gamma Chapter was
installed at Bradley Polytechnic Institute in Peoria, Illinois. Gamma Chapter
was founded due to the dedication of Alpha alumnus Joseph V. Hanna, who
began the Chapter shortly after he accepted a teaching position at Bradley in
1920. The Chapter was given the Greek name Gamma because McClure had
accepted a faculty position at the State Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri,
and was attempting to organize a Chapter on campus. Because it was believed
that this would be the second Phi Sigma Pi Chapter, Beta, the second letter in
the Greek alphabet, was reserved for this Chapter.
With the addition of a second Chapter, it was time to define the national struc-
ture. National Officers were elected to direct the growth of the Fraternity with
Joseph G. Bryan, Alpha 28, elected as the first National President of Phi Sigma
Pi. The highlight of Bryan’s tenure was the addition of the Delta Chapter on
May 2, 1925.
At this time, another prominent figure in
Phi Sigma Pi’s history would emerge.
Rolla F. Wood, Alpha 39, became the Na-
tional President in 1928. Wood is credited
with galvanizing the National Officers into
a cohesive unit, and capitalizing on this
unity for expansion and increased services
for Members and Chapters. During his ten-
ure, the National Organization was made
more visible to attract interested institu-
tions. One way this was accomplished was
through Wood’s efforts to make Phi Sigma
Pi one of the 21 professional fraternities
representing the fields of architecture,
chemistry, commerce, dentistry, education,
engineering, law, medicine and pharmacy
“Alumni have always been influential in the growth and
development of Phi Sigma Pi. In our early days of expansion we
owe our success to Alpha Chapter Alumni spreading the ideals of
the Fraternity to new campuses and thus establishing Phi Sigma
Pi as a National Fraternity.”
- Jonah Goodman, Delta Alpha 1
2004-2007 Vice President of Alumni Development
2007-2012 National President
Rolla F. Wood
25
that banded together on March 2, 1928 to form the Professional Interfraternity
Conference.
“Professor Wood took great pride in the teaching profession,” said former stu-
dent and Brother, Gene Seevers, Alpha 594. “It was no mystery that because
of what he stood for, Wood turned Phi Sigma Pi in the direction of ‘profession-
alism’ as a Fraternity, not just an organization for recognition of scholastic achieve-
ment.”
Wood’s strong leadership led to the founding of Epsilon Chapter at George
Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University) on August 16, 1928 through
connections he made while pursuing graduate work there. Zeta Chapter at Eastern
State College (now Dakota State College) had been founded rather informally
about one month earlier in July of 1928, and consisted of four faculty members,
one of whom was Lawrence N. Pease. Pease was also one of the last
members of Phi Lambda Epsilon at Warrensburg in 1914, and he undoubtedly
helped conceptualize the idea of Phi Sigma Pi.
The Beta Chapter was installed at the State Teachers College in Kirksville,
Missouri, on April 30, 1929. On the same day, Eta Chapter was installed at the
State Teachers College in Indiana, Pennsylvania (now Indiana University of
Pennsylvania), after receiving a petition from Walter P. Percival, professor of
education. So enthusiastic was Percival, Eta 1, that he was elected National
Walter P. Percival Clarence O. Williams
26
President in 1930. During his brief tenure, the Fraternity more than doubled in
size from seven to 15 chapters. Of these eight new Chapters, six were at
Pennsylvania state teachers colleges. This phenomenal interest was due to
Clarence O. Williams, Alpha 26, who served as National Secretary from 1930
to 1936 and used his position as an associate professor of education at
Pennsylvania State College (now Pennsyl-
vania State University) in State College,
Pennsylvania, to make valuable contacts
at a majority of the 14 Pennsylvania state
teachers colleges.
The years 1929 to 1931 built upon the
national solidarity concept initiated under
President Wood. In 1930, the Grand Seal
of the Fraternity was cast. Standardized
charters and membership certificates were
also designed. The official badge, service
key and other jewelry pieces were created
in consultation with the L. G. Balfour
Company. The Coat of Arms was
redesigned in 1930 in hopes that a more
professional emblem would better depict
the ideals of the Fraternity. The first
National publication for all Collegiate
Members and Alumni was introduced in 1930 as the Phi Sigma Pi Newsletter.
The Phi Sigma Pi Newsletter format was changed in the fall of 1931 to maga-
zine form. The Lampadion, which means “little torch,” became the official
magazine of the Fraternity and was mailed three times a year to all Members.
James K. Stoner, Eta 38, began his two decades of active involvement with the
National Organization by serving as the editor of the magazine.
In 1933, Edward Ingraham, Theta 21, and Charles Darrin, Theta 42, worked
with the Music Department at Mansfield State Teachers College (now Mansfield
University of Pennsylvania) to put the ideals and spirit of the Fraternity to music.
Their combined efforts resulted in the Fraternity song, “Brothers Are We.”
Decades later, “Brothers Are We,” along with “Brother,” is still sung by the
entire Brotherhood to close National events such as National Convention.
The Depression years brought many changes to Phi Sigma Pi. Although six
Chapters went inactive by 1941, six new Chapters would be founded. One of
the new Chapters, Tau, began as a local fraternity known as Tau Sigma Sigma.
Beecher Flanagan, Epsilon 2 and Tau 12, was a professor at East Carolina
James K. Stoner
27
Teachers College (now East Carolina Uni-
versity) at the time. He persuaded the ex-
isting group to seek affiliation with a Na-
tional Organization, Phi Sigma Pi, and the
Tau Chapter was chartered on May 28,
1936.
In 1935, Kappa Phi Kappa, a professional
education fraternity founded at Dartmouth
College on April 26, 1922, which had 42
active chapters at four-year institutions,
contacted Phi Sigma Pi to consider a
merger. Since 11 Chapters had been
chartered in the past five years, the
Fraternity felt that it possessed ample
growth potential and that a merger with
Kappa Phi Kappa would unnecessarily
change the identity of Phi Sigma Pi. The
discussion to merge was tabled by Phi Sigma Pi in 1936, but Kappa Phi Kappa
continued for the next four years to encourage a merger. With World War II
now looming in the future, the Fraternity was more open to the idea of a merger
as insurance of the survival of its ideals. After much debate, a plan to merge the
two fraternities was prepared by two officers from each of the fraternities.
During the first two weeks of 1940, the 14 active Chapters of Phi Sigma Pi
voted on the proposed merger conditions, which would have resulted in the
demise of Phi Sigma Pi as a national entity. The Active Members voted 172 to
106 against the merger. The decision proved to be a wise one, as today Phi
Sigma Pi has more than 120 Chapters nationally, while Kappa Phi Kappa no
longer exists as a National Organization.
While the merger debate carried on, several internal developments unfolded.
The first was the realization of the need to develop support from Phi Sigma Pi
Alumni. In the summer of 1937, 27 Members of Phi Sigma Pi were doing graduate
work at Pennsylvania State College and organized the first, though unofficial,
Alumni Chapter of the Fraternity. In response to this demand, a constitutional
amendment adopted at the 1941 Atlantic City Convention allowed for the offi-
cial creation of Alumni Chapters. Additionally, life memberships were estab-
lished to keep Alumni in better contact with the Fraternity through mailings of
newsletters, magazines and announcements. The first life Member was Charles
W. Chance, Gamma 18.
The second development dealt with enhancing the National image and
Beecher M. Flanagan
28
increasing communication with the Active
Collegiate Members. In 1940, the Coat of
Arms was simplified to allow for increased
reproduction. In March of that same year,
The Purple & Gold newsletter was estab-
lished because of the need for closer con-
tact between the National Office and the
Active local Chapter Members. Unlike The
Lampadion magazine, this publication tai-
lored to the interests and needs of the un-
dergraduates. In the very first issue of The
Purple & Gold, published in March of 1940,
readers were advised that, “The informa-
tion found in the bulletin is not for general
distribution. Protect it as you would your
Ritual. When finished with it, destroy it!”
Today, we encourage our Brothers to share
The Purple & Gold/The Lampadion with
family, friends and fellow students as a source of pride in our Brotherhood and
the accomplishments of our Members.
Up until 1941, there was no National medium through which new Members
could learn the National history and goals of the organization. National Presi-
dent Clair B. Wilson, Kappa 10, recognized the need to encourage the learning
of the material and transformed his ideas into The Handbook of Phi Sigma Pi.
This handbook would take many forms and in 1990 was officially named The
Scholar’s Province, with the first edition going to print in 1991. The current
and thirteenth edition was printed in 2012.
The War Years & the Passing of the Old Guard (1942 - 1975)
Due to the war, all 15 Chapters went inactive in late 1942. Many schools had
such low enrollments, that many state legislatures considered closing them
permanently. Obviously this trend greatly affected Phi Sigma Pi as many of our
“We are so proud of our Brothers who today serve our Country in its
desperate defense. This service must be its own reward, as no
adequate material reward can ever be given. We must all contribute
in some small way, or when peace is again restored we will not be
the deserving benefactors, and a great opportunity will be gone
forever.”
– Clair B. Wilson, Kappa 10
Clair B. Wilson
29
Brothers fought and died for their country. The war also prevented the 1943
Grand Chapter Convention, where the election of new National Officers would
have taken place. It was agreed that the current officers would guide the
Fraternity and its ultimate reorganization until the next Grand Chapter meeting
could be held. By the fall of 1946, all but one of the Chapters prior to the war
were reactivated with the exception of Mu Chapter at State Teachers College
(now Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania) in Slippery Rock,
Pennsylvania. However, as history would show, it would take decades for the
Fraternity to recover the momentum that it had gained throughout the 1920s and
1930s.
The Fraternity was incorporated nationally in Illinois on April 25, 1949.
Since the Fraternity had gone National in 1921, the leaders at the National level
had been faculty advisers of the Chapters and Active Alumni. By 1950, not only
was contact with Alumni critically affected due to the war, but the faculty
advisers who guided the Fraternity through most of the previous two decades
were ready to retire. By 1954, Clair B. Wilson, Kappa 10, James M. McCallister,
Alpha 33, James K. Stoner, and long time Regional Director Simon S. Shearer,
Omicron 20, were gone. Death claimed Beecher Flanagan in 1950 and Sanders
P. McComsey, Sigma 17, in 1955. The Regional Director system was retired in
order to utilize the leadership of the National Officer positions. Also at this time,
The Lampadion ceased publication, leaving The Purple & Gold as the sole
Simon S. Shearer Sanders P. McComsey
30
communication between the Chapters and the National Office.
In what was a critical time in Phi Sigma Pi’s history, the Fraternity was in need
of new leadership as the old guard retired. Two of the Fraternity’s most
dedicated National Officers emerged from this era – namely, Joseph Torchia,
Sigma 296, and Richard C. Todd, Sigma 58 and Tau 878. Their leadership and
commitment to Phi Sigma Pi carried the Fraternity through the next two de-
cades, serving in multiple capacities.
“Joe Torchia was a meticulous, high principled man,” recalled Jack Loose,
Sigma 61. “His philosophy of the Fraternity was that it should represent the
very best of scholarship and leadership. He felt that by inducting only the best
students could the Fraternity hold its head high. Everything that Phi Sigma Pi
stood for; he treated as gospel and expected others to do so as well.”
Torchia was employed at his alma mater as an associate professor of education
from 1946 to 1975. Constantly reprising his role as teacher, Torchia did
extensive tutoring, including teaching speed reading to individuals and business
groups. The Outstanding Chapter Award was created in 1957 and then
renamed the Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award in 1970 to honor Mr.
Torchia for his many contributions to Phi Sigma Pi over the course of four
decades.
Joseph M. Torchia Dr. Richard Todd
31
As for Dr. Richard Todd, perhaps no man
devoted his time and energy to Phi Sigma
Pi as much as he had to this point in his-
tory. “He certainly would fit your mental
image of an old-fashioned gentleman,”
stated past National President Jack
Thornton, Tau 862. “He and ‘Sweetheart’
(term of endearment given to wife Clauda
Pennock Todd by Dr. Todd) could not have
children, instead, every Brother of Tau
Chapter became one of their kids. They
were always good for a meal, a place to
wash and dry clothes, a place to sleep, a
few bucks for bus fare home–whatever
was needed. Usually, the Brothers tried to
pay them back, but the Todd’s would insist
that they do the same for someone else in
need.”
Dr. Todd served as the Tau Chapter adviser for many years, and held virtually
every officer position on the National Council. At East Carolina University,
Todd was an outstanding history professor and adviser to many undergraduate
organizations. Dr. Todd and his wife “Sweetheart” would establish several
scholarships, including Phi Sigma Pi’s Richard C. Todd & Clauda Pennock Todd
Tripod Scholarship. Todd is described on the East Carolina University website
as, “…one of the department’s most caring and generous professors.”
With the assistance of Henry W. Olsen, Rho 98; Leroy G. Pulver, Pi 27; Perry
McCandless, Alpha 384; and Abram Foster, Sigma 340, Todd and Torchia led
the Fraternity to the realization that while the Fraternity was stable, stagnation
was setting in. At the October 1, 1966, Grand Chapter Convention, held in
Washington D.C., President Abram Foster said, “We have remained stagnant
and this is not good. We are losing the opportunity to spread the purposes of Phi
Sigma Pi. We must act.” At the time, colleges and universities were openly
discouraging social fraternities, while promoting honor organizations and schol-
arship. Seeing that Phi Sigma Pi had always placed exceptional emphasis on
scholarship – the premise being that good teachers were also good scholars – it
was suggested that an honor fraternity which stressed scholarship, leadership
and fellowship would preserve the tripod, while creating new opportunities for
expansion.
Dr. Jack W. Thornton
32
Phi Sigma Pi Goes Co-Ed (1976 – 1979)
Late in 1975, East Carolina University contacted the Tau Chapter to inform
them they were in violation of Final Title IX Regulation Implementing Education
Amendments of 1972 Prohibiting Sex Discrimination in Education (hereafter
referred to as Title IX). After consulting with the United States Department of
Health, Education and Welfare, it was concluded that the National Organization
must allow Tau Chapter to admit eligible women or the Chapter would cease to
exist by July 1, 1976. Under Title IX guidelines, Phi Sigma Pi, as an honor
fraternity, would be required to become coeducational since remaining an all-
male organization would have a discriminatory effect upon the future career
opportunities of eligible women (social fraternal organizations are exempt from
Title IX).
At the October 7, 1977, National Convention in Washington, D. C., under the
leadership of President Richard J. Donald, Iota 800, the National Constitution
was amended to admit eligible women, thus ensuring that Phi Sigma Pi would
remain an honor fraternity. Women were admitted into Phi Sigma Pi beginning
in the fall semester of 1977. Alpha Chapter was reactivated coeducational and
Brother Laura Abney became the first woman to be inducted. For many years,
it was believed that Tau Chapter was the first existing Chapter to induct a
female Honorary Brother, Clauda Pennock Todd, Tau 879. However, in 2008 it
was discovered that Kappa Chapter had inducted the first female Honorary
Brother, Helen Wilson, Kappa 224, in 1945.
Barry Mitsch, Tau 826, was the Initiate
Adviser when “Sweetheart” was inducted
as an Honorary Brother into Tau Chapter.
“We were entering the unknown, and it was
a challenging time. The Fraternity broke
into two camps, one that did not want to
admit women and was even willing to lose
university recognition, and one that under-
stood the need to change. I think
the Induction of Sweetheart was part of
the healing process. I remember it as a joy-
ous occasion. She was quite a remark-
able lady in her own respect but usually
stayed in the background. Dr. Todd had
such big energy, and Sweetheart was the
perfect sidekick.” Clauda Pennock Todd
33
The other Chapters gradually went coeducational, with Sigma Chapter being
the last all-male Chapter to admit women in the autumn of 1989. The word,
“Brother,” would now come to mean both men and women.
The decision to admit females had an enormous impact on Phi Sigma Pi, both in
the 1970s and today. This decision was not welcomed with open arms by the
majority of the Phi Sigma Pi Brotherhood. In an excerpt from a letter to the
National Office written by a Chapter president, it was said, “…we are signing
our own bill of execution and are baring our necks to the axe. We foresee a
fast-approaching end to a fine, outstanding 60 year tradition which has, on our
campus, designated a body of exemplary men.”
Today, of course, history tells us that admitting females had an overwhelmingly
positive impact on the growth and development of Phi Sigma Pi. But in the late
1970s, this seemingly radical change was difficult for many Brothers to accept.
Many Brothers left the fold, and by 1980, only eight Chapters remained: Theta,
Iota, Pi, Sigma, Tau, Phi, Alpha Alpha and Beta Gamma Chapters.
Rebirth and Revitalization (1980-
(1980 – 1999)
For more than 50 years, Chapter Advisers
had served exclusively on National
Council. Beginning in 1980, Alumni and
Collegiate Members began to assert their
influence on the Fraternity by serving as
National Officers. Robert Helm, Sigma
726, established this precedent in 1980 and
was followed by David Patti, Sigma 744;
Robert Zalimeni, Tau 946; Michael Hosey,
Tau 948; and Kenneth Delorge, Beta
Gamma 351, in 1982. This trend was
solidified in 1984 with the election of Steven
DiGuiseppe, Sigma 734 and Linda Wilson,
Tau 1000.
“I am a proud Brother of Phi Sigma Pi and I wanted to make my imprint on the
organization that I loved so much,” said Steven DiGuiseppe, Sigma 734. “I saw
the vision of what might become of a Fraternity that I pledged in 1979, and
wanted to take Phi Sigma Pi into the next generation”.
By 1986, President Jack Thornton was the only Chapter Adviser left on the
Steven DiGuiseppe
34
National Council with the remaining five
positions being held by Alumni or Collegiate
Members. This era also saw Dr. Anita P.
Davis, the adviser of Alpha Alpha Chapter
at Converse College, being elected the first
female National Officer and National His-
torian in 1980.
At the 1986 National Convention, part of
the business sessions included the
formation and convening of National
Committees. One of those committees was
the Long Range Planning Committee, which
was given the task of ensuring Phi Sigma
Pi’s future by reactivating Chapters that
were inactive. The chair of this committee
was Sigma Chapter Vice President and
Millersville University senior Jeffrey
Johnson, Sigma 794, Alpha Gamma 1. Over the course of the next 10 years,
Jeffrey Johnson, Steven DiGuiseppe and countless others would steer the Fra-
ternity through unprecedented growth and development.
“When I first began my involvement on the National scene at the 1986 National
Convention, I did not have a vision per se,” said Johnson. “I did, however,
Jeffrey Johnson
Since the founding of Phi Sigma Pi, the National Office was
traditionally located in the home of the National Secretary. Each time a
new Secretary was elected, the office moved to a different part of the
country. Since 1951, the office of Secretary/Treasurer was held by a
Sigma Brother. For this reason, it became an unofficial understanding
that the National Office was located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
However, as more Chapters were added, the workload on the
volunteer National Officers intensified, and the supplies and equipment
required to run the Fraternity were quickly overwhelming the capacity
of the Secretary/Treasurer’s home. For a brief period in the late 1980s,
the National Office began renting 1,000 square feet of space in the
basement of Jeffrey Johnson’s parents’ house, where his mother served
as a part-time administrative assistant to manage many of the
Fraternity’s day-to-day functions.
Did you know...?
35
possess a clear realization. I realized that the Fraternity was dying… and that
something needed to be done to prevent this from happening. I recognized that
this was a fight for survival. I also had a very high level of internal passion for
the Fraternity. As I see it, when someone or something you love is in danger,
you do everything in your power to protect it.”
The reactivation of inactive Chapters began with Omicron Chapter in the spring
of 1987. Not having a formal plan on how to start a Chapter, 262 students were
inducted into the newly activated Chapter. Brothers took turns during the
following months to help the Chapter write bylaws, elect officers and become
organized. With the help of Mary Roberts, Rho 1A, Director of Student
Activities at the University of the District Columbia, Rho Chapter was
reactivated later that same semester.
Meanwhile, National Secretary/Treasurer Steven DiGuiseppe had seen the
potential for growth and with the help of past National Council officer and
Chapter Adviser, Dr. Richard Robinson, Beta Gamma 249, Beta Gamma Chapter
was reactivated in the spring of 1987.
“The vision was to grow Phi Sigma Pi,
stabilize along the way, and make our mark
on people across the globe,” recalled
DiGuieseppe. “A few Brothers from some
of the “old” Chapters envisioned a “new
birth.” We could make it happen and with
a little hard work and determination it would,
and did catch fire.”
Fresh from his success in reactivating
Omicron Chapter, Jeffrey Johnson was
recognized for his passion and abilities by
the National Council and asked to serve
as the Eastern Regional Director for Phi
Sigma Pi for the 1987-1988 academic year.
This position was a non-National Council
volunteer position that had not been held
for almost 50 years. Brother Johnson’s role was to carry forward the momen-
tum in regards to expansion efforts.
With the help of Steven DiGuiseppe, the pair did exactly that. In 1988, Kappa
Chapter was reactivated, followed by the creation of the Alpha Beta Chapter
(Founder - Mike McQueney, Sigma 787), Alpha Gamma Chapter (Founder -
Dr. Mark D. Pabst
36
Jeffrey Johnson), Alpha Delta Chapter (Founder - Justin Kirsten, Sigma 809)
and Alpha Epsilon Chapter. In 1989 and 1990, Alpha Zeta, Alpha Eta, Alpha
Theta (Founder - David Eshelman, Sigma 807), Alpha Iota (Founder - Elizabeth
Schwartz, Theta), Alpha Kappa (Founder - Mark Pabst, Tau 1108) and Alpha
Lambda (Founder - Greg Armstrong, Sigma 871) were created. The Fraternity
now stood at 22 active Chapters with the activation of Eta, Omega and Mu
Chapters.
In 1990, Jeffrey Johnson was handed the reins of National President from Steven
DiGuiseppe, who then assumed a support role of Immediate Past National
President. “My primary objective during
my tenure as National President was to
build an organization that was not reliant
on its volunteer National Council to do the
day-to-day work of the Fraternity,” said
Johnson. Johnson’s vision was to provide
a structure where the National Council
planned, strategized and created a vision
for the Fraternity to follow. The Council
would then be supported by a professional
staff that did the work to make the plan-
ning and strategizing a reality, as well as
manage the day-to-day affairs of running
the Fraternity. Letti Large was hired as
the first full-time Executive Director in 1990
and expansion duties were transferred to
staff.
In September of 1991, Phi Sigma Pi’s first
National scholarship was created by perhaps its most dutiful servant, Dr. Rich-
ard Todd, along with his wife Clauda Pennock Todd. Established to promote the
future academic opportunity of Phi Sigma Pi Brothers who excel in embodying
the ideals of scholarship, leadership and fellowship, the Todds challenged the
Brotherhood to match their initial gift in order to fund the Richard Cecil Todd &
Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship. Dr. David Batts, Tau 1242, became
the first recipient of the scholarship.
“Dr. Todd had cancer so I would stop by and see him and Sweetheart on a
regular basis,” recalled Batts. “I came home one day to a message on my
answering machine from Dr. Todd. I was scared to death because I was sure
it was bad news. Instead, he said that he was calling because he wanted to be
the first one to express congratulations on being the first recipient of the Todd
Dr. David L. Batts
37
Tripod Scholarship. He said he could not think of a better person to win the first
award. I was so taken back…I just started to cry. Dr. Todd died later that
summer. I was away at Grand Chapter at the time – not that I wanted to go. I
knew Dr. Todd was in bad shape but I also knew that he would want me to
attend Grand Chapter and fulfill my duties as Chapter delegate. He died the
Saturday of Grand Chapter. When people say Phi Sigma Pi is Brotherhood for
life…no one exemplifies this more than Dr. Todd.”
Through the early and
mid-1990s, Phi Sigma Pi grew
at an average of eight chapters
per academic year. As the
Fraternity grew, plans were
made to build a National
Headquarters that would be
able to accommodate a staff of
20 full-time employees, as well
as serve as a home to
Phi Sigma Pi for years to come.
Groundbreaking took place in
July of 1995, with the building
dedication and opening of the National Headquarters in July of 1996.
“Psychologically, the new headquarters was a rallying point for the Fraternity,”
said Johnson. Collegiate and Alumni Brothers gladly helped to raise funds and
contributed donations towards this endeavor. The groundbreaking ceremony
and first open house were unqualified successes. In a way, the new headquar-
ters was symbolic. For the Fraternity it represented the final step in a nomadic
journey for the National Office... a real, permanent home of its own at last.
When Jeffrey Johnson left office in 1996, Phi Sigma Pi had changed
dramatically from an organization that was fighting for survival in the previous
decade. Phi Sigma Pi now had 70 active Chapters, a National budget over a
half million dollars, a state of the art National Headquarters, seven National
Staff members and a rejuvenated, diverse Brotherhood.
“We had several visionaries who bled royal purple amongst us, including Jeffrey
Johnson; Stephen Johnson, Alpha Epsilon 14; Linda Wilson; Jim Voulopos, Sigma
843; Joe McFarland, Sigma 827; Mark Pabst; Colleen Dougherty, Alpha Theta
86; Mike Hosey; Mary Roberts; and countless others,” recalled DiGuiseppe.
“We helped lay the groundwork for a Fraternity that thrives today, is fiscally
sound, thousands of undergraduate Brothers at over 90 universities across the
The National Headquarters
38
country, Active Alumni, increased dollars for scholarships and training programs,
and so much more.”
To close out the century, a decision was made by the 1998-2000 National Council
to create a fund to help a Brother in need. After hearing the story of a
challenging financial time of one of the Brothers, the Subrosa Fund was
created. The name of the Subrosa Fund was derived from The Ritual, where it
is explained that the ceremonies are held in “sub rosa” or “under the rose.” This
rose represents an ancient symbol of secrecy. Thus the monies given to a Brother
in need would be done so in secrecy. The National Council asked that the an-
nual celebration of Phi Sigma Pi’s Founders’ Day be a time that the Subrosa
Fund would be featured. All Brothers are asked to make a gift to the Subrosa
Fund as an expression of care and concern for any Brother in need.
Phi Sigma Pi in the 21st Century (2000 – Present )
As Phi Sigma Pi witnessed the turn of the century, new milestones were
achieved. Because of the size and proximity of these Chapters, geographical
Regions were created in 2000 to facilitate Regional events and programming
throughout the year. Region Consultants, formerly known as Chapter Consult-
ants, were placed in home offices throughout the United States in order to be
more accessible to the growing number of Chapters. The role of each Region
Consultant was to assist Chapters with operational questions and concerns and
to provide general guidance to Chapters. To help keep our Alumni abreast of
the changing face of Phi Sigma Pi, The Lampadion was restored to its original
purpose as a communication vehicle for
the Alumni of Phi Sigma Pi nearly 50 years
since its last publication.
Among the changes taking place nation-
ally was the introduction of a new tradi-
tion. For nearly 70 years, the Brothers of
Phi Sigma Pi embraced the fraternal song,
“Brothers Are We,” as our anthem of fel-
lowship. The same devotion and passion
for our Brotherhood that inspired Charles
Darrin and Edward Ingraham would be
rejuvenated by Thomas “Ted” Daniels,
Alpha Rho 305 in 1996, with the creation
of the song, “Brother.”
“The inspiration behind the song came Thomas “Ted” Daniels
39
from a testimonial speech given by one of my Initiate Brothers in 1996,” said
Daniels. “Alpha Rho has a tradition of asking their graduating Brothers to
deliver a testimonial, and as I listened to him speak, a chorus and a melody
began running through my head. The next day, I pretty much had ‘Brother’ on
paper. Over the next couple of years, I was invited to sing it at Chapter events
and National events. What started out as something personal and private for
me – and something I never really expected to go any further – picked up
steam.”
The song’s popularity and message of fellowship led to its adoption at the 2001
Grand Chapter Conference as an officially recognized fraternal song. Both
songs (“Brothers Are We” and “Brother”), while very different, prove that the
meaning of Brotherhood transcends time and place.
While the Fraternity evolved and matured,
the dynamic of our leadership reflected
these changes. For a quarter of a
century, women would contribute to the
Fraternity in numerous ways, but none had
held our highest office. The 2002 Grand
Chapter Conference signaled a historical
landmark when Tammy Mleziva, Alpha
Epsilon 198, became the first female
National President of Phi Sigma Pi
National Honor Fraternity. Tammy had
previously served as National Secretary
and in 2004 was awarded the highest honor
a Brother can achieve, the Distinguished
Service Key.
The following year, the Grand Chapter
recognized a need for a nationally
supported philanthropy that all Chapters could work to support in its mission. In
selecting Teach For America as Phi Sigma Pi’s National Philanthropy, the Broth-
erhood was returning to its roots as an organization formed for the development
and needs of prospective educators at State Teachers College in Warrensburg.
Teach For America’s mission is to build a movement to eliminate educational
inequity by enlisting some of our nation’s most promising future leaders in that
effort. (For more information on Teach For America, see page 65.)
In 2005, several services/programs were added in recognition and support of
Phi Sigma Pi Alumni in the form of the Rolla F. Wood Graduate Scholarship,
National Alumni Association membership benefits and an Alumni Convention
Tammy A. Mleziva
40
held each year. Support for Phi Sigma Pi had grown in recent years through
growth of the National Alumni Association as well as an increase in the number
of Alumni Chapters and Alumni Associations throughout the country. The Fra-
ternity continues to offer multiple options for Alumni to continue to uphold our
ideals and contribute to the development and growth of the Fraternity, whether
through professional and social networking or through philanthropic efforts with
Teach For America and other charitable endeavors.
In 2010, Phi Sigma Pi launched Leadership in Action, the Fraternity’s personal
leadership certification program. Leadership in Action is aimed at helping Brothers
develop their individual leadership skills. (For more information on Leadership
in Action, see page 66.)
Phi Sigma Pi continues to thrive on the devotion, enthusiasm and commitment of
its Brotherhood. It has and will always be the lifeblood and soul of our organi-
zation. While we have seen many changes, evolving from an all-male Frater-
nity for teachers to an organization that teaches its Brothers lessons that they
may not learn in the classroom, Phi Sigma Pi will always stand for the pursuit of
knowledge, leadership and fellowship. This tripod has not changed from its
inception in 1916, and the quest to balance the ideals founded all those years ago
will continue as each new Initiate class is welcomed into the Brotherhood.
41
PHI SIGMA PI SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES
1916 February 14, founding of Phi Sigma Pi at State Teachers College, Warrensburg,
known today as the University of Central Missouri
1921 Phi Sigma Pi became National with the Induction of the Gamma Chapter, Bradley
University, Peoria, Illinois
1925 First National Council created
1930 Coat of Arms redesigned; Grand Seal created; first publication of the Phi Sigma Pi
Newsletter
1931 First magazine - The Lampadion
1933 Copyright of “Brothers Are We”
1940 Redefined the Coat of Arms; Purple & Gold newsletter created
1941 Handbook of Phi Sigma Pi published
1945 Helen Wilson: first woman named as an Honorary Brother (Kappa Chapter)
1949 April 25, incorporated nationally in the state of Illinois
1957 Outstanding Chapter Award established
1959 First Outstanding Chapter Award presented to Iota Chapter at Bloomsburg
University of Pennsylvania
1966 Incorporated in Pennsylvania as an honor fraternity
1970 Outstanding Chapter Award renamed Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award
1977 National Constitution amended to admit eligible females; Laura Abney: first woman
inducted as an Active Brother (Alpha Chapter)
1987 First guidebook (officer training manual) published
1991 Richard Cecil Todd & Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship established
1992 Purchase of first building to serve as National Headquarters; establishment and
presentation of the first Charles W. Chance Alumni Award; C. H. McClure Single
Service Award; Sanders P. McComsey Most Improved Old Chapter Award; Clarence
O. Williams Most Improved New Chapter Award; and the Steven A. DiGuiseppe
Administrative Award
1993 First Todd Tripod Scholarship presented to David L. Batts, Tau Chapter 1242
1996 Construction completed of current National Headquarters at 2119 Ambassador
Circle in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; granting of the first Alumni Chapter charter to the
Central North Carolina Alumni Chapter
1997 Establishment and presentation of the Jeffrey L. Johnson National Chapter
Fellowship Award
1999 Establishment and presentation of the Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks Award for Excellence in
Scholarship and Programming
2000 Youth of America named National Philanthropy
2001 Grand Chapter designates “Brother” as an official fraternal song
2002 Tammy A. Mleziva elected as the first woman president of Phi Sigma Pi
2003 Grand Chapter designates Teach For America as National Philanthropy
2004 Establishment of Rolla F. Wood Graduate Scholarship & Subrosa (Brother in need)
Fund
2005 The Phi Sigma Pi Foundation elects its first Board and ratifies constitution and
bylaws; first annual Alumni Convention held
2007 National Convention and Grand Chapter are combined for the first time
2010 Leadership in Action is launched at the 2010 National Convention; the Vice President
of Philanthropy Development position is created on National Council
42
THE GREEK ALPHABET
There are 24 letters in the Greek Alphabet. Each has both an English and
Greek pronunciation. However, because the final effect often sounds best when
the two pronunciations are combined, fraternities are not consistent in using
either exclusively. Fraternities generally use the English “a” sound as in “ask,”
the Greek “e” sound as in “hay,” and the English “i” sound as in “eye.”
Symbol Greek English
Pronunciation Pronunciation
A Alpha Alpha Alpha
B Beta Bayta Beeta
Gamma Gahmma Gamma
Delta Delta Delta
E Epsilon Epsilon Epsilon
Z Zeta Zayta Zeeta
Eta Ayta Eeta
Theta Thayta Theeta
I Iota Iota Iota
K Kappa Kahppa Kappa
Lambda Lahmda Lambda
M Mu Mew Mew
N Nu New New
Xi Zee Zi (eye)
O Omicron Omicron Omicron
Pi Pee Pi (eye)
Rho Rho Rho
Sigma Sigma Sigma
T Tau Tow (owl) Tawe
Upsilon Oopsilon Upsilon
Phi Phee Phi (eye)
Chi Chee Chi (eye)
Psi Psee Psi (eye)
Omega Omayga Omeega
43
INSIGNIA AND HERALDRY
The Coat of Arms has been modified
twice since its inception in 1916. The
original Coat of Arms consisted of a
shield bearing the Lamp of Knowledge,
three stars and clasped hands. The shield
was bordered by two representations of
Hermes, messenger of the Greek gods,
who held a large Greek letter Phi over
the shield. A ribbon bearing the Greek
words Paideia, Philia and Sophia
adorned the bottom of the shield.
As the National Fraternity expanded, the
Coat of Arms was redesigned in 1930
to present a more professional image.
The new Coat of Arms consisted of a
shield bearing an open book and staff,
three stars and four clasped links. The
shield was surmounted by the Lamp of
Knowledge and adorned at the bottom
with a ribbon upon which were embroi-
dered Phi Sigma Pi in Greek.
The most recent change to the Coat of
Arms came in 1940, resulting in a more
highly defined version of the 1930 Coat
of Arms, and one which could be more
easily reproduced. This version is still
used by the National Fraternity.
The Coat of Arms
44
Membership Pin: Consists of the three Greek
letters comprising the name of the National
Fraternity, linked diagonally. Phi, representing
fellowship, is superimposed upon Sigma,
representing scholarship, and Pi, representing
leadership. This combination suggests that not only
are scholarship and leadership essential for our
future, but that the finest fruits of our labors will be
realized through fellowship, through social
interaction among kindred spirits. All new Brothers
in good standing receive this pin the semester/
quarter following Induction into Phi Sigma Pi.
A similar version of the pin, inlaid with 13 pearls,
may also be purchased.
The National Crest: The most distinctive piece of
National Fraternity jewelry. It is inlaid with 18 pearls
and is ideal for formal occasions.
The Lavaliere: Piece of jewelry that can be worn
on a necklace, bracelet or keychain. It consists of
the three Greek letters comprising the name of the
National Fraternity.
The Distinguished Service Key: Awarded only
by the unanimous consent of the National Council to
individuals who have given outstanding service to
the National Fraternity. It is also available as a keypin.
The Chapter Service Key: Awarded by the
consent of the Chapter to individuals who have given
outstanding service to Phi Sigma Pi. It is also
available as a keypin.
The Initiate Pin: Furnished by the Chapter to all
Initiates and is meant to be worn throughout the
Initiation Program. It is returned to the Chapter
following Induction.
Phi Sigma Pi Jewelry
45
National policy states that only Members of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor
Fraternity may wear National Fraternity jewelry, and that only Members or the
professional staff may wear clothing bearing the three Greek letters or symbols
representing Phi Sigma Pi.
The selection on the previous page represents only a few of the jewelry pieces
available. Contact the National Headquarters for further information.
The Grand Seal
Circular in form with the words “Phi Sigma Pi Fraternity— Founded 1916”
inscribed around the outer edge. The central portion of the seal bears the three
Greek letters, “”.
The Shingle
Certificate of membership in Phi Sigma Pi. Each new Member receives a
certificate indicating the individual’s name, Chapter, institution and date of
Induction. The certificate bears the Grand Seal and has the signatures of the
National President and National Secretary.
Fraternity Colors
Phi Sigma Pi’s colors are purple and gold. White is used as an auxiliary color,
when needed.
The Ritual
Phi Sigma Pi uses ritual ceremonies, which are secret and known only to those
within its circle of Brotherhood. The Ritual is the only means by which an
individual may become a Member of Phi Sigma Pi. It is more than simply a
ceremony to induct new Brothers, but a common experience shared and cherished
by all Members.
The Ritual is the principal link uniting all Members of Phi Sigma Pi. It should
serve as a constant inspiration, a reminder of the commitment made to Phi
Sigma Pi and a guide to a better way of life. It must not be so well guarded that
Members forget its concepts, commitments and expectations.
“The effectiveness of my message is in direct proportion to your
knowledge and belief in my values.”
- Edward M. King, The Secret Thoughts of a Ritual
46
FRATERNITY SONGS
These songs represent the ideals and virtues of our organization. As with all
music, their significance is different for each Member. Some Members
appreciate the messages in each song as a tribute to Brothers’ experiences,
while other Members revere these tunes as the very heart and soul of our
Fraternity. Wherever you fall in that spectrum, let these songs embody the
qualities of Phi Sigma Pi you respect and work to exemplify.
Brothers Are We
Music by Charles Darrin, Words by Edward Ingraham.
Copyright 1933 by Theta Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi
Bound by the ties of friendship,
Bound by the ties of truth,
Ideals to show us service, love and loyalty.
For you is service honor,
To keep your standard true.
Through all the years together,
We pledge our lives to you.
Brothers are we in Phi Sigma Pi;
Knowledge the teacher, skill the means of life,
Fellowship ever to live or die;
Brothers are we forever, Phi Sigma Pi.
47
Brother
Words and Music by Thomas E. Daniels
It wasn’t long ago that I was all alone.
I never had anyone, anyone to call my own.
I knew where I was going, but I never had a clue
what my life would really be until I found you.
You pulled me from the loneliness; you made me feel at home.
You taught me about Brotherhood, now I know I’ll never roam.
We started out as strangers, but now we’re more than friends
We’ve become a family that I know will never end.
(Chorus)
You’re my Brother – You have always been there,
You’re my Brother – in my time of need.
You’re my Brother – I will follow you anywhere,
You’re my Brother – no matter where life leads.
You’ve always stood beside me every step of the way.
We do that for each other, yeah, we do that day by day.
If we stand together, united as one,
We can do anything that we need to get done.
(Repeat chorus)
I put my life in your hands, I laid it on the line.
I know you will never let me down.
And I will come running if ever you should call
Even though I may not always be around because…
(Repeat chorus)
You’re my Brother…for a lifetime guaranteed.
48
THE ACTIVE COLLIGIATE MEMBER
Rights and Responsibilities
At the conclusion of the
Initiation Program, each
Initiate assumes the
status of an Active
Member along with all
rights and responsibili-
ties. All Active Members
are expected to maintain
at least the minimum
academic average re-
quired by the Chapter
throughout their under-
graduate careers. Some
Chapters have probation-
ary periods for those who
fall below the minimum,
which may entail a
temporary loss of voting privileges. Chapter Members should help and encour-
age those who may be struggling to improve their study habits and time man-
agement skills.
At the time of the Induction Ceremony, membership in Phi Sigma Pi becomes
permanent. Membership may only be terminated through resignation or expul-
sion. Members who have chosen to resign or have been expelled from a Chap-
ter automatically forfeit membership in the National Organization. Probation,
suspension or expulsion of a Member may occur for, but is not limited to,
* willful violation or disregard for the National Constitution,
Chapter Bylaws or disobeying lawful Phi Sigma Pi authority;
* conduct unbecoming of a Member of Phi Sigma Pi, such as
actions which would discredit the individual, Chapter or
National Fraternity;
* disrespect for academic excellence or integrity;
* blatant neglect of membership commitments, such as exces-
sive absenteeism or inactivity;
* failure to meet National or Chapter financial obligations.
49
Each Chapter is a democracy; every Active Member not only has the right, but
also the obligation, to vote on all decisions that affect the operation and future of
the National Fraternity. Additionally, each Active Member has the right to vote
on all candidates for membership to help determine the caliber of Brothers who
will inherit the task of keeping the Chapter strong and productive. With this
selection comes the responsibility of making decisions that are free of personal
biases and pettiness—decisions which have the best interests of Phi Sigma Pi in
mind.
All Active Members have the right to run for Chapter office, provided they
meet the requirements of the National Constitution and Chapter Bylaws. All
Active Members have the right to vote, present proposals and express their
opinions on all issues that come before the Chapter. While all Members have
the right to object to a particular issue or vote, they also have the responsibility
to respect the wishes and decisions of the majority of the group and to look out
for the overall welfare of the National Fraternity. Only through open-mindedness
and discussing viewpoints face-to-face in a mature and respectful manner can
each Member grow both intellectually and socially.
Each Member has the responsibility to respect authority, whether it is toward
chairpersons, Chapter or National Officers or National Staff. Only through
cooperation can these elected or appointed officials do their jobs efficiently and
productively to benefit the entire organization. Everyone has the responsibility
to respect the opinions of others.
Therefore, Members of Phi Sigma
Pi should be well-informed about
the issues or topics they are
advocating or opposing, especially
when the issues will have an
impact on Chapter operations.
In order for an organization’s
members to work effectively
together, there must be an open-
ness to share our thoughts and
opinions with one another freely
and without reserve. This funda-
mental principle is referred to as
the “sub rosa” principle. At each
official ceremony, a single white
rose is placed on the main altar to
signify that ceremonies are held
50
“sub rosa,” or “under the rose.” This is an ancient symbol of secrecy and
represents our Fraternity’s belief that what is said and done within the confines
of a Phi Sigma Pi ceremony or designated meeting is sacred and confidential –
and not to be shared with others. Invocating the sub rosa principle during Chap-
ter meetings is done when matters at hand require the highest professional
standards, and Members are expected to keep what is spoken in the presence
of Brothers confidential.
Finally, each Active Member has the responsibility to know and abide by the
National Constitution and Chapter Bylaws. This includes, but is not limited to,
* payment of dues and fees;
* meeting all deadlines;
* serving on at least one committee per year;
* regular attendance at all business meetings, with excused ab-
sences only for circumstances beyond one’s control;
* active participation in Chapter projects and events;
* academic integrity.
While each Member has the
right to request local inactiv-
ity from their Chapter for a
semester or quarter under
extreme circumstances, it is
that Member’s responsibil-
ity not to abuse this privilege
or use it as a means to ne-
glect responsibilities. Each
Chapter has procedural
guidelines as to how to make
such a request and under
what circumstances the re-
quests may or may not be
granted.
Phi Sigma Pi discourages
Members from becoming locally inactive. Unless the situation is extremely
unusual, two consecutive semesters or quarters of local inactivity may be consid-
ered grounds for expulsion. Examples of valid reasons for local inactivity
include, but are not limited to, family death or illness, personal illness or other
circumstances beyond the individual’s control. Being too busy or not wanting to
be active are not valid reasons for claiming inactivity.
51
The Ideal Chapter Member
The goal of each Member must be Chapter maximization, not just Chapter
survival. To achieve this, and the tremendous personal benefits which it confers,
takes leadership skills and open-mindedness on everyone’s part. For the benefit
of the Chapter, each Member and Initiate should strive for the following:
1. Knowledge of Phi Sigma Pi -
Each Member should possess a
commanding knowledge and
understanding of the National
Fraternity, its purpose, ideals and
policies.
2. Desire to serve - Every Mem-
ber will be an asset to the group if
there is a deep sense of commit-
ment to the welfare of the organi-
zation.
3. Devotion of time and energy-
Each Member must be willing to
sacrifice and make time for the
advancement of the organization.
4. Accept responsibility - Doing
so allows each Member to make
positive contributions to the group.
5. Work with others in team
spirit- Cooperation is the key to success for any group. Remember that this is a
democracy; even though you may not agree with a decision of the majority, you
are committed to supporting it. Stubbornness only creates problems. Coopera-
tive efforts build wider friendships.
6. Diligence and motivation - When duties are assigned, Members must see
that their part is accomplished thoroughly, and in a timely manner. Forgetting or
procrastinating weakens a Chapter. Reach deep inside yourself and find self-
motivation.
7. Learn to take criticism - No person in a position of authority is immune from
criticism. You must learn to sort out the constructive (from which you can learn)
from the malicious (which you must ignore).
8. Ability to face adversity - Things will not always go well. Failures will
happen. A good leader learns to take things in stride and learn from these
experiences.
9. Delegate authority when necessary - Each Member who holds authority
must be able to give power to others to gain trust and foster motivation and
52
productivity.
10. Make decisions - Leadership involves making decisions–sometimes tough
decisions–on a regular basis. Be prepared to take a stand for the good of the
Chapter.
11. Freedom from prejudices - Narrow-mindedness can present serious road-
blocks to success.
12. Praise, share and give credit where credit is due - Sharing the credit and
praising others will increase Members’ enthusiasm and pride.
13. Concentrate under difficult conditions - A leader must remain calm and
keep the Chapter’s goals in mind when all others seem to forget.
14. Assume responsibility for your mistakes - Humility is strength, not weak-
ness. Others respect this quality in a leader.
15. Grow and learn - Leadership cannot be cultivated where there is stagna-
tion.
16. Pass on what you have learned - Chapters should not have to reinvent the
wheel each year. Give new Members the opportunity to learn from the experi-
ences of older Members so that the Chapter is never at a disadvantage.
17. Maintain a positive attitude - Problems and tasks seem much easier to
deal with and accomplish when you have the proper attitude. Others prefer
being near those who are optimistic and enthusiastic.
Financial Obligations
To maintain the level of service
provided to our Chapters, signifi-
cant finances are required. Phi
Sigma Pi prides itself on being one
of the least expensive national fra-
ternities in existence. The National
Fraternity exists for you, and, like
an investment, the fees you pay for
the privilege of membership come
back to you in the form of many
tangible and intangible dividends
and benefits. The tangible divi-
dends are the goods and services
provided by the National Office;
the intangible benefits include life-
long friendships, opportunities for
personal and professional ad-
vancement, pride, self-satisfaction
53
and fulfillment, and much more.
All new Members of Phi Sigma
Pi are responsible for a one-time
National Induction fee, estab-
lished by the National Council.
For this fee, each new Member
receives a membership pin,
shingle (membership certifi-
cate), handbook and permanent
record implementation.
All Active and locally inactive
Members are required to pay
National dues, as established by
the National Council, by Octo-
ber 15 and March 1 of each
academic year (for those insti-
tutions on a quarter system, dues are to be paid by October 30, January 30, and
April 30 of each academic year). These dues must also be paid by all newly
inducted Members. For these fees, Members receive The Purple & Gold
magazine as well as eligibility benefits for the many services provided by the
National Fraternity to Active Chapters and Members, such as Chapter
visitations by National Staff, consultations, handbooks, training manuals, recruit-
ment assistance, web-based resources as well as the opportunity to participate
in National Convention, Regional Conferences, Leadership in Action and Alter-
native Break Projects. Services for Alumni Members are also provided.
There is a destiny that makes us Brothers. None goes his way alone.
All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.
- Edwin Markham (frequently quoted by Dr. Richard C. Todd)
54
THE ACTIVE COLLEGIATE CHAPTER
Chapter Structure
The Collegiate Chapter is the most dynamic unit of Phi Sigma Pi. Chapters
experience a large degree of autonomy in finding their own balance of scholar-
ship, leadership and fellowship through their selection of academics, service and
social activities.
While Chapters essentially chart their own course, there are rules and regula-
tions of the National Fraternity that serve to protect the ideals, image, prosperity
and financial stability of the National entity. Chapters are granted the powers,
authority, privileges and honor of membership in Phi Sigma Pi as long as they
abide by the National Constitution and other National policies and provided their
actions do not jeopardize the welfare of the National Organization. Above all,
each Chapter is expected to contribute positively to the growth of the National
Fraternity as a whole.
Each Chapter is governed by its own Chapter Bylaws, which cannot conflict
with the National Constitution. The Bylaws are the basis for Chapter operation
and organization. The Chapter is organized into officers and committees. Each
Chapter Member, in recognition of his/her obligations to Phi Sigma Pi, is ex-
pected to accept responsibility and demonstrate leadership skills throughout his/
her undergraduate years in the Chapter. It is vital to a Chapter’s survival to
select officers and chairpersons who are not only capable in carrying out the
assigned duties but have great enthusiasm and love for Phi Sigma Pi. Chapters
can reach their full potential only if they can rely on the hard work and leader-
ship skills of a large percentage of their Members. Everyone must give 100
percent.
A good leader is one who knows where he is going and can guide
others into better situations in life. He makes people want to do, to
grow and to attain desirable ends. . . Any person who is entitled to
bear the emblem of this Fraternity is quite above the average possi-
bility in the direction of leadership ability. He should choose
unhesitatingly to develop this potentiality to its utmost . . . A good
leader must be a good follower. He must improve all the while. He
must be satisfied to accept people as he finds them or meets them. He
must not complain or nag. . . He must be tolerant and unpretending.
- Simon S. Shearer, Omicron 20
55
Chapter Officers
Officers are elected by a vote
of the eligible Chapter Mem-
bers. It is recommended that
Chapter officers have com-
pleted at least one full semes-
ter or quarter of active mem-
bership, not including the se-
mester of initiation. It is also
recommended that Chapter
presidents should have com-
pleted at least two full semes-
ters or quarters. Each Chap-
ter may set additional guide-
lines for the election of offic-
ers. Initiates should review the Chapter’s Bylaws or consult their Initiate Ad-
viser for clarification.
Elected positions within the Chapter typically make up the Executive Board.
The board consists of, but is not limited to, a president, vice president, secretary,
treasurer, Initiate adviser, parliamentarian and historian. These Chapter
Members will democratically organize the Chapter and oversee the daily Chap-
ter operations. As a committee, they have the power to act on behalf of the
Chapter on matters of immediate importance. Therefore, officers should have
excellent leadership, communication and time management skills. Please refer
to the National Constitution for more specific duties and inquire as to your
Chapter’s officer duties and responsibilities.
Chapter Committees
Ideas become reality through the action and interaction of committees. Chap-
ters have both permanent and temporary committees. Permanent committees
exist for an indefinite period of time due to an ongoing need. Temporary com-
mittees are formed on a short-term basis, and as needs arise.
Chapters set their own guidelines for committee participation. Examples of the
types of committees typically organized are:
1. Initiation and Recruitment: Assists the recruitment and Initiate
advisers and provides for dedicated leadership for the future through
the recruitment, education and training of new Members.
56
2. Leadership: Organizes projects to provide hands-on and/or
financial assistance to national, local and university charities as well as
providing community service.
3. Fellowship: Organizes functions which allow for interaction and the
fostering of fraternal fellowship.
4. Alumni Relations: Keeps Alumni informed of events and Chapter
progress and facilitates ongoing communication and relations among
Alumni.
5. Fundraising: Raises funds for Chapter use or for the benefit of
charity.
6. Risk Management: Coordinates activities and procedures de-
signed to mitigate risk and enhance the safety and well-being of
Brothers and Initiates.
7. Program and Public Relations: Promotes scholarship by schedul-
ing speakers, seminars and workshops. This committee also assists in
advertising Fraternity events in the media.
8. Awards and Scholarship: Provides for the recognition of
outstanding Fraternity Members and distinguished citizens.
The names and assigned du-
ties of committees will vary
slightly from Chapter to
Chapter depending on the
size and needs of the Chap-
ter, consult your Initiate ad-
viser for a list of your
Chapter’s committees and
the role of Members.
57
Rules of Parliamentary Procedure
Rules of parliamentary procedure were
developed to guarantee the rights of
persons or subgroups within an
organization’s total membership and to
help ensure that meetings run more
smoothly. While parliamentary proce-
dure should place reasonable time lim-
its on discussion and set an order for
topics to be debated, it should never be
used as a means to silence Members
or stifle ideas.
Each Chapter should possess a copy
of the most current edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order Newly Revised. The
following is a typical Chapter meeting
agenda:
1. Order of Business
A. Call to order
B. Reading and correction or approval of minutes from last meeting
C. Officer reports
D. Permanent or standing committees’ reports
E. Temporary or special committees’ reports
F. Unfinished business
G. New business
H. Adjournment
Characteristics of a Stable Chapter
Strong Leadership and Foresight. Encourage a team effort by delegating
responsibility and involving others in the planning and work. Select committee
chairpersons carefully. Give credit to those who have done the job well; be on
top of those who are lacking in their responsibilities.
Good Meetings. Keep meetings prompt and relevant. Allow for full discussion
of all views. Good meetings are informative, productive and free of ambiguities.
The use of parliamentary procedure and well-constructed agendas provide for
good meetings.
58
Good Projects. Successful projects
are the direct result of sound ad-
vanced planning. A good project has
a thorough design, sufficient Mem-
bers for completion, successful ad-
vertising, and a well thought-out plan
for dealing with any potential prob-
lems.
Good Organization. This stems
from strong leadership, sound plan-
ning and conscientious follow-
through. Effective officers and com-
mittee chairs are essential to conduct
meetings, special events, activities or
projects.
Ample Dedicated Members. Initia-
tion Programs must strive for dedi-
cated, knowledgeable, trustworthy
and caring Brothers. Chapters can-
not survive on ideas alone; they must have active participants. Quantity, without
forsaking quality, is always an assurance that the Chapter will survive the
effects of graduation, attrition, occasional poor recruitment practices and lean
semesters/quarters. As a good planning procedure, Chapters are required by
the National Constitution to hold an Initiation Program twice a year.
Healthy Active Chapters are also marked by the following:
- active involvement of Members in Chapter activities;
- active involvement of Members in campus activities;
- Member dedication and enthusiasm;
- strong recruitment and Initiation Programs;
- stable Chapter structure as dictated by the National Constitution;
- positive regard for the knowledge and advice of Alumni, National
Council and National Staff;
- a positive campus reputation;
- utilize conflict management/resolution skills effectively;
- communication among the membership about events and meetings;
- regular communication with the National Headquarters;
- financial stability of the Chapter.
59
LIFE AS A PHI SIGMA PI ALUMNUS
The Role of Alumni
Membership in Phi Sigma Pi is not meant to be static; it will grow and change
over time. Your first phase of participation is as Collegiate, your second as an
Alumnus/a. It is a natural progression from one to the other. As an Alumnus/a,
you will have the opportunity to give back and share with the next generation of
Brothers the benefits that Phi Sigma Pi provides its Members. Accepting mem-
bership into Phi Sigma Pi is a commit-
ment that does not end upon gradua-
tion, but lasts a lifetime. Many of the
programs and opportunities offered to
our Members are made possible
through charitable donations and fis-
cal support from our Alumni.
Because membership in Phi Sigma Pi
is a lifetime commitment, a Brother’s
duties, obligations and benefits extend
well beyond his/her undergraduate
years. There is an important role for
all Phi Sigma Pi Members long after
leaving Collegiate Chapters. Upon
graduation or transfer, each Active
Member attains Alumni status. While
the responsibility to participate in the
daily activities and operations of the
Chapter has passed, Alumni Members
remain Phi Sigma Pi Brothers and can
still render valuable support and ser-
vice to the Collegiate Chapter and the
National Fraternity. Whether it is by
attending Chapter functions, assisting
with community service, offering financial support to a National or Chapter
scholarship fund or through participation in the National Alumni Association
and/or local Alumni Chapter and Associations, each Alumni Member has the
potential to help provide Chapters and the National Fraternity with long-term
strength and stability.
Alumni who continue to stay involved do so for many of the same reasons that
60
Collegiate Members do. Making new
friendships and continuing to build upon
the many relationships formed as an un-
dergraduate strengthens our Brotherhood.
Staying involved allows Alumni to renew
and uphold the ideals that bind all Mem-
bers of Phi Sigma Pi together.
Alumni participation is as limitless as you
wish to make it. Alumni Members can
continue to take part in National Frater-
nity activities on a variety of levels. Help-
ing to organize or participate in an Alumni
Chapter or Association or serving in the
capacity of Alumni adviser to a local Col-
legiate Chapter are only some of the re-
warding opportunities to share your ex-
perience and wisdom with the next gen-
eration of Brothers.
Often, new Collegiate Chapters are added to Phi Sigma Pi through the direct
assistance of Alumni graduate students. These Alumni can be valuable resources
of experience and knowledge to a new and inexperienced group. In addition,
those who initiate the formation of a new Collegiate Chapter will receive the
title and distinction of being the founder of that Chapter. If you consider doing
graduate work at a school where there is no Phi Sigma Pi Chapter, contact the
National Headquarters to see what opportunities are available.
Many Phi Sigma Pi Alumni contribute financially to the Fraternity’s National
purpose and operations or directly to specific National scholarships, trusts, en-
dowments or Collegiate Chapters. A small group of Phi Sigma Pi’s strongest
Alumni contributors are eligible to join The Phi Sigma Pi Foundation, a partner
organization comprised entirely of Phi Sigma Pi Alumni, Honorary Members,
family and friends that significantly assists in furthering our fraternal goals.
In addition, an Alumnus/a may participate in and contribute to Phi Sigma
Pi in the following ways:
- applying for an employment position as a Region Consultant
through the National Office;
- serving as a Member of the National Council;
- serving as an Alumni adviser or assisting local Collegiate
61
Chapters in their Initiation Programs, projects, job placement programs,
Alumni programs or financial plans;
- encouraging college-bound students who show excellent potential to
get involved with Phi Sigma Pi at their schools;
- attending Alumni Convention, National Convention or the Alternative
Break Project;
- volunteering to serve on one of the several National Council Stand-
ing Committees created to help form ideas and programs which will
continually improve the Fraternity;
- utilizing The Purple & Gold and The Lampadion magazines to stay
current on Phi Sigma Pi happenings, as well as share news about
yourself with the Brotherhood;
- notifying the National Headquarters of all address changes;
- providing financial assistance for National programs such as scholar
ships, Leadership in Action, Chapter development, and National events;
- enrolling in Phi Sigma Pi’s online “Professional Networks” to connect
with other Alumni in your field; and
- joining The Phi Sigma Pi Foundation.
Take full advantage of the many opportunities available to you to stay involved
as an Alumnus/a. Maintain your ties with the National Fraternity and continue to
reap the benefits of membership while helping to strengthen and improve Phi
Sigma Pi at the same time.
National Alumni Association, Alumni Chapters & Alumni Associations
Although Phi Sigma Pi offers Alumni a wide range of opportunities to continue
to participate in the Fraternity, many Alumni are looking for a means of actively
participating in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.
While some cities and Re-
gions around the country
have Alumni Chapters or
Associations in place, not all
Brothers are close in dis-
tance. In 2000, the Grand
Chapter approved the for-
mation of a National Alumni
Association (NAA) for the
purpose of providing an
additional outlet for Phi Sigma
Pi Alumni. Dues paying
62
Members of Alumni Chapters and Associations are automatically enrolled in the
NAA. Members enjoy benefits that include National event discounts, network-
ing opportunities and a stronger connection with the National Organization. In
addition, membership dollars are used to strengthen existing resources, provide
new experiences for Brothers and ensure the future of the Fraternity.
Upon graduation, if you are interested in learning more about, and being in-
volved in an Alumni Chapter and/or Association or to continue your involvement
via the NAA, contact the National Office for more information at
[email protected]. Phi Sigma Pi will always be a part of your
life. Even though your career, interest and marital/family status will change -
know that Phi Sigma Pi, your Brotherhood, will always be there.
63
THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION
Structure
The National Organization of Phi Sigma Pi consists of the Grand Chapter, the
National Council, Collegiate Chapters, Alumni Chapters and Alumni Associa-
tions. The Grand Chapter is the supreme legislative body of the National Frater-
nity and consists of the National Council, one delegate from each Chapter and
two delegates representing the National Alumni Association (NAA). Each
National Officer, Collegiate and Alumni Chapter delegate and NAA delegate
receives one vote during official business.
The supreme executive and administrative body of the National Fraternity is the
National Council. The eight volunteer National Officers are elected to the Na-
tional Council every two years by the Grand Chapter. These officers are the
national president, senior vice president, national secretary, vice president of
finance, vice president of membership development, vice president of chapter
development, vice president of philanthropy development and vice president of
alumni development. The National Council is charged with enforcing the Na-
tional Constitution and leading the Fraternity through strategic planning. The
duties of the National Council are listed under Article VIII of the National Con-
stitution.
The National Council employs full-time professionals to assist in the administra-
tive affairs of the Fraternity. The National Staff includes the following positions:
executive director, director of expansion, director of member services, director
of publications and alumni relations, director of leadership advancement, region
64
consultants and office manager. These individuals allow the National Head-
quarters to function as a business entity on a daily basis (note-job titles and
duties are subject to change).
Duties of the National Staff
The National Council is the governing body of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor
Fraternity, subject to the direction of the Grand Chapter. Therefore, the Na-
tional Council has supreme power, subordinate only to the Grand Chapter. The
executive director is hired by the National Council to carry out the affairs of Phi
Sigma Pi. The executive director, at the direction of the National Council, hires
and supervises the en-
tire National Staff. The
National Staff are em-
ployees of the National
Fraternity. Members
of the National Staff
are subject to review
every 12 months. They
are bonded and reim-
bursed for travel ex-
penses as deemed nec-
essary by the National
Council.
The National Council
interprets the wishes
and mandates of the
Grand Chapter and transforms them into concrete and instructive policies. All
decisions concerning policy are made by the National Council. As the chief
administrative officer of the National Fraternity, the executive director provides
the National Council with the information it needs to make those decisions.
Specifically, in direct consultation with the National Council, the executive di-
rector is responsible for supervising the National Staff; planning conventions
and National Council meetings; and overseeing the financial matters of the Fra-
ternity.
National Services and Supplies
The National Fraternity constantly strives to enhance its operations as well as
the services it provides to its Members. Recent improvements include the de-
velopment and implementation of a more sophisticated database system, which
65
allows Brothers to fill out and electronically submit the necessary semester/
quarter forms online. In addition, Members and Initiates have access to the
most up-to-date versions of fraternal governing documents; National Council
minutes; current and past editions of Collegiate and Alumni magazines; and
multiple resources to enhance Chapter operations via the National Website
(www.phisigmapi.org).
Leadership Advancement
Leadership is a critical part of the Fraternity’s mission. To support that and to
help our Brothers grow their leadership skills, the Fraternity provides two major
opportunities to develop - Teach For America, the Fraternity’s National Philan-
thropy, and Leadership in Action, the Fraternity’s personal leadership certifica-
tion program.
Teach For America
Teach For America is a national corps of recent college graduates, graduate
students and professionals from all backgrounds who commit two years to teach
in low-income communities. Their mission is to build the movement to eliminate
educational inequity by enlisting some of our nation’s most promising future
leaders in the effort. Among those future leaders are the Brothers of Phi Sigma
Pi.
Seeking to provide greater educational opportunities, these men and women are
committed to the future of our nation’s children. Currently, 8,200 corps mem-
bers are teaching in 39 regions across the country, reaching more than 500,000
students in low-income communities.
To fulfill the leg of Phi Sigma Pi’s tripod that focuses on leadership through
service, Phi Sigma Pi Members have served in the Teach For America corps,
provided charitable assistance through fundraising, spread awareness of Teach
For America’s mission by sponsoring recruitment and educational seminars, do-
nated educational supplies and backpacks to children in Teach For America
sponsored schools and provided grants to teachers in the Teach For America
corps. Nationally, Phi Sigma Pi’s Alternative Break Project (see page 68) and
Essay Contest offer support to Teach For America classrooms. For more infor-
mation about Phi Sigma Pi’s partnership with Teach For America, visit
www.phisigmapi.org/teachforamerica.
66
Leadership in Action
In 2009, National Council approved Leadership in Action, Phi Sigma Pi’s per-
sonal leadership certification program. Leadership in Action, an initiative spon-
sored by The Phi Sigma Pi Founda-
tion, is a robust leadership skills cer-
tification program designed to em-
power Brothers with the leadership
skills they need to inspire a positive
change in all facets of our Fraternity
and our communities.
Leadership in Action is open to all
Members of Phi Sigma Pi and consists of interactive modules and training ses-
sions, led by National Staff members and Certified Local Facilitators. Partici-
pants are encouraged to choose modules from a variety of areas to attain a
diverse base of training.
Learn more about Leadership in Action at
www.phisigmapi.org/leadershipinaction.
Phi Sigma Pi’s Expansion to New Campuses
Phi Sigma Pi’s growth depends on our ability to start new Chapters and reacti-
vate inactive Chapters at prospective institutions across the United States. Phi
Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity receives many requests to start Phi Sigma
Pi Chapters at various institutions across the nation; however, not all schools are
necessarily a good fit for our organization. When a student or campus adminis-
trator expresses interest in bringing Phi Sigma Pi to his/her respective institu-
tion, the National Office evaluates certain demographic criteria of the campus
so that if a Chapter is started, it will become and remain a successful organiza-
tion.
Phi Sigma Pi’s expansion efforts are primarily driven by contacts at the pro-
spective institution. If you know friends, family or faculty/staff who attend or
are employed at an institution where Phi Sigma Pi currently does not have a
Chapter and you think the institution might be a great place to start a new
Chapter, please contact the National Office.
67
Annual National Convention
The first annual summer Grand Chapter Conference was held in July of 1993 in
Millersville, Pennsylvania. This conference provided an opportunity for Mem-
bers to become involved in Fraternity business and attend educational sessions
as well as meet and discuss issues with other Chapters, the National Council
and National Staff.
Prior to 2007, there was also a separate
National Convention every fall. However,
in 2007, National Convention and the
Grand Chapter Conference were com-
bined to create the premiere Phi Sigma
Pi national event - National Convention.
In its current state, National Convention
includes both aspects of the former Grand
Chapter Conference and National Con-
vention.
National Convention incorporates Grand
Chaper business, dedicated to discussing
Fraternity business. Following Grand
Chapter business, attendees enjoy vari-
ous educational seminars, fellowship events and service projects with time set
aside to tour the local sites of interest. The highlight of convention is Phi Sigma
Pi’s semi-formal awards banquet where Brothers and Chapters are honored for
their accomplishments.
The annual National Convention is essential to the education, enthusiasm, com-
munication and continuity of our Brotherhood. It is a time-honored event which
brings Collegiate and Alumni Brothers, faculty and honored guests together to
enjoy fours days of activity, fellowship and personal growth. One of the many
benefits of membership, which should be experienced by all Brohters at least
once during their undergraduate years, is the opportunity to attend National
Convention, usually held in August. Past sites have included Washington, D.C.;
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and New
Orleans, Louisiana.
NATIONAL & REGIONAL EVENTS/AFFILIATIONS
68
Regional Conferences
Each of Phi Sigma Pi’s Regions hosts, annually, a Regional Conference for the
purpose of promoting the ideals of scholarship, leadership and fellowship through
educational sessions and social and service events. Each Regional Conference
is planned by a Regional Committee made up of Collegiate and Alumni Brothers
whose goal is to instill Regional awareness within the Region, promote and
foster communication between the Chapters in the Region and develop, plan
and implement the Region’s Regional Conference. All Active Members are
welcome to attend Regional Conferences.
Alternative Break Project
A collaboration between Phi Sigma Pi and Teach For America, the Alternative
Break Project provides a “hands on” experience for Brothers to close the gap
on educational inequities in public education. The program sends between 15 -
30 Brothers to the selected Teach For America sponsored school(s) each year.
During the Alternative Break Project, Brothers do such projects as landscaping
the school playground, constructing walkways, as well as mentoring in the class-
rooms of the selected school(s). Brothers must apply to participate.
Alumni Convention
Alumni Convention is the National Alumni Association’s annual weekend planned
especially for Phi Sigma Pi Alumni. The focus of Alumni Convention is fellow-
ship, and the weekend is an opportunity to relax and network with fellow Alumni
in a fun locale. Past locations have been New Orleans, Louisiana and Las
Vegas, Nevada. All Active Alumni are welcome to attend Alumni Convention.
Professional Fraternity Association Membership Benefits
On September 10, 1993, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity became a
member of the Professional Fraternity Association (hereafter referred to as the
PFA). This organization, formed in 1977, exists to advocate and encourage
excellence in scholarship, the advancement of professional and interfraternity
ethics and cooperation among member fraternities for the advancement of fra-
ternal ideals. The PFA has opened new doors and provided new ideas and
resources for the development and well-being of our Fraternity. And, in the
spirit of Phi Sigma Pi, it has also given us the opportunity to provide support,
encouragement, and advice to other professional fraternities.
69
THE PHI SIGMA PI FOUNDATION
Conceived and developed by Brother Carlye Buchanan (Alpha Phi 128), 2000-
2004 National Vice President of Finance, The Foundation concept was ap-
proved by the 2004 Grand Chapter to serve as a charitable foundation that
would collect and distribute funds in support of the programs and goals of Phi
Sigma Pi.
The Foundation’s formation in August of 2005 consisted of the ratification of its
constitution and bylaws as well as the election of its first Board of Directors.
The Foundation’s elected Board of Directors works diligently to cultivate rela-
tions with Collegiate and Alumni Brothers, parents and corporate donors. Mem-
bership in The Foundation is limited to those individuals and companies who
have made significant financial contributions to the Fraternity. These Members
reflect the dedication and commitment to Phi Sigma Pi’s mission to enhance the
collegiate experiences of our Brothers. The Foundation’s key investment
areas are:
* Leadership in Action - Founded in 2009, Leadership in Action is the
Fraternity’s leadership development program for Brothers.
* Teach For America Initiatives - Teach For America was declared Phi
Sigma Pi’s National Philanthropy in 2003.
The Foundation provides the following giving opportunities to donors:
* Richard Cecil Todd & Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship Fund
- supports an annual scholarship awarded to a Collegiate Brother(s)
who exemplifies the tripod.
* Rolla F. Wood Graduate Scholarship Fund - supports an annual schol-
arship awarded to an alumni Brother who is accepted to or enrolled in
Graduate school.
* Leadership Through Service Fund - supports the Fraternity’s National
Philanthropy, Teach For America, initiatives.
* Leadership in Action Program - supports the Fraternity’s leadership
development program.
* Subrosa Fund - supports the Fraternity’s efforts to help Brothers in
need.
* Jeff and Kim Johnson Existence and Expansion Endowment Fund -
provides funds for the Fraternity’s expansion program and a safety net
to ensure the Fraternity’s longevity.
* Torchia Capital Fund - provides funds for the maintenance and upkeep
of the National Headquarters in Lancaster, PA.
70
GLOSSARY
Active Member: a Collegiate Member who has been formally inducted into
the Fraternity and is a Member in good standing.
Alumna: singular term for a female Member of the Fraternity who has gradu-
ated, transferred to a different institution or is no longer in college.
Alumnae: plural form for Alumna. (Pronounced alumn-nee)
Alumni: plural form for Alumnus or a combined group of Alumnus and Alumna.
(Pronounced alum-neye)
Alumnus: singular term for a male Member of a Fraternity who has graduated,
transferred to a different institution or is no longer in college.
Bid: an invitation to join the Initiation Program.
Brother: title bestowed upon any individual, man or woman, inducted into the
Fraternity; Chapters may use alternate titles such as “Member” or “Brothers
and Sisters.”
Bylaws: local governing document supplementing the National Constitution.
Collegiate: signifying an undergraduate Member or Chapter; ex. She is a
Collegiate Member at Lambda Nu Chapter; His Collegiate Chapter is Nu Chapter.
Fraternal Word: fraternal greeting, it is secretly known to only Members of
Phi Sigma Pi and must never be shared with non-members.
Grand Chapter: the National Council, the Collegiate Chapters, Alumni Chap-
ters and representatives of the National Alumni Association.
Grip: fraternal handshake, it is secretly known to only Members of Phi Sigma
Pi and must never be shared with non-members.
Honorary Member: an individual initiated as a Member due to exemplary
service to the Fraternity, or who demonstrates the ideals of the Fraternity in
word and deed through commitment to the community. Honorary Members do
not participate in an Initiation Program and are not considered Active Members
of a Chapter, and therefore pay no dues.
71
Incoporated: legal status permitting an organization to operate as a non-profit/
for profit corporation.
Initiate: a man or woman who is currently involved in a Phi Sigma Pi Chapter
Initiation Program.
National Alumni Association: the umbrella entity that includes Members of
Alumni Chapters, Alumni Associations and alumni-at-large.
National Constitution: the governing document of our Fraternity.
National Council: the governing body of the Fraternity; consists of eight offic-
ers, elected by the Grand Chapter every two years; National Council Members
are non-paid (volunteer) representatives of the organization.
National Headquarters: the physical location where the National Staff works.
National Office: the National Staff and the National Council.
The Phi Sigma Pi Foundation: non-profit philanthropic body of Phi Sigma Pi.
The Ritual: ceremonies known in secret only to Members of the Fraternity; the
most prominent among these is the formal Induction Ceremony.
Rush: recruitment drive offering Members and prospective members the op-
portunity to get to know each other; prelude to Initiation Program.
The Shingle: also known as the membership certificate. It is presented to
newly inducted Brothers after being signed by the National President and Na-
tional Secretary.
Sub rosa principle: meaning “under the rose,” it designates that anything said
or done is to be held sacred and to remain confidential.
Teach For America: Phi Sigma Pi’s National Philanthropy.
72
PHI SIGMA PI ONLINE
Phi Sigma Pi Website
On the National Fraternity website, www.phisigmapi.org, the Initiate will find
valuable information that will help build the foundation for Brotherhood. To
gain entry to the Initiate Website, follow these instructions:
1. Go to www.phisigmapi.org.
2. Click the “Brother’s Only” pull tab in the upper right-hand corner of
the homepage.
3. Input the username: initiate (case sensitive).
4. Input the password: pilgrim (case sensitive).
5. Click the “Login” button.
6. If you should have trouble gaining entry, please call the National
Headquarters at 1-800-366-1916.
Once logged in you will find:
1. National Council and National Staff information
2. Past National Council Officers
3. Past National Award Winners
4. A listing of all the Phi Sigma Pi Chapters in the United States
5. A list of the Phi Sigma Pi Regions
6. Phi Sigma Pi’s Alcohol and Anti-hazing policy
7. Musical scores for fraternal songs, “Brothers Are We” & “Brother”
8. Audio recording of “Brothers Are We” & “Brother”
9. Parliamentary Procedure Guide
10. Parliamentary Procedure Powerpoint
Social Media Tools
You can also find Phi Sigma Pi on the following social media tools:
* Facebook: www.facebook.com/phisigmapifraternity
* Twitter: http://twitter.com/phisigmapi
* Wiki: http://wiki.phisigmapi.org
* LinkedIn: group name = Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Inc.
73
NOTES
74
NOTES
