FAQ
A Pi Alpha Phi has the utmost respect for Rho Psi, but Pi Alpha Phi is the first Asian American fraternity. Rho Psi started as a Chinese student club in 1916. They existed on the Cornell campus until 1931. They chose Greek letters to enhance their chances of being recognized by Cornell University, which never happened. In 1976, Rho Psi changed its name to the Rho Psi Society. It no longer exists as a collegiate organization. It is a Chinese Society that accepts non-collegiate men and women with chapters in many U.S. cities and along the Pacific Rim.
Q If Pi Alpha Phi has existed since 1929, why did it take so long to start other chapters?
A During its early years, Pi Alpha Phi focused its energies on maintaining a strong Alpha (founding) chapter. The Fraternity faced many challenges, including the Great Depression, World War II, anti-fraternity mentalities of the 70s, and the country’s anti-Asian sentiments in the 80s. In the early 1990s, the Fraternity felt it was finally the right time to expand. The rise of the Asian American population, coupled with the advent of technology had created a world where the Fraternity could start new chapters and pass on its ideals and traditions while maintaining the strong contact and brotherhood that is essential to the Fraternity.
Q Isn’t Pi Alpha Phi the “West Coast Family”?
A The West Coast chapters have adopted that nickname, but Pi Alpha Phi is more than just the West Coast Family. Brotherhood is the cornerstone of our Fraternity. Our brotherhood is not based on geography, but on our value system. We want to help each brother reach his full potential. It doesn’t matter where he lives.
Q Is Pi Alpha Phi recognized as a national fraternity?
A Pi Alpha Phi has chapters across the country. Although we meet all the requirements to join the National Interfraternity Council, Pi Alpha Phi has chosen not to join the NIC because it does not meet the needs of our Fraternity. Rather than spend the money and resources to join an ineffectual organization, we would prefer to allocate that money directly back to our individual Fraternity chapters.
Q Does Pi Alpha Phi participate in any philanthropic events?
A Pi Alpha Phi is devoted to philanthropy. The Fraternity is committed to its responsibility to serve others and encourages participation in activities for the betterment of the community. The Fraternity has adopted the Jade Ribbon Campaign as its National Philanthropy. Each chapter also participates in its own philanthropy events, including beach clean-ups, youth mentor programs, and soup kitchen volunteering.
Q How does one go about joining Pi Alpha Phi?
A Check out our rush information. Otherwise, please go to the Contact Us section of our Web site during the first couple of weeks of the school session and email or call our chapter’s representative.
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