Garnet & Gold Chapter 1: PIKE History

Ode to Pledge

Yesterday is gone forever

Tomorrow is yet to be

The destiny of Pi Kappa Alpha

Rests today with thee

Ode to Pledge Background

Written by Robert D. Lynn in 1931 at Presbyterian College

Creed Paragraph 1

We believe in the importance of virtue and commit to living the values of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. We recognize that truth is the foundation of all lasting association, and we will seek wisdom and knowledge while serving others in modesty and dignity.

Creed Paragraph 2

Recalling that Pi Kappa Alpha is a lifelong commitment, I therefore reaffirm to live my life with honor and courage seeking the inherent worth in each person I meet; to accept all brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha in love and friendship; and to serve my faith, my family, my community, my alma mater, and my Fraternity.

Creed Paragraph 3

Only then, by living these virtues, will we realize our fullest potential.

Five Fraternities founded in Southern Commonwealth of Virginia

Pi Kappa Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Nu

When was PIKE founded?

March 1, 1868

Where was PIKE founded?

Room 47 West Range of the University of Virginia

Importance of Sundays

During the 19th century, Sundays were generally the only day of the week students had free for individual activities.

PIKE Founder 1

Frederick Southgate Taylor

Law major created the name and presided over the first convention in 1874

PIKE Founder 2

Littleton Waller Tazewell (Bradford)

Medicine major who fought in the Civil War

PIKE Founder 3

James Benjamin Sclater Jr.

Medicine major

PIKE Founder 4

Robertson Howard

Medicine major from Georgetown who worked in military hospitals during war

PIKE Founder 5

Julian Edward Wood

Medicine major who fought in the Civil War

PIKE Founder 6

William Alexander

Medicine major who went on to work for Equitable Life Assurance Society

Vision

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

Mission

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

Civil War

247 VMI cadets fought including founder Wood

WWII

About a third of all brothers initiated since 1868 were in uniform during WWII

The Refounding

In 1889, a convention was hosted in Cushing Hall at Hampden-Sydney College to reorganize the government and revitalize the principles of the Fraternity

Junior Founders

Robert Edge Smythe

John Shaw Foster

Howard Bell Arbuckle

Theron Hall Rice

Pledge to Members

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

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