New Fraternity Establishes in Waukesha

A new fraternity has been established in Waukesha at the first international fraternity established at Carroll since 1919, according to a news release from the university.

From the news release:

Pi Lambda Phi fraternity established a chapter at Carroll University in fall 2011. Pi Lambda Phi is the first international fraternity established at Carroll since 1919. Carroll's Greek life currently consists of three national sororities: Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Xi Delta and Chi Omega, and two local fraternities: Beta Pi Epsilon and Delta Rho Upsilon.

Beta Pi Epsilon has 30 members, was founded at Carroll in 1906, and supports the Salvation Army and United Cerebral Palsy. Delta Rho Upsilon has 46 members, benefits the Women's Center and was founded at Carroll in 1929. Alpha Xi Delta has 40 members; their philanthropy is Autism Speaks and the chapter was founded at Carroll in 1948. Chi Omega has 41 members, has been at Carroll since 1948, and supports  Make-A-Wish foundation. Alpha Gamma Delta, established at Carroll in 1952, has 39 members who give to Diabetes Research.

Pi Lambda Phi was founded in 1895 at Yale University and has established chapters at 40 colleges and universities. The fraternity has more than 60,000 alumni. Some of the most famous include songwriters Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, Wisconsin senator Herb Kohl, MLB commissioner Bud Selig, comedian Lewis Black, owner of Dallas Mavericks Mark Cuban, Pennsylvania senator Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell, Dodgers baseball player Sandy Koufax, and actor Kevin James.

“We believe Carroll University is an ideal fit for Pi Lambda Phi and that Pi Lambda Phi is an ideal opportunity for Carroll University,” said Dave Heckathorn, Pi Lambda Phi professional staff member. The fraternity’s top chapters are often from smaller, liberal arts institutions, and Carroll students understand the values and standards of Pi Lambda Phi. The ideals expressed in the Carroll University Compact, the Mission Statement, and the Four Pillars align with the values upheld by Pi Lambda Phi. “That type of congruence is something that excites us,” Heckathorn said.

Within the fraternity’s Creed is the belief “that all men are created free and equal…That freedom implies the elimination of prejudice – that the elimination of prejudice means a better understanding.” Pi Lambda Phi’s philanthropy is the Elimination of Prejudice, which strives to create long lasting community change by addressing the underlying differences between people that prevent progress. By setting the conditions for sensitive societal conversations to take place, the Elimination of Prejudice promotes a better understanding between people.

In addition to equality, Pi Lambda Phi upholds several values: leadership, character, responsibility, commitment and scholarship. Leadership challenges members to be the best version of themselves. Fifteen hours of community service is required every semester of its members, which embodies the value of character. Pi Lambda Phi's value of responsibility is upheld by members holding themselves and those around them responsible for their actions. The value of commitment is upheld by members through the unification and commitment to something larger than the individual. Lastly, Pi Lambda Phi requires a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, which exemplifies the value of scholarship.

Carroll University’s chapter of Pi Lambda Phi has 15 new members. The fraternity pledged male students who will uphold the six values, its philanthropy and who will be leaders in the organization. These Founding Fathers will gain entrepreneurial experience, personal development and will build relationships based on trust and respect.