THE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER OF PI KAPPA PHI AT DREXEL UNIVERSITY
FALL 2007
THE DUSAK
ALUMNI RESTORE CHAPTER HOUSE
After many months of planning, fundraising, restorations and negotiations, the doors of the Alpha Upsilon were reopened in September for the newest members of Pi Kappa Phi at Drexel University. For 57 years the Pi Kappa Phi chapter house at 3405 Powelton Avenue has served as a great physical symbol of the Alpha Upsilon chapter, welcoming class after class of new brothers and providing a forum for brotherhood, education and lifelong friendship. Since the chapter closed its doors in 2003, the house has patiently awaited the return of its occupants. In early 2007 several alumni, anticipating the return of the chapter, worked to restore the house to its former majesty. Through the success of Alpha Upsilon alumni chapter’s 2007 Capital Campaign and the efforts of many alumni, the house that was empty and tattered just nine months ago has been cleaned, renovated and restored in a manner that would make any brother proud to say it was once his home. The chapter house is now ready for a new group of students who will serve as the cornerstone of the new undergraduate chapter. Following months of negotiations with Drexel and in cooperation with the other Drexel fraternity alumni associations, we were able to negotiate an agreement with the university that assures Pi Kappa Phi’s
continued possession of the chapter house in the future. On September 1, 2007, the keys to the house were officially handed over to the alumni chapter, and the house is now, once again, occupied by a small group of future brothers. In late October representatives from the national fraternity will arrive at Drexel to begin a four-week recruitment effort to expand the size of the chapter. The chapter will then begin the year-long re-chartering process. The Alumni Chapter would like to thank all of those who opened their hearts and their checkbooks to support the effort. For alumni who are still interested in making a contribution, funds are still necessary for several special projects that are described later
in The DUSAK. The Alumni Chapter asks you to remember what it meant to be a brother in Pi Kappa Phi and send in your pledge now— or use this as an excuse to contact that pledge brother that you have not spoken to in 10-plus years and rekindle the spirit of brotherhood! A grand opening celebration for the restored chapter house has been scheduled for October 20, 2007. The event will also serve as a welcome for the first group of new associate members. The day’s events will begin with an open house and will be followed by the fall alumni chapter meeting, dinner, and a poker tournament. Please plan to attend. Details are listed on page 2 and available on at www.pikappau.org.
NIGHT OUT ON THE ROW As the first weeks of the fall term are considered to be a “danger zone” on many campuses, Drexel University continues to mandate that no first-year students or non-affiliated students are allowed in Greek houses during the first four weeks of the term. The only exception to this rule is during approved recruitment events, which are always alcohol-free. As part of “New Student Days,” fraternities and sororities hosted “Night Out on the Row” for all of our new students. The new members of the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Phi helped to make the event was a tremendous success, garnering praise from the dean of students for the positive contributions Greek Organizations bring to campus life at Drexel. The students worked very hard to plan and execute an event that was appealing, yet still provided a safe and welcoming environment for our new students.