This year, a new social fraternity is coming to Indiana University and joining our Greek community.

Pi Lambda Phi was first founded in 1895 at Yale University. However, that chapter collapsed, and they later established their Alpha chapter in 1908 at Columbia University during what they call their “Revitalization Period.”

Pi Lambda Phi was founded as the first non-sectarian fraternity, meaning all men are considered brothers regardless of their religious affiliations or race. The fraternity’s national philanthropy is The Elimination of Prejudice, which focuses on inclusiveness by addressing the fundamental differences between people that prohibit advancement and progress. The project raises money for youth-based educational programs and retreats to talk about tough topics.   

It is clear that Pi Lambda Phi was founded in a period where other fraternities and organizations discriminated against some men, and in opposition, they sought to start “a fraternity in which all men were brothers, no matter what their religion; a fraternity in which ability, open-mindedness, farsightedness, and a progressive, forward-looking attitude would be recognized as the basic attributes.” Along with the Elimination of Prejudice, there is the Phi Lambda Phi Educational Foundation, which sponsors scholarship, educational and leadership programs and provides opportunities for its own members as well as non-members.     

“Pilam,” as they are known, was a part of IU from 1928-1959 but will be recolonizing this semester. The fraternity has only 30 other chapters nationwide. The only other active Pilam chapter in the state of Indiana was founded in 1996 at Vincennes University in southern Indiana. Indiana State University and Purdue University previously had chapters. Two other Big Ten schools, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Penn State University, have active chapters. 

“We are very excited about the opportunity to return to IU after our original chapter closed in 1959," said Patrick Spanner, director of chapter operations for Pi Lambda Phi. "We greatly appreciate the Interfraternity Council and the University approving our return to campus. Also, we want to thank all of the individual organizations and students who have already shown their support.” 

During the process, they are looking for 50 or more men who represent a diverse population of IU students. 

"When we look for men, we focus on their alignment with our six core values - scholarship, character, leadership, obedience (commitment), finance and quality - are interested to take on the opportunity to be a founding father, have a strong work ethic and want to have fun,” Spanner said.

They have just begun their recruitment process and have even had some men already accept their bids.  

For more information about Pi Lambda Phi at IU, like their Facebook page at facebook.com/iupilam, follow them on Instagram @iu_pilam or visit their website, www.pilambdaphi.org.