History of the Fraternity

1. History of the Fraternity

2. History of the Fraternity • Yes I will email this out to you all however please pay attention

3. Our Roots • Flat Hat Club: • Was formed at the College of William and Mary • By Thomas Jefferson • Was the precursor to the modern fraternity • Phi Beta Kappa • Was the first modern day fraternity • Started in 1776 • Founder was John Heath • He was denied admission to a group similar to the one started by Thomas Jefferson • By adding Greek Letters, a secret grip, motto, and initiation he made it more exclusive then Thomas Jefferson's’ group • Motto: “Philosophy, the Guide of Life”

4. Our Roots • Phi Beta Kappa • In 1780 they opened another chapter at Yale, and then Harvard (we have one at Roanoke) • Only 200 schools in the nation have this honor society • In the 1830’s they were forced to tell their secrets due to an “anti- secret society movement” • Before they told their secrets other groups had already formed including Kappa Alpha Society.

5. Union College • Union College is nicknamed “The Mother of Fraternities” because it was the first college to have them. • Kappa Alpha Society (don’t confuse it with Kappa Alpha Order which we have) • Sigma Phi • Delta Phi

6. Enter Nu Phi • Now you will understand why we shouted “Can I get a Nu Phi” at Bid’s Day • Nu Phi is the name of the group that later evolved into Pi Kappa Phi • Nu Phi means “Non-fraternity” • This is why we always say we are not the stereotypical fraternity and some of us hate the term “Frat”

7. The start of Pi Kappa Phi • During this time period at The College of Charleston (where we were founded by the way) one group controlled the campus in terms of influence “The Chrestomathics Literary Society” • Realizing that the campus needed a change in power, several guys got together and tried to oppose the officers in the next election with their own slate of officers

8. The start of Pi Kappa Phi • At this time 3 small fraternities existed at Charleston. Each fraternity raised its own slate of officers to keep the power within the fraternities • Our founders were not in a fraternity and thus Nu Phi was born, a group of men running on a slate together to change the Literary Society

9. The start of Pi Kappa Phi • They lost • Not to be overcome by defeat 7 of the most loyal Nu Phi’s decided to start a completely new fraternity

10. The Meeting • On December 10, 1904 at 90 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina, the first meeting of Pi Kappa Phi took place • 7 Men came together to start Pi Kappa Phi • Andrew Alexander Kroeg Jr. • Simon Fogarty Jr. • L. Harry Mixon • Pelzer Wagener • Thomas F. Mosimann • Theodore Barnwell Kelly • James Fogarty

11. 4th Honorary Founder • Durward Owen • Roanoke, Xi Chapter

12. Wagener • Was one of the best Greek and Latin scholars at the college during this time • It was Wagener who came up with Pi Kappa Phi and their secret meaning

13. One year later • On December 10th 1905 Harry’s mother cooked them a huge dinner in honor of their first successful year • This is now known as Founder’s Day and every chapter celebrates it with a feast

14. Esoteric • 1. understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite: poetry full of esoteric allusions. 2. belonging to the select few. 3. private; secret; confidential. 4. (of a philosophical doctrine or the like) intended to be revealed only to the initiates of a group: the esoteric doctrines of Pythagoras.

15. Ritual • Explanation and Debrief

16. For next time… • Know what the Flat Hat Club is • Know what Phi Beta Kappa is • Know 3 of the 7 founding fathers • Know 3 of the 8 executive council members of Xi chapter (aka Us)