People making their way down Rugby Road cannot help but notice that the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity house is bright yellow. Really bright yellow. Consequently, one question will most likely arise in those people’s minds: Why?

Fourth-year College student Tom Stith, president of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, said the paint job was meant to distinguish their house from other fraternities.

“Painting the house makes it visibly evident that we are not the typical University of Virginia frat,” Stith said.

The fraternity chose the color yellow in order to be economical.

“We went to Lowe’s and honestly, yellow paint was on sale and we thought that would do the trick,” Stith admitted.

The yellow paint Stith and his brothers used on the house is actually road paint, which makes the paint extra durable against the elements.

The house’s color change, however, was not just a spontaneous decorative whim to make the house stand out. Pi Lam members stressed the importance of the fraternity’s presence in the University community. They wanted people to know who they are and what their mission is about.

As Stith explained, “At our national convention this summer it was suggested that a good way of raising the profile of the house is changing the exterior.”

Second-year College student Makara Phor said he thought the color had served its purpose.

“The general idea was to make the house stand out to the University community,” Phot said. “And I think the goal has been accomplished, because people definitely remember the house.”

Remembering the house is important for event publicity as well. For instance, the fraternity participated in a pole-sit for the Sexual Assault Resource Agency a few weeks ago. The fraternity collected donations for S.A.R.A. during the weekand brothers spent

time in three-hour intervals on top of a pole, which symbolized their keeping watch over the safety of the community.

There’s no doubt that people remember the flashiness of the house, but their reactions to the brave color choice are another story. Many of the Pi Lam brothers were skeptical that the color change was a good idea, along with other Rugby Road residents, yet some brothers didn’t mind the change.

“Initially not everyone loved it, but people are coming around,” Stith said. “We’ve gotten comments from students, administrators, other fraternities and Charlottesville residents, and most have been positive.”

The bright color of the house not only makes people more aware of the fraternity, it also makes Pi Lam a new landmark, since it is beginning to be referred to as “The Yellow House.”

“Inebriated people can locate the house much easier during weekend festivities,” said Matt Ramey, a second-year College student and Pi Lam member.

However, despite what external and communal benefits the Yellow House might possess, the color of the house also offers clues about its inhabitants.

“It’s bold and different, which reflects the personality of the house. No one’s alike,” said second-year College student Michael Provenza, who described the fraternity as a group of guys that work hard, but like to have fun.

Indeed the color of Pi Lam’s house is unconventional, and the fraternity has broken the mold a few other times in its history at the University. Pi Lam was the first integrated and non-sectarian fraternity at the University of Virginia.

According the Pi Lam creed, the fraternity is dedicated to the freedom and equality of all men, and seeks to eliminate prejudice.

In fact, the University chapter of Pi Lambda Phi was the first fraternity in the North-American Interfraternity Conference to have an African-American member, setting a national standard. David L. Temple, Jr., the first African American to integrate the University Of Virginia Greek system, joined Pi Lambda Phi in 1969.

“We were the first fraternity at the University of Virginia to have an African-American member, which we are very proud of,” Stith said. “Our traditions are rooted in diversity and we strive to continue this today. We try to create an atmosphere where people feel welcome, no matter their race or creed.”

Stith suspects that this legacy will continue. And what color will the house be in future years? Blue? Green? Red?

“As far as the future color of the house, it depends on what the brothers want, but I anticipate Pi Lam will be making a name for itself in years to come.”

Photo by Cavalier Daily Staff Photographer, Cavalier Daily Photo Staff
The brothers of Pi Lamda Phi painted their house with highway double-yellows paint -- both to increase their visibility and because it was the cheapest and most durable paint Lowe's had.