Pi Lambda Phi --- the first fraternity to integrate racially and religiously on Grounds -- honored its 70th anniversary Friday at a ceremony in the Dome Room of the Rotunda.
The ceremony's attendees included current Pi Lambda Phi members, faculty and alumni.
Following a dinner held prior to the ceremony, University President John T. Casteen III addressed the group. Two scholarship awards also were presented.
Although originally established at the University 70 years ago, Pi Lambda Phi became inactive in 1943. When the fraternity re-colonized in 1969, it opened its doors to black and Jewish members -- an inclusion unprecedented at the University.
Many of the Pi Lambda Phi alumni in attendance were reflective about the fraternity's past, and proud of the evening's historic implications.
"I can't put into words my emotions," said George Beck, executive director emeritus of Pi Lambda Phi. "I'm just sorry more of the pre-World War II members couldn't be here."
Beck was a member of Pi Lambda Phi prior to the chapter's closure in 1943. Although he had tried to revive the fraternity over the years, it wasn't until a group of University men contacted him in early 1967 that the attempt was successful, Beck said.
"This group was, in theory, always a non-sectarian fraternity," Beck said. But the fraternity's re-founders were "the epitome of what we stood for."
Steve Cole, Pi Lambda Phi's President in 1969, recalled the fraternity met strong resistance for including Jews and one black member at the time of its re-colonization.
"Leaders of the Inter-Fraternity Council and the administration were hostile," Cole said. "By the time we graduated, however, we were being held up as a model for the rest of the University."
David Temple, an organizer of Friday's ceremony and Pi Lambda Phi alumnus, said the ceremony recognized the fraternity's unchanged creed of tolerance. Temple was inducted as the fraternity's first black member 33 years ago.
"We are rooted in the appreciation of equality -- the glue that always binds us together, even during the very difficult 60s," Temple said. "Since September 11, it's become even clearer that we need to celebrate and treasure our differences."
Indeed, Pi Lambda Phi's creed continues to resonate with members, current President Scott Worrest said.
"Our house is based on non-sectarianism," Worrest said. "Our membership is diverse in all facets."
The ceremony was followed by a forum Saturday morning for Pi Lambda Phi's current brotherhood, affording members the opportunity to discuss the fraternity's creed and its continuing relevance today, Temple added.
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