Local History

The history of Alpha Pi Delta of Chi Psi Fraternity begins in the spring of 1997 here at N.C. State University. A group of friends wanted to do something that would leave their mark on campus and bind them together long after they had graduated. Discussions about starting a Fraternity began within the group, though little was known about the process. Led by Ryan McGinnis, they talked to Drew Smith, the then current Greek Advisor, about colonizing a new Fraternity on campus. Drew informed the group that Chi Psi was a Fraternity looking to expand in the area. He explained that Donald Beeson, a local Chi Psi, was involved with the colonization at N.C. State and gave them his contact information.
They soon met with Brother Beeson. The group was very impressed with the Chi Psi values and decided they wanted to represent the Fraternity at N.C. State. Beeson became aware of their strong sense of motivation and asked the group to head up Pi Delta Colony of Chi Psi.
The Colony was officially founded in September of 1998 after the rush period had ended. However, they soon suffered a major setback as all but three members of the original interest group withdrew for various reasons. Seven individuals who had expressed interest in becoming the first pledge class were invited to join the remaining three as the Founding Fathers.
The Colony's first Lodge was established when four members moved into a small three-bedroom house on Brent Road in August of 2000. Having a dwelling to hold meetings, dinners, and social events was a huge step for the relatively new Colony, and recruitment was noticeably improved. With eighteen members, the Colony petitioned for Alpha status at the 160th National Convention in Eugene, Oregon during the ensuing summer. The vote to grant Alpha status was the first ever unanimous in the history of Chi Psi Fraternity.
The Brent Road Lodge was sufficient but the Alpha was looking to expand. Therefore, a six-bedroom house became the new Lodge for the 2001-2002 school year. In January of 2003, the Founding Fathers were initiated at the Lodge in Chapel Hill. The Brothers later discovered that the former Delta Chi house on Hillsborough Street had been vacated and was available. After talking to the owner, the Brothers signed for the house, moved in, and established it as the new Lodge.
Immediately, extensive painting and cleaning with minor renovations took place in order to uphold the Chi Psi tradition of having respectable and orderly Lodges. Interest in this new dwelling greatly increased, and many of the Brothers moved in shortly thereafter. This Lodge served the brothers well until it was decided to move out in the spring of 2009.
Throughout the year, the lodge serves as a common meeting place for brothers to gather socially and academically. Whether you are coming for poker night, meetings, a grab-a-date, mixer, or homework help, the lodge is an integral part in the development of true Chi Psi brothers.
In 2005 Pi Delta was fortunate to receive the prestigious Founder's Award for most improved Alpha of Chi Psi. This symbolizes our commitment to each other and to the community and we are proud to have this honor bestowed upon us. A year later, in fall of 2006, we received the Caldwell Cup from NC State University. The Caldwell Cup is the most prestigious award NC State has to offer fraternities. The Lodge has also managed to win Greek Week for three straight years, starting in Spring of 2005, as well as first place in Delta Gamma's Anchor Splash in March of 2008. The Lodge continues to grow, but stays true to the values, legacies, and standards st forth by its founders.