GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIEND
History of The Lodge
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 for rent/purchase. 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. The Brotherhood is as strong as it's ever been, and it is very evident that this Lodge serves Alpha Pi Delta of Chi Psi Fraternity very well.
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. Throughout Pi Delta's history the Lodge has somewhat paralleled the growth of the organization. Last year's second Lodge showed the slow but gradual steps that were being taken to have a more permanent center of the Chi Psi Alpha. The new lodge is an indication of the growth and development of Alpha Pi Delta. Each time we relocate, the lodge grows in size and improves in appearance. Over three years, we have advanced from a small house on Brent Rd. to the new location on Hillsborough St. The next few years will be an exciting period as an Alpha of Chi Psi.
In 2005 we were 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 recieved the Caldwell Cup from NC State University. The Caldwell Cup is the most prestigious award NC State has to offer fraternities. Currently we have also won Greek Week 3 years in a row since Spring 2005 and are looking forward to our continuing success.
In March of 2008 we won the Delta Gamma Anchor Splash for the first time in our history thanks to some impressive swimming by the brothers.