Today on February 1st,1929, six young Chinese American men, Elmer Leong, George Lee, D. Wing Tom, Tim Jang, Wing Chan, and Chack Chan signed their names in both English and Chinese onto the Pi Alpha Phi charter and became Founding Fathers of our great fraternity.
The Founding Fathers of Pi Alpha Phi were all born in America with the exception of Wing Chan, who came from China at an early age. In 1928, these men faced many challenges because of their Asian heritage. It was then that these enterprising men conceived the idea to form a fraternity to serve the several hundred students of Chinese descent at the University of California, Berkeley.
Discrimination was prevalent against those of Asian descent. Asians were prohibited to rent or buy property in the neighborhoods surrounding the UC Berkeley campus. The group eventually found Mary “Mother” Tusch, an elderly German immigrant sympathetic to their situation. She rented them a small, obscure cottage behind her home on Union Street, across the street from campus.
It was at this cottage that the initial meeting took place. Dong Wing Tom was chosen as the Charter President. Wing C. Chan was elected Treasurer. Chack W. Chan became the first House Manager. George Y. Lee was elected Secretary. Elmer Leong was designated Student Counselor and Charter Historian.
As Charter Historian, it was Elmer Leong’s responsibility to name the fraternity. In keeping with the traditional practice of using Greek letters for all fraternities, he chose Pi Alpha Phi, which was derived from the initials of a Greek phrase, which loosely translated means: “To advance through brotherly ties, the thirst for learning”.
Several of the early symbols of the fraternity were agreed upon:
The six stars represent the six charter members.
The interlocked crescents represent the perpetuation of fraternal bonds.
The sword and book reminds us that although we are primarily scholars, the sword is the symbol of power. Combined with knowledge, working together in any common worthwhile goal, we have power.
“The Purpose of the Fraternity is to encourage higher scholastic achievements in the Light of Truth, and to promote that Bond of Brotherhood.”
On February 1, 1929, the six men signed their names in both English and Chinese onto the Pi Alpha Phi charter and became Founding Fathers of the fledging fraternity.
The Pi Alpha Phi Legacy was Born. 83 years and strong.
Berkeley alumnus Richard Din has been researching the fraternity’s history and unearthing interesting stories and clues to the fraternity’s past.
Rush is your opportunity to meet the brothers of Pi Alpha Phi through multiple events hosted by the fraternity. These events allow you to get to know the brothers from this chapter (and other chapters), students who are also interested in this fraternity, and our sorority friends. Once again, all events are free, rides will be provided, and there is no obligation to join. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or an email.
Friday (1/6/11): Pre-Rush Kickoff Party w/ Chi Sigma Alpha http://www.facebook.com/events/336911019669736/
Join the brothers of ΠΑΦ and mix with the lovely ladies of Chi Sigma Alpha as we start of the new year with our Pre-Rush Party!! FEATURING NEW
SET UP AND BAR!!! Come see why ΠΑΦ throws some of the best parties on campus! You don’t wanna miss this..
-Monday (1/9/11): General Info Meeting and BBQ
Come learn about the brothers and the fraternity; its values, traditions and storied past. Our very successful alumnus will be attending to answer questions about our vast alumnus professional networking. The Brothers will also be serving some delicious BBQ!
Meet in front of Suzzallo at 6:00pm
-Tuesday (1/10/11): Bowling Night
Come out and test your bowling skills with the brothers of ΠΑΦ! We will be bowling at Garage Billards near Downtown Seattle. This is a great opportunity for rushees to talk to and learn more about the bros individually.
Meet in front of Suzzallo at 6:00pm
-Wednesday (1/11/11): Volleyball with alpha Kappa Delta Phi
Try out your volleyball skills as you meet and greet the lovely ladies of alpha Kappa Delta Phi! Volleyball will be played at the IMA.
Meet in front of Suzzallo at 6:00pm
-Thursday (1/12/11): Mocktails with Chi Sigma Alpha
Join the brothers of ΠΑΦ and the lovely ladies of Chi Sigma Alpha for our infamous MOCKTAILS. Make sure to dress to impress!
Meet in front of Suzzallo at 7:00pm
-Friday (1/12/11): End of Rush Party w/ alpha Kappa Delta Phi
All good things must come to an end. Join the brothers of ΠΑΦ as we end rush off with a bang! Start off the night by mixing with the lovely ladies of alpha Kappa Delta Phi. For some, this is just the beginning..
~ALL EVENTS ARE FREE, and there are NO obligations to join.
If you have any questions or concerns at all, feel free to contact:
Eugene Mu: 425-444-0959
Oak Nguyen: 425-647-9072
As you all know, Pi Alpha Phi was founded by six unique inidividuals; Dong Wing Tom, Wing Chan, Chack Chan, Elmer Leong, George Lee and Tim S. Jang. The following pictures are evidences of their great work in bringing Pi Alpha Phi to its foundation. Credits go to the Project Legacy at the Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter.
This is a memo written and signed by the six founders of Pi Alpha Phi explaining their reasons to choose the three letters and what each features of our crest signifies
This is a constitution written by the six founders at the time of Pi Alpha Phi’s founding. (written and signed by all six members)
This is one of our Founders, Tim Jang, in 2003 during an interview to share his early days in College, how he met the other five founders and came to form an unbreakable brotherhood in February 1st, 1929.
Berkeley alumnus Richard Din has been researching the fraternity’s history and unearthing interesting stories and clues to the fraternity’s past. If you would like to learn more about this effort (or would like to assist him in this endeavor), please contact him at richard (dot) din (at) gmail (dot) com.
Pi Alpha Phi is the nation’s first Asian-Interest Fraternity. With a Tradition of Excellence established in 1929, Pi Alpha Phi offers a unique opportunity to get socially involved, develop leadership, and build life long bonds. Rush is a chance for you to find out what Pi Alpha Phi is all about. The Brothers of Pi Alpha Phi invite you to join us for Spring 2011 Omicron Rush!
Monday 1/24 6:00 pm
Info Night & BBQ with Lil Sis
Enjoy some delicious BBQ and meet the Pi Alpha Phi family. Get to know the bros, and discover what we have to offer to your college experience.
Tuesday 1/25 6:00 pm
Game Night with alpha Kappa Delta Phi
Come with your game face on and get ready for a night of fun and games with the ladies of alpha Kappa Delta Phi.
Wednesday 1/26 6:00 pm
Indoor Campfire with Sigma Psi Zeta
It’s cold and wet outside, so what better way to warm up then gathering around a campfire with the ladies of Sigma Psi Zeta.
Thursday 1/27 6:00 pm
“Mocktails” with Chi Sigma Alpha
Hang out with the bros of Pi Alpha Phi and the ladies of Chi Sigma Alpha at our classy mocktails party. Dress to impress, so please wear semi-formal attire.
Friday 1/28 10:00 pm
House PartyEnd the week right…with a classic Pi Alpha Phi party. Come join us as we celebrate the finale of Omicron Rush 2011!
The Brothers of Pi Alpha Phi present the Gamma Lil Sis Rush! This is an opportunity of experiencing the Greek Life with the nations first Asian American Interest Fraternity. Thank for for all those that attended and participated in our Rush this year! Take a look at the memorable photos of this years Rush!
Come out to our BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY on January 7th, FRIDAY!!!!! Come warm up to the hottest party of the new year! It doesn’t get any better than this!!
