While Rider officials chafe, a second Philly-area school readmits former problem chapters

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity is moving back to 3405 Powelton Avenue with a lot to look forward to this fall. (Link to full text of Triangle)

Drexel Greek Relations Board and the Inter-Fraternal Council both unanimously approved the fraternity’s return this September.

Pi Kappa Phi has been planning and anticipating their return to campus and have created what they call a “Capital Campaign”. The alumni have set their goal at $750,000, which goes directly into a fund for Pi Kappa Phi’s house.

With the help of alumni’s donations to their capital campaign, they have put over $300,000 into restoring their house. This includes­­­ renovating and repairing the bathrooms, floors, and walls, initially. The second phase, which will be continued when funds are met, is to upgrade the kitchen, basement, and landscaping.

They were closed by their National Organization in Fall 2003 after violating the University’s Alcohol Policy as well as policies on Detrimental Behavior, Hazing, and Failure to Comply, according to Katie Peoples, Interim Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life at Drexel’s Greek Life office.

Drexel University officially withdrew recognition of the fraternity in January of 2004, Peoples said. Pi Kappa Phi was the ninth fraternity to be kicked off campus in the past seven years.

In October of this year, a team from Pi Kappa Phi National and a team of alumni will spend two weeks with the brothers.

After the new member period, they will all spend a year instilling ideals of member education, philanthropy, and history. This time period is referred to as “colonization.”

Alumni have played a crucial part in getting Pi Kappa Phi back on their feet and will continue to show their support throughout the colonization period.

Drexel also supports the return of the fraternity.

“The University also greatly values the hundreds of alumni who keep strong ties to Drexel, and we want them always to feel welcome and at home here at Drexel,” Peoples said.

In November of 2008, when Pi Kappa Phi celebrates their 75th anniversary, The brothers are looking forward to hosting a re-chartering banquet and being recognized nationally again.

Pi Kappa Phi is among Drexel’s first fraternities and in 1933 was the first nationally recognized fraternity on campus.

Previous Drexel Grads from Pi Kappa Phi include John A. Daskalakis and several descendents of the Drexel family.

At time of printing, No brothers from the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity could be reached by The Triangle for comment on this article.