Pi Alpha Phi

The Herbert W. Gee Memorial Scholarship Award is named in memory of one of the fraternity’s biggest contributors. Herbert W. Gee joined the fraternity in 1930. His contributions to the fraternity spanned over 70 years. He was instrumental in the purchase of the Alpha Chapter house. In 1956 he helped create the initial Alumni Association Board of Directors and served on that board for over 40 years. In 1961, he helped start the fraternity’s annual Sacramento Alumni picnic, which continues to this day. As a lasting memorial to complete his lifetime of service and dedication to the fraternity, Herbert W. Gee created an endowment to begin a scholarship fund for the fraternity. Scholarship details: one (1) $1000 scholarship awared to a fraternity member who excels in the areas of academic excellence, leadership, brotherhood, philanthropy, and Asian American Awareness.

This scholarship is funded entirely by donations to the Pi Alpha Phi Alumni Scholarship Fund.

The Application is due by April 1st and may be downloaded here:

The West Region Midyear takes place April 12-15th at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa. Be on the lookout for more details. Each chapter will be sent specific information this week. Please be on the lookout!

We are combining with the National Cultural Greek Leadership Conference in order to provide our members with the skills needed to excel and continue the Fraternity’s Legacy of providing leaders of the Asian American Greek Community and society as a whole.

What is the 2012 West Region Midyear Leadership Conference?

The 2012 East Region Midyear Leadership Conference is an opportunity for our members of our West Region chapters to learn skills to improve their chapter’s fraternal experience.

Who is the 2012 West Region Midyear Leadership Conference for?

Emerging officers and chapter advisors are the main target audiences.

Scholarships!!

The scholarship application deadline has been extended to 5:00pm Wednesday, February 29th.
http://www.aflv.org/EventsPrograms/WestFLC/Scholarships.aspx

East Region Midyear

This past February Pi Alpha Phi hosted its 2nd annual East Region Midyear Leadership Conference in St. Louis. Leaders from our chapters at the University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and our colonies at North Carolina State University and the University of Iowa were challenged lead within Pi Alpha Phi and bring back information and ideas to improve their chapter. Members from our University at Buffalo chapter chose an alternate leadership opportunity at the Fraternal Excellence Institute in Rochester, NY.

With discussion and training ranging from risk management to recruitment, sound chapter operations to social justice, the men received education to inspire them to better their chapters and strengthen their brotherhood during the coming year.

William Fu, UNC-CH ‘13 commented, “Not only did it provide excellent leadership workshops, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn about our future plans as a national fraternity. The experience helped me get closer with all the brothers who attended and reminded me of many of the values which attracted me to this organization.”

“Midyear Leadership Conference was a worthwhile experience, given the 18 hour round trip. The workshops available are all presented by professionals in their fields or exciting, motivating speakers. I sat through 4 workshops that I plan to utilize and share with not only the fraternity but with other organizations I’m involved with as well.” – Vi Quach, UMich Sigma 53

As the students return to campus and begin the semester, they do so with a confidence in their leadership skills and a passion for brotherhood. Through programs like Midyear Leadership Conference, our brotherhood can be assured that next men of Pi Alpha Phi will continue its Tradition of Excellence Since 1929.

It is with great pride that the fraternity announces that on Saturday, January 14th 14 pledges from NCSU Colony Chapter officially crossed into this chapter as initiates of Pi Alpha Phi. Throughout their new member education process, these young men showed tremendous dedication, character, and embodied a spirit of continuous learning that we know that they will carry on as they begin to build out their chapter. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this process as this would not be possible without the work of so many brothers.

Building a strong alumni and volunteer network is a critical component of improving the Fraternity’s ability to operate effectively.

Pi Alpha Phi is pleased to announce the appointment of Leo Cao as the Manager of Alumni and Volunteer Services. Leo is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina Chapter. In his new role, Leo is responsible for the planning and implementation of programs and projects that engage alumni and provide tangible benefits to our members.

“Leo is a great thinker with the ability to put thought into action,” notes National President Gordon Wong. “He is a great addition to the fraternity’s leadership team. We look forward to working with him.”

Effective communication is a critical component in each of the National Board’s top priorities as we plan for the future:

* Investment in our Brotherhood
* Brothers for Life
* Improve the National Infrastructure
* “Establish our Brand” of Leadership in the Community

We are working diligently to build the organization’s infrastructure so the national fraternity can better serve its members. With that in mind, the National Fraternity is seeking qualified candidates to apply for a new position: Marketing and Communications Manager.

Energetic and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply by April 1st, 2011 by e-mailing a resume and cover letter to nb@pialphaphi.com.

Title: Marketing and Communications Manager

Summary of Position: The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for creating and implementing the organization’s Style Guide and Graphic Standards in all publications, both printed and electronic. This newly-created position will develop the fraternity newsletter, assist with development and membership materials, and revise supporting brochures and documentation. This person will work with volunteers who serve on the Marketing and Communications Committee to build brand identity.

The ideal candidate is a talented communications professional with exceptional writing skills, proven project management experience, and a sharp eye for quality communications material. He or she will possess technical ability as well as the ability to work well within a fast-paced environment and a collaborative team structure.

Reports to: National Board of Directors

Core Responsibilities:

* Oversees and is responsible for all aspects of marketing, both internal and external communications.
* Brings the vision and mission of the Fraternity to life for all audiences, aligning messages with the strategic goals of the organization.
* Ensures that the Fraternity’s brand reflects its vision and mission and enhances the image and understanding of the organization.
* Ensures that communications and messages reflect a consistent and complementary look and feel.
* Executes and manages all print communications activities of the National Fraternity and of Fraternity-related projects.
* Responsible for key tactics of Strategic Plan as well as developing an annual Communications Plan; establishing, assessing, and analyzing measurable objectives.
* Delivers consistent and reliable results, while also looking for new and creative ways to deliver the Fraternity’s messages.
* Makes prudent use of Marketing and Communications budget; selects and oversees external resources to assist in providing marketing and communications.
* Works effectively with the Fraternity and partner organizations on joint projects to achieve the cohesive view for the audience; ensures all marketing activities are complementary.
* Works effectively with donors, volunteers, and National Board members to facilitate and advance key relationships.
* Supports the National Boards’ communication needs (presentations, remarks, etc.).

Selection Criteria:

* Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field of study preferred, but not required.
* A minimum of 1-2 years experience in developing and executing marketing and communications programs.
* Demonstrated ability to deliver effective branding strategies.
* Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic marketing and communication plans.
* Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including proofreading and editing.
* Excellent project management skills – ability to execute on time and within budget, managing resources and vendors effectively; multi-tasking and prioritizing with autonomy.
* Excellent technical skills, ability to manage web site content, e-communications, and other technical components of marketing efforts. Desktop publishing ability a plus.
* Demonstrated ability to effectively function as a key member of a high performance team.
* Excellent presentation skills.
* Excellent professional demeanor.
* Prior association or fraternity/sorority experience preferred

Additional Information:

* Some travel required.

Other Qualifications: Membership in Pi Alpha Phi preferred, but not required. The most important qualification for involvement in Pi Alpha Phi is that you have a commitment to excellence, enthusiasm for hard work, personal integrity, and a desire to contribute to a winning team.

Building a strong alumni and volunteer network is a critical component in each of the National Board’s top priorities as we plan for the future:

* Investment in our Brotherhood
* Brothers for Life
* Improve the National Infrastructure
* “Establish our Brand” of Leadership in the Community

We are working diligently to build the organization’s infrastructure so the national fraternity can better serve its members. With that in mind, the National Fraternity is seeking qualified candidates to apply for a new position: Manager of Alumni and Volunteer Services.

Energetic and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply by April 1st, 2011 by e-mailing a resume and cover letter to nb@pialphaphi.com.

Title: Manager of Alumni and Volunteer Services

Reports to: Board of Directors, Pi Alpha Phi National Fraternity

Summary of Position: The Manager of Alumni and Volunteer Services is responsible for the planning and implementation of programs and projects that strategically engage alumni and provide tangible benefits to our members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Manages the strategic development, implementation, and execution of new and existing alumni programs and services designed to foster a lifelong involvement in the Fraternity
* Provide strategies and support for maximum growth of alumni chapters and involved members within alumni groups (associations/chapters/clubs/etc)
* Coordinates the strategic and logistical responsibilities of volunteer programs and services designed to engage and cultivate a network of volunteers at the local and international level; ensure that all volunteer positions are filled with qualified individuals
* Collaborates with other entities to develop programs, events, and volunteer activities that promote alumni participation and leadership
* Utilizing a team oriented approach, identify and recruit new volunteers for all levels of fraternity operations; secure commitments from alumni to provide professional expertise and volunteer service; ensures that all vacant volunteer positions are filled with qualified and capable leaders
* Collaborates with Expansion Team to generate alumni interest for potential expansion presentations and colonizations; identify and recruit volunteers to serve as advisers prior to colonization
* Assist with development of relevant volunteer service training programs
* Establish and build relationships with various alumni constituencies; maintain regular communication via in-person contact, e-mail, website, newsletters, social media, phone, etc.
* Oversee the development and distribution of alumni publications
* Collaborate with undergraduate chapters and introduce alumni involvement/participation to collegiate members, assists with development of programs designed to help undergraduates transition to alumni life membership and involvement with Fraternity
* Establish and adhere to alumni and volunteer services budget
* Provides education and follow-up to alumni members and volunteers
* Supervise the work of Alumni volunteers at national and local levels
* Create, Collect, and analyze alumni chapter reports to ensure effective alumni operations
* Provide assessment to all alumni programming and services to recommend changes and improvements

Qualifications: The Director of Alumni and Volunteer Services requires the following qualifications

* Bachelor’s degree required, Masters preferred
* Experience in a related field such as program development, alumni relations, human resources, or volunteer management
* Demonstrated ability to plan strategically, implement, and build constituency programs
* Self-starter; highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously without daily supervision
* Must possess excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
* Demonstrated experience in fostering productive relationships with volunteers, developing volunteer leadership, and motivating volunteers
* Prior association or fraternity/sorority related experience

Other Qualifications: Membership in Pi Alpha Phi preferred, but not required. The most important qualification for involvement in Pi Alpha Phi is that you have a commitment to excellence, enthusiasm for hard work, personal integrity, and a desire to contribute to a winning team.

Expansion is the process of starting new chapters, or re-colonizing inactive chapters. Pi Alpha Phi was founded upon the philosophy of Building Better Men through the principles of Academic Excellence, Asian-American Awareness, Brotherhood, Leadership, and Philanthropy. For over 20 years, Pi Alpha Phi has sought to expand those opportunities to supportive colleges and universities, so that we may offer more students the benefits our Fraternity provides. Except for our Alpha Chapter members, every single one of you reading this announcement is a product of this expansion philosophy. Founding Fathers have the opportunity to lay the ground work and build the chapter’s foundation for generations to come.

One of the first projects the 2011 National Board has embarked on was improving the fraternity’s expansion process and criteria. The Board has built relationships with potential student interest groups as well as with university Greek life offices interested in bringing Pi Alpha Phi to their campus.

With that in mind, the Pi Alpha Phi Board of Directors has appointed Sang Shin as the Director of Expansion. Sang is an alumnus and one of the founding fathers of our University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill chapter. He brings passion and a high standard of excellence to this role.

The first task at hand is to build an Expansion Team, which will be charged with:

• Developing the master expansion plan, so that we are intentional and consistent our expansion efforts.
• Finding, recruiting, and educating high quality undergraduate men who fit Pi Alpha Phi’s criteria for Excellence at top universities
• Recruiting and training a local advisory team, so that any colonies will have the support it needs to become an extraordinary chapter of Pi Alpha Phi

We have already identified universities in the Midwest and North Carolina regions which are prime targets for expansion. We have also dedicated ourselves to re-establishing our Delta Chapter at San Jose State University.

We are asking you, the members of Pi Alpha Phi for some assistance in our endeavors.

• If you would like to join the expansion team…
• If you know of any undergraduate men who would make excellent brothers in these regions…
• If you know of any alumni who would make a great addition to a local advisory team…
• If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities…

Please contact Sang Shin at expansion@pialphaphi.com
Fraternally,

Ronald Lai, Charles Pak, Sang Shin, Chris Wong, Gordon Wong, Nelson Wu, Allen Yu
Board of Directors
Pi Alpha Phi National Fraternity
A Tradition of Excellence Since 1929

This month, our Fraternity celebrated 82 years of a Tradition of Excellence. For over 8 decades, our Fraternity has created generations of leaders in fields such as engineering, law, medicine and industry. We have provided leaders not just of the Asian American community, but American society as a whole.

Many of our members speak about the greatness of our fraternity. We need to translate these words into action. We have a great history when it comes to Pi Alpha Phi. Now, we have to look forward; develop our members; and invest in our future.

We challenge our brothers to look at each other in the eyes and within themselves. See both the good and the bad in our fraternity. Then rise up and help us re-claim our Legacy of Excellence.

The National Board has begun work on our new 2 year strategic plan to improve the Fraternity. We are focused on 4 main areas:

• Investment in our Brotherhood
• Brothers for Life
• Improve the National Infrastructure
• “Establish our Brand” of Leadership in the Community

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will detail specific initiatives and accomplishments in each of these areas. We have already begun investments in our brotherhood, such as last week’s 2011 East Region Midyear, where members of our eastern region chapters learned skills that they could take back to improve their chapters.

We are looking for volunteers to participate in this effort. With the re-structuring of the Fraternity’s governance last year, you, the members, have already taken the first steps towards elevating this Fraternity. This national board humbly continues this quest with you to return the Fraternity to the Path of Excellence.

Fraternally,

Ronald Lai, Charles Pak, Sang Shin, Chris Wong, Gordon Wong, Nelson Wu, Allen Yu
National Board of Directors
Pi Alpha Phi National Fraternity

For many of our members, the early days of Pi Alpha Phi is shrouded in a veil of mystery, myth, and confusion. To commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Pi Alpha Phi charter, I would like to use this opportunity to shed some light on the origins of our great fraternity.

In 1928, three enterprising members of the Class of 1930 first conceived the idea to form a fraternity to serve the several hundred students of Chinese descent at the University of California, Berkeley. Wing C. Chan, from the Central California town of Oroville; Dong Wing Tom, from San Francisco; and Elmer Leong from Berkeley, did much of the preliminary work towards the formation of the Fraternity.

The three men had difficulty finding a home for their newly conceived organization. Discrimination was rampant against those of Asian descent. In some exclusive areas, including the neighborhoods surrounding the UC Berkeley campus, Asians were prohibited to rent or buy property.

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. It was a pitching iron shot to the old Harmon Gym and Sather Gate.

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”.

Soon afterward, the group rented a 5 room house at 2227 Union Street, the site of the existing ASUC Building. Three others were asked to join the group and moved into the house: George Y. Lee from San Francisco; Wing’s brother Chack Chan; and Tim S. Jang from the Sacramento Delta town of Courtland.

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.

In 2003, Founder Tim Jang reminisced about some of the history of the fraternity.
Excerpts can be seen here:

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.