History | Pi Lambda Phi Omega

Images courtesy of www.pilambdaphi.org/about/history/

Founding History:

Pi Lambda Phi was founded at Yale University on March 21, 1895 by Frederick Manfred Werner, Louis Samter Levy, and Henry Mark Fisher as North America's First Non-Sectarian and Non-Discriminatory Fraternity.

Back in 1895, the group of men from Yale University were denied admission to other college fraternities due to their racial and religious backgrounds. It became the vision of three men to create an organization in which no member would be barred admittance due sect or creed. These men founded the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity on the basis of ability, open-mindedness, farsightedness, and a progressive, forward-looking attitude which became recognized as the basic attributes of membership. Pi Lambda Phi (Pi Lam) is honored to be the first international, nonsectarian fraternity.

The Founders’ message is just as prevalent today. In a world torn by violence, prejudice, and mistrust, Pi Lambda Phi’s ideals are forever strong in the hearts of over 45,000 alumni.

Omega Chapter History:

1926: A local fraternity, known as Phi Theta Chi, selects Pi Lambda Phi to become part of a Nationally known Fraternity. On Nov 17th, Tau Chapter of Pi Lambda Phi is chartered.

1929: The Omega chapter of Phi Beta Delta, not satisfied with their fraternity’s administration, merges with the Tau chapter of Pi Lambda Phi. The Phi Beta Delta Fraternity files suit against Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity. The result of the lawsuit is all undergraduate members from both groups are given alumni status. The recently initiated Pi Lambda Phi freshmen are granted a charter under chapter designation Omega.

1935: The Omega chapter moves into 10 Langdon.

1940: The Omega chapter moves into 130 Langdon – deemed “The Mansion”

1941: Pi Lambda Phi merges with Phi Beta Delta. Chapter designations begin using the state abbreviation before the Greek Letter designation due to conflicting chapter designations. The chapter is known as the WI Omega chapter of Pi Lambda Phi.

1942: Brothers leave for WWII.

1945: Jules Lennard ’36, Walter Pancoe ’47, and others returning home from service restart the WI Omega chapter.

1947: Omega of Pi Lambda Phi Corporation is created. The corporation’s purpose is to provide housing for the chapter. Walter Pancoe and Leonard Eisenberg manage the assets of the corporation.

1949: Jules Lennard, ’36 is named Alumni of the Decade

1955: Omega Corporation purchases – 146 Langdon. The property is named “The Nottingham”

Early 1960’s: The Omega chapter becomes the largest chapter in Pi Lambda Phi and at UW-Madison.

WI Omega grows to 160 undergraduate brothers
WI Omega dominates the Badger Bowl and Humorology.
Brothers are active in Campus WUD, IFC, and WSA.
The brothers have the “Temptations” perform at the Pi Lam house. The Temptations later go to be one of the most successful Motown acts.

1965 - 1969: Due to the Vietnam War, Fraternity membership drastically declines. The anti-organization culture leaves the chapter unable to recruit. The brothers are unable to fill the house at 146 Langdon. Omega Corporation rents the house to boarders.

1971: Leonard Eisenberg passes away.

1972: 146 Langdon is rented for a 10 year lease to the Nottingham co-op.

1982: Omega Corp under the leadership of Walter Pancoe requests to re-colonize WI Omega.

1983: J. Robert O’Leary, Pi Lambda Phi’s Director of Expansion, begins recruiting undergraduates with the help of UW Undergraduate Ed Kinney. On October 13th, WI Omega is recognized as a colony. Rex Ed Kinney holds meetings in Sullivan Hall and social gatherings at the Rathskeller.

May 5, 1984: WI Omega is re-chartered. During the Fall, WI Omega moves to 629 N Frances since the Nottingham is unavailable

1985: In April, WI Omega hosts the largest block party of the decade. The block party raises significant funds for local charities. The attendance is estimated at 11,000. Later in the Fall, WI Omega moves to 104 Langdon. Rex Tom Kinney doubles the chapter membership.

1987: The Omega Society Alumni Association is established. Ed Kinney is named chapter advisory. Walter Pancoe is named Alumnus of the Decade

1989: Rex Rick Ehrenberg wins the Rafer Johnson Upsilon Achievement Award – the fraternity’s highest undergraduate award

1989-1991: WI Omega has dozens of campus leaders, president of WSA, business manager of The Daily Cardinal and numerous other leadership positions

1993: WI Omega moves to 248 Langdon

1994: Poor living conditions results in a decrease in membership. WI Omega relocates to 218 W Gilman St in February. In August, WI Omega establishes mentor program with children of Bayview Townhouses, a lower-middle income housing development in Madison

WI Omega wins the IFC Community Service Award
Awarded Saturn Community Service Certificate
Featured in The Badger Herald.

1996:

WI Omega wins the Snap Melniker Community Service Award – making them the top Pi Lambda Phi chapter for community service.
WI wins the Jules Lennard Human Relations Award – awarded to a chapter or individual who has made a significant impact in the community towards tolerance and understanding.
WI Omega begins the Elimination of Prejudice Essay Contest.

1997: WI Omega begins partnering with the Madison Area Salvation Army.

1998: WI Omega relocates to 121 Langdon.

2000: WI Omega is recognized for having the highest GPA at the University of Wisconsin.

2001: 75th Anniversary Reunion.

2002: WI Omega relocates to 619 Mendota Court.

2008: WI Omega changes recruitment to more carefully select men who associate with the values and Creed of Pi Lambda Phi.

2009: The alumni offer significant assistance to re-establish the chapter and place it among the top 5 Fraternities at Wisconsin-Madison.

2011: WI Omega Wins Chapter Improvement award for their success in restructuring and revaluing their goals and vision.

2022: WI Omega purchases and remodels 132 N Breese Terrace. Achieves largest pledge class in chapter history - 18 new brothers.