Chapter History

Enduring against the Great Depression, World War II, the anti-fraternity mentality in the 1970's, and the country's anti-Asian sentiments in the 1980's, Pi Alpha Phi stands strong as the first Asian-American interest fraternity to be established in the United States. During its seventy-seventh year, Pi Alpha Phi extended its traditions of brotherhood into the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. On May 23, 2003, eight young men who sought for strong bonds of brotherhood established the first Greek fraternity for Asian-Americans in North Carolina. These founding fathers were: Hans Choe, Tuan Le, Kenneth Lee, Benjamin Mappen, Danny Nguyen, Kirtesh Patel, Sang Shin, and David Yu. They vowed to continue the fraternity's traditions and uphold the five main pillars to preserve the fraternity's prestige through the generations.

In the South, remnants of racial discrimination exist in the culture largely due to a lack of cultural diffusion and education. These eight visionaries wanted to use the bonds of brotherhood to help forward the advancement of Asian-Americans using Asian awareness, leadership, and philanthropy. They firmly believed in the fraternity and the opportunities it can create for young men throughout the South. The hopes and traditions of the fraternity will continue to pave the way as it all started through those eight charters at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Our Five Pillars

Pi Alpha Phi is Brotherhood.
The Fraternity encourages mutual respect, trust and loyalty among its members. The Fraternity creates an extended family that nurtures life-long friendships through the bonds of tradition, shared values, and unity.

Pi Alpha Phi is committed to Academic Excellence.
The Fraternity creates a studious environment and encourages each of its members to achieve his greatest academic potential. The Fraternity supports all educational endeavors and recognizes exceptional academic achievement.

Pi Alpha Phi is devoted to Philanthropy.
The Fraternity is committed to its responsibility to serve others and encourages participation in activities for the betterment of the community.

Pi Alpha Phi inspires Leaders.
The Fraternity provides opportunities to fulfill important duties within the organization and helps members develop leadership skills in preparation for their future careers and endeavors.

Pi Alpha Phi strives to promote Asian American Awareness.
The Fraternity believes in learning Asian American culture, heritage and history. The Fraternity encourages its members to pass on this knowledge to others.