Chapter History
The story of Alpha Sigma
Pi Kappa Phi
Pi Kappa Phi was founded on December 10, 1904 at the College of Charleston in South Carolina by Andrew Alexander Kroeg Jr., Simon Fogarty Jr., and Lawrence Harry Mixson. The fraternity grew out of a group called Nu Phi ("non‑fraternity"), formed by students who wanted to break the control of existing fraternities and create something more principled and inclusive. When their original effort failed, the group reorganized into a new fraternity built on the values of leadership, scholarship, and service, becoming Pi Kappa Phi.
Throughout the 20th century, the fraternity expanded steadily across the country, establishing chapters at major universities and building a reputation for leadership development and campus involvement. One of Pi Kappa Phi's defining contributions is its national philanthropy, The Ability Experience, founded in 1977. It remains the only fraternity‑owned nonprofit in the Greek world and focuses on supporting people with disabilities through fundraising, awareness, and hands‑on service events such as Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida, and Build America.
Today, Pi Kappa Phi has over 190 chapters, more than 130,000 initiated members, and a national identity centered on creating leaders through service, staying true to the ideals envisioned by its founders in 1904.
Alpha Sigma
Founded in 1931, the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi has been a prominent part of the University of Tennessee's fraternity community for nearly a century. Throughout its history, the chapter has been known for strong brotherhood, campus involvement, and a culture that emphasizes leadership, academic achievement, and service.
Alpha Sigma has grown into one of the fraternity's most successful chapters nationally. With over 220 active members, it is currently the second‑largest chapter in Pi Kappa Phi nationwide. This growth reflects a chapter on a clear upward trajectory, driven by strong recruitment, engaged alumni, and a commitment to living out the values of Pi Kappa Phi in a modern, competitive Greek environment.
Today, Alpha Sigma stands as one of the fraternity's flagship chapters, large, highly engaged, and steadily gaining momentum as it develops the next generation of leaders at the University of Tennessee.
Early Brothers on the Steps
Pi Kappa Phi house on 16th street -- featuring Ed Byrd (AS 103), Fisher Martin (AS 120), C.L Hendrix (AS 117), Lee Ryerson (AS 114), and Arnold Cobb (AS 92)
Brotherhood Celebration
Brothers celebrating together at a chapter formal event.
Chapter Room Gathering
Brothers and guests gathered in the chapter room for a chapter event.
