Pi Kappa Alpha Gamma Xi

Pi Kappa Alpha Gamma Xi is a chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, located at Washington State University. The chapter has its roots in the local fraternity Phi Epsilon, which was founded on November 21, 1922. Phi Epsilon successfully petitioned Pi Kappa Alpha and was granted its charter as Gamma Xi on October 26, 1929[1].

History and Development

• Early Years: The Pi Kap Building Association was established on March 6, 1930, to serve as a board of trustees overseeing the chapter's finances and property[1].
• Sidwell Collins Library: Following the death of Brother Sidwell Collins in 1932, his father, Dr. I.S. Collins, donated a portion of his book collection to establish a library in his son's memory. By 1937, this collection had grown to become one of the most notable fraternity libraries in the country, featuring autographed volumes by Mark Twain. However, a significant portion of the library was lost in a fire in 1953[1].
• Chapter Achievements: In 1959, Brother Bob Patrick was elected as ASWSU President. The chapter received the National Chapter Reporting Award in 1960. In 1985, Gamma Xi earned its first Chapter Excellence Award from Pi Kappa Alpha International[1].
• Alumni Association: The Gamma Xi Alumni Association was formed on August 30, 1988. It has been recognized with the International Fraternity’s Nester Award multiple times[1][4].

Recent Activities

• Renovation and Expansion: In the early 1990s, the chapter house underwent significant renovations, which included adding a new wing. The groundbreaking for this project occurred on May 14, 1991, making Gamma Xi one of the largest fraternity houses at Washington State University[1].
• Awards and Recognition: Since the renovation, Gamma Xi has achieved several distinctions, including winning the Robert Adger Smythe Award four times (in 1998, 1999, 2010, and 2011). It has also been consistently ranked among the top fraternity chapters nationwide for pledge education, alumni relations, membership education, rush, housing, and community service[1].

Community and Parent Engagement

• Parent Events: The chapter hosts parent weekend events, including brunches and auctions, to foster community engagement and raise funds for philanthropic causes[2].

Non-Profit Status

Pi Kappa Alpha Gamma Xi operates as a non-profit organization. Relevant tax documents are available upon request[3].