Pi Lambda Phi Essay

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Pi Lambda Phi is a nationally recognized Fraternity of the Inter Fraternity Council (IFC). Known for its small size on campuses without huge Greek presence we analyze the experience of Pi Lambda Phi as an unhoused organization on the highly Greek campus of Indiana University Bloomington. Informants included in this investigation were New Member Educator Ben Axelrod and members Paul Oyoma of the Alpha Theta chapter. Due to the atmosphere of Greek life and its presence on IU’s campus I began to develop an interest in the different experiences Fraternities offer that set them apart. On a campus of forty-one Fraternities six of them are unhoused which sets them apart on the Greek Tier system. With the difference of living situation in mind the question of the impact being unhoused has on Greek rank came to mind. These questions led to the primary research question of how deeply does a lack of housing influence the social status and bond between brothers in unhoused fraternities. I argue that unhoused Fraternities such as Pi Lambda Phi have equal opportunity experience as housed fraternities regardless …show more content…

In interview two Ben speaks on the goals of Pi Lambs Philanthropies and the lasting presence it has not only on the Greek community, but the faculty at IU. When asked about the impact Pi Lambs week of elimination of prejudice has on campus Ben stated, “I think it does, definitely have a different impact and I think its more, ugh, it stands out more. I know a lot of people who, in the Indiana community, people who are in higher ups know our name because of like the different events we put on and the example we set for other fraternities on our campus”. Bens statement about setting an example for other fraternities leads to the conclusion that the Pi Lamb chapter holds themselves to standards which they view other fraternities lacking