The History of the Pi Chapter

The Pi Chapter of Sigma Chi was re-installed on April 14,1984 with 45 undergraduates and one alumnus being initiated. After 13 months of organization and preparation, Sigma Chi became a permanent addition to Samford University. The original Pi Chapter was chartered in 1860 at Erskine College in South Carolina, and after it was forced to disband by the Civil War, the charter was granted to a petitioning group at Howard College in Marion, Alabama (now Samford University in Birmingham, AL). The Pi Chapter at Howard was a prominent chapter in Sigma Chi, and the installing Chapter for Iota Iota at the University of Alabama.

After a long struggle, the Pi Chapter returned its Charter to the General Fraternity due to legislation that abolished fraternities statewide. The spring of 1984 witnessed the rebirth of this historic chapter at its former home, Samford University. During January of 1983 John Lankford, '86, and Eric Jacks, '84, had gone to Tuscaloosa, AL, to meet with the Brothers of Iota Iota to discuss the possibility of reinstating the Charter. After talking with Herb Drake, Grand Praetor of the Southeastern Province, Brother Lankford began setting up appointments with members of the faculty and key people in the administration of the University. Through the efforts of the Dean of Students, George Blanks, Drake and Lankford, the Trustees unanimously approved the re-entrance of Sigma Chi to Samford's campus on March 16, 1983.

Brother Lankford was elected Consul, and 16 new members were added to the group, making it 27 members strong after only one month. During the summer months, the Brothers who lived in Birmingham renovated the area in one of the men's dormitories, which had been provided by the school, and built a substantial living room, kitchen, office area and Chapter Room. Now the Chapter has progressed into having one of the finest fraternity houses on Samford's campus. In this dedication, it is evident that the Brothers of the Pi Chapter are committed to the high ideals of the Fraternity, and are building their Chapter around the true Spirit of Sigma Chi.