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Beta Upsilon Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi

50^th Anniversary Celebration

University of Virginia, April 8-10, 2011

1. Let Don Smith know you're coming (see "contact us" below)

2. Reserve a room at the Cavalier Inn by calling (888) 882-2129 or click on link or email akemper@cavalierinn.com

Only a dozen rooms left (3/4/2011)

Will Share a Room: Founders' Suite, Misleh '71, Smith '75 (other suite)

3. Sign up for Dinner

Make checks out to "HRC" for $75 per person.

Specify your choice for dinner: tenderloin & salmon, grilled marinated chicken & shrimp, or roasted fresh veggie plate.....

Mail checks to Don Smith, PO Box 177, Marshall, VA 20116

Contact Us: Email either Don Smith or Jym Clendenin at uvapikapps@gmail.com for questions or suggestions concerning this web site.

The Beta Upsilon Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was inaugurated following the induction of 25 brothers on May 6, 1961. This was the culmination of 2 years of effort, beginning in the spring of 1959, when several Virginia gentlemen were recruited to reactivate at Virginia the Alpha Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Phi. In the following academic year, the Alpha Mu "Fraternity" rented a house at 2 Venable Lane (the street no longer exists) off of Jefferson Park Avenue, and began to act like a fraternity. In March 1960 the fraternity moved to a larger house at 1514 Jefferson Park Avenue. However, in the spring of 1960 (?) Delta Sig dropped their reactivation efforts since they had begun negotiating to merge with another national that already had an active chapter at Virginia. Two other nationals then stepped forward with offers to take in Alpha Mu: Lambda Chi Alpha and Pi Kappa Phi. On a fateful night of April 28, 1960, after a long meeting with representatives from Pi Kappa Phi, the Club voted unanimously to go with Pi Kappa Phi and soon thereafter the Beta Upsilon Colony of Phi Kappa Phi was established at Virginia.

Chronology of Early Years (from Russ Davis 8/17/2010):

April 1959: First meeting of what would become Alpha Mu.

Fall 1959:

• Alpha Mu Club petitions IFC for membership, Voted down 16 to 10.
• Venable Lane house occupied. Dean Runk OK's females on second floor since house was too small to accommodate everyone on first floor.

March 1960: Moved to 1514 Jeff Park Avenue from 2 Venable Lane

April 28, 1960:

• At 1:23 am Leroy Hamlett, last hold out for Lambda Chi Alpha, votes for Pi Kappa Phi.
• Chip Baber has a picture of Mom Morrissette with the group of six or seven who were the last holdouts for Lambda Chi Alpha. "Don't remember who all they were, but Leroy, John Maxwell, Dick Sandstrom, Curt Sweitzer come to mind".
• House goes to hotel to celebrate with Bernie Jones (he of great name recalling ability)
• The first advisor to and Corporation President of Beta Upsilon was Richard G. Anderson (Rho). He was an instructor in the JAG School at Virginia.

May 23, 1960: In a major reversal, IFC grants probationary status by a vote of 20 to 10.

February 1961: IFC grants full membership by a vote of 28 to 2.

May 6, 1961: Beta Upsilon charted. Chartering team from W&L. First chapter of Pi Kappa Phi to be chartered during Durward Owen's service as Executive Secretary. Initiation of 25 (all the Alpha Mu brothers, including class of 1960) took place at University Chapel.

Fall 1961 – Moved to 510 Rugby Road.