MISSION

The mission of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. is to maintain its Fraternal existence by instilling values that nurture and perpetuate the continual growth and development of the individual through Academic Achievement, Cultural Awareness, Righteousness, Friendship and Loyalty while fostering ethical behavior, leadership, and philanthropy. Pi Delta Psi was founded on these principles to help promote Asian Awareness amongst ourselves and throughout the community. We envisioned this to be possible by going out of the boundaries of an organization and creating a Fraternity on the basis of common goals and ideals in the form of a brotherhood. We believe that through education, we can become more knowledgeable about the different Asian cultures, overcome obstacles of racism and discrimination, therefore unifying us as a whole. This mission statement embodies the purpose of our Fraternity and is set forth as a guide that empowers each member to better himself, the Brotherhood, community, and society as a whole.

NATIONAL HISTORY

Pi Delta Psi Fraternity was founded by eleven men from various backgrounds (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino and Vietnamese). Already established leaders within their own university sponsored cultural organizations, these men assembled to devise a structure that would create an understanding between the various Asian cultures, build relationships extending beyond the academic years and most importantly, finding and building an individual's skill sets. These eleven men envisioned an infrastructure that would continuously motivate and challenge individuals. This infrastructure of a fraternal society, which has been around since 1776 would become the building blocks of their endeavor. Pi Delta Psi was founded on February 20, 1994 in Binghamton University, State University of New York. The eleven men were responsible for architecting the guiding principles, which have now developed into one of the nation's largest Asian Cultural Interest Fraternities. Over the next three years (1994-1996), Pi Delta Psi had expanded into the University at Buffalo and Hofstra University. Every expansion resulted in positively impacting the school and surrounding community. By 2000, Pi Delta Psi had expanded to 11 prestigious campuses spanning four states, setting a record for the fastest growing organization of its kind since inception. With a fierce growth in the brotherhood and a strengthened alumni base, the fraternity rebuilt its National Council in 1999, standardizing Pi Delta Psi throughout all its chapters.Today, the Fraternity continues to grow in size and prestige. What began as a dream for the eleven founders, has become the work and dedication of hundreds across the country and across seas.

CHAPTER HISTORY

In January of 2003, a group of friends gathered in Apt 1031 to discuss the establishment of an Asian American fraternity on campus. Having a passion for UF’s Asian American community, the group evaluated what benefits a fraternity would bring to their campus. They addressed problems associated with the stereotypical Greek community as potential downfalls to their efforts. Collectively, the young men did not want to start an organization that would negatively impact the existing Asian American community.After much deliberation, the men agreed to only establish a Fraternity if it would be a beneficial asset to the Asian American community; rather than just a social organization. In February of 2003, the group officially announced the creation of their organization by holding the first general body meeting. They called the organization the Asian American Greek Interest Group (AAGIG) with the intent of establishing a fraternity. An article about the meeting was published in the Independent Florida Alligator here.

Despite the initial enthusiasm the group had for their organization, they were met with some opposition. Members of the Asian American community felt that Greeks would be detrimental to UF. Believing in stereotypes of Greeks, these members argued that those in Greek organizations would not be active in other organizations, would have poor GPAs, and would spend their time drinking and partying. Despite the challenges, AAGIG continued forward, becoming active all across the UF campus. Members of AAGIG became leaders in different organizations and even broke barriers for Asian Americans at UF. Eventually, their membership would grow to over 20 individuals. After firmly establishing a reputable organization, the members began researching which Fraternity they would charter at UF. The members engaged in extensive research involving interest meetings and phone conversations. Over a year after their inception, AAGIG finally chose a Fraternity that mirrored their ideals and goals.

On November 13, 2004, 20 men chartered the UF Colony of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. With the assistance and guidance of two well respected charters in the Fraternity, Hubert "Optimus" Ho, a charter at The Ohio State University, and Tuong "Mongo" Phan, a charter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Collectively, these men made history by establishing the First Asian American Cultural Fraternity at the University of Florida and the State of Florida. They were also the First chapter of Pi Delta Psi in the southeast. And, on April 5, 2006, the Fraternity was officially recognized by the University of Florida. An article about our recognition was published in the Independent Florida Alligator here.

Today, the UF Sigma Chapter of Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. maintains the original goals set forth on January of 2004. Having developed the bond of brotherhood, these men dedicate their lives to the four pillars: academic achievement, cultural awareness, righteousness, and friendship/loyalty. Moreover, they refuse to be categorized as the stereotypical Fraternity. Rather, these men have engaged themselves with UF’s Asian American community and UF’s campus as a whole.

PHILANTHROPY

NATIONAL

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote regional cooperation.

The Asia Foundation improves lives, expands opportunities, and helps societies flourish across a dynamic and developing Asia. We work with innovative leaders and communities to build effective institutions and advance pathbreaking reforms. Together with our partners, we are committed to Asia’s continued development as a peaceful, just, and thriving region of the world.

CHAPTER

The mission of Dance Marathon at UF is to raise funds to benefit patients of UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.

Over 8,500 pediatric cases are seen by UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital annually. Each year, Dance Marathon at UF holds a 26.2-hour event to raise money that goes directly to purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment, enhancements to make the children’s stay at the hospital more enjoyable, and funding for research grants and educational programs.