Friendship.
The story of how the Gamma Phi chapter was started at the University of South Alabama begins with friendship.
The year was 1965. The university was just a year old and had 1800 students. The greek system was beginning to grow.
Brother Leo Harben Pou had a passion to see a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at USA. Leo Pou was from the Omicron Chapter at University of Alabama and was named the the first "Mr. Pi Kappa Phi." This award recognized Pou's superior lifetime achievement of a Pi Kapp and is the highest individual honor that can be bestowed on a member.Brother Pou began recruiting guys, sharing the vision of Pi Kappa Phi with men on our campus.
It took several years to establish a colony (the first stage of a new chapter). By 1968, Pou had met Curtis Weems and Ray Hartwell. Ray's brother, Tommy Hartwell, was a Pi Kapp at Auburn University. Brother Pou hosted the first organizational meeting in his home in early 1968. The Kappa Phi Colony began to form.
According to alumni Curtis Weems, "Brother Leo did not let “grass grow under his feet” nor would he be deterred from his objective of creating a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at USA. All five of the original members of the colony, Don Carter, Ray Hartwell, Jim Pledger, Steve Ferrell and me, were recruited by Brother Pau."
Brother Weems gives a more detailed account in a letter posted below. Click on the attached file at the bottom of the page to download the PDF file.
The colony was in full form by 1970. Here is the first composite.
On Saturday, January 16, 1971 the men of the colony were initiated and became Founding Fathers of the Gamma Phi chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
The history of Gamma Phi at the University of South Alabama since that day has been exciting! We have now initiated over 470 men into our ranks. As we approach our 40th Anniversary, one thing can be said.
What began with friendship will continue in friendship, for nothing shall ever tear us asunder!