2024 Leadership Institute – Participants, supporters and volunteers made it a great success
Delegates from 32 chapters came to this year’s three-day Leadership Institute to eagerly challenge themselves through competition, guided discussion, lessons about commitment, and reflection on what makes good leaders and stronger organizations.
The curriculum and sessions are carefully planned and designed to build a group dynamic through immersive and engaging activities that promote idea sharing through the collective voices of the brothers representing their chapters.
What a view! 
Representin’ in Philly 
The IHQ crew enjoys carbo loading for the task ahead 
Lesson 1: Let’s talk about commitment… also an unwelcome discussion you’ll hear from your girlfriend 
Ian Lowe addresses the troops 
Running aground in the canoe races 
Rho, rho, rho your boat! 
I don’t think the heavy stuff’s gonna come down for quite a while. 
Chariot races 
Chariot races cargo 
Motivational poster: Hang in there! 
Climbing like he was inspired by Sgt. Hulka 
Remembering the Chapter Eternal 
Calvin Carrie gets his due for 5 years of service 
See ya next year Lake Bryn Mawr Camp
Thank you to our supporters!
Developing strong leadership skills in our undergraduate members is core to the Pi Lambda Phi mission. And this year we are thankful for the strong support from our generous alumni who were instrumental in funding the Leadership Institute.
How the Leadership Institute strengthens chapters
Recent graduate and new IHQ staffer, Jesus Cayado, shared how attending the the 2023 Institute helped his chapter improve their overall performance.
Volunteers make it possible
We sincerely thank our alumni coaches and IHQ staff for sharing their time and experience to a new generation of Pilam brothers. Without your dedication, these programs would not be possible.
Devin Basile ’12 (Baldwin Wallace)
Antwann Harper ’15 (Frostburg State)
Ethan Stubbs (Associate Dean of Fraternity and Sorority Commons at RPI)
Keith Kyger ’78 (UVA)
Orrin Webb ’14 (Salisbury)
Pat Lincoln ’88 (East Stroudsburg)
Rob Kairis ’07 (University of Florida)
Dan DeBard ’14 (Indiana)
Hunter Holbrook ’22 (Grand Valley State)
Joel Weiss ’15 (FIT)
Alicia Hawkins (Assistant Director of FSL at Penn State)
Mardi Scott (Professional educator and wife of Dan Scott, former president of the IEC)
Activity challenges build leadership
After introductions and a visit to Philly, teams were assembled into “family groups” named for historic founders of Pi Lambda Phi Alpha founders. Then they faced off in all sorts of challenges to develop their problem-solving skills, competitive spirit, and commitment.
Here are a few examples of the challenges faced and leadership lessons learned.
Canoe races – Support your brothers
Rho rho rho your boat, and beat the other teams. The canoe races brought out the best in team spirit. Some crews even (inadvertently) bumped one another in the proud Greek tradition of ramming the “enemy.”
Lesson: Ongoing mutual support builds confidence and a desire to excel. Competition isn’t just about winning. It’s about supporting your brothers.
Blindfolded dodgeball – Trust your brother
Brothers felt and heard their way through this exercise that promotes teamwork through trust. Losing a sense makes the participant rely on his team for help… or get beaned by a ball.
Lesson: Trust is essential in a well-run organization. When the stakes are higher do you trust your brothers to listen to each other?
Climbing and high ropes – Show courage and commitment
Heights are not for everyone and climbing can be daunting. The high ropes course builds courage and commitment. Participants were challenged to come out of their comfort zone to soar to new heights and benefit their teams.
Lesson: The best way to support an organization is to commit to its lofty goals. Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself for the betterment of the group.
Building on the Leadership Experience
The Leadership Institute isn’t just about theory. By the end of the program, participants develop an Evolution Plan based on what they learned so they can implement their newfound skills back in their chapters and personal lives. This reinforces a lasting impact on both the individual and the fraternity as a whole.
To ensure that the valuable lessons learned benefit chapters, the IHQ provides ongoing coaching and planning support to chapter leaders that will be passed on the brothers.
Please support the Leadership Institute
Supporting the Leadership Institute is one of the best ways to prepare our undergraduate brothers for the leadership challenges that Fraternities face today, and ensure the longevity of Pi Lambda Phi.
Please help us to educate a new generation of Pilam brothers, so they can continue our proud tradition “Not Four Years, but a Lifetime.”