Delta Sigma Pi. Alpha Lambda Chapter (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

The Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, an international fraternity of business administration students, was chartered at the University of North Carolina in 1925.

The Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, an international fraternity of business administration students, was chartered at the University of North Carolina in 1925. On 9 May of that year, the first chapter meeting was held and 36 members were initiated. The goals of the fraternity were to foster scholarship and professional knowledge in undergraduate business administration majors through a professional program including visiting speakers, forums, tours, and the operation of each chapter as a model business. The fraternity's national headquarters, called the Central Office, provided general supervision of and advice on chapter operations and activities, ranked chapters on efficiency, conducted an alumni program, held the fraternity's annual convention, and produced publications for chapter officers and members.

The Alpha Lambda Chapter's first twenty years were difficult ones. The combined effects of the Depression and World War II led to a decline in membership, and the chapter was placed on inactive status from 1935 to 1938. With the end of the war and the arrival of older students, its membership and activities again increased. In the late 1940s, the chapter acquired a house, and an expanded social program stimulated further membership growth. By the mid-1950s, an expanded professional program had been developed.

During the 1960s, however, the chapter's activities became increasingly social, and the Central Office applied pressure for a return to emphasis on professional development. By the 1969-1970 year, this conflict had deepened; and, in May 1970, all but one of the chapter's members voted for disaffiliation from Delta Sigma Pi and for formation of a new social fraternity, Delta Tau Delta.

With the aid of the School of Business Administration faculty and chapter alumni, the Alpha Lambda Chapter was rechartered by Delta Sigma Pi early in 1971, and a reorganization meeting was held on 14 February of that year. A new constitution and bylaws were adopted insuring adherence to the professional orientation of the fraternity. The chapter has continued its adherence to the goals of Delta Sigma Pi and remains closely affiliated with the Kenan Flagler Business School.