Alex Danenberg and Dr. Alan Brown receive Diamond Chip Council Key Awards

At the 130th Pi Lambda Phi Anniversary Banquet, we were very pleased to present the esteemed Diamond Chip Council Key Award to Alex Danenberg (Pitt) and Dr. Alan Brown (Florida Tech), two highly-committed brothers who have dutifully served the fraternity for decades.

This award is given to alumni for continued and dedicated volunteer service to Pilam. To be eligible, you need to be a Council Key recipient with three additional Gold Certificates of Merit, and typically, a record of volunteering for the organization for more than 20 years. It is a very exclusive group, consisting of only 26 brothers.

Alex Danenberg, H.B. (Pitt)

Alex has been volunteering for decades in a variety of ways for his Chapter. Over the past several years, he has continued serving on the Chapter’s Coaches Board, regularly attending meetings, communicating with the CCB, working with HQ to problem solve, visiting the house, finding employment opportunities for brothers, promoting regional and national attendance by the undergraduates, helping with the alumni newsletter and alumni events, and embodying our motto.

Alex’s nominees said:

“There are few people I’ve met in Pilam that have stayed as consistently involved over many decades as Alex. He’s always there when we need something. He’s a strong advocate for his chapter and the students, but he is always willing to listen to and consider the advice of the national organization. And, he’s always encouraging the students to really think about maximizing their fraternity experience and living our motto. This award is so fitting because not only does Alex encourage the students to live the motto, he shows them what it means to live the motto.”

Dr. Alan Brown, H.B. (Florida Tech)

Dr. Alan “Beaker” Brown has served as a Chapter Coach for the Florida Delta Upsilon chapter for over 30 years—an extraordinary tenure marked by unwavering dedication, mentorship, and brotherhood. Originally recruited for what was expected to be a minimal role of “Faculty Advisor,” he quickly became a cornerstone of the chapter’s culture and success. More than just a faculty advisor, he immersed himself in the Pi Lam experience: attending nearly every chapter meeting, supporting philanthropic events, helping with rush and scholarship efforts, and mentoring generations of brothers.

Alan’s nominees said:

“What sets ‘Doc’ apart is not just his presence but his deep, personal commitment. Whether driving brothers to early morning fundraisers or stepping in during moments of crisis, he has always gone above and beyond because he believes in the values of Pi Lambda Phi. His ability to balance candor with compassion has left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike, shaping lives well beyond the walls of the chapter house.”

“As a three-time president of Florida Tech’s Faculty Senate and an active presence across campus, he exemplifies servant leadership and the Pilam creed. His decades of service are a testament to what it means to be ‘Not Four Years, But a Lifetime.’ Quite simply, the chapter’s continued existence is due in large part to the passion and selfless dedication of Dr. Alan “Beaker” Brown.”

Congratulations, Brothers Danenberg and Brown for being recognized for your unwavering commitment to Pi Lambda Phi, “Not Four Years, but a Lifetime!”