University of Florida celebrates 100th anniversary and return to campus
This semester the Florida Delta chapter of Pi Lambda Phi re-established at the University of Florida just in time to celebrate their 100th anniversary! Thanks to the efforts of their highly engaged alumni, and support of the HQ, they returned to campus with 40 new members.
The Florida Delta chapter is a cornerstone of Pilam history and stability. It has been continually active since 1925 (when they were established under Phi Beta Delta). They have proud traditions, a thriving Greek community, strong alumni backing, and HQ support that enabled them to return to campus this year.
Alumni support and HQ staff brought the chapter back
When the chapter was suspended in 2023, alumni and the HQ quickly mobilized to reestablish the chapter in time to celebrate their milestone anniversary.
The alumni also made a conscious decision to fund additional time on campus with Pilam Director of Operations Brian Moore to ensure the fledgling chapter receives the guidance they need to operate, and make the right choices.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary
The alumni pulled together a series of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the chapter from October 24th to the 26th, including a Happy Hour, lunch at “The Swamp,” a BBQ, and of course, the storied Nose Bowl.
2025 Nose Bowl victory was icing on the cake
For more than 70 years, Florida Delta brothers have gone nose to nose with rival fraternity TEP in the vaunted Nose Bowl, a football gridiron competition. Nose Bowl veterans who experienced the preparation, alumni support, and hype recognize the game as a way to unify pledge classes, build character, sportsmanship, and show brotherhood support.
For alumni, the Nose Bowl is not just a game. Ask any Florida Delta brother and they will have a story about their Nose Bowl experiences. The lesson that resonates with brothers is, “play the game right and you will always win as a team and win as Pilam,” even if you don’t win on the scoreboard.
When Pete Fleischmann’s PC ’75 team came up short on the scoreboard, he said, “You never lose a Nose Bowl. Sometimes, if you don’t win by score, you understand more about yourself and about your pledge brothers.”
This year, Jake Lubar (PC ’25), wearing the raggedy, tan, sports jacket that coaches have worn since 1968, led Pilam to a victory over TEP, while dozens of alumni cheered the team on from the sidelines!
The strength of Florida Delta: Their alumni
Established as a Phi Beta Delta chapter in 1925, Florida Delta joined Pi Lambda Phi as a result of the 1941 merger. By the numbers, they are #1 in the following categories:
- Most alumni: 2,500+
- Big Pi Award recipients: 17
- Rafer Johnson Award winners: 10
- IEC Councilmen: 7
Florida Delta alumni maintain strong ties among brothers from their era. They are active on social media through multiple Facebook groups. They also organize events to keep brothers active, involved and in touch with each other. In April, PC ‘75 celebrated a 50th reunion, and in November, PC ’85 celebrated their 40th.
Their alumni stay involved and are supportive of the active chapter. Pete Fleischmann said, “Pilam forms how you are as a person. I had a very special time as an undergrad, and that’s why I stay in touch with so many guys from the 70s. We want to support the chapter to ensure we have a place to go back to, and make sure a new generation has an opportunity to have similar experiences.”
The alumni recently invested in an engineering study on the chapter house, and are currently planning a capital campaign to fund renovations.
Snaps to Florida Delta on a century of brotherhood!