Oral History

Pi Kappa Alpha boasts more than 310,000 initiates since its creation on March 1, 1868. Each member has a story and unique experience. The culmination of these shared experiences combine the form the brotherhood we cherish today.

In our effort to bolster the friendships we’ve created on a firmer and more lasting basis, the Pi Kappa Alpha Historical Society is excited to announce its largest, historic information gathering initiative in the Fraternity’s history: the Oral History Project. Our mission is to collect the stories and experiences of our alumni in their own words and preserve these memories in perpetuity. Additionally, we want to share these memories with other alumni and will create both a book and digital archive to celebrate the impact Pi Kappa Alpha has had on your life and who you are today.

We have partnered with industry leader PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to help us collect updated contact information from members who have moved, switched email addresses, changed phone numbers, or landed a new job.

What story will you share? Do you have a special memory with a lifelong brother? Did a brother have a profound impact on your life? Can you trace your career back to a defining moment with Pi Kappa Alpha? Were you in Pi Kappa Alpha during a historical moment? Whatever your story is, we can’t wait to hear it!

About PCI
With so many members and stories to capture, we knew we could not do it alone. By partnering with PCI, we can work with their trained staff of real, live people who are excited to listen to your story. PCI will collect and assemble the stories into a Pi Kappa Alpha Oral History book which will be available in early 2026. The publication will share memories and stories across generations and will be available for members of Pi Kappa Alpha to purchase.

Please note: We have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have not sold or used your contact information for outside marketing purposes.

For more information, please review the frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions by Members

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Pi Kappa Alpha. Tell me more about the project.
We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for he Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation and the Historical Society. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences in Pi Kappa Alpha and how the organization helped to shape your life. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Does the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation or the Historical Society benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage members
  • Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our organization
  • Revenue – generates donation revenue for member programs
  • Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our organization

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?

  • If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time in Pi Kappa Alpha. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation and the Historical Society at the conclusion of the project.
  • If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
  • If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
  • If you did not receive a postcard, email, or call, you may call the dedicated Pi Kappa Alpha update line at 1-800-451-4219.

How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?
If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
The only information that is included in the publication is your name and your chapter, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your member record for the organization. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 8/15/2025 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time before 8/15/2025 to share your story.

I shared a story, and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?
The Pi Kappa Alpha Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Pi Kappa Alpha members.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.