Rho Pi Phi

Rho Pi Phi International Pharmaceutical Fraternity () is a co-ed collegiate professional fraternity dedicated to the profession of pharmacy.

History

In November 1918, students at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy established the Ram Bam Pharmaceutical Society. Its members, thirteen men and three women, formed Ram Bam after a campus bulletin stated that non-white and Jewish students were not welcome in existing fraternities. Dean Theodore Bradley helped the students create their non-sectarian organization.

On January 20, 1919, its members agreed to form Rho Pi Phi, a pharmaceutical fraternity. Rho Pi Phi was founded to promote friendship, professionalism, and community service. The thirteen founders and charter members of Rho Pi Phi were:Robson, John, ed. (1963). ''Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities'' (17th ed.). Menasha, Wisconsin: The Collegiate Press, George Banta Company, Inc. p. 492.

In 1922, the fraternity held its first national convention, electing a Supreme Council and adopting a constitution. It became an international fraternity with the chartering of ''Nu chapter'' at the University of Toronto in 1926. Later, the fraternity formed alumni chapters.

Symbols and traditions

The colors of Rho Pi Phi are blue and white. The fraternity's badge is a diamond shape in gold. Its center is black enamel with the Greek letters in gold, surrounded by twelve pearls, with a thirteenth pearl in the enamel. Its quarterly publication, the ''International Rope News,'' started in 1929; it is now called ROPE Links.

The motto of Rho Pi Phi is:

To maintain the ethical standards, dignity of, and pride in the most ancient and honorable profession of pharmacy.
To contribute to the moral, social, and intellectual welfare of all students in Pharmacy.
That we may take the lamp of research into the dark recesses of things unknown and make our contribution to our fellow man.

Chapters

Following is a list of Rho Pi Pi chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are in ''italics''.

Notable members

* Bernard Marcus (''Eta Second''), co-founder of The Home Depot

See also

* List of Jewish fraternities and sororities
* Professional fraternities and sororities
* Rho Chi, co-ed, pharmacy honor society

References

{{Professional Fraternities

Student organizations established in 1918
1918 establishments in Massachusetts
Professional medical fraternities and sororities in the United States
Historically Jewish fraternities in the United States
Professional Fraternity Association
Jewish organizations established in 1919
Professional pharmaceutical fraternities and sororities in the United States