The Gamma Lambda chapter of Phi Mu fraternity celebrated its 50th anniversary Friday and the Panhellenic women’s organization hosted multiple events throughout the weekend, including a ball at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center.
Three years of work went into the planning of this weekend’s events. Phi Mu also received a special proclamation from Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt declaring Nov. 14 as Phi Mu Gamma Lambda Chapter Day.
Debra Pickrel is the alumnae chair of the Phi Mu 50th Anniversary Celebration and the president of the Gamma Lambda Chapter Association. She said Phi Mu sets itself apart from other Greek organizations.
“I think that each Greek organization has its own personality so the characteristics of being ambitious, inclusive and spirited, along with our outstanding philanthropic heritage, are what make us unique,” said Pickrel, who authored a commemorative book about UNC’s Phi Mu chapter. “Any organization might pick one of those words, but for us it’s the combination of those descriptors that set us apart.”
The organization came to UNC in 1964. Pickrel said the climate of change and progressive movements during which Phi Mu was colonized at UNC in some ways shaped the organization.
“We came to campus in a decade that changed America. And that time helped shape us in the ways I described — as ambitious, inclusive and spirited. It helped develop our character,” Pickrel said.
In order to commemorate the exact date of the founding of Phi Mu, the organization held a commemorative tea and Chancellor Carol Folt spoke at the event.
Taylor Brundage, a senior English major and collegian co-chair for Phi Mu, said it was great to see some of the founding members of Gamma Lambda sitting with other alumnae and current members of the organization at the tea.
