The Alpha Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at Mercer University was chartered on February 16, 1923. Since the chapter opened its doors nearly nine decades ago, hundreds of men have found a home in Pi Kappa Phi.
On December 9, 1924, Robert L. Bennett joined the Alpha Alpha Chapter as its 24th initiate. That was his first step toward lifelong involvement with Pi Kappa Phi.
As a student, Bennett was involved in the affairs of Alpha Alpha like many other student leaders, but his contribution to his fraternity as an alumnus was meaningful, sustained and unmatched.
He served on the National Council as National Chancellor and National Chaplain. In addition, he also served as an ex-officio member of the Pi Kappa Phi Properties Board of Directors, helping to inform the fraternity’s housing policies.
Furthermore, throughout the years, Bennett dedicated many hours of service to the advancement of Pi Kappa Phi. In 1975, for his volunteer work, he was awarded the Fraternity’s second highest award, the Merit Citation, for “exceptionally meritorious service to Pi Kappa Phi.” Three years later, he was recognized again as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi, the highest honor bestowed upon an alumnus of the fraternity.
Within Pi Kappa Phi circles, Bennett was best known for his generosity to the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. He passed to Chapter Eternal in 1998. However, through his estate, he donated more than $2 million to the Foundation, instantly transforming the organization. Assets from this fund are used today to help cover many of the educational and leadership development-related expenses of the Fraternity. In addition, the Robert L. Bennett Memorial Scholarship has since been established as well.
Criteria
Every spring, members of the Alpha Alpha (Mercer) Chapter are recognized for their good character and academic successes through the Robert L. Bennett Memorial Scholarship.
The total recipients and grants vary each year.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be an initiated member of the Alpha Alpha (Mercer) Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity
- Be enrolled as a fulltime student at Mercer University
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Pi Kappa Phi initiated member
- Have graduated from a Georgia high school
- Complete the entire application