In the fall of 2024, our brothers dedicated an “Alumni Room” in the new chapter house. The room, originally a solarium in the brownstone mansion on Broad Street, was renovated and retooled to transform it into a historical museum.

The Alumni Room now features artifacts recognizing Pilam history and its contributions, materials of Philadelphia’s history, and memorabilia of Philadelphia’s sports teams. 

A room that brothers and alumni can be proud of

The results have been outstanding. The room features “snaps” to Pi Lam Temple history including  composites, trophies, banners, plaques, paddles, and tributes to Alfred “Koko” Kovner.

Our sports fanatics have also added memorabilia featuring Philly’s championship teams including signed footballs, baseballs, hockey sticks, and and a Temple crew oar.

To celebrate the house and local history, the room has a map dating from laying the foundation of the chapter’s house, predating that of Temple’s founding, as well as a campus publication from the month and year of the chapter’s founding.

Temple faculty advisor was a key contributor

Professor Scott Gratson, who has been a staunch supporter of our chapter, was a key contributor to the project who has a passion for historical restoration, was a driving force that helped brothers complete the project.

He said, “After months of planning, researching, and the task of procuring objects from specialists, traders, and even dumpster diving, the Alumni Room, also called the Solarium, sparkles and gleams with meaning.”

“I welcomed a chance to return the chapter’s solarium, the very cartographical, cultural, and arguably historical artery of Philadelphia, to its former Gilded Age glory. More importantly, the project entailed creating a room specifically dedicated to alumni.”

Gratson said, “I have learned a great deal about Pi Lam brothers and the strong admiration their fraternity and its mission. This sentiment is abundantly clear considering the final artifacts of the Alumni Room’s collection.”

“Your fraternity’s mission notes the importance of friendship across time. It is my sincere hope that this effort accentuates the connection between brothers and alumni. It has been my pleasure to work alongside these Pi Lam brothers throughout the years. In time, I do hope that their labors can be more fully evident and appreciated.”

Attend the 2025 Kovner Banquet to see the Alumni Room for yourself

There are many more truly unique historical gems in the Alumni Room. Come and see them for yourself at this year’s Kovner Memorial Banquet, on October 11, 2025. The brothers will be hosting a pre-Kovner reception at the house. Mark your calendar!