A Refined, Permanent Tribute – To Be Dedicated at Founder’s Day 2026
Goal: $4,000 TODAY
For years now, we’ve had a quiet space at the base of the flagpoles where ashes of departed brothers have been placed. It’s meaningful… but let’s be honest: it’s not what they deserve.
It’s time to elevate and refine the space, in honor of our departed brothers.
This Giving Tuesday, we’re launching the project to transform that simple ashes area into the Zeta Xi Memorial Garden, a dignified, permanent, beautiful space that reflects the legacy of our brothers who have entered Chapter Eternal.
To stay on schedule, we need to raise $4,000 today.
Why This Matters So Much
Right now, the ashes area at the flagpoles is meaningful but modest. A place of respect, but not yet a place of legacy. The Memorial Garden will become:
- A refined, landscaped remembrance space
- A proper resting place for ashes – peaceful, intentional, and lasting
- A place where active brothers learn the meaning of the lifetime commitment we make as brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha and the significance of “Chapter Eternal”
- A place where brothers, alumni, and families can visit, reflect, and reconnect
- A heritage site to be revealed and dedicated on Founder’s Day 2026
Why We Need Gifts Today
Design, materials, and early site work must begin immediately to complete the garden in time for the February 2026 dedication ceremony.
Delaying Giving Tuesday means delaying the entire project, and we are not delaying this tribute.
We owe these brothers more than a base of a flagpole.
How to Give
We set up options for every type of donor:
Tax-Deductible Option
Donate via the 503(c)(3) via Educational Facilities Grant – for alumni who want a tax deduction, use the EFG donation channel and designate: “Memorial Garden Project – Giving Tuesday”.
Fast & Direct via Venmo or Zelle (preferred method)
Memo: “Memorial Garden – Giving Tuesday”
Every dollar helps:
$25 = plantings & edging
$50 = memorial markers
$100+ = structural garden elements & stonework
What $4,000 Funds Right Away
Your Giving Tuesday support gets us rolling on:
Garden design & layout
Brick or stone pathways
Soft lighting for evening reflection
Decorative landscaping
Permanent memorial plaques
A more defined, respectful area for ashes
Seating for reflection and Founders Day gatherings
These are the elements that turn a space at the flagpoles into a space of legacy.
A Brother’s Ask
Think of the brothers whose ashes already rest there. Think of the ones we’ve lost but haven’t yet honored properly. Think of those who will visit that garden in the years ahead.
Let’s build something worthy of them and let’s unveil it together at Founder’s Day 2026.
Help us raise $4,000 today.
Forever in the bonds,
John Black ’85
President
Zeta Xi House Corporation