By peer recognition, the Society encourages participation in all pharmacy activities. Since membership crosses fraternal and organizational lines, the Society does not compete with other pharmacy organizations. Phi Lambda Sigma honors leadership. Members are selected by peer recognition. No greater honor can be bestowed upon an individual than to be recognized as a leader by one’s peers. Such reco
gnition instills and enhances self-confidence, encourages the less active student to a more active role and promotes greater effort toward the advancement of pharmacy. Phi Lambda Sigma was organized in March, 1965 by then student Charlie Thomas on the campus of Auburn University, with the approval of the faculty of the School of Pharmacy. The Phi Lambda Sigma National Fraternity was legally incorporated in Lee County, Alabama on June 28, 1968. The Gamma Chapter was founded at Mercer University College of Pharmacy in 1974. Like many national associations, Phi Lambda Sigma operates through a system of local chapters. Phi Lambda Sigma chapters are designated by Greek letters. As of fall 2009, Phi Lambda Sigma chapters had been chartered at 91 of the 110 schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Puerto Rico. Membership in Phi Lambda Sigma consists of four categories: student, faculty, alumni and honorary. For a student to be eligible for membership, he or she shall be of high moral and ethical character, shall have successfully completed at least one professional year of scholastic work applicable toward a recognized pharmacy degree, and shall have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 grading scale. Prospective members are evaluated on the basis of their demonstration of dedication, service and leadership in the advancement of pharmacy. By promoting such recognition, Phi Lambda Sigma provides an incentive for the development of future leadership potential for the profession.
