Alpha Chi Apple Pie offers noncommittal alternative to Greek life
Photo by Taylor Baker
Known as the club where “if you commit to us, you commit to nothing,” Alpha Chi Apple Pie has been an unofficial Greek club on Lee’s campus for the past four years. Created by Lee alumna Libby Hennen, the former president recently passed the torch to senior public relations and chemistry major Tiffany Sillaman.
During her freshman year at Lee, Hennen desired the community of a Greek club, yet faced an already overwhelming schedule as a resident assistant at Sharp Davis and a member of Lee Singers. After a conversation with her roommate Bri Greene, the idea for Alpha Chi began.
“My roommate and I both lived in Sharp 314, and the room number is what inspired our decision to incorporate ‘pie.’ After that, it was just down to what would look best on a shirt,” said Hennen.
For those with tight schedules, Alpha Chi has allows students to find a community similar to Greek life without the required events or attendance.
“It’s very laid back, and our induction … was just [throwing] whipped cream in your face,” said freshman English education major Sarah Tillard. “I always wanted to join a Greek club … I needed something that had commitment, but didn’t have a lot.”
With a focus on community, Hennen cherishes the friendships she has cultivated from a simple idea.
“I created so many lifelong friendships that I wouldn’t have made otherwise … over 240 people,” said Hennen. “My hope is that as people join, it will provide a stress-free community for people to make fun memories.”
As Hennen passes on the legacy of the club, her requirements for a new president included someone who shared her experiences and vision for Alpha Chi.
“Tiffany honestly was the best of both worlds. She’s been in the club for two years yet still has three years left at Lee,” said Hennen. “It was a hard decision, because over 20 people applied. Tiffany seemed like she would carry on the legacy well. I’d love to come back to a homecoming one day, and see the club is still going on with a similar vision.”
For Sillaman, moving into the role of president felt natural as she had already found her niche in Alpha Chi.
“[I joined because] I could never commit to a full club,” said Sillaman. “Libby really just exuded fun for me. I love that this is lighthearted, and I want to be a part of that,”
While Alpha Chi may harbor some negative perceptions as “anti-Greek life,” Hennen and Sillaman emphasize their easygoing intentions. They both have friends in real Greek clubs, and believe there is no genuine resentment toward Alpha Chi.
“Libby created Alpha Chi Apple Pie with the intention of creating a space that’s like a Greek club without having the commitment,” said Sillaman. “She is a big fan of Greek life, so it was never meant to cause harm.”
Justin Brooks, a junior mathematics major, understands the relationship Apple Pie holds with Greek clubs. Brooks is a member of Pi Kappa Pi and a big brother for Epsilon Lambda Phi.
“I’ve never seen them say anything against Greek life,” said Brooks. “Individual people might have, but [they] as a collective never have to my knowledge.”
As Sillaman adjusts into her role as president, she hopes to always centralize Alpha Chi as a place of acceptance for all.
“It’s a place for community where you can hang out and rely on people but also not feel pressure to meet a standard. It’s a very ‘come-as-you-are’ place,” said Sillaman.
For more information about Alpha Chi Apple Pie, contact Tiffany Sillaman at tsilla00@leeu.edu or follow the club’s Instagram @alphachiapplepie.
