The very first group of Lambda Chi’s at DU was known as the local fraternity Pi Theta Kappa. The beautiful Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter House was not under construction until 1927. In the early years all meetings were held at the apartment of a faculty member, E.B. Renaud (Alpha Pi Zeta #1) above the University Park Pharmacy, which today houses a popular café.
As the last fraternity to join and form “Old Row”, started 20 years earlier on campus, Alpha Pi Zeta has consistently been at the top of the DU Greek experience. Having initiated more than 1,900 men into the chapter, more than any other fraternity on campus, Alpha Pi Zeta has continually ranked as a top campus leader in the Greek community. Lambda Chi Alpha is also the only major Fraternity on campus to never have had their operations suspended or their chapter reorganized by either the campus or their headquarters. Every year members of the chapter are seen as leaders on campus holding positions on campus ranging from Student Government, Interfraternal Council, and Athletics to name a few.
Throughout the 91 year history, Alpha Pi Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha has contributed both to the University of Denver and to the Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity. Many men have served DU and the Fraternity with distinction over the years. Of particular note, Alpha Pi Zeta has produced a former highly regarded Chancellor of the University of Denver, Alfred C. “Pete” Nelson. Chapter alumni have also filled numerous faculty and staff positions at DU. Most notably are Allen Breck, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of History, Terry Toy, Ph.D., Professor, Geography, and Randy McDonough, former Alumni Director of the University.
Alpha Pi Zeta has also pioneered in efforts to welcome "any men of character" into the chapter. The chapter has a history of breaking down barriers on issues of race and religion and this is reflected today in the current membership, which is among the most diverse of DU fraternities. Undergraduates and alumni embrace an attitude that there should not be barriers to membership based upon economic, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. Since founding at DU, Alpha Pi Zeta has challenged the "norms" on these issues both locally and with the General Fraternity. As the only chapter at DU and among a handful nationally that offer scholarships to undergraduates based upon merit and financial need.