The Gamma Pi Boulé Foundation was founded in 1986 by the Chattanooga chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, also known as Gamma Pi Boulé. Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, established on May 15, 1904, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by five physicians and a dentist, is the oldest Black Greek letter fraternity in the United States. Its membership comprises college graduates who have achieved distinction in their respective fields, including but not limited to medicine, law, education, government, business, engineering, professional sports, banking, accounting, and architecture.

Gamma Pi Boulé was initiated by Jerome Page following his move from Washington, D.C., to serve as president of the Chattanooga Urban League. A former member of Epsilon Boulé during his time in Washington, D.C., Mr. Page successfully brought together twelve accomplished local professionals to charter Gamma Pi Boulé on July 12, 1986.

Motivated by the preamble and core principles of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, as well as the impactful social action programs conducted by other member Boulés, Gamma Pi Boulé recognized the need for a local foundation. Under the leadership of Dr. Robert Clark, then president of the Boulé, and with support from David Smith of Theta Boulé in Knoxville, a committee was formed to establish the Gamma Pi Boulé Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to serve as the primary funding source for Gamma Pi Boulé’s social action initiatives. Nonprofit status was officially granted to the Foundation in 2013.

The Foundation’s principal fundraising effort is the Paul A. McDaniel Boulé Scholarship Golf Classic, initially held at Brown Acres Golf Course in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This annual event, supported by a growing network of local and regional sponsors, has expanded over time and, as of 2024, takes place at the picturesque Council Fire Golf Club in Chattanooga. Notably, scholarship awards have been increased to fund four individual annually renewable four-year scholarships. Renewal is contingent on predetermined academic criteria. By the end of 2025, nearly $200,000 will have been awarded since the Foundation’s inception in 2013.

The Paul A. McDaniel Scholarship provided through Gamma Pi Boulé offers financial assistance to academically outstanding male high school seniors residing in southeast Tennessee who have been accepted to accredited four-year colleges or universities. Candidates are evaluated through applications, essays, and interviews using the “whole person concept,” which considers moral character, academic achievement, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to community service.

In addition to the Paul A. McDaniel Scholarship, the Foundation extends financial support to select organizations such as the Chattanooga Chapter of The Links, Inc.; The Boys Leadership Academy; and the Urban League of Chattanooga.

The Gamma Pi Boulé Foundation Board is comprised of highly respected, civically engaged philanthropic leaders from the local community, each bringing board-level expertise and a strong dedication to advancing the Foundation’s mission.

In Memoriam

The Paul A. McDaniel Boulé Scholarship Golf Classic was rightfully named in honor of Reverend Paul A. McDaniel. Reverend McDaniel was a widely respected community icon, religious leader, long time pastor, trailblazing political leader and official, and civil rights leader with influence throughout the Greater Chattanooga region , the state of Tennessee and the nation.

We lost Reverend McDaniel on August 22, 2021 at the age of 91.

We the members of Gamma Pi Boulé and Gamma Pi Boulé Foundation will always cherish the legacy and memories of Reverend Paul A. McDaniel.