Get to know the Explorers behind a group with roots dating to 1959 that is still supporting the University.

Here’s the story: At that time, La Salle students gave thought to creating a group aimed at serving the college and fostering spirit within the La Salle community. Led by Tom Lynch, ’62, the idea quickly gained momentum. Members of various student organizations joined the new group, named the Committee of Explorers (COE). The COE quickly organized events, like a car-cade to the Palestra for marquee basketball games, and others that energized the student body. 

It wasn’t long after that the group became a fraternal organization on campus. John Guischard, Ph.D., ’38, approached the Committee of Explorers. Guischard was a founding father of La Salle’s first and only local fraternity, Sigma Phi Lambda, which had been founded in 1935 but had gone dormant during World War II. Guischard and fraternity alumni felt their dedication to La Salle and their core values of spirit, fidelity, and leadership aligned with the COE. The Committee agreed and, in 1961, the two organizations became one. 

In the years since, and even today, the COE’s mission remains alive. Christian Brothers Philip Whitman, FSC, ’53 and Gerard Molyneaux, FSC, Ph.D., ’58, are among the La Salle leaders who have been involved with the Committee of Explorers and the fraternity. 

“We are here to serve La Salle and each other,” said Molyneaux, the internship coordinator in La Salle’s Department of Communication, who recently celebrated his 46th year as moderator of Sigma Phi Lambda. 

Membership for the Committee of Explorers, which is exclusive to alumni of Sigma Phi Lambda, exceeds 1,000. The group reorganized in 2010 led by Mike Diccicco, ’71, bearing the same name and creating a fraternal alumni association. Said Diccicco, “We decided on the name given the rich history of the original group and the connection to our fraternity and La Salle. Our mission was clear: to preserve and perpetuate the COE as it promotes spirit, fidelity, and leadership through Sig Phi and to promote awareness of our shared history with La Salle University on and off campus.”  

A shining example of that influence is the Committee of Explorer’s annual support of the Sig Phive K race. Held in alignment with the University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, the 5k race raises funds for La Salle Academy, a Catholic grade school dedicated to serving and educating the children of West Kensington and Philadelphia. To date, the event has raised over $125,000. The Committee presents a check to La Salle Academy leadership at a La Salle University basketball game each spring. 

In addition, the group organizes twice-annual golf outings, comes together for basketball games and numerous dinners, convenes during Homecoming and Family Weekend, and supports on-campus service projects. 

The Committee of Explorers also contributes to several annual scholarships and endowments, like the Brother Gerry Molyneaux, FSC, Endowed Professorship and the Joseph F. Flubacher Scholarship in Economics.  

“The organization exists today with a dual purpose”, said Jake Harris, current president of the Committee of Explorers. “We strive to assist and guide the active members of Sigma Phi Lambda and also support La Salle University through participation with recruitment and enrollment, fundraising, career development, and student life.”  

“La Salle University is a special place to so many people for so many reasons,” Harris continued. “From its scenic and beautiful campus, its legendary sports history, the continuous direction of the Christian Brothers, the resolute faculty and staff, numerous student-led affinity groups, and a strong and dedicated alumni base, the university has enjoyed a rich history that has lasted nearly 160 years. The Committee of Explorers and Sigma Phi Lambda are committed to helping create an environment where La Salle’s legacy will remain strong, and continue to grow, for many years to come.” 

—Mike Minghenelli, ’92, and Joe Romano, ’91