On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Phi Delta Theta proudly celebrated the installation of the Virginia Mu Chapter at James Madison University, marking the Fraternity’s twelfth charter in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the beginning of an exciting new era in Harrisonburg for Phi Delts at JMU. Phi Delta Theta has a rich and storied history in Virginia. The first chapter, Virginia Alpha, was established in 1869 at Roanoke College, 157 years ago, and the most recent was Virginia Lambda at George Mason University in 2023.
The day began with the initiation ceremony at Community Mennonite Church, where the newest members were formally welcomed into the Fraternity. Brothers, alumni, volunteers, family members, and General Officers then gathered for the Installation Banquet, officially recognizing Virginia Mu as Phi Delta Theta’s newest chartered chapter. David Almacy, Past President of the General Council, presided over both ceremonies.
The installation was the culmination of nearly two years of vision, determination, and hard work by an outstanding group of undergraduate leaders. Among those instrumental in launching the chapter were President Caleb Williamson, Treasurer Stephen Beyrodt, Vice President Michael Bastawrous, and Phikeia Educator Sean Raymond. Sean first learned about Phi Delta Theta through his brother, Braden Raymond, president of the Pennsylvania Theta Chapter at Penn State during that chapter’s re-founding in September 2024. A few other legacies in the group include Eric Anderson (Seth, Kansas, Kansas Alpha), Justin Angelo (Ethan, Penn State, Pennsylvania Theta), and Cooper Beck (Chad, Eastern Washington, Washington Epsilon and Cal State-Northridge, California Zeta).
Inspired by Phi Delta Theta’s values and mission, these students set out to establish a chapter at James Madison University that offered a values-based alternative to traditional fraternity life.
From the beginning, the group’s vision was clear: to build a brotherhood that was safe, supportive, and centered on developing better men. Their efforts quickly gained momentum. Less than one year after the Emerging Chapter was inducted in April 2025, Virginia Mu had grown from 29 founding members to 44 brothers, nearly doubling its membership.
Perhaps even more impressive was how that growth was achieved. Without IFC affiliation or the benefit of traditional fraternity recruitment structures, the chapter expanded through authentic relationships, principled leadership, and a shared belief in its mission. The result is a chapter built on a strong foundation that promises continued success for years to come.
The Fraternity is also grateful for the many individuals whose encouragement and leadership helped make the installation possible. Special thanks to the parents and families who encouraged their sons throughout the process. By joining Phi Delta Theta, these young men have embraced opportunities for leadership, scholarship, service, personal growth, and lifelong friendship.
Virginia Mu has also benefited from an exceptional team of alumni volunteers. Delta North Province President Austin DeRay, Chapter Advisory Board Chairman Ryan Sodikoff, and Chapter Advisory Board members Michael Evranian, Luke Smith, Alex Williams, and John York devoted countless hours mentoring and guiding the chapter from its earliest days through chartering. Their continued support will be invaluable as Virginia Mu begins its next chapter.
The installation weekend also brought together undergraduate brothers from neighboring chapters, including Virginia Beta at the University of Virginia and Virginia Lambda at George Mason University, demonstrating the strength and unity of the Phi Delta Theta brotherhood across the Commonwealth.
Finally, special recognition belongs to the Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters staff, particularly Director of Expansion Brian Lyke, Chapter Support Coordinator Braydon Beckwith, and Director of Systems John Fenner. Their tireless work takes them across the United States and Canada, helping recruit new members, establish new chapters, and guide emerging groups through every stage of development from initial interest to chartering. Their expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in Virginia Mu’s successful installation.
The installation of Virginia Mu represents far more than the addition of another chapter. It reflects Phi Delta Theta’s enduring commitment to building men of integrity and expanding opportunities for leadership and service on college campuses throughout North America.
Congratulations to the charter members of the Virginia Mu Chapter. The future of Phi Delta Theta at James Madison University is bright, and we look forward to seeing this remarkable group continue to build a chapter that will make its university, its alumni, and our entire Fraternity proud for generations to come.
Virginia Mu Chapter President Caleb Williamson delivers remarks at the Installation Ceremony.
Phi Delta Theta alumni perform the Founders Ceremony as part of the Installation.
Newly initiated members of the Virginia Mu Chapter take an oath during the Installation Ceremony.
Braden Raymond, Penn State, shares his thoughts about Virginia Mu’s journey and the efforts made by the chapter’s founders including his brother Sean.
Undergraduate brothers, alumni, volunteers, family members, and General Officers at Virginia Mu’s Installation Banquet.
Members of the Virginia Mu Chapter of Phi Delta Theta celebrate with their charter.
The Raymond family including brothers Braden, Penn State (left) and Sean, JMU (right), pictured here with their parents and David Almacy, Past President of Phi Delta Theta’s General Council.
UPDATE
07.30.26
The Virginia Mu Chapter of Phi Delta Theta was awarded the 2025-26 T. Glen Cary Award, an annual recognition given by Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity to the nation’s most outstanding emerging chapter. It honors newly installed or emerging chapters that successfully navigate installation challenges while exemplifying the fraternity’s Cardinal Principles in their internal operations. Virginia Mu delegates who attended the 2026 Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio gather by the Phi Delt gates for a picture with the trophy and award plaque alongside Delta North Province President Austin DeRay.
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