Phi Delta Theta Reinstalled at the University of Maryland in College Park
A new chapter in the history of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Maryland was written August 28–29, 2026, as the Maryland Alpha Chapter officially returned to College Park.The momentous weekend brought together undergraduate members, Phi Delts from across the region, chapter advisors, family and friends, and fraternity leaders to celebrate the re-establishment of Maryland Alpha. The weekend culminated in the initiation of 55 new members, marking an impressive beginning for the revitalized chapter and signaling a promising future for Phi Delta Theta at Maryland.
A Historic Beginning
The return of Maryland Alpha restores a tradition that dates back nearly a century. The University of Maryland was the first institution in Maryland to receive a charter from Phi Delta Theta, with Maryland Alpha originally founded on November 11, 1930. The charter was the 100th issued by Phi Delta Theta.
It was an important year for Phi Delta Theta in Canada as well. The fraternity tripled its number of Canadian chapters in 1930, with Alberta Alpha and Manitoba Alpha installed in September, British Columbia Alpha installed on November 1, and Nova Scotia Alpha installed on November 14, just three days after Maryland Alpha received its charter.
Maryland Alpha therefore stands among a remarkable group of chapters established during an important period in the history of Phi Delta Theta.
A New Generation of Maryland Alpha
Nearly 96 years after its original founding, Maryland Alpha once again welcomed a new generation of Phi Delts.
The weekend began Friday evening, August 28, with the Initiation Ceremony at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. The following afternoon, family, friends, alumni, and guests gathered in the Heise Ballroom for the formal Installation Ceremony, officially recognizing Maryland Alpha once again as a chapter of Phi Delta Theta.
The Installation Ceremony and banquet provided an opportunity to recognize the undergraduate members and alumni whose efforts helped make the chapter’s return possible. Speakers included General Council President Nat Love; current Chapter President Brendan Reilly and Vice President Josh Gerstein; incoming Chapter President Logan Anderson and Vice President Liam Lear Wecht; Chapter Advisory Board Chairman Robert Sumner; Gamma South Province President Jason Schwemer; and House Corporation officers Chris Washburn and Adam Luecking.
Those Who Made the Return Possible
The successful return of Phi Delta Theta to the University of Maryland was the result of the work and dedication of numerous members of the Fraternity, both at the General Headquarters and among Phi Delts in the region.
A special thanks is owed to Joey Arpaia and Ben Dorn, Phi Delta Theta GHQ recruitment specialists who came to the University of Maryland early in 2025 to begin the process of recruiting the new founders and building the foundation for the chapter’s return.
The Maryland Alpha re-founding weekend also received tremendous support from Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters staff and local volunteers including Brian Lyke, Director of Expansion; Madison Singh, New Chapter Development Coordinator; Braydon Beckwith, Chapter Support Coordinator; Zach Hilliard, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement; Henry Heren, Foundation Trustee and Washington, D.C. Alumni Club president; David Almacy, Past President of the General Council; Maryland Alpha CAB members; local alumni from Lynchburg College, Northwestern, Minnesota, University of Texas-Austin, and USC, as well as undergraduates from the Virginia Lambda Chapter at George Mason University, all of whom played important roles in supporting the chapter and assisting with the initiation and installation ceremonies.
Together, these brothers provided the leadership, recruitment, organizational support, and ceremonial expertise necessary to help a new generation of Phi Delts establish itself at Maryland. Their contributions will forever be part of the story of Maryland Alpha’s return.
Celebrating the Future
Following the installation, Phi Delts and their guests continued the celebration at RJ Bentley’s in College Park, providing an opportunity for the newest members of Maryland Alpha to connect with alumni and for generations of Phi Delts to celebrate together.
The re-establishment of Maryland Alpha represents far more than the opening of another undergraduate chapter. It is the restoration of one of Phi Delta Theta’s historic chapters and the continuation of a legacy that began in College Park in 1930.
From the 100th charter granted by Phi Delta Theta to the 55 men initiated in 2026, Maryland Alpha’s story has now entered a new chapter.
The brothers who gathered in College Park in for the Installation weekend did more than celebrate the past. They accepted the responsibility of carrying the Maryland Alpha name forward building a brotherhood worthy of its history while establishing a new tradition for generations of Maryland Phi Delts to come.
Welcome back, Maryland Alpha!
