Category Archives: News
Bob Fitzpatrick: Legendary Maryland Phi
Phi Delta Theta has lost a true legend. Bob Fitzpatrick, Maryland (Bond #550) passed away early this morning in Washington, DC at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife Joan, son Mark and his wife Kimberly, daughter Kelley, and grandchildren Tara, Casey and Shea.
Fitz has left a strong legacy within Phi Delta Theta due to the impact he had on so many of our brothers — and not just at the University of Maryland.
Over the years, he had served as Chapter Adviser for Maryland Alpha, House Corporation President, Province President, DC Area Alumni Club President and Warden for the General Fraternity. He was always generous with his time and his love of our fraternity was undeniable.
Of course, Fitz was a loyal Terps fan and when he could, he enjoyed spending time back on campus. He rarely missed a home basketball game and with tickets on the floor, he wasn’t shy about confronting referees after missed calls! Afterwards, you could always find him holding court with fellow Phis at RJ Bentley’s.
In later years, it became more difficult for Fitz to attend games. Back in March 2012, more than 30 Phi Delts and Phikeias visited Fitz at his home in DC to watch the Maryland Terrapins take on the Virginia Cavaliers — a true testament to the lasting impression he had made on undergraduates and alumni alike.
Later that year in July, the fraternity was very fortunate to see and hear from Bob as he addressed the 2012 General Convention in Washington, DC. (Photo above)
In honor of his commitment and dedication to the fraternity, Maryland Alpha inducted Brother Fitzpatrick into their Hall of Fame in 2010 (below) coinciding with the chapter’s 80th anniversary, where they established a scholarship in his name for an undergraduate Phi Delt from the Maryland Alpha chapter. Donations can be made to the Bob Fitzpatrick Fund through the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.
Now in the Chapter Grand, we can only imagine that Brother Fitzpatrick is abiding by his own motto which he admonished us to follow during fraternity gatherings, “Be quiet and walk straight.”
Farewell, Fitz! We cherish the memories we share and will always strive to live up to the example you set. We’ll miss you, Brother!
In Coelo Quies Est
UPDATE
Saturday, September 14, 2013 – Phi Delts from the University of Maryland (Maryland Alpha) pay last respects and say farewell to Brother Bob Fitzpatrick at his funeral service at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Washington, DC. Fitz was a longtime Maryland chapter adviser, province president and former General Fraternity Warden.
Photo credit: Mike Sikorski
Phi Delta Theta Colonizes at Delaware State University
Phi Delta Theta establishes Delaware Beta Colony at Delaware State University
In 2011, a group of men at Delaware State University gathered to discuss the proposition of bringing Phi Delta Theta to campus. On Saturday, November 10, 2012, they took one step closer toward realizing that goal. On that day, Phi Delta Theta officially welcomed the Delaware Beta Colony into the fold during a colonization ceremony at the Old State House in Dover, Delaware.
MORE PHOTOS: Delaware Beta Colonization Ceremony
Just steps away from the current Delaware State Capitol Building, the historic Old State House provided the perfect backdrop and added special meaning to the event. The building’s ties to early American history, dating back to 1787, was symbolic of the new journey that these men embark upon in Phi Delta Theta as they recited the oath and were invested with colony pins and fraternity manuals.
Many family members, friends, advisers, Delaware State University students and local area Phis were on hand for the event. Rob Turning, Gamma West Province President and David Almacy, Survey Commission Chairman represented the General Fraternity and officiated the formal proceedings.
During the ceremony, several offered words of advice and encouragement; including colony adviser Dr. Polly Steenhagen, Phi Delts from the Maryland Delta chapter at Johns Hopkins University and other Phi alumni.
Logan Mears, president of the Delaware Beta Colony had this to say upon receiving the Colony charter, “Colonization is more than a measurable milestone for the men of Delaware Beta, it is the beginning of our legacy. It is a revitalization and an important reminder of what is to come. For the last year we have remained steadfast in pursuing the very same Cardinal Principles our Founding Fathers have entrusted to us. We will not fail them.”
Delaware State University (also referred to as DSU, DESU, or Del State), originally established in 1891, is an American historically black, public university located in Dover, Delaware. With a diverse population of 4,200 undergraduate and advanced-degree students on a campus encompassing six colleges, DSU is the second-largest university in the state behind the University of Delaware.
The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity was organized with three principle objectives: The cultivation of friendship among its members, the acquirement individually of a high degree of mental culture, and the attainment personally of a high standard of morality. These objectives, referred to as the “Cardinal Principles,” have guided over 242,000 men (including more than 165,000 living alumni) since December 26, 1848 when the Fraternity was founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Phi Delta Theta now has nearly 170 active chapters in 42 states and five Canadian provinces and over 100 recognized alumni clubs across the U.S. and Canada.
UPDATE 2/24/14
Unfortunately, due to small group size and lack of overall progress towards chapter installation requirements, the General Council and Survey Commission of the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity unanimously voted to remove recognition from the Delaware Beta Colony on February 24, 2014. Phi Delta Theta is hopeful that we may be able to revisit the opportunity to return to Delaware State University at some point in the future.
Election 2012: Phi Delts on the Campaign Trail
Happy Election Day 2012!
Today, millions of Americans head to the polls to cast their votes to elect representatives at all levels of government from state and local races all the way up to the White House.
DID YOU KNOW?
Of the four Democrat or Republican White House candidates for president and vice president this year, only one is Greek. Rep. Paul Ryan (WI), the Republican vice presidential nominee, is a member of Delta Tau Delta from Miami University (Ohio). His father Paul, Sr. & uncle Donald are members of Phi Delta Theta from the Wisconsin Alpha chapter at the University of Wisconsin.
Of course, Phi Delta Theta is non-partisan, however, if you choose to support your fellow Brothers in the Bond with your vote, I am sure they would greatly appreciate it!
Here’s a list of those currently running for office this election cycle:
Adam Hasner, Maryland
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, FL-22 (2012)
Majority Leader, Florida House of Representatives (R-District 87, 2002-2010)
AdamHasner.com
Luke Messer, Wabash
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, IN-06 (2012)
Indiana General Assembly, (R-Shelby, Bartholomew counties, 2003-06)
LukeMesser.com
David Rouzer, NC State University
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, NC-07 (2012)
North Carolina General Assembly, Senate (R-District 12, 2009-present)
DavidRouzer.com
Currently, there is one member of Phi Delta Theta serving in the United States Senate and one governor. Sen. James E. Risch, Idaho is the former Governor of Idaho and was sent to Washington, DC by his fellow Idahoans to represent the “Gem State” in 2009. Former Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Union College was elected Governor of Hawaii in 2010.
For a list of other Phi Delts who have served in government, check out the Capitol Phis page.
Find your polling place (via Vote411.org)
‘Dead Fred’ Takes His Place For VP Debate
Originally posted at LEX18.com.
Seats at Thursday’s vice presidential debate at Centre College in Danville are not easy to come by.
But one famous Centre alum already has his spot staked out.
Phi Delta Theta fraternity members escorted a portrait of former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice and Centre graduate Fred Vinson into the auditorium on Tuesday. Known as “Dead Fred,” the portrait has never missed a Centre College home football game. Frat brothers say there was no way Dead Fred could miss the debate.
“Having Dead Fred on the sidelines here just reminds you that every day you go out and get that support, and you’re just doing everything for the alumni,” Centre senior Oakley Watson said.
In addition to serving on the Supreme Court, Vinson was a member of Congress and was Treasury Secretary under President Truman.
VIDEO: Phi Delts honor Brother Fred Vinson at Centre College during VP Debate
(via LEX18.com)
2012: Remembering 9/11
Phi Delta Theta knows of nine Phis who perished at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. As our nation marks the 11th anniversary of this tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen Brothers, their families and all those who lost loved ones on that fateful day.
Swede Chevalier, Cornell ’98
Thomas Clark, Richmond ’86
Terence Gazzani, Bentley ’00
Donald Jones, Richmond ’84
Mike LaForte, Syracuse ’84
Ted Luckett, Ohio Wesleyan ’84
Sean Lynch, Cornell ’87
Todd Rancke, Duke ’81
Andy Spencer, Maryland ’87
Related
Remembering 9/11
2012 General Convention Recap
The 79th Biennial General Convention of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity took place from July 5-8, 2012 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. It was a packed few days for hundreds of Phis, their families and guests.
Current and former Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters staff members at the 79th Biennial General Convention in Washington, DC on July 7, 2012.
Of course, there was also fraternity business to attend to such as voting on important legislation, debating issues, and the election of the General Council for the 2012-14 biennium. Congratulations to our new president Chris Lapple, and fellow General Council members Rich Fabritius, Jeff Davis, Chris Brussalis and Moe Stephens!
Below is the slideshow that was shown during the Grand Banquet on Saturday night which is a perfect recap of the week’s activities. Thanks to Sean Wagner, Steve Good and all of the Phi Delta Theta GHQ staff, Washington, DC alumni club representatives and everyone who contributed to ensure a terrific event. Safe travels back home!
RELATED
Challenge Coin Campaign for the 79th Biennial General Convention
The Washington DC Alumni Club is proud to host Phi Delta Theta’s 79th Biennial General Convention at the Crystal Gateway Marriot. As a local Phi we certainly hope that you will join us for the this tremendous event!
Whether you’re traveling from Bethesda, Baltimore, Birmingham, or Bismark we want all Phis to have a memorable experience and wanted to provide a “Convention Keepsake” to remember this event.
This is why the alumni club has purchased Challenge Coins to be given to all attendees of the Grand Banquet. Members of the U.S. military have a long-standing tradition of carrying a special coin symbolizing unit identity and esprit de corps. With bonds forged in battle thousands of miles from home, these custom coins minted for military units – each bearing their own revered symbols and mottos – capture in metal the essence of their affiliation and their fierce pride.
Considering that we will be “a stone’s throw” from the Pentagon, we decided that this would be a great way to remember the event and help serve as of remembrance that as Phi Delts, we also have a charge to keep. May we always strive to uphold the principles of Phi Delta Theta in our daily lives as outlined by the Immortal Six.
We are asking area alumni to help underwrite the the expense of these coins by making a contribution of any amount to our WePay page. Regardless of whether you plan on attending Convention or not, if you make a contribution of at least $25, you will receive this special challenge coin. Also, if you make a contribution of $100, you will receive two free tickets to the Washington Nationals game during Convention when Ryan Zimmerman will receive Phi Delta Theta’s Gehrig Award. Tickets in the Fraternity’s block are sold out, but if you give at least $100, we will ensure that you have tickets.
Thanks for your consideration to help make this a memorable cause for Phis in DC! To donate, click here.
PHI DELTA THETA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
General Headquarters
2 South Campus Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056-1801
513-523-6345
FAX: 513-523-9200
www.phideltatheta.org
Ryan Zimmerman honored for his charitable work with the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award
By James Wagner, The Washington Post
Posted at 02:45 PM ET, 06/25/2012
Ryan Zimmerman before the 3rd Annual “A Night at the Park” at the Nationals Park on June 14. (Ilya S. Savenok – GETTY IMAGES FOR ZIMS FOUNDATION)
Zimmerman was honored for his charitable work, notably his ziMS Foundation, which he founded to raise money for a cure for multiple sclerosis, the disease his mother Cheryl suffers from. Zimmerman will be presented with the award before the Nationals game in Colorado on Friday. (Note: The award will be presented during Phi Delt Night at Nationals Ballpark on the evening of Friday, July 6th.)
Soon after being drafted in 2005, Zimmerman started his foundation, and created a golf tournament and a yearly event at Nationals Park. Zimmerman’s contract stipulated that he be given full use of the stadium one day a year for an event, Night at the Park, that raises money for his charity. In 2011, the event raised more than $300,000.
The award is given by the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at Columbia University, Gehrig’s college fraternity. Zimmerman is the first National or Expo to be honored. Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was honored last year, and Angels first baseman Albert Pujols and Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino the previous two years.
RELATED
Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals to Receive Lou Gehrig Memorial Award at Washington, DC Convention (Phi Delta Theta, 5/22/12)
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award at the Baseball Hall of Fame (Phi Delta Theta)
On Facebook, ‘Likes’ Become Ads
By Somini Sengupta, The New York Times
Published: May 31, 2012
In Ames, Iowa, Mr. Zaback came across a plug from another friend the other day. Steven Good’s name and face popped up on his news feed, with the announcement that Mr. Good “likes” American Airlines.
Mr. Good, 30, was not surprised. It would be naïve, he said, to count on an entirely free deal from Facebook. As the social media manager for Phi Delta Theta, a Christian college fraternity, he was experimenting with sponsored stories himself, hoping to leverage “likes.”
If you use the site, Mr. Good argued, you should be prepared to be used. “It’s the nature of the beast that is Facebook,” he said.
Full Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/technology/so-much-for-sharing-his-like.html
