Phi Delta Theta Installs New Chapter at Old Dominion University
On January 7, 2018, the Virginia Iota Colony at Old Dominion University began the process of becoming an official Phi Delta Theta chapter. What made Virginia Iota’s journey unique from others was their beginning as an interest group as opposed to the typical Phi Delta Theta expansion model. The colony faced the obstacles of becoming a colony, and later a chapter, without the on-site guidance of two expansion consultants.
With the support from Colony Development Specialist Tyler Wilson, Colony Advisory Board Members Jeremy Laws, Kevin Rice, and Dr. Scott Swail, and the Old Dominion University Student Involvement Office, installation weekend became a reality on the weekend of November 16-17, 2018.
Phi Delta Theta’s Response to Lawsuit Involving Former Chapter at Louisiana State University
Almost a year after the heartbreaking loss of Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta continues to keep the entire Gruver family and the LSU Community in our thoughts and prayers. This is a very tragic situation that should have never happened.
Phi Delta Theta is a values-based organization that is committed to promoting a culture of responsibility in our chapters, and we remain vigilant in protecting the safety of our members and guests. This is why we removed the charter from the Louisiana Beta Chapter at Louisiana State University (LSU) and expelled all involved four days after the incident. We strongly advocate that those found to be involved and in violation of our risk management policies will be held accountable for their individual actions and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
We believe in the merits of a college fraternity but recognize the need for meaningful reform. In 2000, Phi Delta Theta was the first and largest fraternity to adopt and implement alcohol and substance-free housing. Throughout our history, we have endorsed and promoted initiatives to battle the societal issue of hazing.
Immediately after the situation, Phi Delta Theta initiated a thorough review of all the Fraternity’s health and safety initiatives. While these efforts continue, they have already resulted in the creation of required individual and chapter bystander education, a Good Samaritan policy, mandatory new member program development, and enhanced parent engagement and communication. A comprehensive listing of our health and safety programs can be found on the Phi Delta Theta website.
Most importantly, we continue to challenge our undergraduates and alumni to uphold the principles and values of Phi Delta Theta.
Source: https://phide.lt/2nKcHBx
Phi Delta Theta to Deliver Bystander Workshop to All Chapters During 2018-19 Academic Year
There is no quote more revered in Phi Delta Theta than “To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty,” stated by Founding Father Robert Morrison.
At this crucial time for fraternities, the spirit of this quote has driven Phi Delta Theta to introduce the To Do What Ought to Be Done Bystander Education Workshop. The Workshop will be delivered in-person at every chapter during the 2018-2019 academic year and provides Phi Delta Theta members with the skill set to intervene in situations involving the misuse of alcohol, hazing, sexual misconduct, and emotional distress.
The To Do What Ought to Be Done Bystander Education Workshop is the first of its kind among fraternal organizations and was developed through a partnership with the Prevention Innovations Research Center (PIRC) at the University of New Hampshire. An assessment was conducted by PIRC to gauge Phi Delta Theta members’ ability to build skills and tools to intervene in life and death situations. As a result, the Workshop and an online educational module was created to ensure moral courage and our Cardinal Principle, rectitude, go hand-in-hand. All undergraduate members of Phi Delta Theta are required to complete the online module.
Phi Delta Theta, a known leader in the fraternal world, and the first and largest fraternity to implement alcohol-free housing in 2000, is committed to promoting true industry reform and providing a safe, values-based leadership experience to its members.
Source: phide.lt/2OjARxQ
Phi Delta Theta Installs District of Columbia Alpha at George Washington Univeristy
On December 11, 2016, the members of the District of Columbia Alpha Colony at The George Washington University began the journey towards becoming an official Phi Delta Theta chapter. The colony faced many challenges leading up to becoming an official chapter, but perseverance, hard work, dedication, and a commitment from their members led to the first Phi Delta Theta charter being granted in the District of Columbia on April 21, 2018.
Installation weekend started with a meeting with Phi Delta Theta’s Director of Expansion Alex Atkinson and Colony Development Specialist Tyler Wilson to discuss the weekend’s events and expectations. The General Headquarters team brought the colony members together for what was one of the final nights that they would share as a colony.
On April 20, initiation night, the colony members gathered at the Fraternity Lodge No. 54 in Foggy Bottom to celebrate their transition to full brotherhood within Phi Delta Theta. In attendance were alumni from other chapters, Fraternity volunteers, and staff members.
The installation ceremony on Saturday, April 21 was held in the City View room on The George Washington University campus, just off the national mall. General Council Treasurer Chris Brussalis presented District of Columbia Alpha with its charter in the presence of family, friends, and guests. Guests of honor included IFC Advisor Ethan Stubbs, Phi Delta Theta Survey Commissioner and Pennsylvania Mu (Widener) alumnus David Almacy, Province President and Pennsylvania Iota (Pittsburg) alumnus Scott Lynch, Chapter Advisory Board Chairman and Georgia Gamma (Mercer) alumnus Austin Deray, as well as other CAB members, parents, friends, and guests.
The weekend’s activities were a display of the hard work that each brother has contributed to the foundation of District of Columbia Alpha. This was further exemplified by the goal setting retreat on Sunday, April 22, where the chapter resolved to grow in size, refine their structure, and continue to become the best version of themselves.
The colony wishes to thank all those who contributed to their success and earnestly hopes that they will continue to live up to, and exceed, the expectations that others have for them, as well as their own.
DC Alpha Chapter Installation at GWU
The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity is pleased to officially welcome the DC Alpha Colony as the newest chapter at George Washington University and our first group in the District of Columbia. After colonizing in October 2016 and months of hard work, the colony has been approved to charter by the permission of the Phi Delta Theta General Council.
There will be two nights of activities, Initiation on Friday, April 20 and Charter Installation on Saturday, April 21. This a rare opportunity to witness the establishment of a new chapter. We hope that you will join us for one or both of the events. More details are below:
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INITIATION CEREMONY – Friday, April 20, 2018
The DC Alpha colony members will be initiated into Phi Delta Theta at Fraternity Lodge, No. 54 F.A.A.M. located at 701 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 7 PM..
Who: Limited to ONLY members of Phi Delta Theta & DC Alpha Colony
When: Friday, April 20, 2018 at 7 PM
Where: Fraternity Lodge, No.54 F.A.A.M.
701 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/phi-delta-theta-dc-alpha-colony-initiation-tickets-44905400261
Business attire
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CHARTER INSTALLATION & BANQUET – Saturday, April 21, 2018
On the second night, DC Alpha will officially receive their charter from Phi Delta Theta General Council Treasurer Chris Brussalis. The ceremony will take place in the City View Room (7th Floor) in the Elliot School of International Affairs Building located at 1957 E Street, NW, Washington, DC on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 7 PM. A banquet with food and beverages will follow.
Who: Attendance is OPEN to Phi Delta Theta members and guests including family, friends, alumni, fellow Greeks and the George Washington University community.
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 7 PM
Where: Elliot School of International Affairs Building
1957 E Street, NW, City View Room (7th Floor), Washington, DC
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-alpha-colony-installation-tickets-44906045190
Business attire
The cost is $20 per person and space is limited.
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If you have any questions, please e-mail Dennis Constanza, Alumni Chairman, DC Alpha or cell (424)-477-8291.
2018 General Convention in San Antonio
The 82nd Biennial General Convention will take place June 21-24, 2018 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio in Texas. It will be a momentous celebration for Phi Delta Theta as Phis convene from around the world to meet in the true spirit of The Bond of Phi Delta Theta and enact the supreme legislative powers of the Fraternity.
The 2018 Convention is located just steps away from San Antonio’s River Walk and the iconic Alamo. The historic downtown offers plenty of entertainment and shopping venues, plus events to allow brothers to reconnect with old acquaintances while connecting for the first time with other Brothers in the Bond.
As an alumni club, we are encouraged to take part in all festivities, including a special Alumni Club Roundtable that will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, June 21, prior to the start of the Convention.
Austin Deray, CAB Chairman for the men of DC Alpha at The George Washington University, will be representing the Phi Delta Theta Washington, DC Alumni Club as our voting delegate at Convention. Jason Schwemer will be the alternate delegate.
We hope that you will consider joining us in San Antonio, as well!
Phi Delt Casino Night at UMD
The men of Phi Delta Theta and the women of Alpha Phi at the University of Maryland are excited to host the 7th Annual Casino Night philanthropy event on March 9th, as well as the 4th Annual Parents and Alumni Casino Night on the evening of March 10th. All proceeds from the event will be donated towards the LiveLikeLou Foundation for ALS, Terps Against Hunger, and the Alpha Phi Foundation.
Alumni Event Details
The second night, Saturday, March 10th from 6 PM – 10 PM, is open exclusively to parents and alumni and will include a night of games, music, silent auction, and cocktail style hors d’oeuvres. This event will be held at Terrapin’s Turf, 4410 Knox Rd, College Park, MD. A wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, and spirits will be available.
The Maryland Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta is hopeful that they will be able to surpass the $27,000 raised last year, setting a target of $30,000 for this year’s event. With your help, they will be able to make this year a success.
Below is a breakdown of donation levels and the benefits of each.
- Donors with a contribution of any size will be recognized in our event booklet.
- Our Bronze evel donors with contributions of $100 on the event t-shirt that will be sold the night of the event.
- Our Silver level donors with contributions of $200 will be receive the bronze level benefits plus recognition on a banner to be draped from the front of the chapter house leading up to, and during the event.
- Our Gold level donors with contributions of $500 or more will receive the Silver level benefits with the addition of being an honorary table sponsor.
If you wish to contribute to the event, please do so via their online fundraising campaign at: https://umd.crowdchange.co/2238
Please use the comments section provided on the donation page to let people know that you donated!
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Brothers of Phi Delta Theta and Sisters of Alpha Phi
Casino Night Chairs
Jesse Doris & Lexie Adams
Email: jesse.doris@comcast.net
Regional Recruitment Workshop Hosted at GWU
In an effort to increase the opportunities for undergraduate and alumni volunteers to receive high quality recruitment education and training, Phi Delta Theta is offering five regional Recruitment Workshops throughout the year.
Phi Delta Theta is partnering with Phired Up Productions to offer both Social Excellence Training as well as Dynamic Recruitment Training. Each Workshop runs from 10 AM to 4:30 PM on the day of the event.
We are thrilled that the first was hosted in Washington, DC on January 27, 2018 by the men of the District of Columbia Alpha Colony at George Washington University.
More info about the workshops can be found here:
https://www.phideltatheta.org/2017/12/registration-open-five-regional-recruitment-workshops/
Phi Delt DC Walks to Defeat ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Lou Gehrig was not only a legendary New York Yankee, he was also a Brother in the Bond of Phi Delta Theta.
To honor Brother Gehrig’s memory and to help fight this horrible disease and provide resources to those currently affected by it, the Phi Delta Theta Washington, DC Alumni Club formed a team to participate in the annual “Walk to Defeat ALS” consisting of undergraduates, alumni and other supporters.
On Saturday, October 14, 2017, members of our team walked three miles around the Washington Monument Grounds in Washington, DC. Walkers included Phi Delt alumni and members of the DC Alpha Colony of Phi Delta Theta located at George Washington University.
Support the DC Alumni Club team “Phi Delta Theta DC” by visiting:
http://web.alsa.org/goto/phideltdc17
Whether or not you were able to walk with us, please consider joining our fight. Let’s do it for Brother Lou!
ALS Ride For Life
Christopher Pendergast was diagnosed with ALS twenty-four years ago. A former teacher for over thirty years, he chose to fight.
In an effort to build ALS awareness and raise financial support in search of a cure, Chris founded a non-profit, volunteer-run organization called ALS Ride For Life. For the past 20 years, Chris has traveled in his motorized wheelchair, along with other patients, families, and friends from Lou Gehrig’s memorial in Yankee Stadium either to Washington, DC or across Long Island.
To date, he has raised over $7M for research, patient care, education and awareness of the horrific disease that took the life of New York Yankee legend, and our own Phi Delta Theta brother, Lou Gehrig. Chris has made this ride for a cure his second career. He is on a ventilator now but soldiers on. He is one amazing man!
On Sunday, May 4, 2017 Chris and his team started their journey to Washington, DC. They made stops at the University of Maryland in College Park and George Washington University in Washington, DC en route to the United States Capitol.
While at GWU, Chris was welcomed to the Nation’s Capital on Sunday, May 14 and members of the DC Alpha Colony of Phi Delta Theta greeted him and showed their support in the fight against ALS. For more information, please contact Ride For Life’s Dick Iannuzzi, (631) 352-8998 or Dennis Constanza, DC Alpha Colony of Phi Delta Theta.
