2012 Convention Schedule
The 79th Biennial Convention of Phi Delta Theta will be held on July 5-8, 2012 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202, (703) 920-3230 / 1-800-228-9290.
Don’t forget to register for the 2012 Convention!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
| 1:00 PM | General Council Meeting |
| 5:30 PM | Alumni Reception at Mount Vernon Inn (Volunteers and Families – Invitation Only) |
Thursday, July 5, 2012
| 8:00 AM | Depart for Wreath Laying Arlington National Cemetery |
| 9:00 AM | Registration Begins |
| 10:30 AM | General Officers Conference |
| 12:00 PM | General Officers Luncheon |
| 12:00 PM | Past Presidents of General Council Luncheon |
| 1:30 PM | Commission/Committee Meetings |
| 3:00 PM | Educational Programming |
| 4:00 PM | Committee Meetings |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner on Your Own |
| 7:30 PM | Opening General Session (Open to All – Coat & Tie Required) |
| 9:30 PM | Province Meetings |
Friday, July 6, 2012
| 6:30 AM | Iron Phi 5k |
| 8:30 AM | Focus Group Discussions |
| 9:00 AM | General Session (Phis Only) (Coat & Tie Required) |
| 9:00 AM | Colony Program |
| 12:00 PM | Building on the Bond Luncheon |
| 2:30 PM | Meet the Candidates |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner on Your Own |
| 5:30 PM | Buses depart for Phi Delt Night at the Ballpark Washington Nationals Game |
| 7:05 PM | Opening Pitch – Phi Delt Night at the Ballpark Washington Nationals Game |
Saturday, July 7, 2012
| 8:00 AM | Chapter Advisory Board/Alumni Club Delegates Breakfast with the General Council |
| 9:00 AM | General Session (Phis Only) (Coat & Tie Required) |
| 9:00 AM | Colony Program |
| 12:00 PM | Awards Luncheon |
| 2:30 PM | General Session (Phis Only) (Coat & Tie Required) |
| 2:30 PM | Colony Program |
| 7:30 PM | Children’s Banquet |
| 7:30 PM | Grand Banquet (Coat & Tie Required) |
Sunday, July 8, 2012
| 8 AM | Departures from Washington, DC |
Learn more about Phi Delta Theta’s General Convention and register here. See you in DC!
79th Biennial Convention – July 5-8, 2012 – Washington, DC
Phi Delta Theta’s Biennial Convention offers a unique opportunity for Phis of all ages from many parts of the world to meet in the true spirit of The Bond. Registrations are being received every day for this summer’s Convention at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.
Learn more about Phi Delta Theta’s General Convention and register here. See you in DC!
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)
Ten Unique Things To Do in Washington, DC
By David Almacy – Survey Commission & Washington, DC Alumni Club
Originally posted on the Phi Delt Blog, 6/13/12.
Our Nation’s Capital is well known for iconic federal buildings, historic monuments and impressive museums.
However, there are a number of hidden gems that many visitors might not know about which are certainly worth a look while in the Washington, DC area.
Here are ten unique spots to add to your list as you head “inside the beltway” this summer for Phi Delta Theta’s General Convention.
- Marine Barracks Washington: Evening Parade
Marine Barracks Washington, also known as “8th & I,” is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. The Evening Parade, held every Friday evening during the summer, has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline, and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The ceremony starts at 8:45 PM, beginning with a concert by the United States Marine Band. A one hour and fifteen minute performance of music and precision marching, the Evening Parade features “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. - Spy Museum
Need to make a drop, crack a code or create a new cover? Head to the International Spy Museum. Through storytelling and interactive exhibits, this is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events. The Spy Museum focuses on human intelligence and reveals the role spies have played in world events throughout history. - U.S. National Arboretum
Located on 446 acres, the National Arboretum is home to a wide variety of plants, trees and gardens with something almost always in bloom depending on the time of year. Highlights include Azaleas, Dogwoods, National Boxwood Collection, National Herb Garden, Fern Valley, Friendship Garden, Asian Collections, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, National Grove of State Trees, Aquatic Garden and Koi Pond. Established in 1927 by an Act of Congress, the Arboretum is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. If you want more, you might also enjoy the United States Botanic Garden located downtown on 100 Maryland Avenue, SW near the U.S. Capitol. - Udvar-Hazy Center
Home to the recently retired Space Shuttle Discovery, the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Dulles, VA is a member of the National Air & Space Museum family. Due to the expansive room in the Boeing Aviation Hangar and McDonnell Space Hangar, Udvar-Hazy is able to house a wider collection of artifacts including the fastest jet ever built, Lockheed’s SR-71 Blackbird; Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, the Boeing 307 Stratoliner Clipper Flying Cloud, the first airliner with a pressurized cabin; a Concorde supersonic airliner, the Gemini VII space capsule; the Mobile Quarantine Unit used upon the return of the Apollo 11 crew; and a Redstone rocket. - Washington National Cathedral
A great and beautiful edifice in the city of Washington, the beautiful architecture, structure and grounds of the National Cathedral have served as a sacred place for our country in times of celebration, crisis, and sorrow. As a spiritual resource for our nation, the Cathedral provides an indispensable ministry for people of all faiths and perspectives. - Congressional Cemetery
Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, the Washington Parish Burial Ground was first established in 1807 and designated by the United States as the place of interment for nearly every member of Congress or executive officer who died while holding office. Today, the hallowed ground of the Historic Congressional Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable Americans including three U.S. presidents (William Henry Harrison, John Quincy Adams, Zachary Taylor), two first ladies (Louisa Adams, Dolley Madison), Vice President Elbridge Gerry, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet members, Civil War generals and others such as military composer and conductor John Phillips Sousa and first FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Correction: Although originally buried at the Historic Congressional Cemetery shortly after their deaths in Washington, DC, the remains of the three U.S. presidents and two first ladies were later moved to other locations related to each of their personal histories. - Lincoln Cottage
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and his family resided seasonally at the Soldiers’ Home in northwest Washington, DC for a quarter of his presidency between 1862-64. Located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, this property is regarded by some as the most significant historic site associated with Lincoln other than the White House. - National Harbor
Located on 300 acres of prime real estate along the scenic Potomac River in Prince George’s County, MD, National Harbor is the new gateway to the National Capital Region. This spectacular urban-waterfront community offers stunning views of downtown Washington, D.C. and Old Town Alexandria and the waterfront backdrop completes the perfect setting for prime retail, dining and entertainment. National Harbor is also home to the Gaylord National, the largest combined hotel and convention center on the East Coast. Visit the National Harbor Marina, hop on a water taxi or set sail on lunch, dinner or sightseeing cruises and experience the beauty and splendor of the Potomac like never before. - Lee-Fendall House
Shortly after the American Revolution, war hero Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee purchased property on North Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Built in 1785, the Lee-Fendall House has housed 32 members of the Lee family all the way until 1903. General Robert E. Lee, who later led the Confederate troops during the U.S. Civil War, spent his boyhood here. Also, while in Old Town Alexandria, don’t miss the rows of shops and restaurants that line King Street from the George Washington Masonic Memorial all the way down to the waterfront area at the base of Union Street. Too hot or too far to walk? Hop on the free King Street Trolley. - Southwest Waterfront
Southwest DC went through its first wave of urban renewal in the 1950s. It’s now a hotspot for development once again, with the opening of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals Ballpark nearby and the expansion of the 50-year-old Arena Stage. Sample fresh seafood creations at the Maine Avenue Seafood Market or indulge in a multi-course tasting menu at CityZen at the Mandarin Oriental. Hop on board a sightseeing cruise for an unforgettable view of the monuments from the water. Honor the men who died on the doomed Titanic at one of DC’s most unusual memorials.
If you have flexibility in your schedule and are up for a little road trip while in the region, check out George Washington’s Mount Vernon Garden & Estates in Alexandria, VA, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, VA, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, National Aquarium at the Baltimore Harbor, MD and the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA. For those who appreciate American history from U.S. presidents to “seals” (both kinds) — there’s something for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you at the convention in July and hope you enjoy your time in the Capital City!
Sources: Some of the language used above was taken either entirely or in part from respective venue websites. Links are provided for convenience.
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
2010 Events
Phi Delta Theta 78th Biennial Convention, Orlando, Florida
June 24-27, 2010 – Hundreds of Phis gathered at the Renaissance Resort at Sea World in Orlando in June for the 78th Biennial General Convention. The Biennial Convention offers Phis of all ages from many parts of the world a unique opportunity to meet in the true spirit of the Bond. We hope that the 2010 Convention was a memorable and rewarding experience for those who atended. If, during your stay, you did nothing more than discover the advantages of an international association, then your time was well spent.
Gordon Biersch – June 2010
June 16, 2010 – Time for Phis in the DC area to gather again to share stories, strengthen friendships, and meet brothers from across the country. Let’s get together at Gordon Biersch on Wednesday June 16th at 7:00pm to facilitate career advancement, social networking and a welcoming resource for Phis moving into the area. Please feel free to invite any local Phis you know of in the area.
WHO: All Phi Delts & Guests
DATE: Wednesday, June 16, 2010
TIME: 7 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Gordon Biersch
Map
900 F Street NW
Washington, DC
(202) 783-5454
www.gordonbiersch.com
Gordon Biersch – February 2010
February 25, 2010 – As we continue to dig out from the big snow, come on out and meet your felllow Phis for another great networking opportunity in our Nations’ Capital.
WHO: All Phi Delts & Guests
DATE: Thursday, February 25, 2010
TIME: 7 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Gordon Biersch
Map
900 F Street NW
Washington, DC
(202) 783-5454
www.gordonbiersch.com
2008 Events
Bobby Van’s Grill – November 2008
November 13, 2008 – Come join your fellow Capital Phis for a DC gathering – a great opportunity for young and old to network, interact and share experiences.
WHO: All Phi Delts and Guests
DATE: Thursday, November 13, 2008
TIME: 6 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Bobby Van’s Grill Map
1201 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC
(202) 589-1504
www.bobbyvans.com
Phi Delta Theta 77th Biennial Convention, Paradise Valley, Arizona
June 19-22, 2008 – Despite the sweltering heat of the Arizona desert, more than 600 undergraduates, alumni, family members, and guests came together to celebrate Phi Delta Theta’s 77th Biennial Convention from June 19-22 at Marriott’s Camelback Inn in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Those in attendance were able to meet and reconnect with brothers from across North America, participate in business sessions, attend many special banquets and ceremonies, and witness chapters and individuals receive awards!
2006 Events
7th Annual Walk to D’feet ALS
October 22, 2006 – The DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association is sponsoring this area’s seventh annual Walk to D’feet ALS at the Constitution Gardens (on the National Mall, next to the WWII Memorial) at 10 AM on Sunday, October 22nd, 2006. Join our team!
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization whose sole mission is to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and to improve the lives of those living with ALS. Baseball great Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees was a member of Phi Delta Theta from Columbia University and is the primary reason our fraternity’s partnership with the ALS Association to fight for a cure.
The DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association was founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated volunteers to respond to the critical needs of people with ALS and is the primary resource for patient services in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Due to the overwhelming success from past years, the chapter will sponsor six additional walks this year:
– Ocean Pines, MD – Saturday, September 30, 2006
– Hagerstown, MD – Saturday, October 7, 2006
– Baltimore, MD – Sunday, October 8, 2006
– Salem, VA – Sunday, October 8, 2006
– Richmond, VA – Saturday, October 14, 2006
– Washington, DC – Sunday, October 22, 2006
– Chesapeake, VA – Saturday, October 28, 2006
Those interested in learning more may call 301-978-9855, visit the ALSA National Capital Area Chapter website or send an email to: Walk@ALSinfo.org.
Porter’s Saloon – October 2006
October 18, 2006 – It’s time for another Phi Delta Theta DC Alumni Club gathering at Porter’s Saloon. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Phis in the DC Area. Please pass along to other Phis in the DC area. Friends of Phis are also welcome.
WHO: All Phi Delts and Guests
DATE: Wednesday, October 18, 2006
TIME: 6 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Porter’s Dining Saloon Map
1207 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Porter’s Saloon – August 2006
August 17, 2006 – Come join your fellow Capital Phis for a DC summer gathering – a great opportunity for young and old to network, interact and share experiences.
WHO: All Phi Delts and Guests
DATE: Thursday, August 17, 2006
TIME: 6 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Porter’s Dining Saloon Map
1207 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phi Delta Theta 76th Biennial Convention, Kansas City, Missouri
June 29-July 2, 2006 – Hundreds of Phis gathered at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri for Phi Delta Theta’s 76th Biennial Convention.
Local convention delegates attended from the Washington, DC Alumni Club and local undergraduate chapters including Maryland Alpha, University of Maryland; Maryland Beta, McDaniel College; Maryland Gamma, Washington College; and Virginia Beta, University of Virginia.
2005 Events
6th Annual Walk to D’feet ALS
October 23, 2005 – The DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association is sponsoring this area’s fifth annual Walk to D’feet ALS at the Constitution Gardens (on the National Mall, next to the WWII Memorial) at 10 AM on Sunday, October 23rd, 2005. Join our team!
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization whose sole mission is to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and to improve the lives of those living with ALS. Baseball great Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees was a member of Phi Delta Theta from Columbia University and is the primary reason our fraternity’s partnership with the ALS Association to fight for a cure.
The DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association was founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated volunteers to respond to the critical needs of people with ALS and is the primary resource for patient services in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Due to the overwhelming success from 2004, the chapter will sponsor five more walks this year:
– Hagerstown, MD – October 2, 2005
– Baltimore, MD – October 9, 2005
– Richmond, VA – October 15, 2005
– Chesapeake, VA – October 22, 2005
– Washington, DC – October 23, 2005
– Ocean Pines, MD – November 5, 2005
Those interested in learning more may call 301-978-9855, visit the ALSA National Capital Area Chapter website or send an email to: Walk@ALSinfo.org.
Capital Fraternal Caucus
2005 Congressional Visits
April 16 – 20, 2005 – Approximately 40 undergraduate fraternity and sorority members will travel to Washington, DC for a new student leadership initiative. Participants will get an inside look into how Washington works, a specific review of the Greek policy agenda, and make Hill visits to communicate Greek issues to members of Congress and their staff.
Brothers M. Kelley Shepherd, Virginia and Brian Mazanec, Richmond have been selected to represent Phi Delta Theta during this year’s program.
Pennsylvania Beta Re-Installation at Gettysburg College
April 16, 2005 – After an eight-year absence, the Pennsylvania Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta proudly returns to Gettysburg College.
Phi Delta Theta returns to Gettysburg College.
Initiation
8:30 AM – Meet at the Phi Delta Theta house on West Lincoln (corner of North Washington). See #26 on this Gettysburg College campus map.
9:30 AM – Initiation begins
Members who arrive after 8:30 AM can call Sean Wagner via his cell at 513-461-9184.
Installation
6 PM – Installation and Reception will take place at the Gettysburg Hotel located at One Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA. Call 800-528-1234 or 717-337-2000 for more information.
Business attire (suit or coat and tie) for all events. For additional information, please contact Pennsylvania Beta Colony President, Doug Seale at 516-521-4270
Phi Delta Theta transferred ownership of the house to the College, and in turn, signed a license agreement that would allow Pennsylvania Beta to house its members. The Phi Delta Theta house renovations started late last year and the doors officially opened this semester.
