Tag Archives: Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta Urges Reinstatement of University of Virginia Greek Community
Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity has closely monitored the recent developments at the University of Virginia stemming from Rolling Stone’s “A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice” story. The subject matter and continuing conversation around sexual assault and rape is of utmost importance to Phi Delta Theta, and the Fraternity fully believes that its Virginia Beta Chapter at the University of Virginia is comprised of young men who can be a valuable part of the solution on campus.
Phi Delta Theta is opposed to the University of Virginia’s approach of suspending Greek social activities as it has infringed on the Fraternity’s First Amendment freedom of association rights and existing operating agreements on campus. Further, as the University of Virginia develops a new Fraternity Operating Agreement, Phi Delta Theta does not support negotiations until the suspension is removed.
Phi Delta Theta understands its duty of cultivating responsible young men on college campuses and takes great pride in its progressive leadership within the Greek community on an international stage. Nearly 15 years ago, Phi Delta Theta implemented its Alcohol-Free Housing policy, a policy that has both championed responsible behavior and resulted in safer environments for our members and their guests. Phi Delta Theta knows that alcohol is oftentimes a main contributor to the sexual assault and rape issues that exist on college campuses, and the Fraternity remains steadfast in developing its chapters in a way that makes them valuable assets to the campuses and communities where they exist.
Source: Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
Former Maryland Coach Gary Williams Inducted Into Basketball Hall of Fame
Brother Gary Williams, Maryland ’68, former head coach of the University of Maryland men’s basketball team (1989-2011) was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this past weekend at the 2014 Enshrinement Ceremony in Springfield, MA.
Williams was one of ten in the 2014 class of honorees including Nolan Richardson, Mitch Richmond, Bob Leonard, Guy Rodgers, Nat Clifton, Sarunas Marciulionis, Alonzo Mourning, David Stern and Immaculata University.
After four decades on the sideline, Gary Williams is now a Hall of Famer. (via @GettyImages) http://t.co/mUys8Y54Ub pic.twitter.com/B7DGoFJTa5
— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) August 9, 2014
Gary’s first job coaching basketball at the college level was as an assistant coach at Lafayette College. The position also required that he serve as head coach of the soccer team, a one year post that he ended up holding for six years. Upon reflection about his team’s performance on the pitch, Gary said, “People ask me how I did as a soccer coach. Let me just say this… the Soccer Hall of Fame hasn’t called yet.”
He went on to be the head basketball coach at American University, Boston College and Ohio State University before returning to his alma mater in 1989 at the University of Maryland where he once played as a starting point guard and was team captain in 1967.
According to the umterps website, during Gary’s coaching career at Maryland, he led the “basketball program from a period of troubled times to an era of national prominence.”
With 14 NCAA Tournament berths in the last 17 seasons, seven Sweet Sixteen appearances, a pair of consecutive Final Four showings, and the 2002 National Championship – the first of its kind in Maryland basketball history – Williams and his staff have literally forged what is now more than a decade of dominance in college basketball’s most storied and competitive conference.
After leading the Terrapins to the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title in 2010, Williams was voted the league’s Coach of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association. It was his second such award, as he was also honored in 2002.
Now with 442 victories as Maryland’s head coach, Williams stands as the Terrapins all-time winningest head basketball coach. He passed Charles “Lefty” Driesell, who amassed 348 victories in 18 seasons from 1969 to 1986. The Terrapins have averaged 22.6 wins per year since the 1994-95 season.
With 649 career victories in 32 seasons overall, Williams is the 5th-winningest active head coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball.
Watch the full acceptance speech here:
Today, Williams is a college basketball analyst for the Big Ten Network and can be heard regularly on ESPN 980‘s “The Sports Fix” program.
RELATED
Gary Williams savors entry into Naismith Hall of Fame
Boston Herald, 8/10/14
Williams, Zo shared common ground
Washington Post, 8/8/14
Gary Williams reflects on enshrinement into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The Baltimore Sun, 8/8/14
Entry into Naismith Hall of Fame ‘validates’ Gary Williams’ coaching career
Fox News, Associated Press, 8/6/14
Brother Byrne Elected to Congress
Congratulations to Brother Bradley Byrne, Duke ’75, who won a special election Tuesday night to represent the 1st District of Alabama in the U.S. House.
Byrne (R) fills the seat previously held by former Congressman Jo Bonner who left Congress earlier this year for a position in the University of Alabama system.
This brings the total number of Phi Delts currently serving in the U.S. Congress to three including Sen. James Risch from Idaho and Rep. Luke Messer from Indiana.
The Byrne family and campaign appreciate your dedication and support towards victory.Thank you! #AL01 pic.twitter.com/zcdIojByY7
— Bradley Byrne (@BradleyByrne) December 18, 2013
RELATED
Republican Bradley Byrne wins Alabama special election (Washington Post, 12/17/13)
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
‘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
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
