Lou Gehrig Day and ALS Awareness games resonated across Major League Baseball like never before this year. Thanks to powerful partnerships with the Permobil Foundation and Phi Delta Theta, the Live Like Lou Foundation brought hope and support to families impacted by ALS in nine MLB stadiums. As part of each event, people living with ALS were surprised with custom, team-branded Permobil wheelchairs, honoring Lou Gehrig’s legacy and empowering independence. 

Atlanta Braves 

Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves is this year’s recipient of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. The Fraternity awards it annually to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the giving character of Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. Sale received the award on June 4, 2025, in Atlanta during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This award was especially meaningful for Chris Sale because his grandmother died when he was six years old due to ALS. He said, “Tonight was very special for me. It was actually really cool that my mom was here too. She lived that experience with her mother, my grandmother.” Sale is the sixth Braves player to win the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, following Warren Spahn (1961), Hank Aaron (1970), Phil Niekro (1979), Dale Murphy (1985), and John Smoltz (2005). 

Ben Brandenburg, a proud UGA graduate and member of Georgia’s athletic community, was honored with a Braves-branded wheelchair sponsored by Permobil. Live Like Lou received a $10,000 donation from the Atlanta Braves Foundation. 

Milwaukee Brewers 

Before the Brewers’ ALS awareness game on April 19, Live Like Lou was honored at Christian Yelich’s third annual Home Plate Charity Concert, which raised over $175,000 with support from the Goo Goo Dolls and the Nicotine Dolls. Executive Director Wendy Faust took the stage to share our mission and the urgent need to support ALS families. Brewers fan Mike Seitz was surprised at American Family Field two nights later. 

San Francisco Giants 

The Giants honored Etzael Jimenez by presenting his family with his custom chair. Though Etzael joined via FaceTime and tragically passed away the following morning, his vibrant spirit and the love of his mother and caregivers were deeply felt. Pitcher Tristan Beck, a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award nominee, unveiled the chair in his honor. 

Miami Marlins 

Edil De Leon received his custom chair in a celebration filled with unity and joy from fans and families alike. A devoted father of three, special education teacher, and retired elite powerlifter, Edil has dedicated his life to supporting children with autism. He once ranked among the top US middleweights, winning four Puerto Rican National Championships. Now facing ALS, he leads with strength, raising awareness, inspiring others, and showing what it means to live with purpose. 

As a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award nominee, Declan was allowed to do something meaningful for a local ALS family, and honoring Edil was the perfect fit. 

Los Angeles Dodgers 

Jason Ramirez, a beloved high school softball coach and lifelong Dodgers fan, was recognized by Freddie Freeman during the Lou Gehrig Day ceremony at Dodger Stadium. Diagnosed with ALS following a remarkable 25–3 season and a State Coach of the Year honor, Jason received his chair in front of a roaring hometown crowd. 

Kansas City Royals 

Sarah Nauser Olsen, a lifelong Royals fan, ALS advocate, and former police officer, was celebrated for her strength and ongoing advocacy. Before retiring, she fulfilled a dream by serving as an officer in the Royals dugout, a moment that sparked a lasting friendship with her childhood hero, George Brett. 
The evening also honored Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. as a finalist for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. 

Chicago White Sox 

Kenneth Anthony Moore Sr., a devoted father, artist, and Chicago sports superfan, inspired fans with his humor and faith as he received his new chair. He was joined by Andrew Vaughn, the team’s Gehrig Award nominee. 

Boston Red Sox 

Friends and family surrounded Tara Bartlett and her 101-year-old grandmother as Fenway Park cheered her on. Her chair presentation was a powerful reminder of perseverance and love in the face of ALS. 

Pittsburgh Pirates 

At the Pirates’ Lou Gehrig Day game, board chair Dr. Chris W. Brussalis presented William Lemmon with an Onward Award and scholarship for his future studies. William, whose father is living with ALS, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. 

The post 2025 Lou Gehrig Day Recap   appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

In the latest issue of The Scroll, you will read about bold leadership from Phi Delta Theta to create and implement the alcohol-free housing policy that went into effect on July 1, 2000.  

In February 1997, when the policy was announced, I was a high school junior who wasn’t sure where I was going to college, let alone if I was going to join a fraternity.  Over two and a half years later, on September 12, 1999,  I was initiated into the Pennsylvania Mu Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Widener University, a group that wasn’t quite ready for this change. Ten months later, the alcohol-free housing (AFH) policy was implemented, and I had the opportunity to serve as social chairman during our first ‘dry’ semester and chapter president from November 1999 through the following December.  I didn’t join Phi Delt for alcohol, but it was a big part of what my chapter had to offer at the time, and I wasn’t in those roles because I was a transformational leader, but because someone had to “step up and step in.” My years in the chapter at that pivotal time helped shape me into the leader I am today and taught me valuable lessons, including change management, scenario planning, coalition building, and the need to lead by example.  

Here, you’ll read in this issue that this policy has drastically changed Phi Delta Theta for the better, and it has, but that doesn’t mean it came easy for those who lived it.  From a policy implementation standpoint, resources were spent on determining where someone could and couldn’t bring a beer, but much less on assessing the impact on the experience of current members and how to attract future members who wouldn’t be rolling into our house for parties on the weekends.  

Over time, our chapter decided to move into the dorms and join student organizations to find new members who were more interested in our mission than our social calendar, but not before shrinking and regrouping years later. This was an experience that Phi Delta Theta experienced as a whole, by dropping as much as 16 percent in members and 10 percent in chapters in our first decade of alcohol-free housing. Over time, the ingenuity and hard work of our brothers, recruitment strategies to build personal connections while promoting a values-based leadership, and the introduction of the Greatest Version brand launched in 2011 have helped make Phi Delta Theta what it is today and substantively a different organization now twice its size as in 2000. 

Today, we recognize that the policy isn’t perfect, but it effectively helps chapters prioritize their values, resulting in our houses being cleaner and statistically safer than those of our peers.  Fortunately, the hard work due to the culture shift is done, but that’s not to say that chapter leaders today have it easy; quite to the contrary. Challenges with keeping their members safe remain, along with topics like Phikeia education, mental health, and everything that society projects on college campuses, are making the chapter president’s job arguably harder than it’s ever been.  My belief, as someone who was part of the challenges of the change, is that its results put us in a better position to support our brothers today and ensure Phi Delta Theta’s legacy for years to come. 

Fraternally,

The post Letter from Sean Wagner appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

For James C. Eskridge, the values of leadership, service, and integrity have been lifelong companions. From his early days in Pasadena, Texas, where he earned the Eagle Scout Award in 1961, to his distinguished career in youth development and military service, Brother Eskridge has consistently embodied the ideals of Phi Delta Theta. 

Now celebrating fifty consecutive years of giving to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, Eskridge’s story is one of enduring commitment. His first donation came in 1975, and over the decades, his contributions have included a Charitable Gift Annuity for The Living Bond Society, memorabilia for the Foundation archives, and commemorative bricks in the Sesquicentennial Courtyard—honoring both his own journey and the memory of fellow brothers. 

“My support of the Foundation is a sound investment in the future of Phi Delta Theta,” Eskridge shares. “It ensures scholarships, fellowships, educational programs, and housing grants that shape tomorrow’s leaders.” 

Eskridge’s Phi Delt journey began in 1964 at Lamar University, where he joined the Delta Rho Colony. He played a pivotal role in the installation of the Texas Iota Chapter in 1965, serving first as vice president and then as president. His leadership continued beyond college, through active participation in alumni clubs, Founders Day events across multiple states, and the 2018 Biennial Convention in San Antonio. 

A proud Golden Legionnaire, Eskridge received his pin in 2015 at a Founders Day event in Seattle. Reflecting on the moment, he recalls signing The Bond of Phi Delta Theta in 1965 and later organizing a Golden Legion ceremony for fellow brothers during the Texas Iota Chapter Reunion in 2018. 

His professional life is equally distinguished. Eskridge served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1974, specializing in Aerospace Reconnaissance Intelligence Operations, with assignments in Vietnam, Germany, and at Strategic Air Command Headquarters. He earned two USAF Commendation Medals for Meritorious Service. 

Following his military service, Eskridge dedicated thirty-four years to Scouting America, serving in executive roles across the country and retiring in 2008 as associate director for Compensation and Benefits at the BSA National Council. 

He met his future wife, Kathryn, at college, and soon she accepted his fraternity drop. They married after graduation and will celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary in 2026. They reside near Seattle, Washington, as do their son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters 

Through it all, Phi Delta Theta remained a constant. “Robert Morrison said, ‘To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.’ That principle has guided me throughout my life,” Eskridge reflects. 

His advice to future leaders is simple yet profound: “Lead by example. Integrity and consistency between words and deeds are the foundation of true leadership.” 

James C. Eskridge’s legacy is a testament to the power of living The Bond. His half-century of generosity and service continues to inspire, ensuring that Phi Delta Theta remains a force for good in the lives of generations to come. 

Phi Delta Theta Foundation

Fund your brother’s leadership experience.

Your donation to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation today ensures that your youngest brothers, our students, are receiving the highest level of leadership education to become impactful servant leaders, inspiring thinkers, and philanthropists, while also cultivating a strong brotherhood.

Your support provides all Phis with this experience.

The post A Legacy of Leadership and Loyalty  appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

1. Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life?  

The relationships that I have enjoyed with many Phi Delta Theta brothers have enriched my life in many ways: friendships, business, travel, and appreciation for shared values, including UT. 

2. What is your most memorable experience or moment from Phi Delta Theta? 

A lot of happy times, such as the first date with my wife, were at Sunday lunch at the house, etc.  

3. Who from your chapter inspired you? Have you ever told them that? 

My campus experience at UT included relationships with Phis in Honor Business like Kenny Jastrow and Joe Bob Kinsel; with Phis on the football team like Pete Lammons and Chris Gilbert; and with Phis in the Texas Cowboys, who are UT’s campus leaders like Frank Haddock and Dick Kimbrough. Our chapter was blessed with outstanding individuals who have started businesses, endowed charities, served in education, and become doctors, lawyers, and leaders in all fields of endeavor. They know that they are appreciated!  

4. What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience? 

I have left things better than I found them, wherever I have focused through teamwork and serving the mission.  

5. How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation? 

I am still in contact with several brothers from Texas Beta and other Texas Phis.  

6. Advice for current students? 

You each have the opportunity to learn from each other and make lifelong friendships! Relationships make good things happen. There are several leadership takeaways that I ask you to consider. Care about your teammates. Nobody accomplishes something worthwhile alone. Your team can tell when it’s about you and when it’s about the team. Also, serve the mission and not yourself. People will follow leaders who care about their teammates and work to accomplish shared objectives. Make the most of every day, cherish relationships, and give thanks to God for your many blessings. 

The post Six Things With Corby Robertson Jr., UT Austin ’69  appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

By Kate Ferguson, Senior Director of Strategic Communications, and Jennifer Morrow, Senior Director of Marketing Communications and Scroll Editor

In 1997, Phi Delta Theta made a decision that would forever shape its future: the move to alcohol-free housing. At the time, it was groundbreaking territory that no other fraternal organization of our size had forged. 

For some, it was controversial. For us, it was defining. Twenty-five years later, the students of today have never known Phi Delta Theta any other way. 

Flashback to the Year 2000 

On July 1, 2000, alcohol-free housing officially started, and Phi Delta Theta gained national attention. If you were in college then, you might remember the uncertainty. You might have heard that it was going to be the death of Phi Delta Theta. You may have even wondered, will this work? Fast forward to today; those same students are now in their forties, some with college-aged kids of their own. A lot has happened in twenty-five years. 

A Change in Culture 

The policy wasn’t just about removing alcohol from chapter facilities; it was about restoring the Fraternity’s focus to what the Immortal Six intended: Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude. 

In the mid-to-late 1990s, fraternities faced low academic performance, rising insurance costs, and declining alumni involvement due to an alcohol dominated culture on campus. Phi Delta Theta’s leadership at the time realized they needed to address these challenges head-on and replace them with a values-driven culture that would continue to shape stronger men and better versions of themselves. The Fraternity’s decision was supported by the fact that some students also wanted a change. In 1980, 20 percent of college students wanted an alternative to the status quo, something like alcohol-free housing; by 1990, 35 percent of the students wanted an alternative, and by 1995, 52 percent did.  

“If you want to change your organization, don’t be afraid to take big steps; most decisions in organizations are made incrementally. The Greek movement was facing a serious issue with alcohol. It was the cause of every significant problem the Fraternity had: grades, quality of members, alumni participation, and quality of chapter houses. Additionally, parental support and Greek numbers were declining,” reflects Past President of the General Council, M. Scott Mietchen. Scott served on the General Council during the decision-making and implementation of the alcohol-free housing policy.  

In 1993, a Phikeia at Auburn named Chad Saucier died from alcohol, leading the General Fraternity to take a hard look at the social aspect of fraternity, as it was attracting students who were more focused on the fun that you can have in college rather than the values of the organization. Alcohol was leading to the deterioration of facilities, assaults, and hazing incidents. General Headquarters staff and the General Council began to recognize that Phi Delta Theta was moving further and further away from its founding principles of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude, and the values of the founders and The Bond that Phi Delts all try to live up to today. In 1994, at the General Officers Conference, the idea of alcohol-free housing was discussed. General Headquarters staff presented, and students and volunteers were invited to participate. At the end of the conference, there was a vote on whether it should be taken up as a resolution at the 1996 Orlando Convention. As a province president at the time, J. David Almacy remembers the moment they voted. “I remember at GOC, they asked us for 100 percent support on moving forward with the alcohol-free housing initiative. We didn’t start the conference talking about alcohol-free housing, so it’s fascinating to see that as the two or three days went through, there was a lot of politicking and a lot of communication and education, and eventually, I remember on that last night, the lighting was a little bit dimmer in the room . . . the vote came through, and I remember looking around the room and seeing every hand raised, and I was so proud of the decision that we made. And in my view, we’ve become a better organization because of it.” 

Phi Delta Theta’s accomplishments stem from the united front of the General Council and General Headquarters, with further support from house corporations providing grants and the Foundation funding scholarships. But it was also the local alumni and students. As General Council Treasurer Tom Balzer points out, “the local chapter members who embraced this and made this part of the lifestyle and showed really early on, you know, the critical mass that we started developing . . . that early success, I don’t know that we would have been able to make the groundswell that we got.” Tom served as the project coordinator for alcohol-free housing at General Headquarters and traveled to chapters in the US and Canada, educating and enforcing the new policy. 

Even with early support, it wasn’t always an easy journey. Young leaders had to make hard choices. Educational Commissioner David Kovacovich recalls that going alcohol-free at Arizona State in the 1990s was not a smooth transition. The culture at ASU was very alcohol dominated on campus, especially in the Greek system. As chapter president, “We had to do some member reviews. We had to eliminate some people from the chapter. And that was a very difficult thing to do. But ultimately, what we tend to take for granted is that we go to college for an education. We go to college to create the format for our career. The social aspect is a complement to what we do after we’ve fulfilled our academic obligations. That was a little bit lost at the time when I was in college at Arizona State. Having alcohol-free housing helped us focus better on the genuine intent of our Fraternity, the Cardinal Principles of our Fraternity, and the real benefits of our Fraternity.” 

By shifting the focus back to the Cardinal Principles and providing policies and education to keep our members safer, this has led to reduced property damage, injuries, and insurance claims, which in turn keeps costs stable and facilities in better condition for future generations. 

A Lasting Legacy 

Alcohol-related incidents, including deaths, sexual assaults, fights, hazing, and vandalism, had become alarmingly common in the Greek community. In 1989, a study showed that as many as 47 percent of students living in Greek housing identified as heavy drinkers. This is compared to 14 percent of students overall, indicating a significant gap in heavy drinking rates between those in Greek housing and the general student population. Of all insurance claims filed against Phi Delta Theta up to mid-1997, 53 percent were alcohol-related. Insurance settlements for these claims totaled over $5.5 million.  

In 2004, when Michael Scarlatelli was General Council President, the Fraternity had between 6,500 and 7,000 undergraduates; now, Phi Delt has 14,200. Mike says this is due to the quality of members today. “The level of the undergrad in terms of participation, being able to discuss topics, presenting themselves, showing up on time, the way they come dressed to conventions and conferences is night and day. This has led to the growth of the Foundation by leaps and bounds from where we were. I mean, multiple times, not just two, three, or four times, because our alumni are looking at the value. They’re coming to our conferences, our conventions. They’re seeing the undergrads and interacting with them and seeing the quality of the students we’re bringing in. And that’s bringing in donations so we can fund more of these programs. So, the legacy over twenty-five years in terms of where we were with our Leadership College that began in August 1990, when we’d have maybe 200 and 300 students in one of the smaller conference rooms. Tio and Janell Kleberg saw the value this conference made on our students and invested $1 million in 2012 to support what is now called the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute. Their generosity means that we’re able to fund over a thousand students every August coming to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. It has grown to have not just the main Kleberg track but also the Shaffer Honors College, and most recently, due to Mark and Shirley Craig’s $1 million gift, we have two more tracks that will allow even more leadership support for our members. What we’ve been able to implement with the Fraternity and the growth of the Fraternity with donor support—it’s been amazing.” 

When alcohol-free housing began, it was a bold experiment. Today, it’s simply part of who we are. It has shaped a generation of Phi Delts who see the Fraternity not as a social club, but as a true value to their career and personal aspirations. When asked about living in the chapter house, Drew Annable, Widener ’26, said, “It’s been actually pretty nice having alcohol-free housing, having that safe space to go to be able to just hang out with brothers and chill and being able to bring PNMs (potential new members) into the house to showcase it and show them what we’re about. Also, working with our brothers to have events and recruitment events at different locations. Especially philanthropy events. That’s a big way we like to show off our Fraternity—those moments are, I think, key in our recruitment and advertise Phi Delta Theta.” Fellow Pennsylvania Mu brother Joe Walsh, ’27, confirms. “This is my first year staying in the house, and I’m really enjoying it. I feel like a big stereotype that we run into while recruiting is the belief that fraternity is about alcohol. A lot of the freshmen that I’ve talked to this year say that alcohol is the reason they don’t want to be in a fraternity. Their coach or the sports teams are really scared that being in a fraternity is going to take their time away from what they’re supposed to be doing. But I feel that rather than that, Phi Delt pushes our integrity of academics, and everything that you’re supposed to be doing as a student, like making sure your grades come first. That has helped change perceptions that fraternity can be more than being social and alcohol.” 

Alcohol-Free Housing set a new standard for the fraternal world, but for nearly two decades, Phi Delta Theta stood alone in fully implementing the initiative. In 2017, Sigma Phi Epsilon passed a resolution at their Grand Chapter Conclave to achieve completely substance-free facilities by August 1, 2020. Shortly after, Beta Theta Pi and Delta Upsilon adopted similar policies. Their adoption showed that even our peers, once cautious, came to recognize the success of our approach. 

The Next Twenty-Five Years 

The fraternal landscape has changed dramatically since the year 2000. Many organizations still wrestle with questions of purpose, safety, and relevance. In the grand scheme of things, this initiative has only been implemented for just 14 percent of the Fraternity’s existence. Still, Phi Delta Theta is building on a quarter-century of proven results, preparing its members for the next twenty-five years and beyond. We hope to also promote future changemakers for the challenges we may face in the years to come. 

“To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it.” 

“Implementing alcohol-free housing led to campuses requesting that we expand on their campus. As to our alumni’s reaction, some alumni were split. However, most alumni were extremely supportive of it. We got letter after letter from alumni and parents alike who were thrilled that we had removed the alcohol from the chapter house. Alcohol had not been in chapter houses for 150 years. It has only really been in the chapter houses to the extent that it was for 50 or 60 years. Alumni wrote letters talking about how they had overcome alcohol abuse. And then we had those who said we were going to ruin the Fraternity. And I think time told the tale that we didn’t ruin the Fraternity. And the decision that was made has allowed Phi Delta Theta to become what it is today,” concludes Scott Mietchen. 

As a result of taking this big step, Phi Delta Theta became more than just a fraternity—it became the premier fraternal leadership society, known for developing men who lead on their campuses, in their communities, and their careers. 

For the members of 2050, alcohol-free housing won’t be a ‘policy change’ they’ve heard about—it will be a tradition they’ve inherited. And that’s precisely what leadership decisions are meant to do: create a better future for people you may never meet. 

Like any major policy change, it has been and will continue to be met with its challenges. Yet, Phi Delta Theta is a better international Fraternity today than it was twenty-five years ago. Phi Delta Theta chose to lead. Today, we tell the story and continue the legacy. 

The post Celebrating Twenty-Five Years of Alcohol-Free Housing appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

General Council President Nat Love’s childhood was very nomadic. When he was very young, his father was in the United States Air Force. Born in Sacramento, California, at six months old, Nat’s parents moved the family across the country to the Maine-New Hampshire border. After his father’s service in the air force concluded, the family moved back to Michigan, and his dad rejoined General Motors. The family didn’t stay in Michigan for long, as his dad’s position took the family all over the world. In the following interview, Nat talks about growing up, his fraternity experience, and his vision for the next biennium. 

Nat’s Journey to Phi Delt 

I went to high school at the American School in London, not far from Paul McCartney’s house. Our family lived fifteen miles north in the town of Watford. Watford’s only reason for fame was that a certain musician grew up in a smaller village right next to it, and his favorite football team was the Watford Hornets. That musician ended up being one of the most popular musicians in the world; his name was Sir Elton John. He ended up playing two concerts in my high school gym as his career was starting to take off. 

After graduation, I left England to come home to college in America. I was planning on studying pharmacy, and at that time, there were only seventy-five schools that had pharmacy programs. I applied to five of the schools, and was accepted by all five. Because I went to school in the United Kingdom, some schools thought I was an international student and didn’t even send me an application, such as Purdue. University of Michigan did, however, and I applied and was accepted. 

I was a young undergrad, only seventeen when I arrived on campus. I was paired with an MBA student from Bowdoin College in Maine as my roommate. As I mentioned in my opening letter, my roommate, Larry Butler, was Greek, and he encouraged me to go through recruitment so that I could meet people since I had been abroad through high school. 

Neither of my parents was in a Greek organization. No uncles either, so I had no real connection or real plans to join a Greek organization. But Larry often encouraged me, and when recruitment time came in January, he said, “You know, you should check them out.” 

Michigan had a fairly strong Greek community. I think there were about thirty or so fraternities. So, as a group of friends from the dorm, we went and made a connection at Phi Delt, primarily due to sports. The athletic director of the chapter was pressuring the recruitment chairman to recruit a lot of multi-sport athletes because he wanted to win the IM championship. 

Well, he was able to do that. I was in a pledge class of nineteen, which, for Michigan at the time, was a big class. For example, the class before was four. And of the nineteen, most of us, if not all of us, had played two or three sports in high school, with one of them a varsity, cross-country runner. We did go on to win the IM championship that year, and for many years to come.  

One of the greatest experiences I think anyone can have is to live in the chapter house, and I was fortunate to live in Michigan Alpha’s for three years. That was primarily due to the fact that I held officer roles. So, although I was not the chapter president, I was the steward, which I would argue is the most powerful position in the chapter house when you control people’s stomachs and work with the house manager to make sure jobs get done. When your brothers don’t get to eat, a lot of people either like you or don’t at certain times. 

I also served as a scholarship chairman and represented the pharmacy school on the student government. For the last few years, I was the alumni secretary. Pharmacy school is a six-year program, so during the final two years, I lived down the street with two older Phi Delts in what we called the PDT clinic. One of my roommates, Jon McLain, ’77, was in dental school, and the other, Ralph Everson, ’78, was in medical school. So, we might have taken out a few stitches, put in a few stitches, maybe done a few other minor surgical procedures. Treated a lot of common aches and pains. I always joke that we had an HMO (health maintenance organization) long before they became popular. 

Just after my junior year, I started working for Meijer, the originator of the supercenter supermarket concept, as an intern in 1978. So, when I graduated, I had a choice to make. 

I could continue working at Meijer, where I had benefits and was about a year and a half away from earning another week of vacation, among other perks. Or I was considering moving to Snowbird, just outside Salt Lake City, to be a pharmacist at the pharmacy there, where I would have done a lot of skiing and probably paid very little, and definitely would have received few benefits. 

For some reason, common sense took over, and I didn’t pursue what seemed like an exciting job working in Snowbird. I ended up working for Meijer for thirty-eight years, eventually retiring as the vice president of drug store. While at Meijer, I served on the University of Michigan pharmacy advisory board for twelve years. 

When I graduated, I was asked to join the house corporation for Michigan Alpha. I believe that was mainly for two reasons. The first reason was that the chapter, along with the house corporation, had started a golf tournament, and the house corporation guys didn’t want to lose it since it had become an annual event. The second reason was that I could type. Back then, there were no word processors or personal computers. Using a list provided by General Headquarters, I had to type on labels with a typewriter, stick the labels to envelopes, and send them out. Regardless of the reasons, I was happy to be asked and served as a member for seventeen years, the last three as president. 

I lived the life of a normal alumnus for about two years, then one day Mike Scarlatelli called. He had just been elected to the General Council as a member-at-large, and he asked me if I would be interested in being the Sigma North province president. This was in 2000. I did that job for the next eighteen years. I had pretty much all the chapters in Michigan and occasionally, Bowling Green State University, in Ohio. 

I found that being a province president was probably one of the more rewarding jobs in our organization. Jim Warner became the Sigma South province president at the same time, and as our regions at times overlapped, we got to know each other well. We were province president pledge brothers.   

Jim and I started hosting Bi-Prov Retreats. These grew into the Quad-Prov Retreat, which included chapters from Central and Northeastern Ohio, along with all Michigan chapters. Besides offering member development, the retreats provided an opportunity for Phi Delts to work with province presidents and create programs that addressed urgent topics relevant to both undergraduates and the province. It was also a chance for undergraduates to meet Phi Delts outside their chapter and get a sense of a larger Phi Delt community. These regional conferences were the springboard for the Fraternity-wide province retreat model. 

In 2018, I was in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, when General Council Treasurer Dr. Chris W. Brussalis called and asked if I would consider running for the General Council. I couldn’t believe anyone would care about my opinion, but I decided to run. I was elected at the 2018 General Convention in San Antonio, along with J. David Almacy. Dave and I became General Council pledge brothers and, for the next seven years, we served on the council together. As I reflect on this period of time, we had quite an interesting run. 

Our first retreat as a council was supposed to be held in Asheville, North Carolina, but then Hurricane Florence was on track to make a direct hit. This seemed like it could be a sign of how our term might go. Especially since the meeting was taking place nine months after Max Gruver died due to hazing at Louisiana Beta. As a result, the Fraternity was reviewing policies, Phikeia education, and ways to keep our members safe. The council ended up meeting in Hueston Woods Park, just outside of Oxford, Ohio.  

Our other major focus of that first meeting was reviewing Phi Delta Theta’s strategic plan, Phi Delt 2020, and planning for Phi Delt 2030. In drafting the plan, we were discussing the enrollment cliff, the decline in young men attending four-year higher education institutions, and more. COVID-19, and the challenges it would bring to our members, wasn’t even on our radar yet. Thankfully, five years into the 2030 plan, the Fraternity is ahead in nearly every metric. Like any good organization, strategic plans are somewhat fluid because they are always being adjusted as the world continues to change. In fact, at the first retreat of this biennium, the General Council and General Headquarters staff reviewed and revised the plan to set the Fraternity up for continued growth and success. 

Challenging Ourselves to Do More 

This biennium, the General Council will be focused on: 

• Being guided by our three Cardinal Principles of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude.  

• Attracting the top talent on our college campuses and bringing them into our Fraternity. Growing both our number of members and our chapters.  

• Continuing to focus on member development by providing programming and resources to allow our members, undergraduate and alumni alike, to become the greatest versions of themselves. 

• Completing the rollout of our unified Phikeia education program. 

• Providing the highest level of chapter support in the industry by focusing on consistent engagement. 

• Continuing to move North Hall Properties and all its entities forward to provide safe and affordable housing for our undergraduate members. 

• Increasing the number of volunteers and training them so that they are well-equipped to work with our undergraduate members. 

• Growing alumni engagement and building on the success of First Thursdays with the Phis, as laid out in Phi Delt 2030.  

For this biennium, we have created a challenge coin. If we cross paths while I’m traveling, I might give you a coin. On one side is our Fraternity brand mark surrounded by our three Cardinal Principles of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude. Use this side of the coin as a reminder of The Bond you signed and use it to navigate life’s challenges as you pursue the greatest version of yourself. Reflect on this side of the challenge coin and ask yourself, “how can I use the Cardinal Principles to achieve the goals that are important to me?” If you use these principles as your life filter, you’re going to live a pretty good life. You’re going to be a pretty good father, a pretty good husband, and a pretty good member of society. 

On the backside of the challenge coin, Guard Against Elation. The phrase comes from our founder, Robert Morrison, when he made his farewell address to the attendees at our Semi-Centennial Convention in 1898. Guard Against Elation reminds us that we can do more. That is why one of the biggest focuses for this biennium will be on growth. We have invested in hiring recruitment specialists to support ten emerging chapters, the eight fall expansion projects, and at least five confirmed spring expansions. We aren’t just focused on the number of chapters but also the size. Ever since the Fraternity implemented alcohol-free housing in 2000, the quality of our members has increased exponentially. The intelligence of these students leads me to wonder if I could even get into Phi Delta Theta anymore! They just have a thirst to learn, and on top of that, over the past ten years, they have adopted the concept of philanthropy. 

Whenever I attend conferences and events with leaders from our peer organizations, I feel very proud of our members. Whether it’s their GPA, campus and community leadership, or making a difference in people’s lives by raising money for Live Like Lou or supporting families affected by ALS through the Connect and Serve program, my Phi Delta Theta brothers truly stand out.  

Which leads me back to Robert Morrison’s farewell speech. What can we do to support even more ALS families? We all know the effect of ALS and how devastating it is, not only on the patient but also on the family. It’s especially hard when one of our members gets this disease.  We know we can do more. Why do we only have forty Iron Phi chapters? Why not one hundred? How many Triple Crown chapters would we have then? What if the Live Like Lou Connect and Serve program could support three hundred families? Raise $2 million? I don’t know what the ceilings are, but I sure would like to find out.  

I think that’s what this biennium is about, challenging ourselves.  

We have the momentum, and we will reach the Foundation’s Campaign 2030 goal of $30 million. Brother Tio Kleberg has embraced our Guide Against Elation and challenged us to get $40 million. Achieving that would allow the Foundation to: educate 2,000 Phis annually through engaging in-person events; grant $2 million each year in scholarships and leadership programs; award $250,000 annually in first-generation scholarships to new members; ensure anti-hazing education reaches high schools via Phi Delta Theta chapters; We can do this, but it will take all of us to reach Tio’s challenge. At just over the halfway point, we thank former chairman and vice chairman Kenny Jastrow and Mike Fimiani for their leadership and vision, and passing the torch onto co-chairs Tio and Janell Kleberg, along with their son Chris as vice chairman, who have stepped up to do more and bring the campaign to a successful close. 

You may remember that Tio and Janell Kleberg were the first to give $1 million to support Phi Delta Theta’s educational programming. The continued success of the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute led them to ask, “What would another $1 million do?” If the initial gift can support 1,000 Phi Delts each summer in Oxford, why can’t it support 2,000? They have challenged the Fraternity to do just that by 2030 and lead by example by generously supporting the Fraternity with a second $ 1 million gift. Thank you, Tio and Janell! 

Be Proud but Not Satisfied 

I will be challenging Phi Delts as I travel across the country for installations, anniversaries, and Founders Day celebrations, and as I speak to students and volunteers at Kleberg and the McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference, I will encourage them to reflect on their own experiences and ask themselves, What more can they do? For I believe that we all, upon self-reflection, will admit we can all do a little more! 

College is a place to take risks. If you think about it, your chapter is a living lab. It’s an excellent place to learn, push yourself, and develop your leadership skills. You have no idea what the effect of holding an office in your fraternity or being involved on your campus is going to be like till you get twenty years down the road. As you look back, and you say, yeah, that’s where I cut my teeth. That’s where I really learned it. Every CEO that’s ever been invited to speak at Kleberg or McKenzie always reflects back to their fraternity experience; that’s how they got their start. 

Guide against elations! Sit back, reflect, and decide what more you can do to your personal bar. I promise you, it will pay dividends down the road. 

Proud to be a Phi! 

The post General Council President Nat Love’s Challenge: Guard Against Elation appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Phi Delta Theta had a substantial impact on my life as an undergraduate and I looked for ways to get involved as an alumnus. Since my graduation from Washburn University, I have been a consistent volunteer. Serving as chapter adviser, CAB chair, housing corporation president, province president, education commissioner, as well as serving on faculty at multiple McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conferences, alumni summits, and Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institutes. I also serve on the planning committee for Leadership Kansas and teach part-time as an adjunct professor in the School of Business at Washburn University. 

In my full-time capacity, I am a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard and currently serve as the commander of the 190th Comptroller Flight and Wing Staff Agencies, stationed at Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Kansas. In this role, I serve as the principal financial advisor to the wing commander as well as an assistant United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the State of Kansas, responsible for planning, managing, and directing the resource management activities for the Wing’s $45 million in annual funds. I reside in Topeka with my wife Amy, a fellow Air National Guard Officer, along with our blended family of five children, Hannah, 20; Maddy, 18; Jay, 17; Evie, 16; and Bailey, 16. 

Who or what inspired you to become a volunteer:  

I had an adviser when I attended what was then known as Leadership College as an undergraduate. That experience in Oxford had a profound experience on my life and what would turn out to be my lifelong love of being a Phi Delta Theta volunteer. 

What would you tell someone who is considering volunteering for Phi Delta Theta? 

It will be the best investment you ever make; in the future of our Fraternity, in the men that you impact, and in what it will do for you as a mentor. 

How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation? 

Nearly all of my closest friends are Phi Delts; three of my five groomsmen in my wedding were Kansas Beta chapter brothers. 

What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience? 

I’m proud to be an Air Force officer. I served for nearly twelve years as an enlisted member before being selected as an officer, and becoming a commander in multiple units has been a privilege and an honor. Being a dad/stepdad to five amazing kids has been an amazing experience as well. In Phi Delta Theta, I have loved all of my volunteer experiences: serving as education commissioner and province president have been the highlights of my Phi Delta Theta volunteer experience thus far. 

Do you have any advice for current students? 

Take full advantage of the opportunities that you have as a Phi Delt: the leadership opportunities, the volunteer and philanthropic opportunities, and the lifelong bonds of friendship you will make with your chapter brothers. If you are lucky enough to have a chapter house, and if you are lucky enough to live in it, enjoy every minute of that experience! Some of my best memories are the simple and low-key times—simply having lunch or dinner together at the house, hanging out between classes, or just being at the house with your brothers in the middle of the day. 

The post Volunteer Profile – Christopher R. Hill, Washburn ’94  appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

From Idea to Program Creation 

The Iron Phi story began on the streets and classrooms in Cincinnati, Ohio, when the Fraternity’s then director of education, Steve Good, combined a frustrating marathon experience with his MBA education at Xavier University to build an idea. 

“Having received a graduate fellowship from the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, I remember going into my MBA experience with a goal of using the education to add value to the Fraternity,” said Good. During my time in grad school, I also completed my first marathon, but I left disappointed after running alongside charity athletes who had achieved much more than I had in that moment—finished the race AND raised money for a cause. The experience, coupled with my desire to do more with the Fraternity’s connection to Lou Gehrig and the ALS community, sparked the Iron Phi idea and a really fun MBA capstone project.” 

Lou Gehrig, Columbia 1925, was known as the Iron Horse during his baseball career because of his durability and perseverance. His prowess as a hitter, consecutive games-played record (2,130), and never-give-up attitude after being stricken with ALS inspired those around him. In the spirit of Brother Gehrig, the name Iron Phi was given to the concept to encourage those involved to remembers Lou’s approach to life when setting out to achieve something. 

“I remember being encouraged by my supervisor, Sean Wagner, and then General Council President Mark Ochsenbein to create a program proposal for the General Council to consider at its annual fall retreat. Being a young employee, my nerves were met with great enthusiasm by the board, and I was given the green light to bring Iron Phi to life,” Good said. 

After surveying Fraternity members to gain feedback about key components of the program (required fundraising amount to become an Iron Phi, what the funds would support, and ideal incentives) and building the Iron Phi fundraising website, the program was launched in February 2010.  

It was determined that to become an Iron Phi, participants would need to raise $1,000 through their personal Iron Phi fundraising page and accomplish an athletic goal of choice. In return, individuals would receive an Iron Phi Bond #, an incentive box including an Iron Phi race shirt, and recognition on Iron Phi’s social media accounts. 

“It was really important to all of us, including those surveyed, to direct the funds equally to the ALS cause and the development of leadership programs within the Fraternity. We knew that Iron Phi funds could amplify impact by contributing to the ALS community while building the philanthropic muscle of our members,” said Good.  

Growth Through Healthy Competition (And a Lot of Fun) 

Iron Phi has always thrived on the power of the individual participant, but the introduction of the Iron Phi Chapter status and two chapter-based annual competitions has helped fuel growth. 

“Our members love accomplishing goals together, so it was no surprise when participants started asking for chapter challenges and incentives a few years into the program. We introduced the Iron Phi Chapter concept, rewarding chapters whose Iron Phi participants collectively raise $10,000 or more in an academic year. The combination of personal and chapter achievement really sparked momentum,” said Good. 

Two annual flagship competitions were later introduced—Iron Phi Rivalries and Lou’s Olympics—and have brought a new level of energy, teamwork, and friendly bragging rights to the program at the chapter level. Together, they’ve created seasons of excitement that keep brothers training, fundraising, and bonding year after year. 

Every fall, the Iron Phi calendar ignites with Iron Phi Rivalries, a spirited face-off between Phi Delt chapters that channels the intensity of college rivalries into a force for good. From August 1 through November 30, rival chapters go head-to-head to see who can raise the most funds—adjusted per undergraduate member—while earning bonus points for recruiting new participants, reaching fundraising milestones, and crowning new Iron Phis. 

While Rivalries spark momentum in the fall, winter and spring belong to Lou’s Olympics. From February 1 to April 30, participants choose from forty-four athletic challenges—everything from marathons to weightlifting records, cycling distances to the fastest Murph workout—all while raising funds through their Iron Phi fundraising page. Those who raise $444 or more during the competition and post the top result are rewarded with a gold medal. For many, the highlight of Lou’s Olympics is the daily challenges that result in sponsorships from current Iron Phis. 

The chapter competitions have helped drive a culture of philanthropy within many Phi Delta Theta chapters, leading to further recognition and success. 

“I have been a strong supporter of the Iron Phi program since its inception, and personally was one of the earliest Iron Phis. It made me very proud when my own chapter, Utah Alpha at the University of Utah, incorporated the Iron Phi program as a key element of its Phikeia education program. This has been a terrific way to demonstrate to our members the importance of serving others – not only during their time in college, but also preparing them to serve others throughout their lives. Since Utah Alpha’s work began with the Iron Phi program, the chapter has achieved Iron Phi Chapter status for nine of the past ten years and has raised over $200,000, ranking it second among all Phi Delt chapters. The chapter’s support of the Iron Phi program has also created a great deal of pride among our alumni, parents, and university administration,” said Scott Mietchen, Utah ’84, Iron Phi #31. 

Proud Moments 

Similar to when Iron Phi participants and chapters feel great pride for their achievements, there have been a number of moments that have stuck out for the program over the years. 

The first Iron Phi 5K was hosted at the 2010 General Convention in Orlando. Since then, brothers and guests have participated in nearly twenty Iron Phi 5Ks at both Convention and the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute. 

In March of 2016, after 2,223 days since the program was launched, Iron Phi surpassed its first $1 million raised. Fast forward to February of 2025, Iron Phi surpassed $5 million raised, with its most recent million dollars raised in 453 days. 

In November 2017, it was announced that Phi Delta Theta would partner with the Pittsburgh-based organization, Live Like Lou, to grow it into a national nonprofit organization and establish it as the Fraternity’s philanthropic cause of choice. Iron Phi became a key driver in the Live Like Lou Foundation’s growth, contributing to the $13.5 million it has raised to date. 

As the pandemic took root in 2020, and Phi Delta Theta was forced to adapt its operations at both the international and chapter level, Iron Phi became a positive outlet for many Phis as they were able to channel their isolation into personal and community impact. 

“From a personal standpoint, I gleaned immense pride when alumnus Bob Sherwin, Cal State Northridge ’70, became our top overall individual Iron Phi fundraiser in 2023. To see others, who have been affected by ALS, adopt the program and infuse it into their lives is a great feeling. I can see how much Iron Phi means to Bob, and he has set an amazing example,” said Good. 

Sherwin stated, “My mother died of ALS, and I do everything I can to raise money to find a cure. As a Phi and a competitive person, I was always intrigued by the Iron Phi program. I wanted to take on the challenge as an older Phi Delt. The Fraternity changed my life as an undergraduate and has been an integral part of my life ever since. Taking on the Iron Phi challenge has been an opportunity to give back to the Fraternity, leave ALS better than I found it, and keep me young.” 

Looking Ahead 

As Iron Phi turns the page on its first fifteen years, the vision for the future is clear: deepen impact, broaden reach, and build the capacity to carry the program well into its next chapter. That begins with the alumni network. While undergraduates have been the Iron Phi growth engine, there is an enormous opportunity to engage more alumni, both those who never had the chance to participate as students and those who might take on new challenges in the next stage of life.  

Re-engaging current Iron Phis is another top priority. Thousands have become Iron Phis over the years, but the relationships and motivation built through that journey don’t have to end when one receives an Iron Phi Bond Number. New initiatives will focus on inviting past participants back for re-commitment challenges, milestone anniversary events, and mentorship opportunities for first-time Iron Phis. By fostering an ongoing community, Iron Phi can continue to inspire those who have already experienced its rewards. 

To support that growth, Iron Phi is also turning its attention inward—strengthening the operational infrastructure that makes the program possible. More robust systems for fundraising and chapter support will create a smoother, more scalable experience for everyone involved. Enhancements in marketing, communications, and data analytics will help identify trends, celebrate success stories, and keep the energy high year-round. 

Finally, the next era of Iron Phi will include a deliberate focus on major gift fundraising through the Phi Delta Theta Foundation’s Campaign 2030. As the program’s reputation grows, so does its potential to attract philanthropic leadership gifts from alumni, friends, and partners who believe in the mission.  

As the program has evolved over the years, Iron Phi has resulted in much more than just the funds raised. It has developed thousands of Phi Delt philanthropists, built confidence around personal goal setting and achievement, sparked motivation for physical fitness and health, and contributed to mission impact for both Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation. 

“I hope every Phi will consider becoming an Iron Phi at some point. I hear from participants all of the time, young and old, that their Iron Phi experience has become a highlight of their Phi Delt journey. It’s a feel-good program that greatly rewards those who say yes to the challenge,” said Good. 

Early Chapter Momentum at the Iron Horse Challenge 

In 2013, Phi Delta Theta chapters in Western Pennsylvania worked together to host the Iron Horse Challenge, one of the first multi-chapter Iron Phi gatherings. Phi Delts from IUP, Robert Morris, Washington and Jefferson, Clarion, Pitt, and Allegheny all participated. Each chapter had at least one relay team that ran the same course as the Pittsburgh Marathon in relay segments, chapter versus chapter. 

The kickoff took place at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh. Neil Alexander, Pittsburgh, encouraged the runners with a short speech, and his daughter, Abby, ran with group. Along with his wife, Suzanne, and hundreds of families and friends, Neil established the grassroots effort Live Like Lou in 2012. 

The Iron Phi event also helped raise awareness for the then little-known Live Like Lou startup to those outside of the Pittsburgh area. It brought participating chapters closer to the cause and increased brotherhood and cooperation among those chapters in the area. 

“Many of us share the group photo every year when it pops up as a memory, as we all feel closer because of that event, especially after Neil passed away just two years later,” said Zach Hilliard, IUP ’13. 

Phi Delt volunteers Dr. Chris W. Brussalis (General Council Member-at-Large) and Jordan Pallitto (Upsilon South Province President) attended. Many who participated eventually came to work for General Headquarters or became volunteers. Jim Rosencrans, IUP ’13, Rick Goughneour, Robert Morris ’13, and Zach Hilliard, IUP ‘13 joined the staff as leadership consultants. Joel Bender, IUP ’14, and Brandon Long, Robert Morris ’16, currently serve as province presidents. Many others serve on chapter advisory boards. 

The post Iron Phi Celebrates Fifteen Years of Developing Philanthropists Through Athletics  appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

“I joined Phi Delta Theta because I was searching for a community rooted in purpose, integrity, and belonging. What I found was far more than I expected. I discovered a group of men who held each other to high standards, who showed up for each other consistently, and who pushed me to grow into the best version of myself. As chapter president, I’ve had the privilege of helping to shape our culture, mentor incoming brothers, and represent Ontario Delta at national events. This experience has given me confidence in my voice, clarity in my values, and relationships that will last a lifetime. Joining Phi Delt was one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made in university—and it continues to guide how I lead, serve, and live with integrity every day.” 

“This experience has given me confidence in my voice, clarity in my values, and relationships that will last a lifetime. Joining Phi Delt was one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made in university—and it continues to guide how I lead, serve, and live with integrity every day.”

Hoshner Tavadia, York ’26

What is your academic background and major? Why did you choose your current major or field of study? 
I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s in computer science with a specialization in software development at York University. Alongside this, I’m also completing a minor in business entrepreneurship through the Schulich School of Business at York University. 

I chose this path because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work and how technology can be used to build scalable, real-world solutions. The software development specialization allows me to deepen my technical expertise and gain hands-on experience in building applications and systems. At the same time, the entrepreneurship minor complements my technical skills with a strong foundation in business strategy, innovation, and leadership. 

This combination of computer science and entrepreneurship reflects how I think about the future, to create things that matter and have a positive impact on the world. I see myself building or leading ventures that use technology to solve meaningful problems, and my academic background is helping me develop the mindset and skills to do just that.

What does it mean to be the recipient of a Foundation scholarship such as the Arthur R. Priest? 
Being selected as the recipient of the Arthur R. Priest scholarship is one of the most humbling honors I’ve received during my time as an undergraduate. It’s not just a recognition of academic achievement or leadership, it’s a reflection of the shared values and standards that unite us as Phis. This scholarship serves as both a validation of the effort I’ve put into bettering myself and my chapter and as a motivator to continue striving for excellence. It’s easy to forget, in the hustle of student life, how far-reaching the support network of Phi Delta Theta truly is. Receiving this scholarship reminded me that there’s a community behind me cheering me on, investing in my growth, and believing in the man I’m becoming. That sense of connection and support is something I carry with deep gratitude.   

How has your leadership style evolved while in college and as a member of Phi Delta Theta? 
When I first stepped into leadership roles, I thought leadership meant having the answers and being the most vocal person in the room. Through my time as chapter president and my experience within Phi Delta Theta, I learned that leadership is less about directing and more about serving. It’s about listening intentionally, making space for others to thrive, and being the steady presence during both victories and setbacks. I’ve learned how to handle conflict with patience, how to navigate difficult decisions with integrity, and how to build consensus among people with differing opinions. These are lessons I wouldn’t have learned in a classroom. They came from late-night chapter meetings, one-on-one conversations with brothers, and the challenge of representing a diverse group of young men. My leadership style today is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to doing what’s right even when it’s not what’s easy.   

What are your short-term and long-term goals? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? 
In the short term, my focus is on continuing to build a strong technical foundation and developing my leadership skills within a corporate or startup environment. I want to work in roles where I can contribute meaningfully to product development and learn from industry veterans. In five years, I hope to be in a leadership position, perhaps managing an engineering team or working in product strategy where I can bridge the gap between tech and business. In ten years, I’d like to have founded or co-founded a company that’s solving a real social or environmental problem. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship, and I believe that with the right mindset, team, and mission, technology can create scalable solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges. No matter where I end up, I want my work to align with my values: impact, integrity, and innovation. 

Joining a fraternity is a lifelong commitment. How do you plan on keeping Phi Delta Theta in your life after graduation? 
For me, Phi Delt is more than an undergraduate experience, it’s a lifelong brotherhood. After graduation, I plan to stay connected through alumni associations, mentorship, and continued involvement with the Canadian Foundation. I’ve already experienced the value of intergenerational mentorship within Phi Delt, and I want to pay that forward by guiding and supporting younger brothers as they navigate their own journeys. Whether it’s offering career advice, attending alumni events, or even contributing to future scholarship funds, I want to remain actively engaged. The Fraternity has shaped who I am today, and I know it will continue to be part of my life through friendships, values, and service for years to come. 

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Oxford Trophy–Colorado Gamma, Colorado State 

In its one hundredth year, Colorado Gamma brought together over 180 brothers for its centennial celebration, honoring several generations of Phis. With a strong chapter GPA of 3.30 and recognition as an Iron Phi Chapter for the fourth consecutive year, Colorado Gamma continues to prioritize both academic and philanthropic excellence. This year, they raised more than $37,000 for charitable causes. Beyond the classroom and fundraising, Colorado Gamma is leading the way in wellness education. Through impactful partnerships with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, they’ve hosted workshops on substance use, mental health, and healthy sleep habits—empowering their members to live well-rounded, values-driven lives. We proudly congratulate Colorado Gamma on their remarkable year and their fourth win of the Oxford Trophy. 

Housser Trophy–British Columbia Gamma, UBC Okanagan 

For the second time, the British Columbia Gamma Chapter at UBC Okanagan is the winner of the George E. Housser Trophy. In just one year, they tripled their recruitment numbers, thereby strengthening their chapter and increasing their impact on campus. They also tackled financial challenges head-on, eliminating thousands of dollars in chapter debt. Their commitment to philanthropy stood out, raising hundreds of dollars for UBC Okanagan Health and Wellness to support men’s mental health initiatives. With a GPA of 3.32, these brothers have shown that academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and purposeful growth can go hand in hand. Congratulations to British Columbia Gamma for winning the George E. Housser Trophy.  

Founders Trophy–Ohio Epsilon, University of Akron  

As the recipient for the Founders Trophy, the Ohio Epsilon Chapter at the University of Akron exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. Over the past year, the chapter supported three ALS families, completed nearly 1,500 hours of community service, and earned Iron Phi Chapter recognition—demonstrating a commitment to philanthropy and impact. In celebration of their 150th anniversary, Ohio Epsilon welcomed more than two hundred alumni, friends, and family for a milestone event that honored their rich history across generations. With the highest GPA of any fraternity on campus, Ohio Epsilon continues to set the standard for academic excellence while building a legacy grounded in service, brotherhood, and leadership. Phi Delta Theta proudly recognizes Ohio Epsilon on its seventh major trophy win. 

Kansas City Trophy–California Psi, Loyola Marymount University 

California Psi at Loyola Marymount is redefining what it means to be a chapter of impact. This year, California Psi raised over $26,000 for different causes, including Iron Phi, the B+ Foundation, the Live Like Lou Foundation, and the LA Fire Relief. They were also recognized as a Triple Crown Chapter. California Psi saw an astounding 100 percent retention rate of new members, demonstrating the strength of their brotherhood and new member experience. This year, they strengthened their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and rebuilt vital relationships with university staff by hosting eighteen supported events on campus. With a GPA of 3.32, California Psi isn’t just leading, they’re inspiring their campus community. Congratulations to California Psi for winning the Kansas City Trophy!   

The post Major Trophy Winners 2025 appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Tio and Janell Kleberg, known for their unwavering dedication to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, have deepened their legacy with a second, transformative $1 million gift in 2025. As co-chairs of Campaign 2030, the Klebergs’ generosity is not only a testament to their lifelong commitment to principled leadership but also a harbinger of their vision for the future—one centered on empowering generations of young men to grow as ethical, courageous, and visionary leaders.

This new $1 million gift is the first step to doubling the reach of the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute, allowing up to 2,000 students to benefit from life-changing leadership development opportunities each year. The Klebergs’ stewardship ensures the Institute remains a cornerstone of the Fraternity’s mission, broadening its impact while nurturing a culture of giving and personal growth.

The Klebergs’ philanthropic journey began in 1969, when Tio, then a new alumnus, contributed his first $10 to the Foundation. Over the decades, Tio and Janell’s steadfast support has inspired countless others to contribute, demonstrating that generosity—no matter the amount—can create lasting change. Their influence as role models extends beyond their financial gifts, as they have championed scholarships, leadership programs, and Fraternity initiatives that empower thousands of students to pursue academic and personal excellence.

In 2012, Tio and Janell’s historic first $1 million gift led to the renaming of the Emerging Leaders Institute in their honor, establishing a tradition of visionary support. Four years later, they continued their commitment with a $100,000 contribution to the Leadership and Ethics Academy. Now, their second $1 million gift marks a new chapter—one that exemplifies stewardship and a promise to expand opportunities for future leaders.

As co-chairs of Campaign 2030, the Klebergs are guiding the Fraternity toward its future with clarity and conviction. Their vision is inclusive: “This campaign isn’t just for major donors—it’s for every Phi. Legacy matters. The most meaningful part of this campaign is that it’s not about us—it’s about those who come next,” Tio shared, reflecting their belief in the power of collective action and the enduring value of leadership formation.

The Klebergs’ leadership and philanthropy have set the pace for Campaign 2030. Their most recent gift is a catalyst, inspiring others to join in shaping Phi Delta Theta’s future. As the campaign gains momentum, the Klebergs’ vision and generosity ensure that the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute will remain at the heart of the Fraternity’s mission—preparing ethical leaders to serve, innovate, and lead for generations to come.

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Gellis was initiated by the Pennsylvania Zeta Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania on March 26, 1972. As an undergraduate at Penn, he exemplified the curiosity and brotherly commitment that are foundational to our Fraternity. After graduating in 1975, he earned his MBA from the Wharton School of Business, one of the most respected institutions in the world of finance and leadership. 

Brother Gellis has built a remarkable career as a leader in corporate finance, investment management, and private equity investing. With decades of expertise in mezzanine and structured capital investments, he spent a significant portion of his career with The Blackstone Group, where he served as senior managing director and head of Blackstone Mezzanine Partners. Under his leadership, Blackstone raised and managed over $3 billion in mezzanine capital across multiple funds. He was instrumental in the firm’s expansion into middle-market investing, helping companies grow while providing value to stakeholders at every level. 

Today, Brother Gellis serves as managing partner at Emerald Creek Capital, a prominent real estate investment firm headquartered in New York. At Emerald Creek, he continues to lend his strategic insight and leadership to a wide range of complex transactions across the country. His professional reputation is one of sharp intellect, integrity, and long-term vision. Beyond his professional success, Brother Gellis is an extraordinary philanthropist and advocate for education.  

His generosity to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation stands as a testament to his deep commitment to the Fraternity’s mission. Through his giving over the years, he has helped strengthen leadership development, scholarship support, and programming that directly impacts the lives of countless undergraduate Phis. Howard has also contributed his time and expertise to the Fraternity’s leadership. He is a current Trustee of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation Board of Trustees and serves as a committee member for the Joint Investment Committee. Brother Gellis has played a meaningful role in shaping the strategic direction of our philanthropic efforts, where his wisdom and financial stewardship helped advance the Foundation’s ability to serve both present and future generations of Phis. Those who know Howard speak not only of his professional accomplishments, but of his personal generosity, humility, and passion for helping others succeed. His story is one of quiet leadership—of building others up, giving back, and demonstrating through action what it means to live out the values of our Fraternity beyond college years. Brother Gellis continues to be a dedicated family man, mentor, and example of what lifelong brotherhood looks like when lived to its fullest. 

For his enduring dedication to Phi Delta Theta, his unwavering belief in the power of education and philanthropy, and his remarkable impact on the lives of others, it is with deep gratitude and pride that the General Council of Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity recognizes Brother Howard Gellis with the Raymond L. Gardner Alumnus of the Year Award.

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By David Kennedy, Alabama Beta Chapter Advisory Board 

Have you ever known a member of the Greatest Generation? This generation grew up during the Great Depression and a world at war. They made enormous sacrifices to bring peace to the world before resuming their lives. This generation included over 14,000 Phis who served actively during the war, with around eight hundred giving their lives. When the soldiers returned home after the war, many colleges and universities experienced a surge in enrollment, including Auburn University, located in East Alabama. In the years following 1945, the Alabama Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Auburn initiated several of these veterans. Recently, the chapter found a way to honor one of these brothers who supported the chapter for many years by creating a digital history museum of the chapter in his name. His name was Malcolm “Buck” Marsh, and his Alabama Beta Bond Number was 884. 

Buck, a native of Florence, Alabama, and his two brothers served in the military during the war. Buck was stationed in the European theater, and after surviving many battles, he arrived at Auburn University in 1946 and pledged Phi Delta Theta. Later in life, he served the chapter for forty years as a house corporation board member, including sixteen years as president. Buck was a constant presence at the chapter house. He chose the location for the new house in 1986 and oversaw its construction when the chapter needed to relocate. He advised and supported the chapter and its alumni for the rest of his years. He was deeply missed when he entered the Chapter Grand at ninety-eight in January 2022.  

A few years before Buck passed away, the chapter wanted to digitize the many composites hanging in the house. Not only was there an issue with available wall space, but some composites were starting to fade, and others had simply vanished over the years. A few chapter alumni began discussions with a company called History IT, which specializes in the historical preservation of fraternal organizations. History IT offered to assist the chapter with the digital preservation of composites, along with the creation of a digital historical museum for the chapter. This presented an exciting opportunity for the Auburn brothers. Chartered in 1879, Alabama Beta is the oldest continuous student organization on Auburn’s campus! The chapter has a lengthy and rich history, yet there was no central collection of this history, and certainly no digital archives were available for viewing in the chapter house. To honor Buck, a digital museum of the chapter has been established and named in his memory. 

To create this digital history museum, a six-member alumni committee was formed, and a memorial fund in Buck’s name was established with the support of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation and the approval of the Marsh family. This fund has not only financed the history project but has also provided leadership scholarships for the brothers of Alabama Beta. History IT collaborated with the composite photography company, and the digital composites became a reality after several years. Forty composites are now part of a basic digital museum of the chapter called the Buck Marsh Digital History Museum. A large touchscreen display in the chapter dining hall showcases the digital composites and the museum. It is extremely popular on game days and during other events. The museum is accessible to everyone via the internet and has become a valuable educational tool for Phikeia education training. In addition to a historical timeline, the museum honors notable brothers of the chapter. It contains documents, memorabilia, newsletters, photographs, and a short video of Buck describing his early days at Auburn. 

The Buck Marsh Digital History Museum is an ongoing project led by the alumni history committee. Every year, the chapter selects an initiated brother to serve as the chapter historian, inviting him to join the committee to help preserve the chapter’s history in real-time, as each school year brings a new collection of chapter history. The members of Alabama Beta believe they have a unique chapter that embodies the ideals of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude. With Bond Numbers approaching three thousand, this chapter boasts an impressive history, and its members have made significant contributions to the country and the world. The Greatest Generation included many heroes and leaders like Buck Marsh, and there will surely be more in the years to come. This museum seeks to honor Buck and his generation while celebrating the chapter’s history—it aims to inspire future generations of brothers and leaders to strive for greatness, just like Buck and his Greatest Generation. 

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By Wendy Faust, Live Like Lou Executive Director 

While 2024 was a year of record growth in the Live Like Lou Foundation’s programs and fundraising, it was a year that made our mission even more personal. With 739 new ALS families registered this year—more than double the total number of ALS families ever registered—volunteers, donors, and supporters stepped up to serve and support us as we reflect on the incredible impact Phi Delta Theta continues to make in our efforts to leave ALS better than we found it. 

This fatal disease took our namesake, Lou Gehrig, Columbia 1925, our co-founder, Neil Alexander, Pitt, and far too many others. This year, our purpose and mission allowed us to not only serve registered families but also to rally support for three special Phi Delt alumni.  

Last summer, Todd Nisbet, USC ’87, General Council member-at-large, shared with Phi Delt Nation of his Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. “Since the impact of this disease is different for everyone, it is difficult to fully anticipate what to expect on the path ahead,” Todd shared in an email to the Fraternity’s General Officers. 

W.L. Gray Jr., TCU ’70, chairman of the Live Like Lou Foundation, joined Todd for a tour of the Permobil manufacturing facilities, just a few weeks after receiving his Phi Delt, Live Like Lou, and Iron Phi power wheelchair.  

John F. Ceriotti, Drake ’84, and his family joined us at the St. Louis Cardinals game in June to celebrate first baseman Paul Goldschmidt as the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award recipient. After caring for his sister, Bernadette, who had ALS and passed away in 2015, his own diagnosis in 2020 prompted him to pursue groundbreaking trials and advocate with policymakers for better access to needed research. John’s son, John C. Ceriotti, Iowa State ’18, joined his mom, Connie, on the field with us to receive a Cardinals’ branded power wheelchair.  

Gary Glisson, Missouri ’81, was diagnosed with ALS during the pandemic, and it prompted many of his pledge brothers to rally support for him. They attend Mizzou football games together, reminisce about their college days, and offer support and camaraderie to Gary. “If Brother Lou Gehrig was the Iron Horse, Gary Glisson is the Steel Stallion. Both great men, who accepted their fate, did not let it define them and are inspirations to those who knew them or knew of them,” shared Bill Meeker, Missouri ’80. Gary is also rocking a Phi Delt and Live Like Lou branded power wheelchair!  

While ALS affects more than 6,000 individuals each year in North America, these personal stories highlight the profound impact of ALS on the Phi Delta Theta community and underscore the importance of the Live Like Lou Foundation’s mission. By providing support, raising awareness, and funding research, the Foundation continues to honor Lou Gehrig’s legacy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. 

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ALS, Live Like Lou’s team is here for you and ready to support you. Visit livelikelou.org/als-families for more information. 

Are you interested in making a difference for a family affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease near you? Visit livelikelou.org/phideltsserve to see where there are families in need, or register with us today at livelikelou.org/volunteer. 

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By Steve Good, Executive Director of Iron Phi 

Iron Phi participants have now raised $5 million through 53,000 donations since the program’s inception in 2010, supporting Phi Delta Theta and its fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).  

We are grateful for the more than 11,500 individuals who have registered to begin their Iron Phi journeys, and we continue to take great pride in sharing the successes of those who become Iron Phis. 

Achieving a personal athletic goal while raising funds for a cause has proven to have great impact on the lives of our participants, and we are committed to doing everything we can to grow our community of athletes and leave ALS better than we found it. 

Begin your personal Iron Phi journey by registering at www.ironphi.org. 

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Jim Burra’s, CSUN ’67, service to the Fraternity is extensive. In addition to serving as Omicron South province president from 1986 to 1992, he served on the Foundation Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2007 and finally as a chapter advisory chair from 2013 to 2016. In great appreciation of his dedication, the Fraternity awarded Jim the Legion of Merit at the 77^th General Convention in Paradise Valley, Arizona, in 2008 and the 2019 Raymond L. Gardner Alumnus of the Year Award. In addition to being a platinum-level Trustees Roundtable donor, he was an early lead Campaign 2030 donor. 

Jim spent thirty years building his company Endural into a significant supplier of reusable and recyclable products. In 2021, as president of Endural, he retired and sold the company. Endural manufactures a proprietary line of plastic boxes for the automotive, electronics, and aerospace industries. In 2021, Jim also retired from the board of directors of Semtech Corp., a producer of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Jim was the chief financial officer of Intercole, Inc., a public company that manufactured a variety of industrial products. 

Jim joined the Chapman Board of Governors in 1998 and the Board of Trustees in 2011. He served as the chairman of the endowment investment committee for nine years. Chapman’s endowment grew from $301 million to more than $850 million during that time. Jim and his wife Kay established the chair of Executive Professor of Accounting. They funded the new Burra School of Accounting and Finance within the Argyros College of Business and Economics. They both understand the power of a good education and enjoy seeing young students take advantage of the opportunities offered at Chapman. 

Jim and Kay have been married for over sixty years. They are the proud parents of Lisa and Laura. Laura is a graduate of Chapman. Both daughters have three children. All six grandchildren are a joy to Grammy and Grandpa. 

Do you have any favorite memories of your time in California Zeta at CSUN?  

When I arrived in 1964, Cal State University Northridge was a new campus in the CSU system. It was a commuter school with only a few dorm rooms. I drove to campus with some friends to save gas money and worked part-time to support myself.  

Fraternities were just forming. They were local fraternities with the thought of joining a national fraternity in the future. My friend and co-commuter Bruce (later Dr. Bruce Kautz) saw an announcement about the formation of a new fraternity. We went to the organization meeting and met a great group of guys. They asked us to join, and we did.  

Phi Sigma Tau was a group of young and inexperienced guys, but we thought we knew it all. We applied to the school and became the fourth fraternity on campus. Social activities were our main concern. Bruce and I made many new friends, which, as commuters, helped us connect with our school. As we grew, charitable activities became a part of our little group. Mixers with sororities helped us meet young ladies. We also joined in interfraternity activities. Life was good. During that time, I met a sorority girl named Kay Krook. Fast forward, we have now been married for over sixty years.  

Our fraternity brother, Chris Job’s, ’67, father, Richard Job, Case Western Reserve ’44, was a member of Phi Delta Theta. With his encouragement, we petitioned Phi Delta Theta to become California Zeta. It was an extensive process and required all of us to work hard for acceptance. We were the first Cal State University campus to apply to an international fraternity and we had the help of the then-General Council president of Phi Delta Theta, Stan Brown, Nebraska ’36.  

The best part of undergraduate life was working with my brothers, many of whom continue as friends. I am proud to say that they have been a successful bunch. They have made contributions to their communities in a variety of ways. The aforementioned Bruce became Dr. Bruce Kautz, ’67, a dentist who practiced for over forty years. Dr. Tom Garnella, ’64, was a school district superintendent. Dr. Bob Bailey ’64, was a geologist for the US Forest Service and wrote three books on ecology. His books are in the Banta Library in Oxford. Leonard Gelfand, ’67, became the president of Farmers Insurance. Chris Lapple, ’80, became General Council president of Phi Delta Theta. We all learned from each other. That’s a brotherhood.  

Along the way, I decided to get involved with the CSUN Interfraternity Council so that our chapter could be represented. I served as an officer and then as president. It was an exceptional experience.  

No, I was never a pledge and missed the opportunity to bond with pledge brothers. However, I believe the experience of starting our local fraternity and then applying to Phi Delta Theta was a big part of my college education.  

Talk about your time as a Phi Delta Theta Foundation Trustee and Chapman Board of Trustees. 

Cal State Northridge was a new campus with no housing when I arrived in 1960. Our chapter rented a series of neighborhood houses which we fashioned into places to meet and live. After graduation, I worked with other brothers, including Phil DeCarlo, ’77, to raise funds for a permanent chapter house. We formed a house corporation, raised funds from our very young group of graduates, and secured a loan from the Palmer Fund. I served as president of the house corporation for ten years. There have been several major renovations, and the chapter still occupies that same house some fifty years later.  

Some years later, I was asked to be the province president of Omicron South. As every province president will tell you, it is one of the toughest jobs in our Fraternity. My territory included the University of California campuses at Irvine, Riverside, and San Diego, as well as Cal State University at San Diego. My hat is off to all of you who are dedicated enough to be a province president.  

Somehow, I came up as a potential Foundation Trustee. Honestly, I don’t remember why. I was certainly honored to be considered. The Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation was formed to raise funds and reward scholarships to deserving brothers. We were a charity, and we received contributions from our brothers. At about that time, our leadership colleges were beginning to grow. They were very successful programs that needed funds to expand. The Foundation was cautious but worked with the Fraternity to build and qualify educational experiences for the brothers who attended our programs. It was very satisfying to see the strides our leadership colleges have made. Today, charitable contributions are very important to the essence of Phi Delta Theta. I was proud to be chairman of the trustees for six years.  

Our youngest daughter, Laura, graduated from Chapman University. We were very impressed by the education she received and her growth during her college years. Several years after Laura’s graduation, I met Jim Doti, the president of Chapman. Jim invited me to lunch. Unbeknownst to me, that was the beginning of my involvement with Chapman. I was hooked in the best sort of way. In 1998, I joined the Board of Governors, a group set up to advise the president on certain issues. In 2014, I was asked to join the Chapman Board of Trustees and become a member of the Finance Committee and the Endowment Investment Committee. The board of trustees has the responsibility to operate the entire university. I became chairman of the Endowment Investment Committee in 2016. We have grown the endowment to $850 million and set a goal of reaching $2 billion by 2038.  

I was elected to be the chairman of the Chapman Board of Trustees beginning in January 2025. Chapman is very well-positioned by almost every criterion. We have a strong and highly qualified administration and faculty. Demand for enrollment is outstanding; our curriculum is designed to prepare our students for the world they will encounter, and our financial status is strong. As chairman, my objective is to nurture Chapman’s growth and success, a job I will execute with the dedicated trustees of Chapman University.  

Reflecting on your life’s journey, what leadership lessons have you gained? 

Both Chapman presidents that I have worked with, Jim Doti (1991–2016) and Daniele Struppa (2016 to present), have been inspirations to me. They are leaders who manage successfully yet have an eye on the future. I have been fortunate to experience their work up close. Both Jim and Daniele have respect for faculty as well as students. It is the same trait I saw in Bill Coleman, the chairman of Intercole, Inc., where I was CFO. Looking back, I see that my dad had that same trait. My gut feeling for managing has been the same. I want to hear the input of everyone involved, no matter their position. You end up learning things you didn’t know and, most importantly, you build a team.  

Why do you support Phi Delta Theta?  

I continue to support Phi Delta Theta with my enthusiasm and my treasury. Why? Because I hope that young men will enjoy the true friendships that I continue to enjoy. I also believe that I learned so much from each of my brothers, and perhaps they learned a few things from me.  

Why do you think the Fraternity is still relevant today?  

F. Ross Johnson, Manitoba ’52, was chairman of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation just before me. He was also the president of RJR Nabisco. Ross gave a powerful speech at a General Convention. He said we must be doing things well, after all, we have been around since 1848, and our “product” continues to be what young college men want. His question to the group was, how many organizations have thrived for more than 150 years? No answer was required.  

About ten years ago, I was involved with the formation of our new chapter at Chapman University, California Phi. The experience brought me back to my undergraduate days. I was inspired by the quality of our new brothers and the way they worked together to form their chapter. I was reminded of events in my life sixty years ago. Are we still relevant? You bet.  

Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life? 

Kay and I met because she was in a sorority. By the way, she was president of the Intersorority Council at CSUN. Our over sixty years of marriage was the very best result of being a Phi Delt. And that would have been enough, but there is more.  

I learned a lot of leadership and social skills. I had the opportunity for public speaking as president of the interfraternity council. I was able to work with other leaders in the creation of new events and programs. It became evident to me that the give-and-take of persuasion and compromise was essential to reaching our goals. It also became evident to me that each person and their thoughts are important in getting things done. As the new board chairman at Chapman, I will still use those lessons to build relationships and learn what my fellow trustees hope to accomplish.  

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By Sean Wagner, Executive Vice President and CEO 

One of the best parts of being CEO of Phi Delta Theta is seeing our experience in action. This means seeing Phis become the greatest versions of themselves by rising to the pinnacle of their careers to lead companies or institutions that drive the world around us, knowing that our values are foundational to their success.  

Over the years, Phis have led well-known companies and brands such as Marriott, Phillips Petroleum, Sherwin-Williams, General Motors, Burger King, and more. In the final quarter of 2024, the next generation of Phis ascended to lead three of the best-known Fortune 150 companies in the world today.  

In August, Brother Brian Niccol, Miami ’96, went from leading the company that served as the lunch plan of many of our undergraduate brothers at Chipotle to keeping them caffeinated by becoming chairman and CEO of Starbucks. Before being the chairman and CEO at Chipotle, he served as chief executive of Taco Bell, was in leadership roles at Pizza Hut, and began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble. We were proud to honor Brother Niccol with the Nance-Millett Award for free enterprise at the 2023 General Convention and have him visit the General Headquarters with his wife, Jennifer, when he spoke at the 2024 Miami University commencement. Brother Niccol’s hallmark focuses on people and culture, brand, innovation, and operational excellence to drive growth and value creation. 

Elliott Hill, TCU ’86, returned to Nike in September to become president and CEO after retiring in 2020 as president of consumer and marketplace. His initial stint at Nike started as an intern, eventually leading him to hold senior leadership positions across Europe and North America. There, he helped grow the business to more than $39 billion. Brother Hill is an inspiring leader, a strong driver of culture, and a connection to the Nike consumer.  

A month later, in October, David Joyner, Texas Tech ’86, became president and CEO of CVS Health. Brother Joyner was most recently executive vice president of CVS Health and president of CVS Caremark. He has thirty-seven years of experience in healthcare and pharmacy benefits management and a history of leveraging technology in healthcare. He plans to create an integrated business model “to expand access and drive greater consumer affordability.”

In the higher education sector, in February 2025, Adam Hasner, Maryland ’91, was appointed the president of Florida Atlantic University. A leader in his community and a native of Palm Beach County, Brother Hasner served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010, including two terms as House Majority Leader. As Speaker, Brother Hasner spearheaded the efforts to enact the Chad Meredith Act in 2005, which made hazing in high schools and colleges in Florida a first-degree misdemeanor when it creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death, escalating to a third-degree felony if the act results in serious bodily injury or death. Brother Hasner has attended many Fraternity events and spoke about the law and the dangers of hazing at the 2009 Emerging Leaders Institute. 

Brother Hasner joins other Phis leading institutions such as Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, Creighton, president of Creighton since 2015; P. Barry Butler, PhD, Illinois ’79, who has been at the helm of Embry Riddle University since 2017; Santa Ono, PhD, British Columbia, president of the University of Michigan since 2022; and Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, Allegheny ’87, and Dr. Jay Bernhardt, Rutgers ’92, who respectively took their roles at Point Park University and Emerson College in 2023. 

Although he started the role in 2023, Brother Brussalis was officially inaugurated in September 2024. In his first year, he boosted student enrollment by 10 percent, moved Point Park’s athletics to the Division II Mountain East Conference, and established the Center for Experiential Narrative Technologies. As the 67th President of the General Council and a driving force behind the Fraternity’s strategic plans, Phi Delt 2020 and 2030, it’s no surprise that Brother Brussalis is now pursuing a strategic vision to make Point Park a catalyst for revitalizing Downtown Pittsburgh by creating more living opportunities and leveraging their world-class Conservatory of Performing Arts. 

We congratulate these brothers on their accomplishments and thank them for serving as role models for future generations of Phis on their individual journeys to fulfill their potential. 

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1. Why Phi Delt? 

As a freshman at NC State, I wasn’t considering going Greek, just based on the reputation and stereotypes of the community as a whole. One of my friends, Carson “Dash” Copeland, ’02, pledged Phi Delt and convinced me that the group of brothers was different. When I went through recruitment, I found an impressive collection of guys who balanced school and were having fun in a healthy way. This eclectic group of friends eventually showed me that they were truly brothers.  

2. What is your most memorable experience or moment from Phi Delta Theta? 

In general, I remember having a lot of fun and growing up while in college. I learned what it means to be a responsible adult. My other brothers all like to remember when I rebuilt a V8 engine in the fraternity chapter house, but it isn’t one individual memory for me. The collective day-to-day experiences and relationships are what impacted my life the most.  

3. Most influential Phi Delt for you? 

I can answer this question in two ways—based on personal relationships and/or through our list of famous Phis. 

The gentlemen in NC Delta while I was there were influential in my early life. We’ve ended up with a highly successful group in multiple fields (music, Hollywood, law, tech, etc.). Watching so many brothers chase their dreams and seeing how they approached reaching their goals motivated me.  

In looking at our famous Phis, there is a long list of successful brothers to look up to. In particular, I’ve always related to Lou Gehrig’s story. Statistically, he is one of the greatest in his profession, but he approached success with humility and gratitude.  

4. What tangible things did you take from your experience? 

The best skill I learned in Phi Delta Theta was how to be a leader. At the time, the weekly meetings were not the most exciting aspect, but in hindsight, they gave me an opportunity to learn about leadership as a young man, which I use daily in my career. In particular, I remember trying to organize our volunteer efforts. I realized that, in essence, every function we organized was voluntary—even the social events. When organizing and leading, you have to find a way to get people to want to participate—parties were a little easier than cleaning up Trinity Road! Learning how to motivate and organize my college peers is something that has served me well. 

5. Does Phi Delt still have a presence in your life? 

I am still in contact with several brothers and have strong relationships with them. We’ve seen each other grow and now know each other’s children and spouses. Some are local to where I live in North Carolina, so we try to catch up with dinners when we can. I’m also fortunate in that I travel weekly for work, so I often see brothers at our races or over dinners on the road. 

6. What is one thing you would say to your undergraduate self? 

Dream big and keep balance. Hard work pays off, but having a balance in life helps build relationships, which ultimately helps the most in being a relatable leader.  

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In April 2024, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation received its third $1 million donation from a living donor. This generous gift from Mark Craig, Colorado State ’71, and his wife Shirley, both retired public servants, reflecting their passion for education and leadership development. This substantial contribution highlights their commitment to the Foundation’s mission. 

Such a donation highlights the transformative power of philanthropy on individuals and communities. Mark and Shirley, who spent thirty years as educators, have grown concerned about the evolving education system and diminishing leadership opportunities. Rather than giving a gift as part of their estate (Living Bond Society), they wanted to witness the impact of their generous donation on Phi Delta Theta undergraduate members. With this donation, they aim to foster a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and leadership among students. 

What are the key components of the scholars program (curriculum, expectations, outcomes)?  

The goal of the Craig Scholars is to provide support for engaging and educating chapter leaders based on member and Phi Delta Theta needs. The program provides ongoing opportunities to include conference tracks aimed at educating executive officers such as chaplains, Phikeia educators, and others. It strengthens the effectiveness of Phi Delta Theta’s member development programs, resulting in a greater impact for more members and enhancing the Phi Delt experience. 

What differentiates it from other educational programs the Fraternity offers? 

The Craig Scholars experience will be tailored to the current needs of Phi Delta Theta and its members. By design, the Craig Scholars program is nimbler and aims to prepare members for career readiness and post-graduate responsibilities.  

What role will this program play in achieving the goals outlined in Phi Delt 2030? 

The Craig Scholars program will help secure Phi Delta Theta’s recognition as the premier leadership development society in North America by preparing its members to lead in an ever-changing world. Specifically, this program will support the growth of our best-in-class in-person conferences by ensuring a rotating officer track at Kleberg annually based on the needs of the Fraternity. 

When will Phi Delt introduce the program? 

When will Phi Delt introduce the program? At the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute, August 2–5, 2025, with the Phikeia Education and Recruitment Tracks providing critical education on two things all Phis experience—seeking and educating new members. 

Will this program target a particular chapter officer, or will anyone in the chapter be able to attend/apply? 

This program has the opportunity to target a different type of chapter leader based on the current needs of members and the Fraternity. For this first year, Phikeia educators and recruitment chairmen are eligible. 

What leadership qualities does the program aim to cultivate? 

The Craig Scholars program offers high-value in-person educational opportunities that will aide undergraduate officers in reaching their full potential as an emerging leader while preparing them with the needed soft-skills post-graduation in areas of personal and professional development, financial literacy, and working across teams and with people from varied backgrounds. 

How can Foundation-funded educational programs support our students in the current challenges they face? 

Student loan debt in 2024 peaked at $1.77 billion. With the cost of higher education at an all-time high, undergraduates are assessing organizations and their return on investment. The Phi Delta Theta Foundation funds educational programming, grants, and scholarships to give our undergraduate members experience and skills that can be marketed in the workplace. Students are not being taught the soft skills necessary to excel in their careers in the classroom. Through the flagship conferences funded by the Phi Delta Theta Foundation—Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute and the McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference—attendees meet fellow Phis from across North America, share their challenges, and develop a network to tackle them. Those attendees take the lessons learned back to build a stronger chapter across the nearly two hundred campuses and foster connections for the nearly 14,000 undergraduate members. 

Why are donations of any size critical to the support of our undergraduate members? 

As a private foundation, the Phi Delta Theta does not get public funding like a university. If every Phi gave back what they could annually—be it $10 or $10 million—the Phi Delta Theta Foundation would be able to fund young leaders for generations of Phis to come. The importance of giving back to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation can be traced from Robert Morrison’s philosophy, “To do what ought to be done but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.” In doing what ought to be done, you support your brothers’ educational and leadership pursuits. Your generosity allows brothers whose shoes you were once in to become the greatest version of themselves.  

“We are so grateful for the support of Mark and Shirley Craig to ensure that future Phi Delts are equipped with the skills and tactics they need to be successful beyond their college years. Their gift will help drive further development of leaders and aid them in translating their chapter experiences to their future careers. ” 

Aaron Hollis, Director of Education 

“The strength of Phi Delta Theta has always been its commitment to developing principled leaders who make a lasting impact on their communities and careers. Janell and I believed and continue to believe in the power of leadership education which is why we first supported the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute in 2012 and continue to support the growth of the program. The Craig Scholars program builds upon that vision—expanding opportunities for young men to translate their fraternity experience into meaningful success in their personal and professional lives. 

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of Mark and Shirley Craig, the Craig Scholars program will equip future generations of Phi Delts with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead with integrity and purpose. This program is a significant step toward a shared goal I have long held with the Fraternity—to educate 2,000 students annually at the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute. 

“With the support of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation and dedicated brothers and friends like the Craigs, we are ensuring that Phi Delts are prepared to lead in an ever-changing world. ”—Tio Kleberg

The post Empowering Future Leaders: Introducing the Craig Scholars Program appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Why did you join Phi Delt, and how has it impacted your life and career? 

I grew up in New Jersey with a younger sister. We were five years apart, and we never had a biological brother. When I moved to Riverside, California, for undergrad, thousands of miles from home, there were challenges.  

I can’t say precisely what attracted me to Phi Delta Theta, except that I was impressed by the men I met. They had very diverse personalities, but they were all down-to-earth and genuine. For me, it just clicked. The friendships and brotherhood became powerful. I always lived off campus with Phis, and our house seemed to be a crossroads of constant activity and action, which I enjoyed. It was a time of my life I will never, ever forget and a time of immense personal growth.  

Being a Phi Delt has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. During my undergraduate years at UC Riverside, Phi Delta Theta introduced me to the importance of philanthropy and community service, and it gave me opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and project planning skills. These experiences weren’t just fun or meaningful at the time—they laid the foundation for the way I approach my work and my life today. 

As a physician, business owner, and leader in my community, those skills I honed as a Phi Delt have been invaluable. Since founding Bauman Medical in 1997, I’ve had the privilege of treating over 34,000 patients and performing more than 14,000 hair transplant procedures. The leadership and collaboration I learned in Phi Delt have directly contributed to my ability to build a practice that’s not only successful but also deeply focused on helping others. 

On a personal level, the lessons in philanthropy have shaped my commitment to giving back. I’m proud to serve as the volunteer medical director and board member for Grey Team, a nonprofit in Boca Raton dedicated to supporting US military veterans and preventing PTSD-related suicide in our American heroes. I also founded the Bauman Philanthropic Foundation, a nonprofit focused on helping individuals dealing with hair loss and supporting educational endeavors locally. These efforts are deeply connected to the values I learned as a Phi Delt—values that have guided me throughout my career and life. 

Looking back, I can say with confidence that my time in Phi Delta Theta gave me far more than just memories; it gave me a compass for how to live and work with purpose and integrity. 

What is your most memorable experience or moment from Phi Delta Theta? 

There were so many exciting and fun times with my Phi Delt brothers, from TGs (Thank God It’s Friday) at our house on Fridays to spring break on Lake Havasu houseboats or Rosarito, Mexico, to driving around in The Beast (our ‘convertible’ 1975 Ford LTD Station Wagon), driving the donated Phi Delt bus—but looking back, the most impactful experiences have to do with community service. Until participating in Phi Delt charitable events, I had never previously appreciated how good it felt to give back and serve our local community. These events, e.g., supporting Lou Gherig ALS charity and other local nonprofits through our efforts, left a lasting impact on me that carries through my professional career today, thirty-seven years later.  

How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation? 

When traveling back to California, I’ve since reconnected with my big brother, Dave Snyder, and his family, along with my Phi Delt roommate, Doug Frampton, and other fellow Phis. Many Cal Mu Phis attended my bachelor party in 1998, and I remain an active member of the Cal Mu Facebook group. Recently, Dave brought his family to Florida, and we had a chance to connect then.  

Who from your chapter inspired you? Have you ever told them that? 

I’ve been influenced by many of my Phi Delt brothers, but probably the most impactful was my big brother, Dave Snyder, who was always encouraging and mentored me in many ways. 

What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience? 

Aside from my professional accomplishments in hair restoration surgery, I’m particularly proud of the nonprofit work my wife and I are involved in. This includes The Bauman Philanthropic Foundation, which supports pro bono hair restoration treatments, educational endeavors within our local community, and our work supporting US military veterans through the Grey Team, based in Boca Raton, Florida. 

If you could go back in time, would you change anything about your experience? If so, what? 

I wouldn’t change a thing! 

If Phi Delta Theta hasn’t been a part of your post-graduate life, why hasn’t it? 

Being separated by distance—initially graduate school, then training in New York and living in Florida since 1997—keeping up with my brothers has been challenging. Thank goodness for social media!  

What are you most proud of? 

I must say that my wife Karen and I are most proud of the accomplishments of my two sons, Ross, who graduated magna cum laude and is now living and working in real estate in Orlando, and Spencer, who is graduating from Princeton this year with a degree in chemical engineering and will soon be working in finance in New York City.  

Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life?  

Absolutely! The friendships and character-building skills, including leadership, public speaking, networking, teamwork, organization/execution, community service, and overall work-hard/play-hard ethics, have served me well and continue to serve me as I go through the various stages of life, family, and business.  

Do you have any advice for current students? 

Work hard, play hard, dig deep into the Phi Delt experience, and enjoy every minute; it goes fast!

The post Alumnus Profile – Alan J. Bauman, UC Riverside ’91  appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Outside of school, Miles is the head of marketing and partnerships at AMG Sports Group, where he leads marketing and sponsorship efforts for Milwaukee Brewers’ left fielder Christian Yelich’s annual charity concert. This year, AMG is supporting the Live Like Lou Foundation as its main benefactor and is on track to surpass its goal of raising over $300,000. Miles credits Phi Delt as being instrumental in preparing him for these types of opportunities, giving him the confidence and tools to succeed. 

Miles joined Phi Delt because he felt a sense of brotherhood from day one. His roommates, Eric and Vince, encouraged him to take that step, and it has been one of the best decisions he has made. The shared ambition within the California Pi Chapter has shaped him into a more disciplined and driven person. Miles stated, “The friendships, leadership opportunities-and lessons I’ve learned from Phi Delt will stay with me long after graduation.” 

Can you describe your extracurricular activities and any leadership roles you’ve held? 

On campus, I’m actively involved with the Pre-Law Society, Political Science Organization, and the Sports Business Initiative. For recreation, I enjoy running every morning, spending time with friends, and making the most of San Diego’s beaches. 

Regarding leadership, I am helping organize a Gala for Live Like Lou alongside our philanthropy chair, Jaren Olivas, ’25, with comedian Pauly Shore set to host the evening. Additionally, I am an NIL Intern for Aztec Link, a Scouting Intern for Prep Baseball CA, and I currently assist with marketing for my dad’s law firm in Los Angeles. 

What are your short-term and long-term goals? 

After college, I’m considering law school but ultimately aspire to become a sports agent, preferably in baseball. If that doesn’t work out, I’d love to work in a front office role for an MLB organization. Outside of work, I hope to live near the beach, stay close to my friends, and spend quality time with my family. 

Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? 

In five to ten years, I’d love to be living in Los Angeles, Austin, or Nashville, fully immersed in a sports industry role—perhaps launching a potential Nashville expansion team. Above all, I just want to be happy, surround myself with great people, and continue pursuing my passions. 

How has Phi Delta Theta helped you become the greatest version of yourself? How can we continue to help you? 

Beyond my upbringing, I attribute a majority of my growth to Phi Delta Theta. The Fraternity has pushed me to become a better leader, develop time management skills, and strive to be a better person. Coming into college, I had three friends join me at San Diego State, but quickly Phi Delt became my new family away from home. The drive and ambition within our chapter motivate me daily, and I’m grateful for the lifelong friendships and professional network Phi Delt has given me. I believe that being surrounded by my brothers has caused me to grow into a better version of myself. 

Tell us about a brother who has inspired you. 

My brother, Michael, Arizona ’23, was a Phi Delt at the University of Arizona. Before he joined, I didn’t know much about fraternities beyond what I had seen in the movie Animal House. However, he always emphasized that Phi Delt was about being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s purely a coincidence that we both became Phi Delts, but he was definitely one of the main reasons I decided to explore Greek life.  

The post Undergraduate Profile – Miles Leyva, San Diego State ’26  appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Mason, 

The idea of going to college is both exciting and intimidating. It’s a chance to meet new people, experience new things, and grow in ways you don’t expect. But with thousands of people around, it’s easy to feel lost. Finding a consistent group of friends might seem tough, but it makes a huge difference in shaping your experience. 

Joining a fraternity is an opportunity worth taking. You’ll learn about friendship and leadership in a way that keeps you engaged with your school and community. It’s not just about having a social group; it’s about figuring out how to make decisions that benefit others, learning to hold friends accountable, and stepping up when it counts. 

Building strong connections takes effort—showing up, being there for people, and making time for the friendships that matter. The more you invest in those relationships, the more meaningful they become. Some of the best conversations happen at the most unexpected times: late-night talks, road trips, or just sitting around after a long day. These moments add up, and before you know it, the people around you become more than just friends; they become a support system. 

At times, it won’t be easy. Leadership means making tough calls, and being part of a group means navigating different personalities and challenges. But those experiences help you grow, and they’ll stick with you after college. The friendships you build will, too. The leadership skills you develop will carry into your career, helping you work with different personalities, handle responsibility, and make tough decisions. And the people you meet won’t just be college friends; they’ll be the ones you turn to for advice, celebrate major life moments with, and sometimes even work alongside in the future. 

The post Letter to My Younger Self : Mason Rice, Lindenwood ’23  appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Clark Hunt, SMU ’86, is a prominent sports executive and businessman, best known as the chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs and co-owner of FC Dallas. He credits his leadership philosophy style to what he learned under his legendary sports pioneer father Lamar Hunt’s tutelage and his time at Texas Delta. His natural inclination to hard work began in high school, excelling in sports and academics, and he carried this through his university experience by excelling as captain of the SMU Mustangs soccer team. After graduating first in his class and working at Goldman Sachs, he stepped into leading the family’s sports franchises. Clark emphasizes the importance of culture, teamwork, and surrounding oneself with great people, all lessons he learned at Texas Delta. Phi Delta Theta is excited to announce that Clark Hunt will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in Dallas, Texas, on April 10, 2025.

Advice to College Students

Reflecting on your life’s journey, what advice would you give your college-aged younger self? 

I recently delivered the Commencement Address at my alma mater, SMU, and I tried to impart upon the students five key lessons I learned during my college career. Here are those lessons: 

1. Be willing to take risks. Sometimes, you have to take chances if you want to have great success. It was risky for the Chiefs to trade up and draft an unproven quarterback. But if we never took the risk, Patrick Mahomes would be wining Super Bowls in someone else’s jersey.  

2. Work ethic is more important than talent. It doesn’t matter how talented you are, if you are not willing to work hard you are not going to fulfill your potential. We all had those teammates who might have been more talented, but weren’t willing to put in the work. Needless to say, those types of athletes are not in the NFL or MLS today. 

3. Persevere in the face of adversity. Things are not always going to go your way. You are going to gets some bad calls, and you’re even going to lose some contests. Your ability to overcome the challenges will go a long way in determining your success.  

4. Your character is your most important asset. When your days on this earth are over, you will be remembered far more for your character than for your accomplishments. 

5. Choose your teammates wisely. Life is the ultimate team sport. If you want to be successful, you have to surround yourself with the right people—and you have to be a great teammate yourself. 

Featured in the Fall 2024 issue of The Scroll

The post Clark Hunt’s Lessons for Leadership appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

All photos in this article are courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Clark Hunt, SMU ’86, is a prominent sports executive and businessman, best known as the chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs and co-owner of FC Dallas. He credits his leadership philosophy style to what he learned under his legendary sports pioneer father Lamar Hunt’s tutelage and his time at Texas Delta. His natural inclination to hard work began in high school, excelling in sports and academics, and he carried this through his university experience by excelling as captain of the SMU Mustangs soccer team. After graduating first in his class and working at Goldman Sachs, he stepped into leading the family’s sports franchises. Clark emphasizes the importance of culture, teamwork, and surrounding oneself with great people, all lessons he learned at Texas Delta. Phi Delta Theta is excited to announce that Clark Hunt will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in Dallas, Texas, on April 10, 2025. 

What was it like growing up under successful grandfather H.L. Hunt and father Lamar? 

Many people are aware that my dad was one of the great pioneers in sports history. But what they don’t know is that he was also a great dad. I played sports throughout my childhood, then played in high school and college—and my mom and dad almost never missed a game. Even though my dad almost never missed a Chiefs game, he would always make time to attend my high school football games on Friday nights. Even though he had business obligations all over the country, he still made sure to attend most of my soccer games at SMU. My dad left quite a legacy and taught me lots of lessons—the most important of which was how to be a great father.  

Why did you pick SMU? What drew you to soccer and becoming team captain? Why did you pick Phi Delta Theta, and what was your fraternity experience like? 

My dad attended SMU in the 1950s, and he was a part of the Mustang football team. I also grew up very close to the SMU campus and attended games there from a very young age. So, when the time came to look at colleges, SMU was at the top of my list. Needless to say, it has a beautiful campus, elite degree programs, and an active sports and social scene, so for me it was an easy decision. 

I arrived at SMU wanting to do exactly what my dad did: play football for the Mustangs. However, when I was a freshman in 1983, the SMU football team was coming off one of the best seasons in its history. The offense alone had five future NFL players, including guys like Eric Dickerson and Craig James. I enrolled at SMU thinking I was going to be part of the Pony Express, but I quickly realized I was not exactly built for Division I football.  

So after a week of football two-a-days, I walked down the hall to the soccer locker room, introduced myself to the coaching staff, and told them I wanted to try out for the Mustang soccer team. In hindsight, that was probably a crazy idea. But in the end, it was one of the best decisions I could’ve made. Later that year, SMU hired Schellas Hyndman, one of the greatest coaches in collegiate soccer history. Coach Hyndman demanded accountability and had very high expectations. He helped shape me into a pretty decent player, and helped shape our team into a national title contender. 

In the spring of freshman year, I joined Phi Delta Theta. I originally chose Phi Delt for three reasons: first, it had a reputation as one of the outstanding fraternities on campus; second, Phi Delt had an impressive group of alumni who had really successful business careers; and third, it was a common fraternity for athletes, and there were a number of athletes whom I knew and respected that were already members. One of the great benefits of being a Phi Delt was that each of us had different majors, different activities, and different backgrounds—but we all had a common bond in the Fraternity that tied us together. 

Has your post-graduate experience at Goldman Sachs translated to running successful football and soccer clubs? 

Like the sports business, investment banking is very much a people business. In my first few years out of college, I learned that for a business to be successful, in any sector, it needs to have great people and a great culture. Goldman Sachs had a tremendous culture, and it was extremely well run and managed by an excellent leadership team. I learned a lot about the colleagues from Goldman. 

It was also the financial services business, and I had just graduated with a finance degree from SMU. Every business has an element of finance associated with it, so my time at Goldman was an important foundation for the rest of my career. At the time, of course, I had no idea that one day I would serve as the CEO of an NFL team and the chairman of the NFL Finance Committee. But in hindsight, I would say that my time at Goldman was good training for the roles and responsibilities I have today. 

Who do you rely on to create a successful franchise (who is in your circle of advisors and why)? 

It is incredibly difficult to have sustained success in the NFL. There’s a reason no team in history has ever won three straight Super Bowls—the league is built for parity, and it’s built for competition. In order to have success, it takes great leadership, a great culture, and complete buy-in from everyone involved. 

At the Chiefs, that starts with three key leaders: Team President Mark Donovan, General Manager Brett Veach, and Head Coach Andy Reid. Each of these three guys is phenomenal at what they do and each leads a tremendous staff—but also, each of them is committed to working together and rowing in the same direction. You could have a great coach and a great general manager, but if they are not on the same page, the team isn’t going to be successful. We’ve got great leaders in our organization, and they work extremely well together. That is crucial for success in this competitive environment. 

You were captain and an Academic All-American for the SMU Mustangs soccer team, plus you graduated first in your class. What lessons did you learn while balancing priorities as an executive, soccer captain, academics, and member of Phi Delta Theta? How does that knowledge help you in your current role as co-owner, chairman, and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs and FC Dallas?  

The biggest lesson I have learned is to surround yourself with great people. Phi Delta Theta helped introduce me to some really great people—people who were smart, driven, and team-oriented. Today, as I lead a variety of businesses, I am still always looking for great people with these qualities.  

Any successful business or organization must have a positive culture. Culture is incredibly important in a fraternity, and it is also incredibly important in a business or a sports team. My experience at Phi Delt showed me how important building and maintaining a great culture is. 

Do you have any favorite memories of your time in Texas Delta at SMU? Do you keep in touch with any of your brothers? 

In terms of fond memories, I mostly remember the great community we had at Phi Delta Theta. If one thing stands out, it would probably be the annual casino party that we held each year. The casino party was always one of the best gatherings of the year at SMU, and now I look on those days and smile. 

I have several Phi Delta Theta brothers that I see regularly. Many of us have kept in touch over the years. In fact, my younger brother Dan was also a Phi Delt at SMU, a few years behind me. Between the two of us, there are quite a few college friends at Phi Delt friends that we see quite a bit.  

Phi Delta Theta also happens to be well-represented in NFL ranks. Arizona Cardinals principal owner Michael Bidwill, St. Louis ’87, is a member of Phi Delt, as well as Dallas Cowboys COO Stephen Jones, Arkansas ’88. I have worked closely with both Michael and Stephen over the years, and it is clear that they also have fond memories of their time in the Fraternity. 

What skills or experiences did you gain from your Phi Delta Theta experience? 

College is a phase of life where we learn a lot about time management and priorities. Juggling multiple responsibilities requires discipline and hard work. I think I began to learn those lessons during my time in Phi Delta Theta at SMU. I not only learned how to manage my schedule but also how to manage various responsibilities and obligations that went along with being a student, an athlete, and a Phi Delt brother. To this day, it takes real focus to balance my time and allocate resources based on my priorities.  

Because of this, I also learned a lot about work ethic. Between high school at St. Mark’s School of Texas and college at SMU, I was always pursuing a rigorous course of study while also competing at a high level athletically. As I got older, I realized just how much work it was going to take to be successful in all the different areas of my life. Decades later, I still have those high standards for work ethic in my everyday life. 

You are quoted as saying, “When I succeeded my father, I knew I was stepping into some very big shoes to fill. And I could never be like him, right? There was only one Lamar Hunt, and he was so special, such a visionary, such a great leader. Somebody that people followed because they just absolutely loved him. So I knew that I couldn’t be like him, and I had to just do it my way.” Growing up under your innovative and successful father, how have you learned to develop your leadership style? 

The biggest thing I have learned is to hire great people, give them the tools they need to succeed, and then step out of their way and let them fly. It takes a certain humility to stand back and let others guide the conversation, especially when it has to do with major contracts or on-field performance. I learned that humility from my father. He was an incredibly kind, humble person, and I try to be like him in that aspect every day. 

I also value the way he taught me to listen. As active as my dad was, he always listened very well. He listened to fans, he listened to his employees, he listened to other owners who had ideas about the AFL or NFL. Today, I always try to make sure I am listening to various stakeholders as we work through big decisions. My dad taught me that—maybe not explicitly, but he showed me how to do it. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have won the Super Bowl three times in five years and the AFC West title for the eighth consecutive year. What do you attribute to establishing a winning culture, and how do you maintain it? 

As I mentioned in an answer to a previous question, a winning culture starts with great leaders. At the Chiefs, our leadership team of Mark Donovan, Brett Veach, and Andy Reid set the tone for excellence throughout our organization. And being a great individual is not enough—it takes a commitment to the team, and a commitment to working together as a unit to find high levels of success. 

I also think a key part of maintaining that culture over time is to clearly state your values, and hold everyone accountable for achieving them. At the Chiefs, we implement our four core values through our mission statement: Win with Character, Honor Tradition, Inspire our Fans, and Unite our Community. Each year, as new players, coaches, and staff members join our team, we clearly articulate these values and give examples of how we live them out each day. This is one of the ways we establish and maintain a winning culture and allow each individual to buy in using their own skills and expertise.  

Why is philanthropy important to you, and how do you/did you pick which group(s) to support? Why should someone volunteer or otherwise support a local/national organization? 

My dad founded the team in 1960, and today, my siblings and I try to honor his legacy by carrying the torch. But he always believed that at its core—the fans own the team. That is true for the Chiefs, that’s true for FC Dallas, and I believe that’s true for any sports team. Our teams truly belong to their fans. And so it’s vitally important that we use our brand and our reach to give back to the community that gives so much to us. 

The Hunt Family Foundation just celebrated its largest year ever in terms of philanthropy and community engagement. We are hoping to break that record again this season. The FC Dallas Foundation continues to grow and expand its reach and impact as well. For both of these foundations—like for any successful organization—we have a clear statement of core values, and we have great executive directors to put those values into practice. 

Above all, our foundations emphasize children and families in need. It happens through health and wellness programs, child advocacy programs, sports and mentorship activities, or the largest food drive in the NFL. We believe that sports are woven into the fabric of a community. And we are proud of the way our foundations have made a real difference in the places we call home.  

The post People First: How Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Creates Winning Cultures appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Mike is the former Gamma South province president and the CFO at Ness-Twigg, LLC, a real estate development company.

Phi Delta Theta not only molded my life, it made my life. 

Mike Twigg, Maryland ’74

What is the most memorable experience or moment from Phi Delta Theta? 

The term ‘college men’ is a bit misleading, as we tend to reach that level, hopefully, by the time of our senior year. But as freshmen, we are still boys experiencing a completely different and strange environment for the first time. Hence, almost every day produces a memorable experience, and it’s not easy to pick one, but this example encapsulates the essence of being a Phi. 

The summer before starting my freshman year, I was a bit rebellious, which caused friction between my father and me. He was a professor at the University of Maryland, and we lived in College Park, so I was determined to find another social outlet that would make my experience different than high school. Joining a fraternity made sense, as my father, Bernard A. Twigg’s, ’52, college experience was as a fraternity member. As a kid, I often saw his continued interaction with his fraternity brothers at Maryland football games, social gatherings at our home, etc. What was clear to me was his own experience not only gave him friends but also gave him dear friends for life. I wanted that too, but because of that summer friction, I was determined to pledge to a fraternity, but NOT Phi Delt, as that was HIS fraternity. 

After checking out several fraternity houses for a couple of weeks, my curiosity got the best of me. I had seen the Phi Delt posters on campus inviting those interested to just stop by the house and pay a visit. So, I did. It was late afternoon, and there was no organized recruitment event that day, but I was invited to dinner the next night with two specific instructions: Be there by 5:00 and wear a tie. Having a chance to see the house and dine with the brothers opened my eyes wide as this place was demonstrably different from any of the others on campus. Leather furniture, oriental carpets, a baby grand piano, and a stone fireplace were some of the obvious differences, and it seemed right out of a movie set as to what a fraternity living room should be. Visually, I was won over, and then I got to experience the brotherhood during dinner. The camaraderie, the banter between brothers, and the humor made for a special evening, and I knew before I left that night that I needed to be a Phi Delt. 

I had not discussed any of this with my father, but a few weeks later, when he and I were having a ‘friction’ discussion, I revealed that one reason my schedule was not being kept was that I had been going through recruitment. I told him I had accepted a bid and was going to pledge a fraternity. When I revealed it was Phi Delta Theta, the wall between us almost immediately evaporated, and from that moment on, my Dad and I were not just father and son, but we became brothers. That led to an ever-increasing friendship, which transformed my life forever. Joining Phi Delt changed my relationship with my father; I am forever grateful for that. I was the master of ceremonies at the eightieth-anniversary dinner for Maryland Alpha at Maryland. My dad got his Golden Legion certificate that night. I was able to give my dad his Golden Legion certificate. It was pretty cool. 

Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life? 

It molded my adult life. My whole career was shaped by two Fraternity brothers who were two years older but had interacted with me enough through our college and young adult lives to have the confidence to recommend and/or hire me in actual jobs that paid real money! I was living with Joe Rogers, ’72, when I graduated and he recommended me to his company in 1974. I entered my first foray into mortgage banking and was there for six years. After that interval, I knew then that I would have to expand beyond that environment if I wanted to continue to grow career-wise. I then interviewed and accepted a new position to build on my mortgage banking experience. Rick Powell, ’72, hired me to replace him in his previous position, and he became my boss and mentor. I learned about managing people and situations by observing and interacting with him for six years. At the end of that period, I was thirty-five and finally knew enough about myself to develop clear goals. That year I started a new job in mortgage banking, married the woman I met while working with Rick Powell, and bought a Porsche. My life was taking off. My wife, Sandy, is an Alpha Phi from Maryland, and even though she was eight years behind me, we had many of the same shared experiences from our Greek life days. When I went back to mortgage banking, it was in the role of management where I also made decisions on hiring. I had a steady supply of young men and women from the Greek system and all I had to do was pick the right ones. 

Fortunately, I was able to do that far more often than not. My career flourished and so did my personal life. By the time I retired, I had been with the same mortgage group for almost thirty years and not only survived two corporate acquisitions but grew my business division fourfold during that period. It’s been thirty-seven years since that fateful year, and I still have my marriage and Porsche. And, of course, I was influenced to buy that car as my BFF and mentor, Rick Powell, had bought one two years prior!  

Phi Delta Theta not only molded my life, it made my life. 

Why is fraternity still relevant and important for society today? 

I think it’s just as important today as it was in 1848. Especially in our increasingly fractured society, fraternal relations can be even more important. What makes that experience relevant today is the same thing that made it so relevant in 1848. It was about similar-minded people organizing together because of friendship. And fraternity deepens those friendship bonds way beyond normal friendships. The commitment to excellence and each other never changes, but it changes us—for the better. 

I found so much value in my life that I decided to give back to the Fraternity that molded my life so much. I served as chapter adviser for six years then became Gamma South province president. That experience opened my Phi Delt life to many new opportunities and dear friends. When I became province president, I traveled to Oxford for training one weekend; six or seven of us were there. This was the first time in my Phi Delta Theta experience that friendships went beyond Maryland Alpha. There, I met now one of my dearest and closest friends, Chris Lapple, CSUN ’80, who became General Council President, but he and I started as province presidents that weekend together. He and I instantly clicked, and even though he lived in California and I in Maryland, we got together as often as possible with our wives and vacationed together. He and his wife, Claire, became dear, close friends to my wife and I. Though separated by distance, we remain in constant contact and see each other as often as possible. Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude are simple ideas but are so important, and following those precepts has made me a very, very happy human being. 

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I am a junior at Rogers State University majoring in IT: multimedia and software development. 

Can you describe your extracurricular activities and any leadership roles you’ve held? 

I am very involved on campus as I am in the Honors Program, the campus activities team, and the captain of the Rocket League eSports team, but none of them mean or have done as much for me as being president of the Oklahoma Epsilon chapter of Phi Delta Theta. 

How would you define brotherhood? 

Brotherhood is creating a true caring bond for one another that lasts for life. Brotherhood is counting on someone to always have your back and come to your aid when in need. Brotherhood is having someone who truly loves you and challenges you to become the greatest version of yourself every single day. 

How has Phi Delta Theta helped you become the greatest version of yourself? How can we continue to help you? 

Phi Delta Theta has helped me become the greatest version of myself in so many different ways. I have gained brothers for life who I know will always have my back and always push me to do greater. I have learned some imperative leadership skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. I have learned and lived the truth that one man is no man, and life gets so much easier with a group of brothers surrounding you. 

Could you tell us about a brother that has inspired you? 

As we just got our charter last year, I am only the second president. Someone who truly has inspired me is our first president, Matthew Garrison. He embodies the values of Phi Delta Theta and gave so much to our chapter. He inspired me to work hard in everything I do and understand why our brotherhood is so important. 

What was the hardest point of your college journey, and why did you decide to stay with Phi Delta Theta through it? 

The hardest point in my college journey was, by far, the first semester of my junior year. The summer before, directly after being elected as chapter president, I was diagnosed with B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. My whole world completely flipped on its head, and I was forced to step back from everything and focus on myself. While it was a very long, hard process, there was not a single time that I did not have one of my brothers reaching out and seeing if there was anything they could do to help. It was a great way to help me stay motivated and continue fighting as hard as possible. 

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Phis and prominent Greek leaders gathered on September 9 in Atlanta, Georgia, to honor Phi Delta Theta’s anti-hazing efforts. The event highlighted the substantial progress made by the Fraternity.

The tragic death of Max Gruver in September 2017 highlighted the urgent need for a stronger, more focused approach to combat hazing. In response, the Fraternity restructured its practices, partnering with Steve and Rae Ann Gruver of the Max Gruver Foundation and the Anti-Hazing Coalition to increase education and awareness about the dangers of hazing and work toward eradicating it entirely.

Georgia Delta Chapter President Sam Wells and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Executive Vice President and CEO Sean Wagner.

Georgia Delta Wins Inaugural Fly High Max Award

Phi Delta Theta has encouraged these efforts throughout its membership, which is why it created the Fly High Max Award. The award annually honors a chapter that actively contributes to anti-hazing education and advocacy, engages in anti-hazing legislation efforts, and raises awareness about hazing prevention.

Steve and Rae Ann Gruver attended to present the inaugural Fly High Max Award to Phi Delta Theta’s Georgia Delta Chapter at Georgia Tech. The awards committee selected Georgia Delta Chapter to receive the Fly High Max Award for their outstanding efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of hazing and their strong commitment to the development and well-being of their new members.

Through a variety of educational programs and outreach activities, the chapter has demonstrated a proactive approach to hazing prevention, making their anti-hazing initiatives a cornerstone of their mission. This year, they took the initiative to deliver an impactful anti-hazing presentation at Blessed Trinity High School, which was Max Gruver’s high school. Their dedication to this cause, along with their involvement with the Max Gruver Foundation, positions them as a model chapter for others in Phi Delta Theta to emulate in the fight to end hazing.

Steve and Rae Ann Gruver presenting the Fly High Max Award to Georgia Delta.

Sean Wagner introduced the Gruver’s and extolled Georgia Delta’s anti-hazing efforts, “The Max Gruver Foundation has been a beacon of hope and change, promoting anti-hazing education and advocacy, lobbying for anti-hazing legislation, and raising awareness about the dangers of hazing. Their tireless efforts and personal sacrifices have inspired many, including those in our own Phi Delta Theta community.”

“This year, we are thrilled and immensely proud to host this event to honor the Georgia Delta chapter for being the inaugural recipient of the Fly High Max Award. With an impressive history of seventy-seven awards dating back to the 1960s, Georgia Delta has long been a shining example of excellence. However, 2024 is particularly significant as it becomes the first chapter to receive this groundbreaking and transformative award. This award recognizes chapters that have actively engaged in initiatives such as the Stop Hazing high school programming, anti-hazing education and advocacy, supporting the Max Gruver Foundation, and more. Their efforts reflect our shared values and set a standard for what it means to be a responsible and caring fraternity member, our desire to invest in our communities and peers, and the issue of hazing.”

Rae Ann complimented Georgia Delta remarking, “The chapter’s passion was evident in their presentation—It does sound like they are looking to become a model chapter that others in the Phi Delt Nation can look toward when taking the next step to ending hazing.”

“We commend and congratulate Georgia Delta! Your work not only honors Max’s legacy but inspires us all to continue striving toward a future where hazing has no place in our world.”

Sean Wagner recieves Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award.

Sean Wagner Wins Prestigious Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award

During the event, the Hazing Prevention Network awarded Phi Delta Theta Executive Vice President and CEO Sean Wagner the prestigious Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award. This award recognizes Wagner’s leadership in anti-hazing initiatives within Phi Delta Theta and the Greek community. His work has raised awareness about the dangerous consequences of hazing and promoted a safer environment for Fraternity members.

Rae Ann Gruver wrote in her nomination, “Sean is a powerful leader who listens and takes action as CEO of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He does not back down from the challenges of fighting, educating, and creating real change in the hazing culture in his and all organizations.”

From left to right, Hazing Prevention Network Executive Director Todd Shelton, Steve and Rae Ann Gruver, and Sean Wagner.

“After Max Gruver died in 2017, Phi Delta Theta and the Max Gruver Foundation arranged to work together to make changes within Phi Delta Theta relating to hazing. However, the partnership turned into an entirely different relationship. They have worked together to create more awareness, prevention, and change within Phi Delt and developed a peer-to-peer educational program for high school-level students. Sean is a huge promoter and advocate for the program and strongly encourages young men to participate. Sean actively participates in the Anti-Hazing Coalition, working on state and federal hazing prevention legislation. Sean listens and collaborates to make things happen, and he has gone above and beyond in working with the Max Gruver Foundation to make a difference while honoring Max’s legacy.”

Favor & Co. Executive Vice President and Hazing Prevention Network President Marc S. Mores, Iowa State ’95, with Sean Wagner.

Phi Delta Theta continues championing anti-hazing initiatives across its chapters, promoting education, legislation, and advocacy to create lasting change. The event was a powerful reminder of the Fraternity’s dedication to fostering a brotherhood built on respect, safety, and mutual support, reinforcing its ongoing mission to lead the way in eradicating hazing.

Our partnership with The

Max Gruver Foundation

Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the Max Gruver Foundation created Take Action: Building New Traditions to further anti-hazing education in high schools to ensure that no more lives are affected by hazing.

Learn More

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By: Bill Meeker, Missouri ’80

During COVID, a few of our pledge brothers became aware of our brother Gary Glisson’s fight with ALS. He was diagnosed with the debilitating disease a couple of years earlier, and it had progressed to the point he needed additional care. 

A group text was started, and in a matter of a few weeks, we somehow managed to gather all our pledge brothers on the text string. This opened up a whole new world for Gary, who resides at an assisted living facility in Richmond, Missouri, and, due to COVID-19, was confined to quarters. 

Because of the facility’s strict protocol, Gary could not receive visitors. We began communicating with each other through text messages and a group app. Gary is wheelchair-bound and has difficulty speaking. Texting allowed him to share his thoughts, his great memories of our time together, and his wonderful sense of humor. 

We all knew Gary was bright, personable, and, as a long-distance runner, very disciplined and determined. We also learned of Gary’s extreme courage and conviction from these communications. 

Once the COVID restrictions were lifted, we planned the first Gary Glisson Day, 2021. 

After roughly forty years of being separated by careers, family, and distance—all but a couple of our pledge brothers were able to make the journey to the facility in Richmond to join Gary. Pledge brothers came from all over the US to visit their stricken brother and re-bond over past stories and present lives. 

Since then, we have had two additional Glisson Day gatherings, and now all our pledge brothers and many from classes above and below our pledge class have made the trek to visit Gary. 

As a Phi in need, Gary is the glue that re-bonded our brothers. 

The first Glisson Day was held in a park near Gary’s assisted living facility. To be safe, we all had our COVID vaccinations to be with him. Even though we had been apart for so long, and the threat of the pandemic was still fresh in our minds, we hugged and greeted each other as if we had just been together the week before. It was almost like we were pledges again, going on a walk-out—just our little band of brothers. Catching up, remembering our years at the Phi lodge and what bonded this disparate group of men together in the first place. 

Gary’s memories of our times together seem to be better than any of the rest of us. Most of us had forgotten he took many pictures during our pledge year. He kept a scrapbook of all the photos and shared them with us over the last three years, recounting details of our adventures and misadventures as pledges, bringing back many great memories. 

Gary has been an inspiration to us all. He does not complain about his dilemma and battles through the restrictions ALS imposes on his body to communicate with and join with his brothers. As older men, we tend to talk about the aches and pains that are typical of our age. But we all realize how petty those issues are compared to Gary’s situation. It is hard to feel sorry for yourself when you see just how debilitating ALS can be and how strong and courageous our brother Gary has been. Even though his life is mostly limited to the assisted living facility and day-by-day the disease continues to take its toll, he keeps his head held high with an incredibly positive attitude. 

He is an exemplary man, brother, and a true Phi. If brother Lou Gehrig was the Iron Horse, Gary Glisson is the Steel Stallion. Both great men, who accepted their fate, did not let it define them and are inspirations to those who knew them or knew of them.

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The engagement team had a chance to sit down with General Council President J. David Almacy at the 2024 McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference. We asked him a few questions to understand who he is and his vision for the Fraternity during his leadership of the current biennium. 

Who is J. David Almacy? 

Well, I am an only child born to Nancy and John Almacy, and raised by a single mother in Bethesda, Maryland. I grew up surrounded by many who loved, supported and encouraged me, guided by faith, to make a positive difference in the world. I was fortunate enough to go to college and join the best fraternity in the world, which helped shape my view on what I can do and the impact I can make. 

Also, I was someone who benefited greatly from mentors, in addition to friends, and family and wanted to give back to create that opportunity for others. 

You mention what about the Fraternity inspired you. Describe how this defined your college success and dictated your career path. Also, how have you paid it forward? 

As I mentioned, I grew up as an only child and was shy. I played sports but, honestly, was an average athlete at best. I didn’t have strong natural talent or any skills to speak of. But I was determined. The coach always said I had a good understanding of the game and the other players on the team. He also said that I was one that could inspire those around me. And so, I really took that to heart, but I was shy. Then I went away to college and found Phi Delta Theta and a brotherhood of amazing brothers who inspired me, encouraged me and invested time in me. Often times, they pushed me to excel and explore my fullest potential, seeing something in me that I didn’t see in myself. 

Because of my brothers’ support, I started to grow out of my shell, and they encouraged me to run for a chapter leadership office. I was first elected secretary and later served as president of the chapter. I was also class president all four years. I took that experience gained at Widener University out into the world and decided to try to make a difference.  

At Pennsylvania Mu and Widener, I learned the value of connecting with individuals. I’ve benefitted from that and those interactions and wanted to pass that knowledge along. So, my commitment to the Fraternity was to help extend the legacy. I’ve often talked about the gift that Phi Delta Theta was to me and so many who have joined. It is our responsibility to the oath that we took when we became members to pass the torch to those who follow after. And so, I tried to hold true to that for my brothers in my own chapter. Then, the opportunity to work for General Headquarters and as a volunteer for the past thirty-plus years has allowed me to continue to give back and live up to that oath. 

It has been an honor of a lifetime, and I am committed to doing my best. I know I have a finite time as General Council president, and I hope that when I look back, I have no regrets. Standing firm for what I believe in and doing what’s right for the Fraternity to ensure that we can not only survive but thrive. 

To sum up, that’s my goal. I’m blessed to work with a great [General] Council, headquarters staff, volunteer corps and increasingly impressive undergraduate leaders. I hope to constantly inspire the members I have a chance to meet along the way. That’s the number one reason I remain involved because I’ve also seen the Fraternity’s impact on their lives. 

You mention that passing the torch during your tenure as General Council president is crucial to your goals. How do you plan to achieve this, and how do you envision the next era of Phi Delta Theta? 

I feel, particularly coming out of COVID, that there was a significant gap in the modern Greek experience. As the world came to a halt during the quarantine, our chapters were faced with challenges to not only maintain the fraternity experience but also grow it or at least survive until things hopefully returned to normal post-COVID. 

Though we were very resilient during this uncertain time due to the leadership and unwavering efforts of our members, volunteers and GHQ staff, we did unfortunately lose a couple of chapters. So, my focus has been to understand and use this as an opportunity to evaluate who we are as Phi Delts. I turned to the Fraternity’s history as a guide. Our Second Founders, George Banta and Walter B. Palmer, have inspired me. These two men helped shape and restructure the Fraternity, which had basically all but ceased to exist in the immediate aftermath of the US Civil War. Due to their efforts, the Fraternity grew rapidly between 1870 and 1890. Much of what they created has served as the foundation for how our Fraternity operates today, including our ritual, the General Council, provinces, province presidents, and The Scroll, to name a few. 

In that same spirit, it is our turn to carry forward the legacy of these dedicated Phis for the next generation. We inherited this incredible gift. My focus is to reinvest, reevaluate, and ponder what our contributions to the Fraternity and society will be. Whether through our Cardinal Principles of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude, it all goes back to these very simple ideas, simple in theory, but sometimes difficult to execute in practice. But, during the challenging decisions, relying on The Bond and what we know to be right. So, my top priority is to do what’s best for our organization and our members and always keep an eye toward doing what’s right. 

As a communications professional, how do you feel about the new brand? 

As a marketing and public relations guy, I am thrilled about the new brand initiative. I love symbolism—how things look, the colors, shapes, and symbols often impact how we feel, right? And sometimes, it isn’t easy to describe in words how we feel about something. 

But think about it, similar to your favorite professional sports team – the mascots, the colors, the logos, and how you feel when you see the uniforms on the players as they run onto the field on game day. So, this is our game day, and although the symbols may look slightly different, the symbolic nature of these items, like the sword and shield and the stars, have been so special to Phi Delts for generations. I really appreciate how the new marks hearken back to the original. You can see this, especially in the commemorative 175th badge, as it was strongly influenced by the original Morrison badge design. The logo now reflects more of that shape and design than even the coat of arms, with the sword now vertical rather than diagonal, which is also a callback to Phi Delt’s origins but with a more modern look to it. So yes, I’m very excited about it, and I think it looks great!

The post Carrying the Torch: An Interview with General Council President J. David Almacy appeared first on Phi Delta Theta.

Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life? 

I went through recruitment at the Texas Eta Chapter at Stephen F. Austin, and three things led me to Phi Delta Theta. First, they were the only fraternity to have a brand-new house, and it was the only one on Greek Circle with five sorority houses. It felt like they were doing it right to be the only ones with that. Second, as I went through recruitment, I became buddies with a handful of guys. We all had different top threes but had Phi Delta Theta in our three, so we all agreed to do it together. I’m still very close with a couple of those guys to this day! Third, a family I really respect from my hometown (the Isom’s) all chose Phi Delta Theta at Texas Tech. I thought, if Phi Delt was good enough for them, then it was good enough for me! Just felt right. I only lasted at SFA for one year. I wasn’t thriving academically and just didn’t feel at home, so I decided to return to my West Texas roots and transferred to Texas Tech. Clayton Isom, Texas Tech ’04, from my hometown, was on the Executive Committee then and encouraged me to affiliate. I was hesitant because I was older and knew that the Texas Epsilon Chapter was so prestigious and respected. I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in as an outsider, but I stuck with it and am so glad I did. They changed my life. 

What is your most memorable experience or moment from Phi Delta Theta?

My most impactful memories from my time at Texas Epsilon stem from my time on the Executive Committee as chaplain. I really enjoyed organizing a handful of chapter churches throughout each year. Singing praise and worship songs at those events led me down the path of playing guitar in front of others, which definitely led to my career. We won the Bininger-Stitt Excellence in Ritual Award both years I was chaplain and I co-founded a Bible study group called GreekWide that still exists today. 

Who from your chapter inspired you? Have you ever told them that? 

Honestly, if not for the Isom family from my hometown, I’m not sure I would’ve pledged Phi Delt or affiliated at Tech. They’re some of my closest friends and their parents and siblings are family to me. A lot of my Fraternity brothers from Tech inspire me because even though they’re separated by distance in other fields of work, they’re successful and leaders, and good fathers and husbands. I’ve got a whole fantasy football league with brothers I respect. I’ve always admired Wes Welker, ’04, and how determined he was. Guys like Cody Campbell, ’03, and John Sellers, ’04, inspire me; not just for their massive success, but the way they brought along so many of our brothers with them and blessed their lives too. Bill Dean, ’61, is someone we all look up to. He’s the godfather of Texas Epsilon. In terms of celebrities, gotta shoutout Burt Reynolds, Florida State, ’58. No one can rock short shorts and a ‘stache like that, dude.

What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience?

I often reflect on some of the things we unknowingly learned in college. Formals, for instance, where we dress up, bring dates to a social function, dine together, and discuss topics. It really prepares you for attending gala’s and events as an adult. The recruitment process prepares you for presenting yourself to others with a firm handshake, eye contact, and introductory small talk to get to know others which helps with clients and meeting others in business and life. The Phikeia education period really installs the idea that anything worth having is worth working for and earning, and if you do that, you’ll always respect and value it more. 

How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?

To this day, Phi Delt is a huge part of my life. Most of my closest friends are Phi Delts. I’ve invested in multiple deals with or because of brothers from Texas Epsilon. My bandmate Austin Davis, ’08, on banjo, was a TXE. We started jamming together in college, leading to the band and this whole crazy path. To this day, Fraternity brothers hire me or connect me with others for private parties. I bought my home with a brother who was my realtor and found the preschool for my kids because of another brother. I even have guys from other chapters come out and shoot me the sign from the crowd. I’ve had countless doors open because of Phi Delta Theta and will be eternally grateful for this experience. 

Advice for current students?

If I could talk to my undergraduate self, I’d have a handful of advice, ha ha! But mostly, I’d say keep networking because you’re surrounded by great young men who will be leaders in their fields down the road. I think I unknowingly did a good job of that anyway, but I’d tell anyone to network well in college because it truly can shape your life afterward.  

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