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Phi Delta Theta Fraternity

ΦΔΘ
Motto: One Man is No Man
Nicknames: Phis, Phi Delts, Phi Deltas
image:Phideltcrest.jpg

The Coat of Arms
Founded: December 26, 1848 at

Miami University, (Oxford, Ohio)
Founders:
  • Robert Morrison
  • John McMillan Wilson
  • John Wolfe Lindley
  • Ardivan Walker Rodgers
  • Robert Thompson Drake
  • Andrew Watts Rogers
Executive Vice President
  • Robert Biggs
General Council President
  • Rudy M. Porchivina
Members 220,000 Alumni,

6,500 Undergraduate
Official Colors: Azure (Blue)

and Argent (White)
Official Flower: image:white carnation.jpg

White Carnation
Member Badge: image:phideltbadge.jpg
Pledge Pin: image:phikeia.jpg
Flag: image:Phideltflag.jpg
Official Mascot & Goddess: image:athena owl.jpg

The owl and Pallas Athena
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Website

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) is an international fraternity founded in 1848 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Its headquarters is located on the Miami University campus. Phi Delta Theta along with Beta Theta Pi and Sigma Chi form the Miami Triad. The Fraternity has approximately 165 chapters in over 40 states and six Canadian provinces. The Fraternity has initiated nearly 220,000 men between 1848 and 2006. Chartered house corporations own more than 120 houses valued at $50 million. There are nearly 70 recognized alumni clubs across the U.S. and Canada.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Founding

Phi Beta Kappa was the first Greek letter organization founded in the United States when it was created on December 5, 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. 63 years later, Beta Theta Pi was founded at Miami University in Ohio, the first fraternity founded west of the Allegheny Mountains. In protest against the president of the university, members of Beta Theta Pi and other students blocked the entrances of the main educational and administrative building in what became known as the Great Snowball Rebellion in 1847.

The Founders of Phi Delta Theta:

image:robert morrison.jpg Robert Morrison (1833 - 1902) image:john lindley.jpg John Wolfe Lindley (1826 - 1907)
image:Ardivan rodgers.jpg Ardivan Walker Rodgers (1824 - 1856) image:andrew rogers.jpg Andrew Watts Rogers (1833 - 1901)
image:john wilson.jpg John McMillan Wilson (1825 - 1874) image:robert drake.jpgRobert Drake (1822 - 1873)


A year later, after the president expelled most of the students involved in the uprising, Phi Delta Theta was formed. Six men staying in a dormitory the day after Christmas formed the Greek-letter society. Robert Morrison, a senior, proposed to fellow classmate John McMillan Wilson they bond together to form a secret society. They invited juniors Robert Thompson Drake and John Wolfe Lindley; sophomores Ardivan Walker Rodgers and Andrew Watts Rogers into the fold. The first meeting was held in Wilson's room at Old North Hall, now called Elliot Hall.

Room where Phi Delta Theta was founded. It is used by undergraduates of the parent chapter in recognition of achievement
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Room where Phi Delta Theta was founded. It is used by undergraduates of the parent chapter in recognition of achievement

During the early meetings, the founders wrote The Bond of Phi Delta Theta, which is the fundamental law of the Fraternity. It has remained unchanged ever since. The Founders also designed the badge, consisting of a shield, eye and scroll with the Greek letters on it. The first branch of Phi Delta Theta was founded at Indiana University in 1849.

[edit] The first decades

Phi Delta Theta had its first convention in 1851 in Cincinnati when the organization only had four chapters. The event was attended by seven members. Despite the limited number, positive steps were taken for the establishment of new chapters by forming an expansion committee. It was also during the first convention where the chapter at Miami University was designated as the Grand Chapter. Subsequent coventions were held again in Cincinnati five years later, Bloomington, Indiana in 1858 and Danville, Kentucky in 1860. Another convention was held in 1864 in Bloomington in the midst of the Civil War. The War Between the States was difficult for all fraternities. Battles put fraternity brother against fraternity brother, although fraternal bonds may have led to the release of many prisoners or better treatment for others. It wasn't until the 1868 Indianapolis convention that the first steps in the creation of an overall administration took place. The 1868 convention is regarded as the first "National Convention" because it was during this time when permanent convention rules such as convention officers and chapter delegates took place. Twelve years later the most important of all Phi Delta Theta's convention took place. The Indianapolis Convention of 1880 established the present day ritual, insignia and customs which are still used today. Moreover, the convention saw the creation of the General Council, the governing body of the fraternity, and divided chapters into provinces.

[edit] Expansion and growth

During the two decades from 1870 to 1890, the growth of the Fraternity was very rapid, due principally to the efforts of Walter B. Palmer, Emory-Vanderbilt 1877, and George Banta, Franklin-Indiana 1876. The two were given the title Second Founders for their work.

50th Anniversary of Phi Delta Theta with Founders Morrison and Lindley in the fore front. From the 1898 Convention.
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50th Anniversary of Phi Delta Theta with Founders Morrison and Lindley in the fore front. From the 1898 Convention.

In the 1870s alone 34 new chapters were established, but it also became a period of uncertainty because of the anti-fraternity sentiment held by many faculty in schools where Phi Delta Theta had chapters. Several chapters became dormant because of this. The 1880 convention held in Indianapolis is regarded as the most important of all the conventions the fraternity has ever held. It was during this convention that the ritual such as insignia and conduct during chapter meetings were created. Ceremonies such as memorial services and initiation were also created and standardized. The first General Council was formed with both Banta and Palmer taking membership as president and historian respectively. The fraternity continued steady growth and by 1889 there were 66 chapters in 27 states.

[edit] First half of the 20th century

With constant expansion into the western United States, Phi Delta Theta became an international fraternity when the organization's first chapter in Canada was installed at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec on April 5, 1902. By 1918 there were 78 chapters with a membership of 77,000. During the 1920s and 1930s, expansion was carefully controlled. Focus was placed on re-activating chapters whose charters were revoked years earlier. World War II put a heavy toll in the membership and operations of the fraternity. Thirteen chapters were closed during this time with 12,233 Phis known to have been in uniform during the conflict; of that number over 700 were killed or missing in action, the largest loss of any fraternity during the war. An additional 8,000 veterans would be initiated into the fraternity in the years after the war. 1945 saw the groundbreaking of the present day General Headquarters building.

The Berkeley Chapter House in 1915.
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The Berkeley Chapter House in 1915.

[edit] Second half of the 20th century

Like many fraternities, Phi Delta Theta had a restrictive clause barring membership to African-Americans, Asians, Jews, and Muslims. However, in the ensuing years after World War II, strong sentiment from many alumni as well as undergraduates coupled with the changing demographic of the college scene in the country, Phi Delta Theta became one of the first fraternities to eliminate any reference to race, color or creed. In 1955, Paul Beam, the Executive Vice President of the Fraternity (in effect, the head of the fraternity's operaions) died. He had taken over the office from Arthur R. Priest who had served as Exec. VP from 1923-37. Beam had guided the fraternity through eight conventions and through the trials of World War II. Bob Miller was chosen as to take over the daily operations of the fraternity. He would serve for 36 years which is curently the longest term served in the office. He retired in 1991 with Robert Biggs taking over the position. The Vietnam War saw a small dip in fraternity membership, however by 1972, the fraternity had 140 active chapters with over 128,000 initiates. The ensuing decades would see the creation of travelling leadership consultants who would assist various chapters in many aspects of fraternity life as well as the advent of the Leadership College to be held in Oxford, Ohio for undergraduate members.

[edit] Educational foundation and programs

Phi Delta Theta along with many other fraternities has an educational foundation fund. Part of the foundation's aim is to award scholarships to deserving undergraduate members and those pursuing advanced degrees in various graduate schools. Each year it provides over $150,000 in scholarships. The foundation is also essential in supporting various programs such as the Phi Delta Theta Leadership College, the Leadership Consultant Program and portions of the General Convention as well as the Scroll, the official magazine of the fraternity. The foundation, which was established in 1962 with only $4,708 has since grown to over $14 million.

[edit] The Accolade

In 2004, the fraternity began a member development program for undergraduates called The Accolade. It is designed to enhance a member's collegiate and overall fraternity experience. Some of the program's personal development activities include goal-setting, time management and career development. Though the program is intended for new undergraduate members, it is available to all members including senior members and alumni. Though Phi Delta Theta is no longer part of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, they were recognized by them for the Best Use of a Foundation Grant for its support of The Accolade. [1]

[edit] Emerging Leadership Institute

The Emerging Leadership Institute (ELI) is an annual event held at the fraternity's headquarters during the summer where newly initiated undergraduates are given instruction in various leadership classes as well as participating in programs which help to improve their respective chapters. It is attended by selected undergraduates from every chapter. It is mainly geared toward newly initiated memebrs. The Institute was established after the Leadership College was dissolved.

[edit] Official philanthrophy

For many years, Phi Delta Theta had no official philanthropy. However, the organization was long associated with the Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA) because of Lou Gehrig, an alumnus, who died of the disease. Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a deabilitating neuro-muscular disease and has since become known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Though there had always existed a relationship between ALSA and Phi Delta Theta, it wasn't until November of 2002 when the General Council made the partnership official. [1] Undergraduate as well as alumni chapters from all across North America regularly organize various events raising money for research.

[edit] Historical ties with sororities

Even though Phi Delta Theta technically does not have a sister sorority it has the distinction of having close connections with two sororities: Delta Gamma and Delta Zeta. George Banta, a Phi Delt from Franklin-Indiana, was instrumental in helping to expand the Delta Gamma sorority. For his efforts he was the only man ever initiated into Delta Gamma. Banta would later perform initiation ceremonies for new members of the sorority including that of Lillian Vawter, his fiancée. Guy Potter Benton, a graduate of the Phi Delt chapter at Ohio Wesleyan University was president of Miami University in 1902 when he helped with the founding of Delta Zeta. Dr. Benton aided in the preparation of a ritual, badge, and colors. For his work, Delta Zeta named him the Grand Patron of the sorority and is the only man to ever wear the Delta Zeta badge.

[edit] Famous firsts

1888 issue of the Scroll, the official magazine of the fraternity.
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1888 issue of the Scroll, the official magazine of the fraternity.
  • First fraternity to adopt a pledge pin (1894)
  • First fraternity to adopt an alumnus pin (1894)
  • First fraternity to adopt a pledge manual (1886)
  • First fraternity to adopt a National Day of Celebration (1889)
  • First fraternity to adopt life subscriptions to the fraternity magazine (1875)
  • First fraternity to expand west of the Mississippi River (Austin College, 1853)
  • First fraternity to own a chapter house (University of California, Berkeley, 1873)

[edit] Current issues

[edit] North-American Interfraternity Conference

In 2002, Phi Delta Theta, along with Kappa Sigma left the North-American Interfraternity Conference due to ideological differences.

[edit] Alcohol free housing policy

In 1997, Phi Delta Theta spearheaded the initiative of having alcohol free housing within its chapters by the year 2000. The policy has since been adopted by other fraternities including Theta Chi and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI).

Alcohol Free Housing Five Year Progress Report
When Phi Delta Theta announced the inception of an alcohol free housing policy, the announcement was met both by hope and scepticism. While some viewed that the ban of alcohol in housing facilities was a welcome return to the founding principles of the fraternity, others felt that it would hurt the fraternity because of the drastic cultural shift. Five years later, however, the critics have been proven wrong as evidence by significant improvements in many areas of fraternity life and operations. Since the implementation of the Alcohol-free Housing Policy, the all undergraduate grade point average rose from a 2.77 in 2000 to nearly a 3.0 in 2005. The insurance policy of individual members have also gone down as risk management violations have decreased. Perhaps the most telling area is in membership, where Phi Delta Theta showed an increase of new members. In 2004, Phi Delta Theta had 3,102 new members while other fraternities averaged 2,415. In 1990, chapters of Phi Delta Theta were 18% larger than the typical fraternity chapter. In 2004, they were shown to be 30% larger. Also, in 2004, Phi Delta Theta was one of only 13 national/international fraternities to show an increase in total undergraduates from the previous year with an increase of 4.2%. The significance of this is highlighted by that fact that Phi Delta Theta had less chapters than other fraternities. Competitively, Phi Delta Theta has remained a constant among others. In terms of new members it ranked ninth in 1990, eighth in 2000 and ninth in 2004. Many alumni members have credited the alcohol free housing policy in continuing this trend.

[edit] Interesting facts about alumni

[edit] By the numbers

12,233 (Initiated) Members in World War II 7 Members have won the Emmy Award
5000+ Members served in World War I 7 Members have won the Pulitzer Prize
400+ Phis have played Professional Football 6 Members are enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame
286 Members served in the Spanish-American War 5 Members are enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame
281 Members served in the American Civil War 3 Members have been NASA astronauts
200+ Members have obtained the rank of General or Admiral 3 Members have won the Academy Award
102 Members have been United States Congressmen 3 Members have won the Heisman Trophy
30 Members have been United States Governors 3 Members have served on the The US Supreme Court
26 Members have been United States Senators 2 Members have been Canadian Premiers
14 Members have Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 1 Member served as the President of the United States
8 Members have received the Medal of Honor 1 Member served as the Vice President of the United States

[edit] Sports awards named after members

[edit] Notable alumni

The signature of Lou Gehrig indicating his membership into Phi Delta Theta
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The signature of Lou Gehrig indicating his membership into Phi Delta Theta

A complete list can be found at: Prominent Alumni of Phi Delta Theta

Art and architecture

Business

Entertainment

Literature

Military

Politics

Space Exploration

Sports

[edit] Chapters

For a complete list of Phi Delta Theta chapters, see: Phi Delta Theta chapters

[edit] References

  • Collett, Ritter (1998). In the Bond: Phi Delta Theta at 150. Landfall Press
  • Havighurst, Walter E. (1975). From Six at First: A History of Phi Delta Theta 1848-1973. George Banta Company, Inc.
  • Priest, Arthur R. (1932). The Phikeia: His Book. The Ovid Bell Press

[edit] External links

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