After Phi Delta Theta was the only fraternity last spring to receive a bid from the university to recolonize a chapter on campus, it has gained official recognition.

The process of becoming a fraternity typically takes up to two years to complete, but Phi Delta Theta achieved its full-functioning status as a colony in December of 2011, after just 11 months, said Jonathan Gregalis, public relations chairman for the fraternity.

A colony differs from a fraternity because it does not have the same privileges as a full chapter, such as alumni support and full independence from the international fraternity, Gregalis later said in an email.

After becoming a colony, Phi Delta Theta had to submit a petition outlining the programs and bylaws the organization would follow after becoming an official, recognized chapter, Gregalis said.

“There’s been a lot of hard work, but we’ve come so far in such a short span of time,” said Dwight Stevenson, president of Phi Delta Theta and education graduate student.

The chapter celebrated its re-installment at the OnCenter Sept. 22, drawing family, friends and several alumni, according to a Sept. 25 news release from the fraternity.

“It was the culmination of our efforts, and our alumni were proud to experience that moment with us,” Stevenson said.

The ceremony also served as recognition of the Syracuse University chapter’s 125th anniversary. In honor of this, many SU alumni recounted their legacy as part of Phi Delta Theta, including Story Musgrave, a former NASA astronaut.

Many of the same founding traditions and values, like having brothers become better versions of themselves, are still fostered within Phi Delta Theta’s emerging chapter at SU.

“I was completely fine with the idea of not rushing,” said Dylan Lustig, Student Association president and a junior international relations major. “Phi Delta Theta was different because it possessed a brotherhood as committed as I am toward leadership and becoming a better version of yourself.”

Despite an absence of almost 20 years on campus, Phi Delta Theta has been welcomed across campus, and the fraternity has taken the transition in stride.

“As a newer fraternity, we’re in a unique position in that we can set our own precedent,” Stevenson said. “We’re able to mold ourselves into whatever we want to be and provide a niche that SU needs.”

Phi Delta Theta boasts a brotherhood founded upon leadership and academic excellence.

As of 2011, the fraternity has the highest cumulative GPA among all male fraternities, according to the release. It also has 16 SU student organization presidents, Lustig said.

Anthony Greco, assistant in public relations for the fraternity, said in an email that because of this, he feels the fraternity upholds the expectations of its international organization and esteemed alumni.

The fraternity also gives high priority to philanthropy and community outreach, such as fraternity-wide involvement with local organizations in the Syracuse area, said Greco, a sophomore public relations major.

“I wasn’t looking for an atmosphere riddled with the pressure to party,” said Steve Collins, a junior policy studies major. “Phi Delta Theta has a great balance.”

Many of the brothers said the benefits of joining a fraternity have been extensive. Beyond providing a social foundation while at SU, Phi Delta Theta connects men with similar interests and goals.

“As a Phi Delt, I’m in a room full of guys who are as driven as I am,” said Ryan Rydyl, a sophomore finance and management major. “These aren’t just my drinking buddies; it’s a support system that I know I can count on.”

The chapter has formed a strong bond despite the fact that it does not yet have a house.

Said Lustig: “It’s a testament to our brotherhood. We’re committed to creating that sense of brotherhood in our chapter, because you’re not a Phi Delt for just four years, but for the rest of your life.”

Published on October 1, 2012 at 12:18 am

Contact Annie: apalme05@syr.edu