The lovely spring weather took the place of the once-stubborn winter cold. The south bank of Lehigh River started warming up as if to tell us what is to come. On Saturday, April 6, 2013, 70 men of Lehigh University pledged themselves and their service to the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. The badge of white and blue which had been integral to the Lehigh history since 1887 is now back to the land of brown and white.

The Founding Fathers, each with his own story, came together under one mission: To embody a steadfast moral commitment, promote continuous learning, and foster a strong brotherhood that refuses to settle for anything less than greatness. In his speech, President Daniel O’Leary stressed the difference between a frat and a fraternity, and he encouraged the Founding Fathers to strike their own paths. This idea was first expressed by Expansion Consultant Michael Boulter when he said to President O’Leary, “You can make it whatever you want it to be. You just need to work hard enough.”

Promises made by the Founding Fathers were indeed ambitious. They each promised to not only make it in the world but make the world; to not only strengthen the community but revolutionize it; to not only embrace Lehigh’s legacy but bolster it. These goals are within reach considering their intrinsic qualities and the overwhelming alumni support. Mr. John Papazian, the Colony Advisory Board Chairman, said “Lehigh is in our blood” among on his sated list of reminders.

When the Founding Fathers stood proudly with their colony pins on their jacket lapels, they knew that it marked the beginning of their lifelong brotherhood and the journey of becoming a great version of themselves. Challenges lie ahead. Work is far from done. However, as long as they are together, nothing is insurmountable for Phi Delta Theta at Lehigh University.