Through a pandemic and a summer filled with creative communication and engagement, both in-person and virtual, Phi Delta Theta has returned to campus at the University of Michigan!
A return to Michigan Alpha had just begun in March when COVID-19 forced the General Headquarters team to leave campus. Thankfully, the initial recruitment efforts by Expansion Consultant Brett Klein had resulted in twenty members interested in becoming Founders. After working virtually with the initial interest group throughout the summer to keep momentum going, Brother Klein returned to Ann Arbor in late August to continue recruiting and promoting the Phi Delta Theta experience. Working alongside the undergraduate Founders, the group swelled to thirty-three members quickly and continues to grow.
“Throughout the pandemic, I have been consistently reminded of how strong the Phi Delta Theta brotherhood is and how much camaraderie it can provide to these new Founders” said Brett Klein. “With a historic chapter like Michigan Alpha and an incredible alumni base, they quickly had ample support from local alumni and faculty on campus. The vision and long-term goals this group created speak loudly to what they want to accomplish.”
On September 25, Michigan Alpha was formally inducted as an emerging chapter outside at the historic chapter house at 1437 Washtenaw Ave. Safety was a priority during the ceremony with limited attendees and two groups being inducted separately. The ceremony was streamed live on the Michigan Alpha Facebook page. Executing the induction ceremony was Province President Michael Boulter, Kettering ‘12, General Council Member-at-Large Nat Love, Michigan ’80, Past President of the General Council and current General Council Member-at-Large Michael Scarlatelli, Kettering ’76, and CAB Chairman Luke Boulter, Michigan State ’17.
“Our current members have both persevered and excelled throughout the pandemic to create goals for scholarship and recruitment while establishing philanthropy and leadership initiatives,” said Michigan Alpha President Pratik Danu. “Every day we strive to be gentleman who exhibit friendship, rectitude, and sound learning on our path to become the greatest version of ourselves. As I speak for myself and the rest of our brothers, we are humbled to help restore this historic chapter and look forward to interacting more with the larger Phi Delt community.”
Phi Delta Theta is extremely excited for the future of Michigan Alpha as the newest Founders work to reclaim their charter. The Michigan Alpha Chapter was originally established on November 28, 1864. It was the first chapter of Phi Delta Theta in the State of Michigan and the sixteenth chapter in the United States. Phi Delta Theta was the seventh fraternity established on the University of Michigan campus.
