The Legion of Merit Award honors those outstanding members of our Fraternity who have made a lifelong commitment to the service of Phi Delta Theta. The recipients of this award are not only living testimony that Phi Delta Theta is a “Fraternity for Life,” but they are also the men who give this phrase meaning for so many Phis.
Michael G. “Scar” Scarlatelli grew up in New Jersey. He was initiated into Phi Delta Theta by the Michigan Delta Chapter at Kettering University on July 16, 1972. As an undergraduate, he served as an officer for his chapter, while also holding positions of Student Body Treasurer, Junior Class President, and Student Body President. Brother Scarlatelli graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1976, and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in Boston in 1983.
Brother Scarlatelli became involved with the House Corporation for Michigan Delta in 1979 and served on the board through 1992. He was also the chapter’s Chapter Advisory Board Chairman for several years during this same timeframe.
Following his many years of involvement as a Fraternity volunteer at the local level, Brother Scarlatelli was appointed President of Sigma North Province, a post he held from 1992-2000. He has attended scores of Fraternity conferences, including General Conventions and General Officers Conferences, as well as the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute and Presidents Leadership Conference, where he participated as a faculty member.
Brother Scarlatelli is an avid Yankees fan and also an Eagle Scout. He has served the Boy Scouts of America for 50 years, including the roles of District Boy Scout Activities Chairman and Council Training Chairman, as well as Assistant Scoutmaster in his son’s troop. Scar’s professional career spanned many decades at General Motors. Prior to his recent retirement, he managed pre-production build activities, including advance program planning and coordinating all aspects of prototype build activities.
Brother Scarlatelli was elected to the General Council in 2000, and served on Phi Delta Theta’s governing board for six years, leading the Fraternity as President during 2004-2006. After fulfilling his term on the General Council, Scar was appointed to the position of General Fraternity Warden, and he continues in this capacity as a beloved icon at General Conventions. He and his wife, Elaine, have a daughter, Lindsay; and a son, Nick, who is a Phi Delt from Michigan State.
For his lifelong dedication and commitment to Phi Delta Theta, the Fraternity is proud to honor Brother Michael G. Scarlatelli with the Legion of Merit.
