Phi Delta Theta has been established at North Dakota State University with the recruitment of twenty-five founders on campus.
The development of the North Dakota Beta Emerging Chapter began in mid-August when Expansion Consultants Jimmy Pietras and Nick Hartney arrived in Fargo, North Dakota. The duo was able to hit the ground running by recruiting fifteen members during their first month on campus. As the pandemic worsened in the area, new restrictions were placed on the campus and progress slowed. Through dedication and perseverance, Brother Pietras was able to recruit another ten men to become founders and get the interest group inducted into Phi Delta Theta.
The North Dakota Beta Emerging Chapter will be supported by a full advisory board that consists of campus professionals and alumni from various Phi Delt chapters, some being founders themselves.
“Establishing a chapter during a pandemic has been no easy task, especially on a campus where we have never had a presence,” said Jimmy Pietras. “Amidst all that is happening in the world right now, these young men have fully-embraced what it means to be a member of Phi Delta Theta and have reminded me that anything can be accomplished.”
On November 6, North Dakota Beta was formally inducted as an emerging chapter at the Memorial Union in the heart of the North Dakota State campus. Safety was a priority during the ceremony with attendance limited to founders and advisers. The ceremony was also streamed live through Zoom with multiple alumni, community members, family, and friends watching from home. Executing the induction ceremony was Chapter Advisory Board Chairman Derek Steiner, North Dakota ’12.
“The amount of ambition in this room is endless, and I have full faith that our children will see this chapter thriving decades from now,” said North Dakota Beta President Connor Crago. “We have already started helping the community around us, and we will continue to show our dedication to bettering the world with every resource available. We will do these things as we persevere through all of the challenges we face.”
North Dakota Beta has already raised more than $1,300 for the LiveLikeLou Foundation and has been warmly welcomed into the campus community. Phi Delta Theta is extremely excited for the future of North Dakota Beta as the newest founders work towards installation as a chapter.
North Dakota State University is a public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is part of the North Dakota University System and is the second largest university in the state with an enrollment of 13,000+. The university is the second institution in North Dakota to have a Phi Delta Theta presence.
