By Jason Schwemer
Phi Delta Theta has changed my life in many great ways. I joined this great organization the spring of my sophomore year, a semester late, but it was a decision that I will never regret.
When I first came to Widener University, I was not interested in Greek life at all. I saw it as being the stereotypical animal house, all night partying, hazing, and alcohol. I saw Greek life as something I did not need in my college experience. I soon realized that Phi Delta Theta was the organization that created my college experience. I quickly realized that Phi Delta Theta was the opposite of the typical stereotype. After I started my Phikeia education period, I saw that Phi Delta Theta was about making boys into men, men into better men, truly preaching becoming the greatest version of myself.
I became a brother and quickly took a leadership role in Phi Delta Theta. Within my first semester of brotherhood, I took a leadership role as Phikeia Educator, which I spent two full year terms holding. In my time as a brother, I held the position of Phikeia Educator, which I took very seriously and greatly improved the Phikeia Education program for my chapter. In addition to being Phikeia Educator, I held the positions of Social Chair, Special Events Chair and Fundraising Chair. All of these positions that I have held have made me a better man ready to face the world.
The leadership that was presented to me at Phi Delta Theta has made me a better man. I have gained more confidence and perseverance both as a brother and as a man outside the Fraternity. Phi Delta Theta has truly changed me as a student and more importantly a man. I gained a group of brothers that I would not be the same without. Phi Delta Theta is what kept me at Widener and made me a success in my career today and in the future.
As a graduating senior I will miss the time and work I have put into Phi Delta Theta and wish I could spend more time with my brothers. In the long-run, the time and work I have put into my chapter has benefited me as a person and I cannot thank the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity for everything they have done.
Jason Schwemer is a Senior Hospitality Management student at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. In his time at Widener, he has been very involved as a member of the Greek system and the University as a whole. Jason has been a member of Phi Delta Theta as well as being a dedicated CREW (Community Responsible for Enhancing Widener) Leader, which assists new students getting acclimated to Widener. He has also been very involved in the Hospitality program. Jason has held the President position of the PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) student chapter. He has also been on the Executive board of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) and founded the student chapter of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, where he served as a two-term president. Upon graduation, Jason hopes to obtain a position in a hotel management position in the Philadelphia area, contribute to his chapter of Phi Delta Theta and ultimately give back to the Fraternity on an international level.
