On November 19, 2022, the Massachusetts Eta Emerging Chapter at Babson College was officially installed as a chapter of Phi Delta Theta.
Babson College of Babson Park, Massachusetts, is home to a unique entrepreneurial leadership program with twenty-four available concentrations ranging from environmental sustainability to finance to legal studies. It is one of the few colleges in the United States that focuses primarily on a complete business school education from day one blended with the liberal arts and sciences. This culture of entrepreneurial leadership and globalism has positively affected how chapter members approached the installation process and their role on campus.
As an interest group, Massachusetts Eta began its journey in the fall of 2020 when a group of student leaders began collaborating with the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office to bring a new fraternity to campus. Through the 2020-21 year, their conversations evolved into a partnership with Phi Delta Theta to expand into the Babson Greek community, which includes five other fraternities and sororities.
During their time on campus as an emerging chapter of Phi Delta Theta, Massachusetts Eta has set the standard for having conversations about men’s mental health and the belief of Greek-lettered organizations on campus. “Phiting Stigma with Sigma Kappa and O.N.E.” was a forum hosted by Origins for Necessary Equality, with members of Sigma Kappa and Phi Delta Theta discussing the common stigmas behind Greek life on and off campus. Relating to community service, the emerging chapter has worked often with a local organization called Cradles to Crayons by refurbishing, cleaning, and packaging new/gently used items such as clothing and shoes for children ages newborn to twelve.
During the evening of November 18, General Council President Moe Stephens II led the initiation ceremony for the new brothers at Olin Hall on campus. Thirty members of Massachusetts Eta are now proud brothers in the bond. The following day, the Massachusetts Eta installation ceremony was conducted by General Council President Moe Stephens, Province President Steve Lyon, Director of Chapter Support Emily Wolfzorn, and Chapter Support Coordinator Mason Whitis.
The Massachusetts Eta Chapter has been led by founding father and Chapter President Luke Pata. “When I think of the perfect group of people, it involves those that strive earnestly to make a better future for those around them. With a cohesive bond, we can all learn from each other and strengthen the brotherhood we hold dear to our hearts. I think Massachusetts Eta’s installation shows that when you get together a group of great men they will accomplish whatever they set their mind to.”
With the introduction of Phi Delta Theta at Babson College, the brothers of Massachusetts Eta want lead-by-example through their mission to create positive change through fraternity/sorority life.
Phi Delta Theta is proud to introduce the Massachusetts Eta Chapter at Babson College, and the Fraternity looks forward to seeing the great things to come!
