On a snowy Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Michigan Zeta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta was installed at Central Michigan University. The chapter was colonized on November 7 ,2015, and the colony members dedicated themselves to install the following fall. The 42 men of Michigan Zeta are the first Phis to call Central Michigan home, and they were very excited for the weekend. A very eager Hunter Stahl had the privilege of accepting the charter on Saturday afternoon.
During the colony period, the men of Michigan Zeta picked up major achievements that helped make a name for themselves both locally and nationally. Michigan Zeta put together a water distribution event for the city of Flint, Michigan, and they raised enough money to donate a semi truck full of water bottles. The cases of water were distributed at a local Sam’s Club by brothers of both Michigan Zeta and Michigan Delta (Kettering). Also during their tenured as a colony, the brothers of Michigan Zeta also claimed second place in CMU’s Greek Week. Paired with Tri Sigma, the brothers took first place victories in both Mock Rock and in Penny Wars. The week raised more than $67,000 for the Nash Strong Foundation.
The installation weekend was presided over by General Council Member-At-Large Moe Stephens (Southern Indiana ’99). Other attendees included: Province President Nat Love (Michigan ‘81), Chapter Advisory Board Chairman Michael Boulter (Kettering ‘12), General Council Member-at-Large Jesse Moyer (South Dakota ’03), and Director of Expansion Tucker Barney (Puget Sound ’14). The banquet embraced the theme of turning the page, as both Love and Stahl expressed words of accomplishment and focus on the future, as installation was just the beginning for Michigan Zeta. It ended with words from President Stahl, who led the chapter through the colony phase, speaking on behalf of all the men of Michigan Zeta, thanking everyone for their support over the past year. Moe Stephens ended the ceremony by showcasing how joining Phi Delta Theta can impact one’s life and offering final congratulatory remarks to the brothers of Michigan Zeta.
Michigan Zeta is gearing up for their first semester on CMU’s campus as a fully initiated chapter. Following the banquet, the ffficers met with Leadership Consultant Evan Newman (West Liberty ’15) to make plans for next semester and set goals for the future. Michigan Zeta recognizes that receiving a charter is a major milestone. The chapter vows to continue to focus on growth, as they continue to work towards becoming the greatest versions of themselves.
In accordance with Phi Delta Theta’s Strategic 10-Year Plan, Phi Delt 2020 and its growth initiative, Phi Delta Theta is currently executing expansion strategies that culminate in seven chapter installations annually and 200 chapters by 2018. The installation of Michigan Zeta was the sixth chapter installation of 2016, and the Fraternity currently has 184 active chapters and 8 colonies.
