On October 2, 2016, the brothers of the Oklahoma Beta Colony at Oklahoma State University began the process of becoming an official Phi Delta Theta chapter. The colony faced many challenges leading up to becoming an official chapter, but the hard work and dedication paid off as 67 brothers were initiated and re-installed as the Oklahoma Beta Chapter.
Installation weekend started with a meeting with Phi Delta Theta’s Director of Expansion, Alex Atkinson, and Colony Development Specialist, Tyler Wilson, to discuss the weekend’s events and expectations. The General Headquarters team brought the colony members together for what was one of the last nights that they would share as a colony.
On March 10, initiation night, the colony members gathered at the Oklahoma Beta chapter house and were met by many alumni from multiple generations. During the evening, the colony members were initiated into Phi Delta Theta. Alumni and brothers from the Oklahoma Alpha Chapter at the University of Oklahoma took part in the ceremony. A few legacies within the group were pinned by their fathers who are members of Phi Delta Theta at Oklahoma State and Texas Christian University. The night ended with food and photographs to celebrate the newly initiated brothers.
The installation ceremony on Saturday, March 11 was held at the Oklahoma State University Alumni Center. With approximately 200 friends and family in attendance, General Council Treasurer Chris Brussalis presented Oklahoma Beta with its charter. Guests of honor included Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life Ival Gregory, Phi Delta Theta Foundation Trustee and Oklahoma Beta alumnus Mike Hyatt, House Corporation President Scott Collins, Chapter Advisory Board Chairman Charles Corken, House Parents Craig and Debbie Clemons and many more.
The weekend’s activities were a display of the hard work that each brother exuded as they built the chapter. After a retreat on Sunday, March 12, the Oklahoma Beta Chapter still understands that there is room to grow, but with an outstanding group of gentlemen, the chapter will continue to succeed.
Oklahoma Beta Vice President Corbin Lovelady mentioned, “From guys who joined over a year ago to guys who joined less than a month ago, our brothers are passionate about making our Fraternity great. Great by helping to develop our youngest members into prosperous men and enjoying life with each other along the way. I can say we have established just that.”
