On Friday, April 24, West Liberty University welcomed their first and only international fraternal chapter to campus when the men of the West Virginia Gamma Colony of Phi Delta Theta signed The Bond and received their charter.
The men of the local fraternity Delta Zeta Pi colonized as West Virginia Gamma of Phi Delta Theta on January 18, 2014. Much work had to be accomplished for these gentlemen to make the transition from a colony to a chapter.
“The challenges ranged from recruiting members to developing the petition for installation. It was tough work, but it all came to fruition today. I couldn’t be more proud of the brothers,” West Virginia Gamma President Evan Newman said on Saturday, April 25.
West Virginia Gamma welcomed a special guest who traveled to initiate the group. Executive Vice President Bob Biggs chose to initiate West Virginia Gamma as he has ties to the area. His ancestors lived in West Liberty, and his great-great-great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Biggs, was a Revolutionary War General.
Chris Brussalis, Reporter of the General Council, was the presiding officer over the installation of the new chapter. It was also a memorable moment for Brussalis, as he also presided over West Virginia Gamma’s colonization.
Family and friends of the newly initiated brothers gathered in the Interfaith Chapel at West Liberty University to witness Brussalis present the charter proving their installation. After 16 months of hard work and dedication, the brothers of West Virginia Gamma will strive to continue to improve their community by living the Phi Delta Theta slogan, “Become the greatest version of yourself.”
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 West Virginia Gamma was the fifth chapter installation of 2015, and the Fraternity currently has 181 active chapters and 9 colonies.
