Washington Gamma returned to Washington State University on December 3, 2020 with its virtual induction as an emerging chapter. Expansion Consultant Cody Flynn spent eleven weeks on campus recruiting and working with a group of 28 founders who are committed to being agents of positive culture change at Washington State University. With a strong commitment to the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles, Washington Gamma hopes to elevate the standard of the Greek experience at Washington State University as it works alongside the rest of the community.
Similar to the situation on many campuses this fall, students at Washington State were faced with a completely virtual college experience. For many new students, it was especially difficult to make connections and establish their circle of friends. The men of Washington Gamma were spread throughout North America during the semester, but the founders quickly picked up on their shared lack of connection and belonging and worked every week to create spaces where they could meet each other online or distanced around Pullman.
A common theme emerged among the group – “We won’t let the pandemic put a pause on our college experience.” Despite the challenges and barriers in front of them, the group followed the leadership of its Executive Board and their committee structure. Every member was able to be involved in meaningful work within the Fraternity. Washington Gamma has done well transitioning from relying on their consultant’s guidance to creating their own experience with the support of their advisory board. The group held its own elections for new officers, created a big brother program, and even won a campus award for public relations.
Washington Gamma’s momentum is strong coming out of its induction as an emerging chapter, and the founders are ready to tackle the challenges that will come as they work towards installation. Even though the Washington State University campus will continue to be virtual during the spring semester, the emerging chapter has a leg up because of its persistence this fall.
“We have recruited a unique group of founders at Washington State,” said Expansion Consultant Cody Flynn.” Relationships are built from shared experiences, and the virtual environment created a difficult environment. There were tough days for many of the men, but they moved forward with a sense of community. They care deeply for each other and the community around them, and this has created a strong sense of purpose to what they want to accomplish as members of Phi Delta Theta. I’m confident they have the ability to help lead great progress at Wazzu.”
Phi Delta Theta congratulates the men of the Washington Gamma Emerging Chapter, and the Fraternity is excited to celebrate their accomplishments in the future.
Washington State University (WSU) is a public research university in Pullman, Washington. Founded in 1890, WSU is one of the oldest land-grant universities in the American West. With an undergraduate enrollment of 24,470 and a total enrollment of 29,686, it is the second largest institution for higher education in Washington state. The WSU Pullman campus is perched upon a hill, characterized by open spaces, views, deep green conifers, and a restrained red brick and basalt material palette. The Washington Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Theta was founded in 1918 and has initiated 1,981 men.
