As 2024 comes to a close, we at Phi Delta Theta are proud to look back on a year filled with transformative moments and milestones. From new beginnings to impactful initiatives, this year showcased the strength of our brotherhood. Here are some of the highlights that defined 2024:
A New Look
January marked the launch of Phi Delta Theta’s reimagined brand and website, bringing in a modern new look for our Fraternity. The updated design reflects our values and mission while enhancing how we connect with members, alumni, and supporters worldwide.
McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference
This year’s McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference set the tone for 2024 by equipping chapter presidents with the skills and resources needed to lead with purpose. The event highlighted our dedication to cultivating effective and ethical leadership at every level. We can’t wait to ring in 2025 in St. Louis with our newly-elected chapter presidents.
New Expansions: Growing Our Brotherhood
This year, Phi Delta Theta reached new heights of growth and brotherhood! We celebrated the historic addition of our 300th chapter, Connecticut Delta, at Eastern Connecticut State University. Our Fraternity also proudly expanded and returned to several campuses:
Spring 2024 Emerging Chapter Inductions:
- Missouri Kappa – University of Missouri, Kansas City
- New Jersey Zeta – New Jersey Institute of Technology
Fall 2024 Emerging Chapter Inductions:
- Florida Gamma – Florida State University
- Ohio Zeta – Ohio State University
- New Jersey Alpha – Rutgers University
- Michigan Theta – Grand Valley State University
Spring 2024 Chartering Installations:
- Connecticut Delta – Eastern Connecticut State University
- Ohio Theta – University of Cincinnati
- North Carolina Beta – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Fall 2024 Chartering Installations:
- Pennsylvania Theta – Penn State University
Looking ahead to the spring, we’re excited to announce expansions to California State University, Fullerton with the California Alpha Alpha Chapter and return to Georgia College & State University with the Georgia Zeta Chapter.
Celebrating Our Legacy with the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team
Phi Delta Theta proudly announced the inaugural Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team, honoring the legacy of Brother Lou Gehrig through meaningful community service. This initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to making a difference in the fight against ALS.
Honoring Excellence On and Off the Field
In June, Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals received the 2024 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. The ceremony in St. Louis brought together Phi Delta Theta brothers and baseball fans alike to celebrate an athlete who exemplifies the qualities of Lou Gehrig both on and off the field.
Celebrating Lou Gehrig Day
Once again, we honored Lou Gehrig Day with events and initiatives that brought our brotherhood together to celebrate his legacy and continue the fight against ALS. Phi Delta Theta would like to thank those who came to this year’s Lou Gehrig Day events. Your support is making a difference in the world of ALS. These heartfelt moments and celebrations across various ballparks highlight the enduring impact of Lou Gehrig’s legacy and the collective efforts to combat ALS.
$1 Million Gift to Expand Educational Programming
The Phi Delta Theta Foundation has received its third-ever $1 million donation from a living donor. Phi Delta Theta member Mark Craig, Colorado State ’71, and his wife Shirley are two retired public servants. Passionate about education and shaping new leaders, this contribution represents their commitment to supporting the mission of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.
A gift like this showcases the impact of philanthropy on individuals’ lives and the communities they serve. Mark and Shirley worked as teachers for thirty years, and towards the end of their careers, they observed changes in the education system that raised worries about the future of education. Additionally, they noticed a decline in leadership opportunities and wanted to create something that would inspire a lifelong passion for learning and leadership in students.
Record-Breaking Scholarships and Support
This year, Phi Delta Theta granted an incredible $1.7 million for scholarships and programs, furthering our mission to support the academic and personal development of our members.
A Certified Great Place to Work
In 2024, Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters was recognized as a certified Great Place to Work for the second year in a row. This honor highlights the exceptional culture and dedication of the team that drives our mission forward.
Leaving ALS Better Than We Found It
Our chapters collectively raised $1.22 million for ALS research and support through Live Like Lou and Iron Phi in the 2023-24 school year. Additionally, over 650 ALS families registered for our Connect and Serve Program with Live Like Lou. These monumental achievements demonstrate our members’ commitment to supporting the ALS community in memory of Lou Gehrig.
Over 460 New Iron Phis
This year, more than 460 individuals became Iron Phis, embodying the spirit of Brother Lou Gehrig, the “Iron Horse,” through their athletic pursuits and dedication to leaving ALS better than they found it. Iron Phi was developed to strengthen Phi Delta Theta and its impact in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. Participants choose a personal athletic endeavor, raise $1,000 through the Iron Phi website, and accomplish their goal—all while joining a community of philanthropists inspired by Gehrig’s durability, perseverance, and never-give-up attitude.
Transmit Greatness: Recruiting the Next Generation of Phis
Our “Transmit Greatness” initiative focused on engaging and inspiring the next generation of Phi Delts. By sharing the Fraternity’s values and vision, we successfully connected with potential members who are ready to uphold our legacy.
A Record-Breaking Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute
This year’s Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute saw historic participation and scholarship milestones. With over 1,000 brothers in attendance, the event was a testament to the power of our shared vision and commitment to leadership excellence.
Standing Up Against Hazing
Phi Delta Theta’s anti-hazing efforts were recognized at a national event in Atlanta, reinforcing our dedication to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members. Phi Delta Theta continues championing anti-hazing initiatives across its chapters, promoting education, legislation, and advocacy to create lasting change. The event was a powerful reminder of the Fraternity’s dedication to fostering a brotherhood built on respect, safety, and mutual support, reinforcing its ongoing mission to lead the way in eradicating hazing.
Giving Back on Giving Tuesday
The Interfraternal Giving Tuesday Challenge is a friendly competition between fraternity foundations to see which organization can rally the most engagement and raise the most for its foundation. Phi Delta Theta accepted the challenge, hoping to reclaim victory and make an even larger impact on the brotherhood.
In twelve hours on December 3, 2024, 650 Phi Delta Theta supporters raised a tremendous $445,861, surpassing our goal of $250,000 for the the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.
Senate Passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act
Phi Delta Theta proudly celebrates the recent Senate passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, a critical step in the fight against hazing. This legislation, designed to strengthen federal hazing prevention efforts through improved data collection and transparency, is now headed to the President’s desk for signing into law.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires each institution of higher education that receives federal student aid to maintain and update biannually a website page that discloses student organization violations of the institution’s code of conduct that threaten the safety of students. The report would detail the corrective measures imposed by the school on the student organization. This would allow students and parents to make more informed decisions about which student organizations are safe to join.
As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to growing our impact, supporting our members, and honoring the values that define Phi Delta Theta. Thank you to everyone who made 2024 a year to remember. Here’s to continuing our legacy of greatness!
