Dear Brothers,
We are pleased to share the news that Phi Gamma Delta has begun the process of returning to Washington & Jefferson College. Most of you have already received communication from the College or the fraternity. The purpose of this email is to share more details regarding what has happened and what we expect to happen in the coming months.
What happened? In 2019, the international fraternity, in collaboration with the College, closed the Alpha Chapter due to repeated violations of by-laws and risk management policies. Despite extensive efforts by the College, the Alpha Association, and the national fraternity to remediate these behaviors, the difficult decision to close the chapter was ultimately supported by all parties involved.
What is happening now? In the fall of 2023, a group of W&J undergraduates expressed interest in re-starting the chapter. In February 2024, two representatives from Lexington traveled to Washington to interview 10 men interested in joining Phi Gamma Delta.
New chapters are now called provisional chapters (formerly colonies). In the spring, the Archons approved establishing a provisional chapter at W&J. Although interest in Greek life among new students has been low, the College remains committed to a strong Greek system. Currently, there are four fraternities on campus, with three struggling due to low membership and little campus leadership or involvement. The exception is ATO, which, after being reestablished about 10 years ago, is now thriving with strong membership, academics, and campus leadership, largely due to strong alumni support.
The College believes Phi Gamma Delta’s “New Model” (detailed below) offers the chance for W&J to have two strong fraternities. Consequently, the W&J Board of Trustees voted to establish a provisional chapter during their spring meeting.
What is the “New Model?” The leaders of Phi Gamma Delta understand the negative reputation of fraternities and have developed the “New Model,” adopted at the 174th Ekklesia in 2022. Major changes include the elimination of pledging, the requirement that all housing be drug and alcohol-free, and a renewed focus on the fraternity’s traditional values. More than 85% of the chapters have adopted the New Model with early evidence showing positive outcomes. All provisional chapters will follow the New Model.
What’s next? In August 2024, the fraternity will place a field secretary in Washington, Pennsylvania, for the fall semester. Approximately 10 undergraduates are prepared to join Phi Gamma Delta immediately and will be initiated at the beginning of the semester. The field secretary’s role is to teach them how to operate as a chapter and recruit additional members. The goal is to have 25 active members by the end of the semester.
What can you do? The chapter will need alumni support in several areas:
- Alumni Advisors: A Board of Chapter Advisors is being organized by Matt Biocchi, the section leader. These alumni will guide and support the chapter in areas such as financial management and scholarship. If you are interested, please contact Matt at mattbiocchi@pitt.edu.
- Financial Support: Alumni support is needed to cover the cost of placing the field secretary on campus for the semester. Fundraising efforts are underway, and we will follow up soon.
- Referrals: If you know of undergraduates who are good candidates for Phi Gamma Delta, please send their names to the field secretary, Brian Hand, at bhand@phigam.org.
Every graduate Fiji from every year is welcome and encouraged to participate. There will be opportunities for you all to share your time, treasure, and talents. We look forward to Phi Gamma Delta returning to W&J and building courageous leaders. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either of us directly.
Fraternally yours,
Larry Wickerham
President, Alpha Association
(412) 398-2622
lwickerhammd@gmail.com
John Van Cleve
Secretary, Alpha Association
(412) 848-6074
jvancleve81@gsb.columbia.edu