Rebuilding the Brotherhood from the Ground Up / Indiana Theta of Phi Delta Theta

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT. This past year, Phi Delta Theta overcame a significant challenge when faced with the suspension of its undergraduate actives at Purdue University. Instead of closing up shop, the chapter’s leaders utilized this misfortune to reunite the brotherhood behind a common cause—to rebuild the brotherhood from the ground up. Thanks to increased communications and some strategic planning, total contributions increased from $24,000 in 2009/2010 to more than $43,000 in just the first 6 months* of 2010/11 giving year.

AN UNLIKELY REASON TO COMMUNICATE. In the summer of 2010, Phi Delta Theta was faced with serious adversity. During the previous academic year, twelve actives had been kicked out by National and another 22 had left on their own, leaving only 17 actives living in the house—with no money for the upcoming fall rush season. The house came very close to closing. Alumni president Gary Batesole did something that many volunteers in the same scenario choose not to do: he handled the situation head on, and kept his members informed, engaged and connected.

RECRUITING A HIGHER-CALIBER PLEDGE. The chapter’s leaders were anxious to rebuild the brotherhood, but they didn’t want a repeat scenario. As a result, the board decided to re-focus its efforts around a common theme: emphasizing academic performance in hopes of recruiting a higher-caliber brother.

The chapter invested in renovating the house’s study and computer room so to create an optimal environment for learning. They tossed out the old furniture and tattered carpets, and designed a high-end technology suite with new furnishings, fresh paint and carpet, 5 new computers, and 2 high-speed DSL lines. They even sent letters to the parents that outlining the new initiative—sending a clear message that the culture of Phi Delta Theta was changing.

Thanks to Gary’s leadership, and to the efforts of the newly created Chapter Advisory Board, Phi Delta Theta continues on with a larger than ever presence on campus. The results: the new pledge class increased by more than 100% over the previous year. Best yet, the pledge class’ GPA averaged more than 1/2 a point higher than in the previous year’s class.

This chapter rebirth has benefitted the organization in other ways, too. Phi Delta Theta’s 4th annual “Alumni in Action” event (alumni and undergraduates make needed repairs to the house) had its best attendance to date. Nearly 140 alumni and friends participated in the fraternity’s 20th annual Phi Open golf outing. In addition, the chapter has been making headlines in the community. The stance Phi Delta Theta has taken to improve its new member education program was the focus of a special article by the Lafayette community newspaper on Hazing Prevention Week at Purdue.

Giving with a Purpose. Because there was such a clear, definable need for support, Phi Delta Theta’s alumni contributions to the annual fund, “alumni in action” fund, and educational fund have nearly doubled—bringing in more than $43K in the first half of this year. Best yet, support of the educational fund has grown 380%. Phi Delta Theta at Purdue has a strong history of alumni support, and thanks to the organization’s consistent alumni relations program, the members were able to rally together during their time of greatest need.

*Based on Multi-year Trend Analysis data reported as of 3/3/2011