WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 27, 2015 — On Friday, April 24, West Liberty University welcomed their first and only international fraternal chapter to campus. The men of the Phi Delta Theta West Virginia Gamma colony were initiated as an official chapter of the international organization in the Interfaith Chapel on West Liberty University’s main campus.
Kneeling: Brian Thompson, Dalton Bobes, Andrew Holden, and Charles Lyle. First Row: Dylan Donavell, Michael Horn, Jay Roberts, Joshua Messner, Caleb Engle, Alex Hayden, Evan Newman, Justin dela Cruz, Shaun Crago, Levi Smith, Tyler Self, Brian Richmond, Nick Preston and Chapter Adviser Dolph Santorine. Second Row: Kendrick Jackson, Justin Caldwell, Jacob Long, Brandon Galici, Douglas Walters, James Mull, Jay Billiter, Jacob Gray, Jamie Lapp, Austin Ghaphery, Zach Conner, Bradley Shutler, and Chapter Adviser, Anthony Massa. Third Row: Andrew Arensberg, Michael Vani, Steven Shreck, Devin Harrison, William Campbell, Taylor Rice, Mark Carson, Kevin Malone, Thomas Martin, Austin Vance, Cory Voll and Chapter Adviser Shane Stack. Photo provided by: Cory Voll
“The men of the local fraternity Delta Zeta Pi colonized as Phi Delta Theta West Virginia Gamma on January 18, 2014. Much work had to be accomplished for these gentlemen to make the transition from a colony to a chapter,” said senior Evan Newman, who is president of the chapter.
“The challenges ranged from getting members to getting a petition ready to send to General Headquarters. It was tough work but it all came to fruition today and I couldn’t be more proud of the brothers,” Newman said. Forty active members are part of the chapter.
The group also welcomed a special guest who travelled to initiate the group. Executive Vice President of Phi Delta Theta Bob Biggs was pleased to initiate West Virginia Gamma as he has ties to the area, according to Newman.
“His ancestors lived in West Liberty, and his great–great-great-great grandfather, Benjamin Biggs, was a Revolutionary War General,” Newman explained. “We are pleased that he could join us.”
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, who is a professor in Pittsburgh, since he presided over the colonization of West Virginia Gamma, last spring.
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 Phi Delta Theta West Virginia Gamma will strive to continue to improve their community by living by the Phi Delta Theta motto, ‘Become the greatest version of yourself,’” Newman said.
Begun in 1848, Phi Delta Theta now has nearly 190 active chapters and colonies in 42 states and five Canadian provinces, according to its website, phideltatheta.org.
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