California Phi Delta Re-Chartering Weekend

April 29, 2009 marked the 50 year anniversary of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. In my mind, there is no better way to celebrate than with a re-chartering.

I inherited the California Phi Delta colony at University of San Diego when I came on staff a year ago. Andy and Rob along with some local alumni did an exceptional job restarting the group a few years ago. Last summer I met a young man named Chris Liepman who was the President of the colony at the time. He served as a blogger at the Leadership Institute and I quickly learned how intelligent and well spoken he was. This reflected well for the group and excited me even more for my visit in the fall where I helped them create their 5-year Strategic Plan. This was my first visit for Phi Kap and it made for an outstanding start to what I hope is a long and enjoyable experience with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. They created an impressive Strategic Plan that reflected their high moral standards and strong brotherhood. This group was so fun to be around and so motivated that in my mind, they had created an ideal Phi Kappa Theta chapter. It was exciting to work with them on their Petition to Charter as the spring term began. In February it was completed and sent to the voting delegates and by March 6, 2009 their petition was approved. The colony leadership worked hard to plan their re-chartering weekend which would take place just a month and a half later.

Rob, Andy and I arrived in San Diego on Thursday. Friday Rob and Andy met with alumni while I helped the colony members prepare for the weekend. Friday night the colony initiated 13 new young men into California Phi Delta. Alumni, staff, and a representative from the nearby chapter at San Diego State came to show support. I (obviously) was not in attendance, however I did have an opportunity to meet the Associate Members beforehand and, to no surprise, they were outstanding.



Saturday evening was the re-chartering banquet. The leadership worked so incredibly hard to make this event meaningful while representing the personality of the colony and it's members. At 6pm colony members and their dates, representatives from other Greek organizations on campus, alumni, university administration, and staff members all gathered in the Garden of the Sea. I have visited many campuses and this, by far, is the most beautiful. The gardens had a stunning view of San Diego and were accented with flowers, sculptures, and a reflecting pool. Guests enjoy conversation, scenery, and beverages until dinner at 7pm.

Father Mullen, the colony's main advisor, served as the emcee for the evening and the invocation was done by Father Peter McGuine. The chapter had showed two videos. One was the video which was used during recruitment earlier in the year. The second was created just for this banquet and showcased each individual member, including the men who were initiated the night before. They were very well done and quite enjoyable whether or not you knew all of the members.

After dinner, there were several people who spoke. Jonathan D’Angelo, the first member recruited and Founding Father, spoke about how Phi Kap impacted his experience at USD. Amanda Womack, Greek Advisor, spoke highly about the colony and how the men have positively impacted the campus. Andy Kowal spoke about his experience beginning the colony, as did Rob Riggs. Rob also presented the colony with Ritual books, a President's pin, and a gavel with their chapter name engraved on it. Jack Kelly, Alumni Board of Director's President also spoke about how excited the alumni are to have the group re-chartered and their plans for continued support. He also took a moment on behalf of the colony and alumni to acknowledge Father Mullen for his passion and support with the colony and its members. Then, representing the National Fraternity Board of Trustees, Father Mullen presented the colony with the charter.

The colony (or chapter at this point) also took an opportunity to recognize some people for their efforts. Andy, Rob, and myself were all thanked and acknowledged for our assistance and support. They also awarded members for excellence in academics, involvement, and commitment to the chapter.

Overall, the evening was elegant, entertaining, and reflective of the strength of this newly re-chartered chapter of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. If I were a member, I would be extremely honored and proud to call them a brother. Congratulations on a beautiful weekend and years of hard work and dedication bringing Phi Kappa Theta back to University of San Diego.