6 minute read
CHAPTER NEWS
Chi-Ole Miss, Beta Delta-Georgia, Lambda TauTennessee, Mu Chi-Maryville, Delta Alpha-Auburn
Representatives of these five great southern-based chapters of DKE gathered together at the Chi chapter house in Oxford with three representatives of Deke National for two days in June to discuss recruitment and growth strategies. The specific topics included values based recruitment, balancing growth while maintaining solid brotherhood, goal setting, and use of social media. This was also a great opportunity to bring together Deke brothers from 4 separate states for a celebration of camaraderie (definition: “spirit of good friendship and loyalty among members of a group”). Thanks to these fellows for making the effort.
Phi Gamma-Syracuse
To demonstrate that a fraternity’s relationship with its university’s administration is not always an “Us vs. Them” dynamic, the brothers at the Phi Gamma chapter continued a tradition of hosting the Chancellor of Syracuse University and his wife for dinner and good conversation at the Deke house on September 17. Chancellor Kent Syverud, his wife and several other members of the Syracuse administration dined with the entire Phi Gamma membership and some of its alumni, as well as Deke Executive Director Doug Lanpher. This tradition dates back at least 11 years, with the chapter hosting Chancellor Syverud in even numbered years and the Chancellor inviting the Dekes to his house (next door to the Deke House) in odd numbered years. Is it coincidence that Chancellor Syverud is a strong advocate of the Greek system at Syracuse? More likely, the brothers at Phi Gamma understand the importance of mutual respect and open communication, qualities that our other chapters might emulate.
Gamma Phi-Wesleyan
Brother Beta, Nick Orphanos, reports that the Wesleyan football team is on a roll thanks to the contributions of several Dekes. The Cardinals thumped last year’s NESCAC co-champions Middlebury by a score of 43-7 and then gained revenge on Tufts (who beat Wesleyan last year 49-14) by defeating the Jumbos 20-9. Wesleyan was led by several Dekes in each game: Against Middlebury, quarterback and football captain Niko Candido ‘25 threw for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns and had 58 rushing yards; Brother Dylan Connors ‘26 had a big play on a punt which he blocked and returned for a touchdown; Brother Rickey Eng ‘25 had 4 catches for 99 yards; Brother James Mchugh ‘26 had 34 rushing yards and a touchdown. Against Tufts, Brother and football Captain Ben Carbeau ‘25 had 11 tackles and 2 sacks leading the Cardinal defense that did not concede a touchdown. Brother Luke LaSaracina ‘25, had his first career interception to seal the game. Continued success to Wesleyan and its Deke leaders.
Gamma Phi is also to be congratulated on initiating 18 new members last Spring. It did so in spite of some tough conditions—all recruiting events and new member education were required to be held off-campus due to the fact that Gamma Phi is the only all-male organization at Wesleyan and cannot use campus facilities for its activities.
Nu Alpha-Northeastern
The jolly good fellows at Nu Alpha celebrated their 4th Annual Gator Roast in September. This event has become a much loved tradition at Northeastern. Before any of our readers (or anyone else for that matter) raise a ruckus about cooking and eating a poor alligator, please understand that the alligator was removed from the endangered species list in 1987 and the only current threat to its existence is the destruction of its natural habitat by adult developers and real estate speculators, not by jolly good Dekes in Massachusetts. The boys at Nu Alpha legally purchase their gator from a gator farm in Florida which raises alligator just for this purpose (as cattle, hogs and chickens are raised). The gator is shipped to Boston and roasted and served as a part of Nu Alpha’s rush activities. Just FYI, the tail tastes like chicken and is very nutritious. As John Blutarsky said: GATOR!!
Delta Alpha-Auburn
Great things are happening at Delta Alpha. The chapter recently moved into a new house on campus and hosted a Parent’s Weekend ribbon-cutting event to commemorate the exciting new phase of this still-young chapter. Representatives from Deke International, Auburn’s administration, local alumni and parents all gathered with the members during the weekend to celebrate the chapter’s critical accomplishment of finding stable housing for its operations. Delta Alpha took full advantage of their new infrastructure and added 27 new members to their ranks during the Fall of ’24. . There is much to celebrate and more to achieve for our promising Auburn brotherhood as they get settled into their new home.
QUICK HITTERS:
Lambda Tau-University of Tennessee:
The chapter’s new member GPA for 2023-24 academic year was the highest of all of the University’s 21 fraternities’ new member classes. Scholars and jolly good fellows.
Zeta Chi-Bentley University:
Twenty (20) Zeta Chi brothers are spending their Fall semester in overseas study programs. Thankfully, pledging does not occur until the Spring, so the fellows are hoping that the return of 20 of their members will be a positive when recruitment activities really gear up next semester. Having finished 2nd in the Lion Trophy balloting this year, we are confident the Zeta Chi will close the deal.
Delta-University of South Carolina:
USC has 22 fraternities. Delta is one of only four which are not currently the subject of University disciplinary action. Needless to say, the Greek organizations’ relationship with the University are at an all-time low, so working from a clean slate is a good sign for Delta.
Beta Delta-Georgia:
Chapter consultant Chris McLaughlin reports very positive news from Beta Delta chapter. New house. Tremendous leadership from Brother Beta Joe Leggo. Orderly meetings. Enthusiasm at an all-time high. Good work fellows.
