174th Ekklesia

from The Phi Gamma Delta Magazine - Fall 2022

Annual Awards

174th Ekklesia

Washington, DC - August 11-14

Phi Gamma Delta’s 174th Ekklesia, held at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown, on August 11-14, 2022, will forever be regarded as one of the most monumental in our history. In addition to the significant business this Ekklesia considered, it was the first hosted in the Washington, DC metropolitan area since 1992 (Arlington, Virginia) and within the District since 1960.

This was also the first in-person Ekklesia since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brothers were excited to gather in-person to conduct important fraternity business, celebrate accomplishments and, for many, reconnect for the first time since 2018. The host committee did a spectacular job ensuring brothers and guests were well-acquainted with all the opportunities in the United States capital.

For those who were not able to attend, here are some important events that occurred at the 174th Ekklesia in Washington, DC.

1. By the Numbers

There were 578 brothers and guests in attendance. This included 344 undergraduates (representing 133 chapters and provisional chapters), 198 graduates and 36 guests. Attendance was a little smaller at this Ekklesia due to the ongoing pandemic.

2. Graduate Leadership Forum

The Ekklesia began with the graduate volunteers participating in the Graduate Leadership Forum, on Thursday, August 11. More than 100 graduate volunteers spent their day learning about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, housing, proposed amendments, Ritual education and volunteer advisor accountability.

3. Opening Banquet

At the Opening Banquet, Archon Councilor Jack Foley (Pittsburgh 2022) opened Ekklesia festivities, and host committee members Josh Holly (Tennessee 1997), Tim Nank (Columbia 1993) and James Miervaldis (Johns Hopkins 2006) welcomed our brothers to Washington. The evening featured the presentation of our undergraduate chapter awards recognizing our chapters’ accomplishments throughout 2021.

The Opening Banquet also gave the Fraternity an opportunity to recognize a milestone for a special graduate brother. Educational Foundation Executive Director Ben Robinson (Hampden-Sydney 1986) presented Gary Wilkinson (Ohio Wesleyan 1951) his Diamond Owl, which celebrates 75 years of membership in the Fraternity. Gary is the son of Cecil J. “Scoop” Wilkinson (Ohio Wesleyan 1917). The last Ekklesia held in Washington was in honor of Scoop after his retirement as the Fraternity’s Executive Secretary & Editor in 1960.

4. Project Phi Gam

On Friday afternoon, August 12, the Fraternity continued its tradition of giving back to our host city through Project Phi Gam. Brothers provided handson support to local charities House of Ruth, Martha’s Table and N Street Village.

5. Washington Nationals Game

A highlight of the event was having over 500 brothers and guests attend the Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park. While the Nationals did not win, attendees enjoyed lower-level tickets in the corner of right field and the first base line and beautiful weather.

6. Ekklesia Business

Our brothers completed a substantial business agenda in Washington! The 174th Ekklesia passed the Fraternity’s biennial budget and elected a new Archonate. Most significantly, the Ekklesia considered and debated many amendments to our Constitution and Bylaws, including proposals to simplify the process for chapters to discipline members, modernization of the Fraternity’s governance structure and elimination of pledging by July 1, 2024 (learn more on page 30)

7. Closing Banquet

The Closing Banquet was guided by emcee and host committee member Josh Holly and included recognition of the Fraternity’s 2021 graduate chapter and individual award winners. This included remarks from Wilkinson Award winner Adam Berg (Wabash 2022).

The Archons surprised two deserving brothers by presenting them with the William A. Martin III Distinguished Fiji Award during the Closing Banquet. Ron Sages (Ohio 1973) served as the Fraternity’s Director of Housing from 2014-18 and Archon Treasurer from 2006-10. Mike Lucas (Bradley 1983) also served the Fraternity in a wide variety of roles, most notably on the Archonate from 2010-14 and as Archon President from 2014-16.

The Fraternity looks forward to brothers participating in the 176th Ekklesia, on August 8-11, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. t