The Men Behind The Death Stars

The Men Behind The Death Stars: A Quick Look At The New National Council

By: Dustyn Hall '18 Director of Advancement & Editor

For quite some time, about 60 years or so, the Death Star has served as a symbol for the highest office of our order: membership on the National Council.

While it hasn't always been called the "Death Star," the medallion of the National Council signifies much more than just leadership; it represents a long line of men who have made it their priority to uphold and guard the spirit of Phi Mu Delta for those who have the responsibility and privilege of calling themselves a brother.

Elected by the Conclave every two years, the National Council is comprised of eight voting members: the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, two Members-at-Large, and two Collegiate Representatives. The council also includes the Executive Director, who serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member.

Following in the footsteps of men who preserved and protected our order, members of the National Council swear to do all in their

power to "uphold the trust, live out the ideals, and guide the fortunes of Phi Mu Delta" to the best of their ability (National Council Installation Ceremony). Seeking the faith of their brothers, and promising to faithfully fulfill their duties, National Councilmen have the most reverent task of any brother in our one hundred year history.

The "Death Star," pictured in the background, is the crest of Phi Mu Delta affixed on top of a beaming light, shaped like a star. The medallion, supported by an orange and black ribbon, is worn solely by National Councilmen, as a representation of their office and moreover, their duty to the Fraternity.

Keeping with the plethora of traditions which Phi Mu Delta holds dear, the "Death Star" has its own set of traditions, the first of which is that upon a National Councilman's exit from the board, they pass their Death Star to the gentleman which has been elected to follow them.

As National Council Presidents exit their seat of service, they keep their "Death Star," as both a representation of their service and a lasting reminder of their impact and dedication to the brotherhood.

The following men are the 2018-2020 Biennium National Council, elected at Centennial Conclave on June 30th.

National President

Ryan Grogan

Nu Beta '16, New Hampshire

Ryan is a 2016 graduate of the Nu Beta Chapter at the University of New Hampshire, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. Ryan currently works as the Operations Manager for the Prescott Park Arts Festival. Before being elected National President, Ryan served on the National Council as a Member-at-Large for the 2016-2018 biennium, and advised the Nu Xi Chapter of Phi Mu Delta at the University of Southern Maine.

National Vice President

Ronnie Brown

Sigma Alpha '14, Longwood

Ronnie is a 2014 graduate of the Sigma Alpha Chapter at Longwood University, where he was a Founding Father during the chapter's conception. During his undergraduate experience, Ronnie serve his chapter as President, and after graduating, worked for the National Office as a Leadership Consultant. Ronnie currently works at Monticello High School as a PE Teacher and Head JV Baseball Coach, and serves on active duty in the United States Army as a plans officer.

National Secretary

Jose Rosario

Nu Rho '17, Rhode Island College

Jose is a 2017 graduate of the Nu Rho Colony at Rhode Island College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Dependency and Addiction Studies. Jose was a Founding Father of the Nu Rho Colony and served as Chapter President during his undergraduate membership. Jose currently works as the Coordinator of Disability Services at his alma mater, Rhode Island College in Providence, Rhode Island.

National Treasurer

Joseph Thompson

Mu Alpha '08, Susquehanna

Joe is a 2008 graduate of the Mu Alpha Chapter as Susquehanna University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education. After graduation, Joe earned a Master of Education Degree in Education with a focus on College Student Affairs from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Joe currently works as the Assistant Director of Student Development at Stockton University. Before being elected as National Treasurer, Joe served as Member-at-Large during the 2008-2010 biennium, and then again as National Secretary for the 2016-2018 biennium.

Member- at- Large

Dr. Paul Kittle

Mu Pi '91, Cal Uof PA

Paul is a 1991 graduate of the Mu Pi Chapter at California University of Pennsylvania where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Business Administration & Management. Dr. Kittle also earned a Ph.D. in Administration of Higher Education from Auburn University. Dr. Kittle currently works as the Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Texas, Arlington. Before serving as National Member-at-Large, Paul served as National President for the 2016-2018 biennium.

Member- at- Large

Richard "Rich" Winter

Mu Zeta '12, Lock Haven

Rich is a 2012 graduate of the Mu Zeta Chapter at Lock Haven University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Liberal Arts. Rich currently works as the Vice President of Operations for Louisiana Cremation Services. Before being appointed as National Member-at-Large, Rich served as President of the Mu Zeta Alumni Association, and Trustee and Secretary of the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation.

Collegiate Representative

Thomas Moran

Mu Alpha '19, Susquehanna

Thomas is a current biology major at Susquehanna University, where he currently serves the Mu Alpha chapter as Chapter President. Concurrent to his studies and service in the chapter, Thomas also works as the Senior Community Assistant, and is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team. Before being re-elected, Thomas served a previous term on the National Council as Collegiate Representative.

Collegiate Representative

Timothy Schafer

Mu Xi '19, Penn College

Tim is a current automotive technology management major at Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he has served his chapter as House Chairman and Vice President of Membership. In addition to his studies and service to the Fraternity, Tim also served his campus as a Community Peer Educator, specializing in domestic abuse, sexual assault, drug and alcohol awareness, and suicide prevention during the 2017-2018 academic year.