The Triangle, April 2021

THE TRIANGLE

SPRING 2021

VOLUME 83 NUMBER 1

A PUBLICATION OF THE PHI MU DELTA FRATERNITY

The Triangle of Phi Mu Delta National Fraternity April 2021 Volume 83 Number 1 The Triangle is a publication of Phi Mu Delta National Fraternity. Phi Mu Delta was founded on March 1, 1918 at the Universities of Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The Triangle is an educational journal published regularly by the Fraternity.

WELCOME Greetings brothers and friends. I am confident many of us are ready to turn the corner on 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 and looking forward to summer. I know I am. However, it's also important to reflect on where we are heading out of this period and into a new academic year. While there are challenges ahead, there are accomplishments worth celebrating as we continue to make progress on critical and meaningful work.

When I last wrote in the fall – we did not know how this year would turn out. Over the course of the past year, our most significant success is that Phi Mu Delta has continued to provide men the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with others. For many members – undergraduate and alumni – Phi Mu Delta has provided the engagement opportunities we have missed elsewhere. As we head into the summer, the morale of our chapters is strong. Additionally, we've seen more positive alumni engagement in the fraternity this year than in the past several – both in terms of personal involvement and through alumni support of the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation. The leadership and contributions of time and talent of our over 120 alumni volunteers and advisors continue to make a positive difference in the undergraduate chapter experience.

In terms of strategic priorities and planning, the National Council is continuing in the development of a new 5-year strategic plan for the fraternity that prioritizes the undergraduate membership experience, alumni engagement, and identifying new ways to invest in and support the fraternity. Furthermore, the work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force continues. By the end of the summer, the fraternity will have an updated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position and a new bias reporting system in place. The Fraternity is also forming a working group of undergraduate leaders, alumni, and partners to review and make recommendations on the fraternity's member education and development program.

As we move forward, membership growth and retention will continue to be a focus, and there is a role for everyone to play. For our alumni and friends, your support of the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation and membership in the new Life Loyal program directly supports the fraternity's educational and/or operational needs. For our undergraduate members and leaders – I challenge you to continue to be a credit to this fraternity and the fraternity experience and to tell your story on campus and in your community.

Finally, I ask all of you to join me in giving and serving during the upcoming Weekend of Giving from April 23-25 to celebrate Founder Clarence Dexter Pierce's birthday.

The publication is paid for by the generous gifts made to the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation.

To make a gift, please visit our website at www.phimudelta.org.

National Council William T. Foran III, National President Mu Theta'01, IUP Ryan Grogan, National Vice President Nu Beta'16, New Hampshire Joseph Thompson, National Treasurer Mu Alpha'08, Susquehanna Richard Winter, National Secretary Mu Zeta'10, Lock Haven Phillip Morin, Member-at-Large Nu Gamma'12, Vermont Michael Doran, Member-at-Large Mu Alpha'17, Susquehanna Lewis Land, Member-at-Large Mu Alpha'12, Susquehanna Thomas Murphy, Executive Director (Ex-Officio) Mu Alpha'94, Susquehanna

Educational Foundation Michael Mallon, Chairman Mu Epsilon'95, Penn State David T. Smittle, Trustee Mu Beta'84, Ohio Northern Sam Waltemeyer, Trustee Mu Omicron'09, Frostburg Rick Schlager, Trustee Nu Beta'98, New Hampshire Eric Etkin, Trustee Mu Zeta'99, Lock Haven

IN THIS ISSUE 05

THE PRACTICE OF JUSTICE

06

RITES OF PASSAGE

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RECRUITING GENERATION Z

08

THE SECRET TO NETWORKING

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ALUMNI & CHAPTER NEWS

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! Your tax-deductible gift to the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation supports the leaders of Phi Mu Delta with educational programming, scholarships, and leadership development.

All gifts to the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation may be made online at: https://www.phimudelta.org/waystogive.html If you wish to make a gift by check, please make out your donation to "Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation" and mail to: Phi Mu Delta Fraternity 216 Haddon Ave., Suite 602 Haddon Twp., NJ 08108 Thank you for your support!

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By giving me 30+ years of experiences with my brothers and providing me time and again the opportunity to help those who came after me.

Michael Mallon, Mu Epsilon'95 Foundation Chairman

Over the last year, I have had the pleasure of helping some of our undergraduate members during their time of need as their families, friends, and college aspirations were tested by a pandemic none of us predicted. These brothers came from many walks of life, in many different states, across many different college campuses, but all were substantially impacted. Was I alone in that help? Of course not! I like many brothers devote time, money, and effort to this great fraternity which in my college days helped me. Helped me by giving me a home away from home. By forging lifelong friendships, even if those same friends still seem to always win our fantasy football league. By giving me 30+ years of experiences with my brothers and providing me time and again the opportunity to help those who came after me.

I was lucky when the pandemic hit. I work for a great company. One who guaranteed the jobs of their employees even as their market share plummeted because of the pandemic’s impact on business.

However, many of our brothers were not as lucky. Many lost family and friends, experienced financial

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difficulty, had their lives put on hold, or experienced a myriad of other less than ideal things. And as I think back over the last year, I was glad we were able to help some of those impacted…give some a little hope that things will get better because… We are Strong Together.

Somethings will never be the same for some or possibly all of us. Business has changed. College has changed.

The way we live our lives has changed for many if not all of us. But what hasn’t changed is the ability to give back to those who come after you. This is what the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation does and why I have stayed involved even after my college days. And so, as you peruse the Triangle, I ask you to think on how you could help the many men mentioned in its pages. How can you help to ensure others experience those same lifelong bonds we all hold dear? How can you help us to be Strong Together?

I believe in

DEMOCRACY... a democracy characterized by the practice of justice in every relation of life. I hold that justice is the foremost principle to be considered in making my decisions as a voting member of Phi Mu Delta, the student body, and as a citizen of the United States. I believe in that broad conception of democracy which seeks freedom of opportunity, and recognizes no color, race, creed, or position.

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THE PRACTICE OF JUSTICE: DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION WORK

Philip Morin, Nu Gamma’12

The injustices experienced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) have been at the forefront of our minds as Americans, and as members of the Phi Mu Delta community. Not a week goes by that we are not reminded of the disparities that exist due to the systematic racism that defines our country. The recent killing of Daunte Wright is yet another reminder of the violence that’s levied against people of color. Racism is an issue our organization must address head on, at every level of our brotherhood.

Engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion work is a key step in our brotherhood becoming an antiracist organization. It is crucial that Phi Mu Delta be an organization that’s welcoming to all, and to do so we must acknowledge our own privilege, commit to learn about, understand, and dismantle the biases we are unaware of, as well as the infrastructures in our society that do not create equality for all. As a brotherhood we must work to support systems that not only welcome every man into Phi Mu Delta but also uplift all people within our communities.

Brother Joe Oteng, Nu Gamma'15

As we work to dismantle racism and white supremacy culture in ourselves and our organization, it is important to note that this work must be done collectively. From chapter to National Council, to alumni associations and fraternal partners, we must all engage in this work. Many chapters have already begun.

This past fall, the Nu Gamma chapter at the University of Vermont partnered with brother and social justice educator, Joseph Oteng, UVM class of 2015, to offer “Into the Multiverse: Breaking Down Racial Barriers.” Over 100 people were drawn to the program including participants from the Nu Gamma chapter, other UVM students, members of the local community, other Phi Mu Delta chapters, alumni, the national office, and more.

The event highlighted Mr. Oteng’s ability to discuss racism in a way that’s engaging while building a sense of community.

As a National Council, we have been working closely with Phi Mu Delta’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee on a number of initiatives to better understand and address how systemic racism pervades our fraternity. Since forming last year, the committee has been working on a qualitative assessment that will be rolled out across all chapters. These listening sessions will not only be an opportunity to learn more about how this issue affects our chapters and the communities they inhabit, but also an opportunity for every undergraduate member to engage in dialogue and reflection on the topic.

The committee will use the information collected through this process to write a series of recommendations for the national office and national council to address and implement within every facet of our fraternity. Additionally, the committee is working on a number of priorities that have been set by the North American Interfraternity Conference, including the development of a public position addressing Phi Mu Delta’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in addition to a bias reporting system that will outline the steps that need to be taken when a bias incident has occurred and is reported.

As a fraternity, Phi Mu Delta has always strived to build collective power within our communities and to reflect, evaluate, and reimagine paradigms to create a more just society and equitable future. Our founders' creed states, “I believe in that broad conception of democracy which seeks freedom of opportunity, and recognizes no color, race, creed, or position.” What we must take from this creed is, not that we live in a colorblind society, but that it is our duty to fight for equality for all. With that guiding principle in mind, this work is more critical now than ever.

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RITES OF PASSAGE

JOSEPH THOMPSON, MU ALPHA'08 We see rights of passage in almost every culture and

It is impossible for me to think about fraternity without

society. Growing up as a Catholic, I had my Confirmation

focusing on one’s identity development as a man. Since

ceremony at age ten. This was my ushering in as a full

American culture lacks examples of healthy masculinity,

member of the Catholic Church, old enough to accept

young males are forced to create their own standards for

and understand the final sacrament of initiation. As a Boy

what it looks like to be masculine. This manifests in the

Scout, I participated in a ceremony for each rank I

transitional time of starting at an undergraduate

earned through Eagle Scout. At age 17, I earned my

university when males are away from home for the first

driver’s license. At age 21, I graduated college. And at

time and seeking to discover personal identity and

age 30 I got married. All of these can be examples of

belonging within an unfamiliar environment. The way

rights of passage.

many male individuals decide to find their place is through joining a fraternity.

Rites of passage are a sequence of events that enable individuals to proceed through stages that ultimately end

I believe as men we need rights of passage more than

with predetermined outcomes. Rites of passage connect

ever, and that is where fraternity comes in. Society's

individuals to organizations, or they can serve to connect

changing attitudes have contributed to a decreasing

individuals to communities. Rites of passage are

appreciation for ceremony and ritual. Young men are not

ritualistic and mark significant events in our lives and are

involved in organized activities like they used to be, and

celebrated as we mark our entry into our communities.

sometimes joining a fraternity is their first experience in such a space. We are increasingly hurried, hard-nosed,

For us as members of Phi Mu Delta, we have all shared

technology driven, and have a “get to the bottom line”

certain rights of passage. In fact, Phi Mu Delta has

attitude…which is not necessarily negative, but it does

several ceremonies and activities that serve as rights of

make it hard for us to slow down and just appreciate

passage—from chapter installation and new member

where we are in life. Ritual is great for that.

education to membership induction and initiation. Our rituals as a fraternity serve as important rights of

While society often focuses on more aggressive forms of

passage—as time-honored traditions that symbolize our

masculinity, organizations like ours focus on a more

commitment to our values and membership in our

holistic form that teaches compassion, responsibility, and

organization. Too often are these rights of passage

centeredness—when done right. We must be careful not

overlooked, however; quickly completed and stored back

to veer toward unhealthier forms of masculinity and allow

in the drawer. There is a tendency for us to go through

our rights of passage turn to hazing or be alcohol driven.

the motions or even replace time honored traditions with

Society is failing to provide young men with clear

new activities. We must always remember; however, it is

guidance on the kind of behavior that is deemed

these rights of passage that connect each and every one

“masculine”, providing conflicting messages since birth. It

of us initiated members over these past 103 years.

is not surprising that men’s mental health is a major crisis in this country. We have generations of men disconnected from their emotions and told not to cry.

Organizations like Phi Mu Delta are therefore critical in providing a space for healthy forms of masculinity to be embraced and celebrated.

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Recruiting Generation Z | Phi Mu Delta’s Adaptability to a New Recruit Michael Doran, Mu Alpha'17 As a professional recruiter, I spend my time analyzing trends amongst college-age students that give insight into how they think, perceive, and decide. The latest generation to pack up the suitcases to head to college has provided challenges to the ways in which I was taught to recruit and how the fraternity approaches recruitment.

Generation Z (Zoomers), a snapshot: The oldest born after 1996 and the youngest in 2013, this generation lives in a digital age filled with cloud storage, instant gratification in purchase, and exposure to content everywhere. They’ve seen their parents lose thier homes in the 2008 recession, and they have led the movements of social equity today. These students challenge the status quo and shake the foundations of long-standing institutions.

How does Phi Mu Delta stay relevant with this class of recruit? It’s simple; we adapt.

As an organization, we have a foundation in our core values that run deeply into the socially minded Zoomers, but we had to shift our mode of communicating that added value to these potential fraternity men. Conveying an ROI (Return on Investment) focused in alumni networking, spiritual growth, and everlasting bonds of fellowship straight from the brothers on campuses provides us a lane to meet these potential new members with the story of Phi Mu Delta.

Generation Z values the words of their peers over the perceived “expert,” so our recruitment model focuses on relaying the tools to the brothers on our campuses to recruit and succeed.

The nature of Generation Z and the detrimental effects of the systemic problems within Greek Life across college campuses makes it challenging to recruit on our campuses, but with an ability to adapt and shape leaders as Phi Mu Delta has in the past few months, I know we will not fail.

Through the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has been clear that the bonds of brotherhood that foster relationships, friendships, and growth shines a beacon on college campuses. The beacon of Phi Mu Delta is ready to shine on college campuses in the Fall and recruit Generation Z.

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T H E SE C R E T T O

NETWORKING Richard Winter, Mu Zeta'10

A common question we hear from undergraduate and alumni is, “how can we have better networking with alumni”?

While I personally do not think there is an easy answer to that question I have developed a set of ideas that will help. However, I will state that much of what I am about to share takes work, time, and dedication to make it successful. If you are starting this endeavor with the goal “finding a job” or “raising money for a new TV for the house” you are likely in the wrong mindset to do this properly.

These steps will help you whether you are looking to create a personal network, or if you and a group of others are looking to create or bolster an Alumni Association.

The first step is to connect with Alumni. Social Media has made it very easy to find and locate Alumni from your chapter or the fraternity. Utilize resources available to you: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and fraternity resources. It is hard to build a network if you aren’t even connected with the people you want to network with.

Second is engaging these connections. Quite often I after I visit a campus or attend a Fraternity event, I get a dozen or so invites to connect on social media. Yet afterwards only one or two of those connections actually reach out to talk to me or post on my feed. Being Facebook friends is good, but having a relationship, even if it’s very casual – checking in on if they are coming to the next event, or how they are doing, etc. – is still better than just clicking a button and forgetting.

Building the network is just like foundation work and infrastructure work. You are laying the groundwork for a healthy long term relationship and communication. This building process comes in multiple forms: communication, patience, and persistence. Relationships take time to foster, they require open and honest communication, patience, and persistence. The first couple of outreach attempts might not be successful, but you should continue to try and engage your new network.

Engagement comes from building meaningful content to share with your network. You can create a group on Facebook, add 100 people, but if you aren’t posting or sharing information what good is it doing?

What is meaningful to the members of this group? Are you creating a group of alumni who are all in the Computer Science industry?

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If so, your content should be catered to the interest and needs of those in the group. I would stay away from controversial and “troll” content as to not cause people to check out, this isn’t a “meme” group this is a professional networking group.

Last, but most important, continue to collect information and use it appropriately. If you aren’t talking to the network and finding out what their wants and needs are to help to provide them with the resources they are looking for, they will go elsewhere to it. Obviously, we can’t be a one stop shop for everything they need or want.

However, if they are looking for content relevant to the National Fraternity, you should be providing.

Same if they are only looking for local content about their chapter. There isn’t harm in sharing both as long its proportional to the needs and wants collected from the group.

Ultimately, time is the key component here. Building a network, making that network stick, and bolstering that network to be leveraged correctly takes time. It won’t happen over night and don’t get discouraged if it takes multiple attempts. Just keep communicating, keep investigating, and keep providing relevant content.

WELOME BACK

NU OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

We are pleased to welcome the Nu Omicron Alumni Association back as a chartered Alumni Association! What began as an effort to reconnect with alumni in the Fall of 2020 eventually turned into a movement to re-establish the Alumni Association. The Nu Omicron Chapter at Keene State College closed in 2014 and has initiated over 1000 members since its founding in 1970. Recently, the College has opened its doors to establishing more fraternity chapters on campus. The Nu Omicron Alumni Association leadership and the National Fraternity recently petitioned to re-establish an active Chapter on campus within the next two years. At the time of this writing, we are awaiting the decision by the College.

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WELCOME STOCKTON UNIVERSITY The National Fraternity was pleased to be invited to establish a Provisional Chapter at Stockton University this past fall. Even during the pandemic and its challenges, Phi Mu Delta has successfully recruited Founding members! As of this writing, 15 men have accepted their invitation and challenge to establish the Mu Psi Provisional Chapter.

Phi Mu Delta joins a thriving Fraternity/Sorority community at Stockton University. The University has seen extensive growth within the community since 2015. Our Founding members are a diverse group of men representing Student Senate, the Environmental Club, The Muslim Student Association and many other organizations.

Stockton University, approved in 1968 and founded in 1970 sits on a 1,600-acre tract of land in the heart of the Pinelands in the Pomona section of Galloway Township, Atlantic County.

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CHAPTER NEWS Mu Beta Chapter - Ohio Northern University Mu Beta has been keeping busy in the Spring Semester. With a change in EC we have focused on keeping our brotherhood connected. This semester we have hosted a few brotherhood events, in person chapter, social events, and are set to take part in our University’s Greek Week. We have hosted a few philanthropy events are continue to make our impact on campus. This spring we have gained 2 new members who have hit the ground running and have made themselves active members of Mu Beta.

Mu Sigma Chapter - Rutgers University Despite the troubles presented by the pandemic, the brothers of the Mu Sigma Chapter at Rutgers have kept the fires of brotherhood alive. On March 28, we initiated 5 new members into our Order. Additionally, Phi Mu Delta remains the fraternity with the highest total GPA at Rutgers.

We look forward to being back in person for the Fall 2021 semester, as Rutgers announced recently. In sum, our members remain committed to our values in addition to academic excellence, and we hope to continue reporting such news in future updates.

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CHAPTER NEWS Mu Upsilon Chapter - Robert Morris University Greeting from the the Mu Upsilon chapter at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA and we have had a fantastic year. Our recruitment season in the Spring was one of the highest ever when we recruited 6 new members! In addition, we have been staying busy with service events, like Adopt-A-Highway. We have also been fundraising for Philanthropy and we are happy to say we raised $1957.80 in support of philanthropy.

Mu Xi Chapter - Pennsylvania College of Technology The Mu Xi Chapter has made great success this Spring in regards to getting our chapter back into the groove of things. Using virtual and socially distant practices we were able to Recruit 3 quality men into our chapter. Also in light of COVID, we were finally able to resume in person service events, as well as numerous on campus events. With all of that said, one of the most notable accomplishments was getting our sense of brotherhood back on track and is stronger than ever.

Nu Gamma Chapter - University of Vermont While the past year has not been easy for everyone, we could not be more proud of the way the brothers of the Nu Gamma chapter have responded, adapted, and overcome the challenges laid in front of them. We had two stellar semesters of recruitment to ensure the continued growth of our brotherhood. We were once again the UVM fraternity with the largest fundraising total for our annual Rallython benefit for the UVM Children’s Hospital. We have also found ingenious ways to preserve brotherhood and maintain a social atmosphere in these troubling times. We look forward to our continued success.

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The National Fraternity is excited to share a new giving program, the Life Loyal Program. Membership in the Life Loyal Program is the pinnacle in giving to the Fraternity! Members will be asked to make recurring gifts to the Fund of their choice.

They will be able to support either the National Fraternity and its operations (not tax deductible) or to provide support for the Phi Mu Delta Educational Foundation (tax deductible).

Why a Life Loyal Membership Program?

Like many companies and organizations, the COVID-19 Pandemic took a toll on Phi Mu Delta. We have seen membership drop by 40%, resulting in a loss of revenue and support for the members who have struggled through this period. As so often in our history, we have weathered the storm and we are committed to rebuilding a stronger, healthier, and more enriching organization.

When you took your oath, you are dedicated to being a Phi Mu Delta for life. You promised to support our Fraternity and each other. We are asking you to re-new that oath through your Life loyal Membership.

The National Council and Foundation Board of Trustees have committed to annual giving of $1000 annually. These gifts, like your, benefit the long-term growth, support and survival of Phi Mu Delta!

Benefits of Life Loyal Membership Unique, annual Life Loyal Lapel Pin and Membership Card Preview of the Triangle Magazine. Receive the magazine before anyone else!

Notification of Special Activities – Life Loyal Members are invited to special events at Phi Mu Delta regional and national programs and events.

Know that your regular gift is making a lasting impact on the Brotherhood, the undergraduates and the Fraternity.

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Active Chapters 1. Nu Beta Chapter - University of New Hampshire 2. Nu Gamma Chapter - University of Vermont 3. Mu Alpha Chapter - Susquehanna University 4. Mu Beta Chapter - Ohio Northern University 5. Nu Theta Chapter - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 6. Nu Xi Chapter - University of Southern Maine 7. Mu Zeta Chapter - Lock Haven University 8. Mu Theta Chapter - Indiana University of PA 9. Mu Xi Chapter - Pennsylvania College of Technology 10. Mu Omicron Chapter - Frostburg State University 11. Sigma Alpha Chapter - Longwood University 12. Mu Rho Chapter - Shawnee State University 13. Mu Sigma Chapter - Rutgers University, New Brunswick 14. Mu Upsilon Chapter - Robert Morris University 15. Mu Chi Provisional Chapter - Stevenson University 16. Mu Psi Provisional Chapter - Stockton University

Alumni Groups 1. Nu Gamma Alumni Association 2. Mu Alpha - PMD Alumni Association 3. Alpha Sigma Omega Association 4. Mu Beta Alumni Association 5. Mu Beta Housing Corps.

6. Nu Theta Holding Corps.

7. Nu Xi Alumni Association 8. Mu Zeta Alumni Association 9. Nu Omicron Alumni Association 10. Mu Xi Alumni Association 11. Sigma Alpha Alumni Association

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SAVE THE DATE 2022 National Conclave Pittsburgh Sheraton at Station Square June 8 - 12, 2022