Our Mission

​To provide a positive fraternity experience for today's college man, encouraging high personal standards, morally, mentally, and spiritually, and, to help its members live the ideals of our founders: democracy, brotherhood and service.

The Vision

​​To redefine fraternity through cultivating and curating a culture of lifelong civic engagement and fellowship

Fast Facts

Founding Date
March 1, 1918

Colors
Princeton Orange, Black, & White

Flower
The Jonquil

Patron Saint
President Abraham Lincoln

Active Chapters & Colonies
14

Mascot
Lion and Raccoon 

Our Founders

​
​These six men from the Universities of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut became the Founders of Phi Mu Delta National Fraternity. Chapter designations were determined by a lottery. The Connecticut chapter drew number one, becoming the Nu Alpha chapter. New Hampshire took Nu Beta, and Vermont became Nu Gamma. ​

Clarence Dexter Pierce, Nu Gamma 1918

Brother Pierce is considered the father of Phi Mu Delta. He was a delegate at the 1917 convention of the National Federation of the Commons Clubs at which the proposal to convert to a Greek-letter fraternity was discussed and he led the way for the founding of Phi Mu Delta at the 1918 convention. Brother Pierce wrote the ritual we still use today. “Dex” as he was known, enlisted in the military as a medic at the outbreak of WWI. He then transferred to the infantry, was recognized for his natural leadership, and received a commission as a second lieutenant before the war ended. He returned to UVM and graduated with his class, receiving a Ph.B. in 1918, and a M.D. in 1923. He practiced medicine in Connecticut and New York, eventually settling in Batavia, New York, in 1957. So beloved was he by the people of Batavia, that the Medical Library in the Genessee Memorial Hospital bears his name.

Otis Raymond Garland, Nu Beta 1918

​Brother Garland was one of the delegates from New Hampshire Agricultural (now UNH) to the 1918 convention. After graduation, he served in the Army and in 1919, he became a high school principle in Massachusetts.  In 1933, Brother Garland was appointed Clerk of Hampton (NH) Municipal Court, and in 1964, he was named special justice of the same  court.  Brother Garland remained a loyal supporter of Phi Mu Delta all of his life.

Robert Chapman Stimson, Nu Beta 1919

​Not much is known about Brother Stimson. He was born in Concord, NH, in 1896. He was very active in the founding of Phi Mu Delta. He graduated from what is now the University of New Hampshire in 1918, with a degree in chemical engineering. He enlisted in the Navy as a radio technician and died of unknown causes in Rotterdam, Holland, on September 19, 1920.

Arthur conrad Bird, Nu Alpha 1919

​Brother Bird was a delegate at the 1918 convention and an avid supporter of the formation of a Greek-letter fraternity. He was elected Extension Secretary of the new fraternity. Brother Bird was active in athletics and ROTC while in college and, after graduation, worked for several florists and received his graduate education in agriculture from what is now the University of Massachusetts. In 1925, he became a landscaping foreman for Bristol Nurseries in Bristol, Connecticut. He received several promotions over the years and, in 1949, he bought the company. Under Bird’s leadership, Bristol Nurseries became world- famous for its chrysanthemums.

Charles Seth rising, Nu Gamma 1919

Brother Rising was a natural born leader. This was recognized at the 1918 founding of the fraternity when he was elected the first National President of the fraternity. Brother Rising was an educator and served in numerous teaching and administrative posts, including superintendent of schools. In 1942, he was named Chief of Vocation and Education for Vermont Veterans. He later was named director of the same group for all of New England. In 1962, he became director of the experimental Vermont Family (Farm) Project. Brother Rising lived in Vermont all of his life.

Lloyd Abram Woodward, Nu Gamma 1918

​Brother Woodward, a classmate of Clarence Dexter Pierce, served as an artillery officer toward the end of WWI. Upon returning to civilian life in 1919, he became a schoolteacher for the next year and a half in New York state. He then returned to UVM as an instructor in Physics and received his masters’ degree from there in 1924.  Brother Woodward remained at Vermont until 1961, when he retired with the rank of Associate Professor of Physics. He was active in the Boy Scouts and American Legion and served Nu Gamma faithfully all of his life. Brother Woodward was also the town Moderator and Justice of the Peace in his hometown of Underhill, Vermont.

The Founders' Creed

​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 world. I believe in that broad conception of democracy which seeks freedom of opportunity, and recognizes no color, race, creed, or position.

I Believe in Service... service to the college; service to every group organized for the common good; service to the individual. I believe in service defined in the terms of voluntary sacrifice for the welfare of those with whom I come in contact.

I Believe in Brotherhood... brotherhood that reaches beyond the limits of Phi Mu Delta and welcomes every man as my Brother. I believe in the intrinsic worth of the man at my side, and in his ability to make good and justify my faith in him.

I hold these beliefs as my profound conviction, and I pledge my fellow men to live up to them to the best of my ability.

Our Values

DEMOCRACY
The understanding that each member has a voice and should be treated with dignity, respect, and equality, and that all decisions are made with justice in mind, doing what is just and right at all times.

SERVICE
​The act of doing something for the service and/or welfare of others without seeking honor or payment.

BROTHERHOOD
The relationship between brothers that is linked by common values, interests, and goals.