Phi Mu Delta's Mu Omicron Chapter Combines Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Stewardship4/19/2024
Exemplifying their dedication to service and environmental responsibility, the Mu Omicron Chapter of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity at Frostburg State University recently organized a hiking and trail clean-up event at the historic Dan's Rock area. On Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024, a group of fraternity brothers took time out of their holiday to contribute to the preservation of this local landmark.
"Brothers were able to go on a hike, while also cleaning up a local landmark," said Savi Roth, Vice President of Membership for the Mu Omicron Chapter. "The brothers ended up filling multiple trash bags, leaving the trail cleaner than they found it." The event seamlessly combined the fraternity's commitment to fostering brotherhood through shared experiences with their steadfast belief in service to the community and environmental stewardship. By dedicating their time and effort to the clean-up initiative, the Mu Omicron Chapter embodied the founding principles of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. Established during the tumultuous era of World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic, Phi Mu Delta was created as an alternative to the exclusive and discriminatory fraternity culture of the time. The fraternity's origins lie in the Federation of Commons Clubs, which championed inclusivity and rejected snobbery, laying the foundation for Phi Mu Delta's enduring commitment to equality, civic engagement, and service to others. Through initiatives like the Dan's Rock trail clean-up, the Mu Omicron Chapter exemplifies Phi Mu Delta's vision of cultivating lifelong civic engagement and fostering a culture of fellowship among its members. The fraternity remains dedicated to shaping well-rounded individuals who positively impact their communities and the environment through meaningful service. As Phi Mu Delta continues to uphold its proud legacy, future endeavors will undoubtedly blend the fraternity's core values of brotherhood, democracy, and service, inspiring members to be active stewards of their communities and the natural world around them. About Phi Mu Delta Fraternity Phi Mu Delta Fraternity was founded in 1918 amid the Spanish Flu pandemic and World War I. Born out of the Federation of Commons Clubs, which promoted inclusivity and rejected discriminatory practices, Phi Mu Delta's mission is to provide a positive fraternity experience that encourages high personal standards and embodies the founders' ideals of democracy, brotherhood, and service. Reaffirming their commitment to civic engagement and the preservation of democratic ideals, the Robert Morris University chapter of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity recently organized a voter registration initiative on campus. On April 4th, 2024, fraternity brothers stationed themselves at the rotunda, a high-traffic area, with the goal of registering students who had not yet secured their right to vote.
"This initiative ensures that our democracy continues to thrive and that college students' voices are heard and can have a say in local and national elections," said Trey Reichenfeld, Vice President of Member Development for the chapter. "While many students were already registered voters, we were able to assist six individuals in completing the voter registration process." The voter registration drive is a tangible manifestation of Phi Mu Delta's core principles that date back to its founding during the turbulent era of World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic. Established as an alternative to the era's exclusive fraternity culture, Phi Mu Delta was created to embody the values of democracy, brotherhood, and service to others. "Our fraternity's origins are rooted in the ideals of equality and civic participation," commented Sam Waltemeyer, the fraternity's Executive Director. "Facilitating voter registration aligns with our historic mission to create a more just, inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to be heard." By proactively encouraging democratic involvement on campus, the Robert Morris University chapter upholds Phi Mu Delta's vision of cultivating lifelong civic engagement and fellowship among its members. The fraternity remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals who positively impact their communities. As the nation looks ahead to future elections, Phi Mu Delta will undoubtedly continue its efforts to inspire younger generations to exercise their constitutional right to vote and have their voices represented in the democratic process. In a unique display of brotherhood, service, and community engagement, the Mu Beta Chapter of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity at Ohio Northern University played an integral role in facilitating a memorable experience for residents during the recent solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024. The brothers traveled to Mt. Blanchard, where they assisted a local band in setting up their equipment and organized activities for community members to enjoy the celestial phenomenon.
"Two brothers played with the local band, providing live entertainment for the community during the eclipse," said Robert Klise, Vice President of Membership for the Mu Beta Chapter. "The rest of our members set up tables, chairs, and other activities, ensuring that residents had a comfortable and immersive experience." This event exemplified Phi Mu Delta's commitment to fostering brotherhood through shared experiences while also serving the broader community. By combining their talents and efforts, the Mu Beta Chapter created a memorable occasion that brought people together to witness a rare natural occurrence. Through initiatives like the eclipse event, the Mu Beta Chapter exemplifies Phi Mu Delta's vision of cultivating lifelong civic engagement and fostering a culture of fellowship among its members. The fraternity remains dedicated to shaping well-rounded individuals who positively impact their communities through meaningful service and shared experiences. As Phi Mu Delta continues to uphold its proud legacy, future endeavors will undoubtedly blend the fraternity's core values of brotherhood, democracy, and service, inspiring members to be active participants in their communities and create lasting memories through collective efforts. The Temple University chapters of Phi Mu Delta fraternity and Alpha Xi Delta sorority recently joined forces for a unique event that blended tasty treats with an important civic cause. On April 8th, the two Greek organizations hosted a combination bake sale and voter registration drive on campus.
The primary beneficiary was the Kindly Hearts Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to aiding unhoused youth in the Philadelphia area. A selection of homemade baked goods were sold by members of both chapters, with all proceeds being donated directly to the charity. "We wanted to find a fun way to raise money for a great cause like Kindly Hearts, while also promoting civic engagement among Temple's student body," said Louis DiPede, President of Phi Mu Delta's Temple Chapter. "Giving people an opportunity to register to vote while enjoying some delicious baked goods was the perfect way to accomplish both goals." In addition to the bake sale, students were able to check their voter registration status and sign up to vote at the event. Members of Phi Mu Delta and Alpha Xi Delta were on hand to assist with the non-partisan voter registration process. The event also supported the fraternity's ongoing canned food drive, with attendees encouraged to donate non-perishable items to be distributed to those in need throughout the community. "The impact of this project highlighted the intersection of different oppressions, namely voter suppression and homelessness," stated DiPede. "By working together, we were able to tackle two issues at once and remind people why it's so important to be civically engaged and continue fighting inequality on multiple levels." Both Phi Mu Delta and Alpha Xi Delta have a long-standing tradition of philanthropy and community service. The bake sale voter registration drive embodied these values by raising funds for a worthwhile cause, boosting civic participation, and collecting food donations - all in one successful event. When it comes to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, the Mu Alpha Chapter of Phi Mu Delta at Susquehanna University knows how to bring the fun and games! On March 22, 2024, 50 brothers participated in an epic lock-in style retreat that left them feeling closer than ever.
The annual "Brotherhood Lock-In" event, masterfully orchestrated by the chapter's Vice President of Membership, Benjamin Horning, was a non-stop thrill ride of good times and great company. The night started with a heartwarming round of sharing the best moments from each brother's week. From acing that brutal exam to landing an internship, the tales reminded everyone that behind the Phi Mu Delta t-shirt beats a heart of gold. But this was just the warmup act! The real fun began when the brotherhood split into three teams for an electrifying game of Jeopardy...with a twist! Instead of boring old trivia questions, the clues were all about the brothers themselves. After battering their wits, it was time to put their bodies to the test with two epic games of hide and seek that turned the entire house into a sprawling playground. When the dust settled, every brother emerged with a smile plastered across his face and a heart filled with joy. As Horning put it, "The impact had on the organization was it allowed all of the brothers to come together in one space and play games and have a good time together. Also, it allowed our new-members to experience a giant brotherhood event that involved all of the chapter. Overall, it allowed all of us to have fun together and de-stress from a long week of school work." The alumni of Phi Mu Delta at Rutgers University have achieved a significant milestone. On March 20, 2024, the Phi Mu Delta National Council unanimously approved the establishment of the Mu Sigma Alumni Association as the twelfth Alumni Association within the fraternity.
"I am thrilled to announce that the Mu Sigma Alumni Association is now officially recognized within Phi Mu Delta," expressed Brian Buonauro, the new President of the Mu Sigma Alumni Association. “This achievement represents the strong desire of our alumni community to further our fraternal values beyond our college years and leave a legacy for future members, culminating in the founding of this organization.” The Mu Sigma Chapter of Phi Mu Delta, which was officially chartered at Rutgers University on October 22, 2016, has experienced continuous growth and development over the past eight years. The establishment of the Mu Sigma Alumni Association reflects the commitment of its alumni to maintain a strong presence and support network for both current and future members of the fraternity. "The formation of the Mu Sigma Alumni Association represents a new chapter in our fraternity's history, allowing us to extend the Phi Mu Delta experience and foster fellowship among our alumni," shared Sam Waltemeyer, the fraternity’s Executive Director. "We look forward to the growth and success of our Rutgers alum while upholding the values that define our brotherhood." The Mu Sigma Alumni Association is eager to make its inaugural appearance at the upcoming Conclave in Providence, Rhode Island this summer as the newest voting member of the Fraternity. With a focus on continuing the legacy of Phi Mu Delta and providing ongoing support to the chapter, the Alumni Association is poised to make a lasting impact within the fraternity community. For more information about the Mu Sigma Alumni Association and its upcoming initiatives, please contact Brian Buonauro at [email protected]. Phi Mu Delta Fraternity is pleased to announce the appointment of Erim Gurlemis as Regional Chapter Director. In this vital volunteer role, Erim will provide guidance, mentorship, and coaching to support the success of Phi Mu Delta chapters at Susquehanna University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Rutgers University Brunswick.
"Being a brother of Phi Mu Delta allowed me to make the most of my undergraduate years while also giving me the opportunity to develop as a leader," said Gurlemis. "Being able to support our chapters and give everyone a chance to make those memories and contribute to something larger is why I'm so excited about this role." As a Phi Mu Delta alumnus from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Gurlemis understands the organization's deep history and values. "Phi Mu Delta has a rich history, and when we tap into that history do we find out why this organization has withstood hardships. All of us grow and learn together helping us excel in our communities and daily lives." In the Regional Chapter Director role, Gurlemis will work collaboratively with the National Office, National Council, alumni associations, and university administrations to help his portfolio of chapters meet and exceed Phi Mu Delta's goals, expectations, and policies. “I am incredibly excited to welcome Erim to our growing team of Regional Chapter Directors!" said Sam Waltemeyer, Executive Director of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. "His leadership will be invaluable in shaping the success and achievement of our chapters." On March 15th, the Phi Mu Delta Chapter at Longwood University took part in the university's cherished annual tradition, The Big Event, showcasing their dedication to community service and unity. The Big Event serves as a platform for students to demonstrate their appreciation for the surrounding community by volunteering for various projects.
Hundreds of students, including the members of Phi Mu Delta, devoted their time and efforts to give back to the community. The Chapter's Vice President of Finances, Matthew Elias, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Our brothers got to spend time last weekend helping out the local community at the Big Event. The Big Event is a campus-wide day of community service, and our brothers are thrilled we got to do our part to help!" The core mission of Phi Mu Delta revolves around redefining fraternity by fostering a culture rooted in lifelong civic engagement and fellowship. By participating in The Big Event, the brothers of Phi Mu Delta exemplified their commitment to these values. The Big Event at Longwood University not only allows students to engage in meaningful service activities but also underscores the importance of unity between the campus and the community. Through their active involvement in this initiative, Phi Mu Delta exhibited their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others. This annual tradition serves as a testament to the strong spirit of volunteerism and service among the Longwood University students, with Phi Mu Delta leading by example. The Chapter's participation in The Big Event underscores their unwavering commitment to serving others and embodying the principles of brotherhood and community. As they continue to uphold their vision of inspiring lifelong civic engagement and fostering a culture of fellowship, Phi Mu Delta sets a commendable example for the entire Longwood University community. Their enthusiastic participation in The Big Event highlights the positive influence of fraternity in promoting selfless service and community involvement. On March 21, 2024, the Phi Mu Delta Chapter at Robert Morris University took a bold step towards civic engagement by organizing a voter registration drive aimed at inspiring young adults to participate in the democratic process. The initiative, held on the campus premises, saw an enthusiastic response from students eager to exercise their right to vote.
"This initiative ensures that our democracy continues to thrive and that college students vote in elections," expressed the Chapter's Vice President of Membership. "We had eight people fill out the registration form, and many others were already registered to vote. Voter registration on college campuses is vital to ensure that younger people's voices are heard and that they can have a say in local and national elections." Recognizing the significance of active participation in democracy, Phi Mu Delta's mission is rooted in fostering a positive fraternity experience for today's college men while upholding high personal standards. The fraternity aims to encourage members to embody the ideals of democracy, brotherhood, and service set forth by its founders. The voter registration drive organized by the Phi Mu Delta Chapter resonated with the core values of empowering the community and facilitating meaningful engagement among young adults. By providing a platform for students to register and participate in elections, the fraternity exemplified its commitment to nurturing socially responsible citizens. College campuses serve as breeding grounds for future leaders and change-makers, making initiatives like the voter registration drive a crucial aspect of shaping an informed and active citizenry. Phi Mu Delta's proactive approach in promoting civic engagement reflects a commitment to fostering a culture of democracy and participation among its members. As the Phi Mu Delta Chapter at Robert Morris University continues to uphold its values of democracy, brotherhood, and service, the success of the voter registration drive stands as a testament to the impact of grassroots efforts in mobilizing the youth towards a more active role in shaping the future of our nation. On March 19, 2024, the Brothers of Mu Sigma Chapter of Phi Mu Delta at Rutgers University dedicated their time and efforts to a noble cause by volunteering for tabling hours across the student centers at the university's four campuses. The purpose of their volunteer work was to collect swabs from willing participants and encourage them to join the Gift of Life bone marrow registry, with the ultimate goal of identifying potential donors for bone marrow and stem cells that can treat a range of life-threatening conditions, including blood cancer, sickle cell disease, and inherited immune system disorders.
Gift of Life, a non-profit organization with a mission to combat blood cancer through cellular therapy, has been at the forefront of helping patients in need find potentially life-saving donors. The collaboration between the Mu Sigma Chapter and Gift of Life exemplifies the values upheld by Phi Mu Delta, including Brotherhood, Service, and Democracy. When asked about the importance of the volunteer event, Cameron Jacoby, Vice President of Membership for the Mu Sigma Chapter, stated, "The event served to collect swabs from volunteers and to recruit volunteer donors to help people with conditions like blood cancer, sickle cell disease, and inherited immune system disorders." The efforts of the Brothers of Mu Sigma Chapter did not go unnoticed, as their dedication to the cause resonated with both the Rutgers University community and the broader public. By raising awareness about the critical need for bone marrow and stem cell donors, the Mu Sigma Chapter has made a significant impact in the fight against life-threatening diseases. The collaboration between Phi Mu Delta and Gift of Life serves as a powerful reminder of the positive change that can be achieved through unity and service. The Brothers of Mu Sigma Chapter exemplify the spirit of compassion and altruism, inspiring others to join the mission of saving lives through cellular therapy. |
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4885-A McKnight Rd. #263
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Hours: 9am - 5pm | Monday - Friday
(412) 203-5169