Phi Delta Theta, under the leadership of Chairman Josh McAnerney, has seen significant growth in membership, thanks to recruitment efforts and a strong focus on charity work.
With Rush Week concluded, the fraternity plans to extend bids to 10 to 20 new members, aiming to expand its presence on campus.
The chapter was created last year after a number of former Kappa Sigma pledges created an interest group for the fraternity. Kappa Sigma was removed from campus following a hazing incident.
McAnerney and Phi Delta Theta want to move away from issues like hazing. They are concentrating on changing the culture surrounding it and fraternities in general. By focusing on academics, the chapter achieved a collective 3.4 GPA in the spring 2024 semester.
Phi Delta Theta is placing a significant focus on philanthropy by having a relationship with the Live Like Lou Foundation, a charity that supports families affected by ALS.
“You go out once or twice a month and just help them with ordinary tasks that they cannot do for themselves,” said McAnerney. “Go to the grocery store for them, paint their house, or mow the lawn.”
According to Jude McGraw, one of the original members of the interest group and the current recruitment chair of Phi Delta Theta, when the interest group was formed it had only four members.
However, by April, McAnerney said membership had grown to 22 members, attributing the rise to McGraw.
“The philosophy of Phi Delta Theta is essentially, being the best version of yourself,” McGraw said.
