Welcome Back to the Fold...

Phi Delta Theta welcomed Ohio Alpha "back into the fold" this past weekend. Unfortunately, I was out of town attending a wedding of a former GHQ Staffer so I missed the festivities. General Council President Rudy Porchivina and General Council Treasurer Mark Ochsenbein were on hand to watch 38 new brothers sign the Bond at the conclusion of the initiation ceremony.

Growth for any organization is a necessity. Many of you have probably heard the quote, "If you are not growing, you are dying."

I'm proud to say that Phi Delta Theta is growing. Our Fraternity expansion team of Steve Good and Johnathan Talcott (pictured on the right) have been traveling all over North America working with interest groups and colonies to ensure the future stability of our great Fraternity.

Miami University is the fourth chapter to be charted since last summer's General Convention. Phi Delta Theta's newest chapters include University of Pittsburgh (PA I), Central Methodist University (MO B Prime), and the University of Texas-El Paso (TX Tau).

Our newest colonies include Vanderbilt University (TN A), Franklin College (IN D), Indiana University (IN A), University of Louisville (KY I), and Kent State University (OH L). The following groups will be colonized within the next several months: University of North Florida, Baker University, Wilfred-Laurier University, University of Texas-Arlington, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and Georgetown.

Expansion would not be possible if it weren't for the dedicated alumni that help shepherd the undergraduate members through the process. One of the prerequisites for expansion projects is a strong alumni base in the area that is willing to spend the necessary time, money, and energy to ensure Phi Delta Theta is not only successful but to ensure the group will grow and be leaders on their respective campuses.

To maintain the positive momentum, the GHQ staff will add two more leadership consultants to the expansion team during the course of the 2007-08 school year. The additional man-power will be helpful as we embark on projects at the University of Utah (UT A), Michigan State University (MI B), Butler University (IN G), and the University of Oregon (OR A).

You should be proud of the expansion efforts of your Fraternity. Thank you to Steve and Johnathan as well as our dedicated alumni volunteers - the Survey Commission, province presidents, chapter advisory board members, and house corporation officers - who make expansion successful. And a special thank you to the support and help from our university partners who enable Phi Delta Theta to flourish.

Until the next time, remember Go far.