CELEBRATIONS OF RESILIENCY

By Aidan Markward Rhode Island ’21

Fall semester, Phi Kappa Psi celebrated an incredible milestone: the chartering ceremonies of three new chapters at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Vanderbilt University, and Miami University. With 97 brothers initiated in total, these chapters each showcase an enduring commitment to growth and representation of the values of Phi Kappa Psi.

The semester kicked off at TCNJ, where the New Jersey Delta chapter’s chartering brought excitement and pride to brothers on campus. On Friday, Sept. 28, 2024, 34 brothers were initiated into the Fraternity with the ceremony held at the university’s Spiritual Center.

The celebration continued into the next evening with a chartering banquet at the Windsor Ballroom in East Windsor, New Jersey. It was a weekend of camaraderie and reflection for all in attendance, especially for those who have been with the colony from its beginnings two years prior.

With the chartering banquet serving as the culmination of the colony’s hard work to achieve its newfound status, NJ Delta Chapter Advisor Eric Struble TCNJ ‘18 said that the formality-filled weekend had been a long-anticipated moment for everyone involved.

“For the past two years [as a colony], we have been promising the undergraduates something that would take a long time to come into fruition,” said Struble. “To finally receive that charter and be able to celebrate the feat was awesome for the brothers. They really are a part of this big family now, this big brotherhood.”

The formalities continued southbound with the chartering of Tennessee Delta at Vanderbilt University. On Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, 29 brothers were initiated into the chapter at St. Augustine Chapel in Nashville. That same evening, a chartering banquet was held at the Holiday Inn Nashville/Vanderbilt.

“The beauty of new charters is that they signify new beginnings not only for the organization but also give undergraduates the opportunity to decide on a lifetime path,” said SWGP Marc Dumas DePaul ‘93. “If your first experience with the national Fraternity is a positive experience, you are more likely to make it a lifetime experience. If I hadn’t gone through a similar process as an undergraduate, I probably would not be president right now.”

Momentum continued with the chartering ceremony at Miami University on November 15-16. Held at Kumler Chapel and followed by a banquet at the Marcum Hotel and Conference Center, the weekend event marked the initiation of 34 brothers and gave undergraduates a fresh perspective on the importance of the chapter’s collective efforts and long-term goals.

“We’re all really excited about the future and what we are building here within our chapter,” said Ohio Lambda President Nick Steinke Miami ‘24. “We recognize that receiving a charter isn’t the end goal but rather a whole new beginning. We enjoyed the day, but after the weekend it was back to business.”

From New Jersey to Tennessee to Ohio, these chartering ceremonies were more than just formalities — they were celebrations of resiliency and shared commitment to brotherhood and growth.

Note: Illinois State University Colony’s rechartering was January 18, 2025, after this issue’s time of publication. Welcome back, Illinois Epsilon!

For more information, contact Expansion Director Jakob Davis Indiana State ‘19, jakob.davis@phikappapsi.com.