By
Brian Byrnes
October 28, 2009
After disbanding at the end of spring quarter, the Phi Delta Theta fraternity is in the process of appointing a set of new founding fathers that will manage and help re-colonize the fraternity, which is scheduled to restart next quarter.
Photo by Samantha Lai.
Joe Newland, leadership consultant for the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, stands in the empty stairwell of his house on Greek Row. Newland was hired to revitalize the UW chapter of the fraternity.
The house is undergoing a process called “re-colonization,” which began at the end of September. Through this process, the fraternity hopes to reorganize and reestablish the leadership of its chapter on the UW campus.
Thirty-two people have expressed interest in pledging so far, while 25 have signed on to join. The fraternity eventually hopes to have around 70 members to reach full capacity.
“We are looking for quality [in our pledges], not quantity,” said Michael Plengrat, vice president of the Phi Delta Theta UW chapter.
Most of the recruitment is leadership-based, said Justin Dandoy, an expansion consultant for the fraternity. Dandoy said the fraternity wants members who are already involved in campus activities and are looking to further their involvement.
Phi Delta Theta, through the reorganization process, will maintain its status as one of the only alcohol-free fraternities at the UW.
This alcohol-free housing policy, which still allows members of legal age to drink at bars or events outside of the chapter house, was implemented nationwide in July of 2000.
“You can always go to a bar and drink. You don’t need to join a fraternity to do so,” Plengrat said. “Historically, Phi Delta Theta has been one of the top fraternities in the UW Greek system. Through this restructuring, we hope to bring back such prominence.”
The restructuring of the fraternity follows a lack of activities put on by the fraternity and unsatisfactory recruitment numbers, Dandoy said.
“The men operating our fraternity in recent years simply did not embody the impact our organization has internationally,” said Joe Newland, a leadership consultant working to recruit new members for the reorganized Phi Delta Theta.
The past members of Phi Delta Theta have been awarded alumni status but will no longer live in the house or be active members of the fraternity.
“There were a lot of great guys in Phi Delta Theta, but they simply lacked direction and did not represent the legacy that [the fraternity] has here in Seattle,” Newland said.
Such restructuring is uncommon but not unheard of, said Thai Dang, president of the UW Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC). The IFC, as expected, is supporting the restructuring process.
The re-colonization of Phi Delta Theta is taking place on a national level as well. According to their national Web site, the fraternity is implementing the same process at UCLA, Fresno State and George Mason, among other colleges.
“We want to offer the best college experience we can to these new members,” Plengrat said.
Reach reporter Brian Byrnes at news@dailyuw.com.
9 Comments
#1 Joe Newland
on October 28, 2009 at 11:45 a.m.(Location Unknown | Unverified Name)
If anyone would like more information on the re-organization efforts, please visit www.phideltinfo.com or contact Joe Newland at jnewland@phideltatheta.org
#2 Removed
on October 28, 2009 at 3:35 p.m.#3 da boss
on October 29, 2009 at 12:59 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name | UW Community)
hahaha what a joke
#4 fail boat
on October 29, 2009 at 2:37 p.m.(Bellevue, WA | Unverified Name | UW Community)
Sad... they won't make it... I give them two years of alumni pouring money in to try to make it look like its working, but, its not working.
#5 Mr. T
on October 29, 2009 at 2:57 p.m.(Bellevue, WA | Unverified Name | UW Community)
I pitty the foo' who be a phi delt founder
#6 Just Dandy
on October 29, 2009 at 3:17 p.m.(Bellevue, WA | Unverified Name | UW Community)
Justin P. Dandoy: "Look at these big shots... they must be PHI DELTS!"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
#7 Anon
on October 31, 2009 at 10:07 p.m.(Bellevue, WA | Unverified Name | UW Community)
I don't support what the alumni (Dandoy and Newland included) did to the old phi delts, these guys are douche bags.
#8 Robert Morrison
on November 6, 2009 at 1:04 a.m.(Bellevue, WA | Unverified Name | UW Community)
I am rolling over in my grave. The lack of credibility from this institution and those involved has demonstrated poor judgement, cowardice, and disregard for anyone who is truly a Phi Delt. This is a clear example of the thoughtlessness and lack of consideration from the few people involved in making this decision.
#9 George Banta
on November 7, 2009 at 8:04 a.m.(None, None | Unverified Name | UW Community)
As a young professional in the northwest a common question I encounter when fraternity affiliation is asked I hear, 'Are you an old Phi Delt or new one'. Luckily I can say I'm an old one.
Too bad the house no longer receives the recognition and prowess as it once did. I would rather see it closed than disgraced.
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