Delta Chapter at Bucknell University THE DELTAN Fall 2009 DELTA IS BACK! By: David “Whitey” Berardinelli (1993), President, Delta Association I am proud to say in this first issue of the Deltan after having the House closed for the ’08’09 academic year, that it appears that our plan to temporarily close and start afresh is well on its way to succeeding. With the help of the senior leadership remaining on campus, we were able to take a strong pledge class of 16 young men and, more importantly, one that will make you feel at home again when you return to Greystone. The class has as its core a group of current and former varsity football players and also is comprised of, among others, several rugby players and a member of the ROTC program. They are Things to Know The chapter gained 16 pledges during the fall semester. • The Delta Chapter partnered with Habitat for Humanity and provided 250 hours of community service and donated almost $1,600. • What are you doing now? Send us your update to include in a future newsletter. See the form on the back page to find out how. The Founding Fathers of Sigma Chi - 2009 individuals you will be proud to call friends and brothers and they give us a strong foundation to build Delta Chapter back to what it use to be at Bucknell. We certainly have a long road ahead of us but we are off to a good start. Many thanks to those of you who donated to the last minute fund raising efforts to help fund the rush activities in the fall. Let’s keep moving ahead with “Persistence.” Perge! PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS By: Matt Traver (2010), Chapter President The fall of 2009 started out with tears of joy, tears of fear, and tears of joy again. Our sophomore class was solid, then on the fence, then back and forth for the entire • formal recruitment week and a half. The charisma of ‘Whitey’ Berardinelli inspired me yet again as he swayed the hearts and minds of our brothers-to-be. Once pledging was officially underway, the mentality of the class was one of strong will and determination, but I, as well as some of the other brothers, were worried that some of their aspirations were misguided. Some of the class charged into the challenges of resurrecting our great fraternity with bodies ready and minds bursting at the seams with potential. Others were more reserved and waiting to see what was going to happen. As time passed, it was uplifting to see different (Continued on page 2) \r\nTHE DELTAN Page 2 NOTES FROM THE CHAPTER OFFICERS “As we come to the close of our first semester back on campus, I'm proud to say that I believe Delta Chapter is on the right track. The challenges and uncertainties we faced at the beginning of the year were great, but with the hard work and determination of the Brothers and the new class, we were able to over come those challenges. In just one semester, we have been able to complete almost all of the requirements to be in good standing with Bucknell - a process that usually takes a year. We have made an impact on campus and made our presence known by participating in campus functions. We partnered with the Bucknell Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and raised close to $1,600 for their fall fundraiser and achieved almost 250 hours of community service. Additionally, we have spent time as a brotherhood at the local community center assisting with an after school program. Finally, and most importantly, we have developed a strong new class of Fiji's that understand and reflect our fraternity's values. With the continued drive and persistence that this class has already shown, I am certain that over the next year, we will be able to continue to grow the brotherhood and return Fiji to its place as the premier fraternity at Bucknell in academics, philanthropy, and social events. As Treasurer this semester, I have begun to understand how this fraternity can act as a catalyst for personal growth and our new brothers seem to recognize this as an opportunity for them as well. Thank you to the Delta Association, the Graduate Trusteeship, and all of the Graduate Brothers for their continued support through this important period of re-emergence and growth.” - Christian A. Mercado (2010), Chapter Treasurer “This semester has been as exciting as it can get. Not only has the Delta chapter of Phi Gamma Delta tripled in the number of brothers, I think we've tripled the previous baseline for Fiji's at Bucknell. From community service to philanthropy to awareness of grades, around the board there's been a dramatic improvement from two years ago, when I was initiated as a brother. Its an interesting and encouraging role reversal. When my life as a Fiji began there was little to be proud of. Since that time, I believe we have infused our chapter with the true spirit of Phi Gamma Delta. I thoroughly enjoy watching our newly initiated brothers grow into Fiji gentlemen, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for our chapter.” “Although we have faced great - Fred Bingham (2010), Recording Secretary challenges this semester, our “It was a tough start at the beginning of the recruitment chapter has pulled together to process because of the enduring competition of Bucknell’s fraternal get everything done.” process. However, with the help of national representatives we pressed on and the Delta Chapter now proudly boasts a strong class of newly initiated brothers. With the onset of the upcoming semester and the new class taking over the cabinet, we have accomplished many of the goals we set out for. As Corresponding Secretary, I have acquired a full contact list of Delta Chapter Phi Gams. This list will be passed on to the successor of my position in order to hold future alumni functions. Accordingly, I have organized a fantastic speaker for our Annual Norris’ Pig Dinner. Dan Zappa (1994) was the captain the football team at Bucknell and is currently a Major in the Marine Corp. He has already done two tours in Iraq. All in all, it has been successful year at Old Greystone and we look forward to handing over the gavel to the future success of our great fraternity.” - Gregory R. Hart (2010), Corresponding Secretary and Recruitment Chairman “Re-launching the Delta chapter was a moving and rewarding occasion, instilling a sense of purpose in the seniors and pledge class. Our numbers are still few compared to other fraternities, however, I believe we possess a stronger sense of brotherhood and drive than anyone on campus. Although we have faced great challenges this semester, our chapter has pulled together to get everything done. The newly initiated brothers also have a deep respect for Fiji traditions and are committed to bringing the house back to prominence on campus. The house itself looks fantastic and I am honored to live in it. There is also renewed interest in Fiji by members of the general student body. Personally, I am happy to see everything come together so well and am so pleased to help Fiji return for my senior year.” - Chris Ostman (2010), Chapter Historian President’s Address continued... (Continued from page 1) groups within the pledge class and brothers intermingling and developing those bonds of brotherhood and friendship that only a great fraternity can create. We of course have our differences, but again it is reassuring to see those disagreements blow over and comradeship further develop. It is the end of the semester and I am about to hand over the gavel and install five new Cabinet officers. The hesitation and reservations that I had months ago have gone and I am fully confident that these young, but smart and determined Fiji men, will achieve the greatness that older brothers hope and expect of them. I look forward to seeing them grow and develop during their time here, as they feel out the responsibilities of fraternity life. They will learn to make difficult decisions, rely on each other, and put immense faith in their brothers. It is truly a relief to step down and assume a new role as an adviser. I have a wealth of knowledge that I am eager to pass on and now have the opportunity to guide from the sidelines and allow the spotlight to pass on. Brothers, it has been a privilege and an honor to aid in the reemergence of our great chapter and help to find the right men onto whom to pass our sacred traditions. A new saga has begun in the Delta Chapter and I look forward to the decades of prominence that it promises. \r\nTHE DELTAN Page 3 MEET THE PLEDGE CLASS OFFICERS “This semester has been a great experience that I think everyone in the chapter has learned and grown from. The brothers have really grown together as a unit and I feel we are truly starting to see the meaning of brotherhood. Next semester will be a great transition year where the new brothers will learn their new positions and get advice from the upper classmen. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experiences this place has brought me so far and know that in the coming months and years I will relish every moment. Perge!” - Matt Harbin (2012), Pledge Class President “As a legacy, I have taken the task of reviving Fiji very personally. Balancing schoolwork, Pledge Class Treasurer responsibilities, and in-season football time comments has been challenging and rewarding. The decision to join a Fraternity that did not exist last year was not an easy choice for any of the new brothers, but we are all very satisfied with our decision. Moments like setting up a Christmas tree with them while watching Monday Night Football have made me realize how much of a turn around we have already made. Moments like rushing the field with some of my brothers after upsetting #12 Holy Cross in the final game of the season have strengthened my relationships with them. I feel fortunate for the opportunities ahead of us and thankful for those we have already seized.” - Carson Rohrbaugh (20‘12), Pledge Class Vice President “When we took on the roles of being the core group to bring Fiji back to where it belongs, we knew it would not be an easy task. Yet, we have a great, diverse group of guys that all have the same task on mind: getting this fraternity back to being number one on campus. Through the talent and diversity of our fellow members, we have found the desire to work hard and accomplish our goals. But we have maturely realized that we need to fulfill our responsibilities in the classroom, in the community, on the playing field, and on the campus. We as members of the cabinet have the responsibility to make sure everyone’s doing their job and, at this point, I can honestly say things are running smoothly. What makes me happiest, however, is the unity and camaraderie our class has obtained this first semester. Already, we have opened up to each other in ways we would not have dreamed of, and for these reasons I am proudest to be the Corresponding Secretary of the new and improved, Phi Gamma Delta. As our pledge class takes over, we are eager to finally become the leaders within the house, and to set the new standards of what it takes to be a Fiji. We look to have a large pledge class of respectful gentlemen.” - Mike Allwin (2012), Pledge Class Corresponding Secretary “I’m one of the recent brothers inducted into Phi Gamma Delta, and I must say that my experience so far has been great. Even though our numbers are small and we don’t yet have the recognition on campus that we so desire, it has been extremely exciting being part of brining back FIJI to the “Being the pledge class recording secretary allowed level of respect it once had at Bucknell University. As a legacy me to experience pledging from a different perspective as the I have grown up hearing stories about how my father’s deciother pledges. I was able to understand more quickly the resion to become a brother, was one of the best he ever made. I sponsibilities of running a functional fraternity. Auditing Fred know it will only get better from here and can’t wait for the Bingham, our fraternity's acting recording secretary, will be many memories to be made with my Phi Gamma Delta Brothbeneficial to the new beginning of the Delta Chapter of Phi ers. With the induction of the new officers, we realize there is a Gamma. Fred showed great dedication and commitment to his great change in attitude about this place and everyone is willduties and has demonstrated to me the importance of the posi- ing to do what it takes to take this fraternity where it needs to tion. As future recording secretary I plan to carry on the trago.” dition of hard work and attention to detail that past recording - Ryan Boyer (2012), Pledge Class Historian secretaries have established in our fraternity. Our goal as fraternity officers is to restore the reputation of the Delta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta here at Bucknell as being the premier fraternity on campus.” - Andy Bell (2012), Pledge Class Recording Secretary \r\nNonprofit Org Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Information Update - Tell us about you! Please detach and return with your contact information so we can update our records. We will feature graduate updates in upcoming newsletters. If you want to share your recent news, fill in the news section for your information to be published. Name________________________________________________ School/year__________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone (H)______________________________________(W)_______________________________________ E-mail__________________________________________________________________________________ News to share with brothers: ___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ DONATE I am pleased to make a contribution to the Delta Chapter of : $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $25 Other ________ Donations can be made on-line at www.phigam.org/netcommunity/BucknellDonations, by phone at (859) 255-1848 ext. 136, or send checks payable to Phi Gamma Delta to: Bucknell/Delta Chapter Donations, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 40544 and include this form. 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