The CCSU student center is home to a number of displays of student life, the newest of which is a display case featuring the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
The international fraternity was founded in 1848 at Miami University in Ohio. The CCSU chapter, Connecticut Alpha, was established in December 2002. It was the first chapter of Phi Delta Theta in the state.
Phi Delta Theta’s display case is located behind the information desk and contains a number of items representing the fraternity, including a rush schedule, a paddle and the fraternity’s flag. The schedule provides information on events hosted by Phi Delta Theta for those interested in membership as well as contact information for the fraternity’s recruitment chairman. Interested students are invited to rush events in the first few weeks of school and will then be given bids beginning the process of pledging. The paddle is traditionally given to a “big brother” by his “little brother” at the completion of this process. A “big brother” is a pledge’s mentor, helping him become a well-rounded member.
Chapter President Jonathan Arpaia said that the group decided to set up the display case to increase their visibility on campus.
“Our goal behind the display case is for the community to recognize Phi Delta Theta and for interested students to be able to find information easily on campus,” said Arpaia.
The mission of Phi Delta Theta is made up of three objectives, “The cultivation of friendship among its members, the acquirement individually of a high degree of mental culture, and the attainment…of a high standard of morality.” The fraternity encourages intellectual development, leadership and human service.
“The brothers of Phi Delta Theta work hard every semester to positively impact CCSU. Brothers participate in the freshman orientation tours, campus clean-ups, Habitat for Humanity projects, breast cancer walks, MS walks and ALS walks, just to name a few of the many initiatives we contribute to,” said Arpaia.