History of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Virginia
2001 Founding Fathers
In the spring of 2000, the General Council voted to suspend the charter of the Virginia Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Virginia. Up to that point the charter had been in existence since 1873. In the fall of 2000, Moe Stephens, the Director of Expansion, met with Dean Aaron Laushway to discuss the immediate return of Phi Delta Theta to the UVA grounds. The former chapter was now operating as a local fraternity under the name of "Phi Delta Alpha." After a conversation with Dean Laushway, it was agreed that an immediate re-colonization was in the best interest of our Fraternity. Three separate visits were made by Phi Delta Theta staff members that fall to further explore the culture of the Greek community at UVA. It was concluded that the University was ready for a fraternity to set "The Standard" for all others.
2001 Founding Fathers Leadership Consultants, Jared Ross and Jeff Ramsey, were assigned to begin the initial phases of recruitment on January 20, 2001. A media blitz through The Cavalier Daily, UVA's daily paper, was launched upon their arrival. Moe Stephens joined the two Leadership Consultants on January 28 to help with the recruitment process. Recruitment continued through February 5. In all, 68 men expressed interest in recreating a true fraternal experience on the UVA campus. In the end, 40 men were extended bids and 32 accepted their invitation to join this amazing brotherhood. These men had the vision to create the "perfect" fraternity. So far, they have succeeded.
A short month later, on February 19, 2001, the Virginia Beta chapter at the University of Virginia re-colonized. On September 14, 2001, 31 brothers were initiated as Founding Fathers of 2001 of the Virginia Beta chapter of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Virginia.
On September 15, 2001, in the Dome Room of the Rotunda, Virginia Beta returned to the University of Virginia, receiving the charter from General Headquarters. In attendance were the Vice President of Student Affairs Pat Lampkin and her husband Wayne Cozart of Alumni Hall, Vice President of Finance Yoke San Reynolds and her husband Bruce of the new International Residence College, Dean of Students Penny Rue, and Dean Aaron Laushway, Director of the newly formed Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
The following week, a 3-year lease was signed at 167 Chancellor St. the new chapter house for Phi Delta Theta chapter at the University of Virginia. Just 5 years later, Virginia Beta was able to relocate to its current chapter house at 1703 Grady Avenue thanks to the auspices of the University and generous dontations from friends and alumni of the chapter.
2001 Founding Fathers Leadership Consultants, Jared Ross and Jeff Ramsey, were assigned to begin the initial phases of recruitment on January 20, 2001. A media blitz through The Cavalier Daily, UVA's daily paper, was launched upon their arrival. Moe Stephens joined the two Leadership Consultants on January 28 to help with the recruitment process. Recruitment continued through February 5. In all, 68 men expressed interest in recreating a true fraternal experience on the UVA campus. In the end, 40 men were extended bids and 32 accepted their invitation to join this amazing brotherhood. These men had the vision to create the "perfect" fraternity. So far, they have succeeded.
A short month later, on February 19, 2001, the Virginia Beta chapter at the University of Virginia re-colonized. On September 14, 2001, 31 brothers were initiated as Founding Fathers of 2001 of the Virginia Beta chapter of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Virginia.
On September 15, 2001, in the Dome Room of the Rotunda, Virginia Beta returned to the University of Virginia, receiving the charter from General Headquarters. In attendance were the Vice President of Student Affairs Pat Lampkin and her husband Wayne Cozart of Alumni Hall, Vice President of Finance Yoke San Reynolds and her husband Bruce of the new International Residence College, Dean of Students Penny Rue, and Dean Aaron Laushway, Director of the newly formed Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
The following week, a 3-year lease was signed at 167 Chancellor St. the new chapter house for Phi Delta Theta chapter at the University of Virginia. Just 5 years later, Virginia Beta was able to relocate to its current chapter house at 1703 Grady Avenue thanks to the auspices of the University and generous dontations from friends and alumni of the chapter.
