As I prepare to run for Grand Vice President for Communications, I plan to write a series of blog posts that summarize some of my personal experiences, my involvement in the Fraternity and the profession, and my vision for the future of Phi Delta Chi. I hope that you find this series informative and helpful in learning more about me as a Brother. Should any questions arise as you read these posts, please don’t hesitate to contact me! Alterum Alterius Auxilio Eget!

Perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve encountered as a Brother of Phi Delta Chi has been the opportunity to travel across the country and meet Brothers from other Chapters. Since I was initiated in the fall of 2011, I have had the blessing of being able to visit eight Chapters across the country. Most have been within the Mid-Atlantic Region (simply due to travel times). Many have been just weekend trips. Others have been for Grand Council or LDS. There is, however, one recurring theme among all these visits:  I had an amazing time meeting and networking with my Brothers. Here are a few highlights from my excursions.

Gamma Delta Chapter • Johnson City, TN • March 2012

My trip to Gamma Delta for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference (MARC) was my first trip to meet Brothers after I was initiated. Having just been elected WCC prior to the trip, I was prepared to learn as much as I could during the MARC weekend. It was in Johnson City that I first met Brothers from other Chapters, and it’s those same Brothers are some of my closest friends.

It was at MARC that I first experienced the leader development opportunities available to me as a Brother. I learned how to be a more effective leader, how to run the Chapter more efficiently, and – perhaps most importantly – what our motto, AAAE, really means.

I enjoyed exchanging ideas with Brothers from other Chapters, especially since our Chapter was so young at the time (chartered for only a year). Some of the changes that were implemented after this MARC are still in effect today.

Alpha Chapter • Ann Arbor, MI • November 2014

I had the opportunity to visit the birthplace of our Fraternity at the University of Michigan for Founders’ Day 2014. Our weekend was jam packed with activities planned by the Alpha Chapter. My girlfriend (a Gamma Omicron Brother also) and I stayed with the Worthy Alumni Liaison who was overwhelmingly hospitable to us during our short weekend stay.

Perhaps the most humbling experience of the weekend was taking a historic walk to visit the address where the first Phi Delta Chi meeting was held, Albert Prescott’s old residence, and the grave site of our beloved Brother Prescott. The Alpha pledges did a fantastic job of cleaning the area surrounding Prescott’s burial plot, and the Chapter held a solemn ceremony at the cemetery. This allowed me to reflect on the sacrifices and hard work of the Brothers who have come before me. I was overcome with emotion as we laid red carnations on Prescott’s grave in remembrance of the former Dean of the College of Pharmacy and the first honorary Brother of our Fraternity.

Since this was also UM’s homecoming weekend, we made sure to spend some time watching the Michigan football game at a Brother’s home and partaking in homecoming festivities in Ann Arbor.

I encourage all of my Brothers to pledge to visit Ann Arbor at least once, to pay your respects to Dean Prescott at the cemetery (right off campus), and to experience all that Ann Arbor has to offer.

Visiting Brothers

For years, Brothers have said that some of the most valuable and memorable experiences of their life as a Brother have been when they meet Brothers while visiting other Chapters. If you haven’t visited any Chapters yet, I strongly urge you to consider planning a trip to a Chapter. It doesn’t have to be across the country – it can be 10 minutes away or 10 states away – but I guarantee your experience will be second to none. I’ve decided to make a paddle with the names of the Chapters I’ve visited so far (it needs some updating) to keep track of my journey. Where will I go next? All I need is a free weekend, a couch to sleep on, and some Brothers to bond with! Have you traveled to another Phi Delta Chi Chapter? Share your stories in the comments below!