Official Newsletter of the Alabama Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Auburn University
Fall 2024
President’s Letter
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he last line of the oath, “I will strive in all ways to transmit the Fraternity to those who may follow after, not only not less, but greater than it was transmitted to me,” stands as a cornerstone for the ideals of every brother of the Alabama Beta Chapter. Being an Auburn Phi is an immense honor, and the legacy we carry forward as brothers in the Bond is what makes our chapter stand out amongst others. Today, Alabama Beta excels in all ways to make our founders proud and improve for those who may come after. Our chapter received numerous accolades from Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters and the Live Like Lou Foundation for our achievements over the past year. At the Convention and the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute, Alabama Beta was recognized for its excellence in recruitment, new member retention,
philanthropy, and ritual, earning honors such as the Gold Star Chapter Award, Triple Crown Award, and Iron Phi Chapter distinction. We were also runner-up for the prestigious Oxford Trophy, awarded to the best Phi Delta Theta chapter at a large institution. While these accomplishments primarily highlight the efforts of our brothers, they would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our chapter advisory board, housing corporation, and parents club. Their dedication sets us apart, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions to our chapter’s continued success. This summer, as recruitment chairman, I worked alongside an exceptional committee to welcome forty-seven new Phikeias into our chapter. These young men represent the future of Alabama Beta and will soon grow into outstanding brothers.
Frederick Osborn 2532 dedicated countless hours to their education this fall, instilling Auburn values and the three Cardinal Principles that will guide them for a lifetime. We eagerly await their initiation into the brotherhood on January 19, 2025, at the Auburn University Chapel. All initiated brothers are invited to join us for this significant occasion. Beyond our internal achievements, Alabama Beta brothers continue to excel in leadership across campus. Our members are actively involved in numerous organizations, from the Financial Management Continued on page 4
House Corporation Update
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he chapter house is in good shape and is currently being well maintained. Our aggregate list of interior improvements now shows more projects completed than projects yet to be completed! With the recent addition of the second hutch in the alumni room, we are seeking donations of past editions of the Glomerata for display. This also applies to books on Auburn, Phi Delta Theta, alumni of note, etc. Please contact us if you have items of interest. Many of you know of the recent fundraiser email sent by General Headquarters promoting the installation of illuminated Greek Letters (ΦΔΘ) on the exterior east wall of the house. We were fortunate that Brother Martin Connell 2218, who owns a sign company, responded with an offer to supply the channel letters and power supplies at a discount. We have expanded the scope to include replacing the Greek letters on the front of the house with the same halo-lighted channel letter design. We placed our order with Martin, who volunteered to install the letters for free and will be assisted by Jordan Bickert 2191. Look for these
letters to be up over winter break. Many thanks to Martin and Jordan for their time and talents and to the alumni and parents who donated to this project. At the request of the chapter, we are installing two large ceiling fans in the dining room. We are adding painted wainscoting in the living room over winter break. In the long term, we will make an in-kind replacement of the black and white tile floors in the foyer and back halls, complete the installation of midnight green shutters to all exterior windows, and replace the tables and benches in the dining room. When these interior improvements are completed, we will refocus on our landscape master plan and consider installing another element of the design. YITB and WDE, Malcolm Marsh 1519 House Corporation President marshmalcolm@yahoo.com