Fraternity to receive charter after almost five years as colony

By Kyle Wallace, Staff Writer

After spending nearly five years as a colony, OCU Phi Gamma Delta will be recognized as a full chapter this semester.

Phi Gamma Delta, or FIJI, International Headquarters’ personnel will be on campus March 27-28 to install the current colony members into the national fraternity.

When a colony becomes an official chapter, it means those in the colony become official members who experience the ritual and rites of the international fraternity.

“It’s special because only one or two percent of all fraternity men are founding fathers,” said Jacob Overling, business administration junior and FIJI president. “OCU officially has three fraternities now that we’re here to stay.”

Founding fathers are members of a fraternity who helped a colony become a full chapter.

FIJI has more than 120 active chapters and 18 colonies across the United States and Canada. It was founded at Jefferson College in Pennsylvania in 1848. Since then it has initiated more than 170,000 brothers.

The nickname is commonly used by the fraternity due to Phi Gamma Delta bylaws that limit the use of the Greek letters.

The colony was established on campus during Fall 2010 semester and has been getting closer to their charter every semester.

To become a chapter, the colony is required to have at least 30 members, demonstrate financial commitment, meet a minimum GPA, and raise awareness for their philanthropy.

They were also required to raise at least $15,000 to purchase ritual supplies and apply for the national charter.

Members of Phi Gamma Delta have been fundraising and recruiting for their chapter since fraternity officials first gave out bids in September 2010.

Along with the addition of Phi Mu last year, FIJI’s chartering marks a growth in Greek Life at OCU.

“I’m excited they finally made it after years of hard work and persistence,” said Josh Hall, assistant director of intramural sports and recreation.

After receiving their charter, the next step for FIJI is to begin working on obtaining a chapter house, Overling said.