Phi Gamma Delta - University of Colorado

Ekklesia 2022 Recap Chapter Announces Recruitment Changes and Celebrates Awards E kklesia is Phi Gamma Delta's biennial convention at which the Fraternity votes to amend the bylaws and constitution. At this year's Ekklesia (August 11-14), the Fraternity voted to amend its bylaws and constitution to eliminate pledging, effective in 2024. The objective of this decision is to remove the power dynamic between actives and pledges that creates the environment in which hazing occurs. The decision was both timely and historic. The Fraternity has also completely revamped its member education program to incorporate ongoing learning throughout the undergraduate membership period. Member education now goes far beyond just the history of the Fraternity. The focus of the education program is to build courageous leaders willing to confront and correct ungentlemanly behavior in all its forms. As members get closer to graduation, the program applies these principles into effective tools for Fijis to become successful members of the work force. It also includes opportunities for member mentorship by graduates. These are dramatic changes to the membership experience. As you would expect, many undergraduate chapters were both fearful and resistant to this change. But not the men of Beta Kappa! Not only did they embrace the idea, but Beta Kappa also applied to be included in a small group of early adopter Chapters effective immediately. These young brothers continue to show a level of wisdom and maturity that all Beta Kappa graduate brothers can and should be proud of. Further demonstrating how exceptional Beta Kappa is, the Chapter won three awards at Ekklesia: second place in the competition for the Herbert T. Condon Cup, given to the Chapter achieving the greatest all-round improvement for the fraternity; second place in the Frederick B. Owen Cup, for the Chapter showing the greatest improvement in scholarship; and the John Templeton McCarty Chapter Proficiency Award for efficiency in operations, adherence to Fraternity laws, and promoting the high standards of Phi Gamma Delta. Perge! Michael Rosen '87 Purple Legionnaire (Above) Mike Rosen '87, Mitch Crist '24, and Grant Stevens '23 at the 174th Ekklesia's closing banquet. T his summer, Mitch Crist '24, Sean Donnellan '22, and I, Grant Stevens '23, had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C., for Phi Gamma Delta's 174th Ekklesia. The three of us had a great time meeting brothers from all around the United States and Canada, and we're extremely proud to be a part of Phi Gamma Delta international history. Award Winners The 2021 annual award winners were announced, and Beta Kappa is honored to share that we were recognized for three awards: the John Templeton McCarty Chapter Proficiency Award, the Condon Cup, and the Owen Cup. The John Templeton McCarty Chapter Proficiency Award recognizes all Chapters that demonstrate efficiency in operations, maintain strong financial stability, adhere to Fraternity laws, and promote high standards of Phi Gamma Delta. We are honored to be recognized for the first time in Chapter history. Beta Kappa received second place in the Condon Cup, awarded to the Chapter that shows the greatest improvement in the areas of scholarship, extracurricular activities, and Fraternity relationships. Additionally, our Chapter received second place in the Owen Cup, awarded to the undergraduate Chapter that has shown the greatest improvement in scholarship over the preceding academic year. Amping Up Recruitment For the first time since rechartering, our recruitment chairman, James Zygmunt '24, appointed a co-chairman to help take on the numerous responsibilities of recruitment. Our recruitment chairmen are now James and Reid Dewez '25. Thanks to the hard work of our chapter, and the leadership of James and Reid, Beta Kappa is starting off the semester strong with a new member class of 35 gentlemen. Service to Others Thanks to our service chairman, Bennett Gallery '24, on the first weekend of the semester Beta Kappa volunteered to help the City of Boulder pull puncture vines at a local park. Supporting the community is a priority for our brothers, and we look forward to all the volunteer work planned for this semester. Looking Toward the Future Our Chapter has worked tirelessly to prove that we are not your ordinary Boulder Fraternity, and our awards and brotherhood are a testament to our efforts. This fall, we plan to continue improving in scholarship, service, philanthropy, and public relations, just like last semester. Once again, on behalf of the undergraduate chapter, I would like to thank our graduate brothers (especially our Housing Corporation) for your consistent support the past several years. Beta Kappa would not be where it is without you all, and we will continue making you proud. You guys have proved that Phi Gamma Delta is truly "Not for College Days Alone." Perge! Grant Stevens '23 Corresponding Secretary sast2805@colorado.edu GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

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