I’m really excited about what your Association has experienced this past year:

• Paid membership and attendance at our fall and spring meetings were all at an all-time high; and participation in the Fall Rush and landscaping projects was exceptional!
• Through our membership dues we’ve purchased several items for the House that were not in the Chapter’s budget, and successfully completed Phase I of the Master Landscape Plan.
• We’ve continued to provide a Chapter Directory for paid members, published two issues of our newsletter, The Phi Delt Blues News.
• Hosted a tremendously successful Fall Rush Dinner, arguably the best on campus.

And, during this time, the men of Phi Delta Theta have continued to alter the footprint of their chapter on the MSU campus by achieving record membership and pledge classes, and excelling in community & public service and academics, and involvement in campus activities. It's been a real adventure and a blessing just watching the progress unfold.

When I agreed to accept the Presidency of the Parents Association last spring, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. Having been in a fraternity a “few” years ago and having had an older son in another fraternity at State, I thought our Association would probably meet once a year to get an update on the Chapter and find out where my money was being spent. Over the last year, however, I’ve learned that Phi Delts’ and their parents are much more involved. I’ve also had the privilege of getting to know many of the members and their parents, participate in projects, and even attend a Chapter band party.

What we often don't see or hear about with fraternities are the many opportunities our sons have to develop leadership skills and understand valuable life lessons. One of the most important lessons is learning to make personal sacrifice for the good of the whole. I am so impressed with what these young men are accomplishing at their very young ages. I know that MSU is responsible for their formal education, but it is through ΦΔΘ that they learn those life lessons that simply cannot be taught in any classroom. The longer I’m involved with the MSU Phis, the more I realize that it is so much more than just a social club -- believe me, boys are becoming men, individuals are learning to work as a team, and many lifelong friendships are being formed; not just among the guys, but also among parents.

I say all of that of that for several reasons: (1) Encourage your sons to get involved at every opportunity; (2) To reassure you that when you're sending those dues to the Phi Delts, you really are paying for more than social functions; and (3) I hope that you, too, will get involved with Phi Delta Theta through the Parents Association and learn first hand what a great organization your son is a part of.