Once the stage lights dimmed, house music blared from the speakers and the room grew quiet. Suddenly, a figure appeared.

The crowd erupted with whistles and shouts as a statuesque model glided down the runway, striking a fierce pose in her sweetheart cut chiffon dress.

Collectively, the brothers of Phi Delta Theta breathed a sigh of relief. Their first philanthropy event, ‘The Best of Local Syracuse,’ had begun.

For $5 a ticket, visitors watched a runway show featuring students as the models, most of whom were sorority sisters. Local vendors and boutiques helped sponsored it and were present at the Tuesday night event in the Schine Underground. Eateries, including Bittersweet and Cafe Kubal Coffee Roasters, served sweet treats.

As the models strutted down the runway in stilettos, the newly recolonized fraternity cheered among the audience.

‘Phi Delt really brought a new combination of chivalry, campus involvement, academics and fun to campus,’ said Curtis Dukart, a sophomore entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises major and a spring recruitment pledge.

Since returning to Syracuse University this past fall, the fraternity acquired 78 members. Through this event, the brothers aimed to raise awareness for local businesses and also help support Phi Delt’s national charity, The ALS Association. This charity, which fights to findacure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hits close to home for the brothers. Pro baseball player Lou Gehrig, a brother of Phi Delt, abruptly retired in 1939 after his diagnosis and ultimately lost his battle.

The fraternity became inactive in 1994. Jon Gregalis, Phi Delt’s public relations chair and a sophomore public relations and marketing dual major, said the brotherhood was initially uncertain of how recruitment would go.

‘We were new, and it is tough to sell something not seen before, especially on this campus,’ he said.

But all doubts disappeared with the new 21-member pledge class, something the brotherhood takes pride in. 

The reinstated fraternity is blazing its own trail in greek life on campus by starting its own traditions. Gregalis said the word ‘frat’ can have bad connotations, so the brothers make sure to use ‘fraternity’ instead and refer to one another as gentlemen.

Manners and chivalry are two standards the brothers live by, whether that means writing handwritten notes to sororities on Valentine’s Day or simple things like holding open a door. The sophisticated style of the fraternity was apparent by the brothers’ exclusively business casual attire. All brothers wore fitted suits and ties.

‘The Best of Local Syracuse’ fits the description as a fresh take on greek life philanthropy. Most fraternities host a sports event or tournament, but Phi Delt decided to take a different route that was not a financial burden and accessible to the entire campus.

The brothers came up with the idea to host a unique fashion show displaying designs exclusively from the local Syracuse area. Showoff’s Boutique, Some Girls Boutique, Bounce, Jet Black and Modern Pop Culture all displayed their newest fashions. Some popular trends were bright colors, maxi dresses and backless shirts.

Two of SU’s sophomore fashion design students, Chrissy Lucy and Hayley Nerenberg, participated. Models walked down the runway wearing designs they created in class this year.

Brendan Glasheen, a freshman broadcast journalism major, pledge and co-historian, emphasized that Phi Delt was a professional organization filled with individuals aiming to become leaders.

‘Our organization attacks all aspects of becoming a man,’ Glasheen said.

When listing the attributes of a Phi Delta Theta brother, words like chivalry and campus involvement are always brought up.

The brotherhood is active on campus with each member bringing new experiences and interests. Members are involved in a wide range of activities, from Sustainability Club to Debate Team to Student Association. Current SA President Dylan Lustig is a brother and co-hosted the event with Allie Curtis, current SA vice president. 

‘All of our members are leaders and are looking to advance themselves not only on campus, but also in the future,’ Gregalis said. ‘Success is an expectation.’

Academics are also a huge focus for Phi Delt, which earned the highest fraternity GPA last semester with a collective 3.4.

Dwight Stevenson, an education graduate student and the first president of the recolonized fraternity, beamed as he discussed its future.

‘A typical Phi Delt brother may not have seen themselves joining a fraternity,’ Stevenson said. ‘Now we can serve a whole new group of quality men.’

jbundy@syr.edu

Published on April 3, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu