Difference between revisions of "Delta Alpha Chapter"

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'''Delta Alpha Chapter''' (Founded 18 October 1998) is located at [http://www.rit.edu Rochester Institute of Technology] in Rochester, New York.  The [[Collegiate Chapters|Chapter]] was founded by alumni [[Mark Huebeler]], [[Thomas Schaller]] and [[Jonah Goodman]] and is a member of the [[Northeast Region]].
+
'''Delta Alpha Chapter''' (Founded 18 October [[1998]]) is located at [http://www.rit.edu Rochester Institute of Technology] in Rochester, New York.  The [[Collegiate Chapters|Chapter]] was founded by alumni [[Mark Huebeler]] (ΔΑ 2), [[Thomas Schaller]] (ΔΑ 3) and [[Jonah Goodman]] (ΔΑ 1) and is a member of the [[Northeast Region]].
 +
 
 +
[[Image:FallInduction2011.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Delta Alpha Chapter, Fall 2019]]
  
 
== Historical Overview - Founding to Present ==
 
== Historical Overview - Founding to Present ==
 
=== Founding ===
 
=== Founding ===
Delta Alpha chapter was founded in 1998 by Mark, Tom and Jonah in an effort to bring a new social outlet to an otherwise highly academic focused campus. The three started looking at professional fraternities as an option to bridge the multiple disciplines of the university.  Professional fraternities also allowed co-ed membership. Similar groups were non existent on the majority male campus.  After not being able to find a professional fraternity that was open to multiple professions (Mark and Tom were studying engineering while Jonah was studying graphic design) the three stumbled upon the Alpha Rho chapter's website and decided to pursue bringing Phi Sigma Pi to RIT.<br><br>
+
Delta Alpha Chapter was founded in 1998 by Mark, Tom and Jonah in an effort to bring a new social outlet to an otherwise highly academic focused campus. The three met by chance as freshman living in Sol Heumann.  Mark and Tom were roommates on Sol 4 the location of all efforts to start the chapter.  Jonah lived on Sol 9 and difficulties with his roommate led him to spend the majority of his time on the fourth floor with Mark and Tom who he was introduced to on move in day.  In 1998 the university was predominantly male with very limited interaction between colleges and almost no social outlets.  The three started looking at professional fraternities as an option to bridge the multiple disciplines of the university and to allow for a co-ed environment. Similar groups were non existent on the majority male campus.  After not being able to find a professional fraternity that was open to multiple professions (Mark and Tom were studying engineering while Jonah was studying graphic design) the three stumbled upon the [[Alpha Rho Chapter|Alpha Rho Chapter's]] website and decided to pursue bringing Phi Sigma Pi to RIT.
While the three were invited to look into expansion possibilities in 1997, it took nearly a year before they were able to get recognition from the university as a new student group.  In the Fall of 1998, the three students worked with Betsy Jaquith, then Director of Expansion to set up mailings, information nights and colony events.  On October 18, 1998, the charter class of the Delta Alpha chapter of Phi Sigma Pi was inducted with 38 members.  A 39th member was inducted soon after.
 
 
 
=== Brothers Inducted (by Class) ===
 
==== Charter Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' October 18, 1998 & November 8, 1998.
 
 
 
''Notes:'' On October 18, 1998, 38 members were inducted into Phi Sigma Pi as the charter class, along with two honorary members, Dr. Ellson and Dr. Mayberry. On November 8, 1998, one more member was inducted, bringing the official count of charter class to 39 brothers.
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (39 total): '' Jonah Goodman, Mark Huebeler, Thomas Schaller, Jillian Haber, Tabitha Lavis, Amy Storch, Brian Perry, Donna Thibault, Kristin Schrader, Melissa Vasilev, Alison Kronenwetter, Erin Sharkey, Leslie Fox, Shawn Kosmala, Sherita Parmer, Jennifer Wedding, Prabhat Shrestha, Kari Wiltse, Jason Parry, Francesco Aiello, Robert Orefice, Colleen O’Conner, Sara Golden, AnnaLisa Stockwell, Joshua Hirschorn, Jason Pacchiarotti, Rachel Bucholtz, Adam Rackoff, Eric Marderness, Ken VenderVeer, Danielle Paradis, Kyle Daving, Broderick Messmer, Eric Janus, Erin Ionson, Daniel Lerner, Matt Sudol, Sarah Thomas, (Teru King is considered never inducted).
 
 
 
==== Alpha Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' May 2, 1999
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (15 total): '' Michael Cantin, Adrian Dabkowski, Dionisios Favatas, Holly Groff, Liz Hassett, Chad Heinzenrater, Tatum Krawczyk, Kevin Kriegbaum, Kim Miller, Maren Nalepa, Carly Rachocki, Tim Reeve, Dana Reynhout, Lisa Vulvovich, Angie Walker.
 
 
 
==== Beta Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' November 7, 1999
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (6 total): '' Scott Liu, Liz Williams, Erin Mahar, Jennifer Dashnau, Kelly Quick, Ted Mulrane
 
 
 
==== Gamma Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' September 10, 2000 & September 24, 2000
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (7 total): '' Melissa Fletcher, Kelly Zysik, Jeremiah Davie, Chris Cardinale, Bill Gross, Pete LoVullo, Brandon West
 
 
 
==== Delta Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' December 17, 2000
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (12 total): '' Rebecca Alperstein, Colleen Althoff, Chris Banner, Lisa Barrett, Daniela DeRosa, Don Jay, Kerin Lee, Terri Page, Abigail Purcell, Tim Sutton, Brad Virkler, Jin Yoon
 
 
 
==== Epsilon Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' April 29, 2001
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (20 total): '' Lakeshia Haynes, Eric Majewicz, Lauren Richardson, Lonnie Parker, Timothy Lebo, Tianay Hardy, Brian Matthews, Nathan Gardner, Sarah Samaroo, Amanda Griffin, Amy Raia, Nannette van Baarsen, Kristen Witt, Brandon Peterson, Denishea Flanigan, Sara Stallard, Christopher Mabry, Curtis Bolser, Aaron Bosley, Robert Cassell
 
 
 
==== Zeta Class ====
 
''Induction Date:''
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (7 total): '' Joe Abbate, Bryan Berg, Kelley Crouse, Rashanna Lee, Jessica Petty, Elizabeth Stock, Barb Trozzo
 
 
 
==== Eta Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' April 28, 2002
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (10 total): '' Josh Baker, Tina Balch, Jamie Clark, J.P. Knauss, Courtney Martin, Bhushan Mehendale, Frank Sanders, Nkima Skeete, Lauren Still, Matt Weinstock
 
 
 
==== Theta Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' December 15, 2002
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (12 total): '' Nicole Campbell, Leo Chiaraluce, Katie Hill, Carson McCain, Cedric McClary, Tiffani Moody, Joe O’ Bryant, Josh Reed, Beth Soref, Melissa Troy, Jarrod Wagoner, Jeff Webb
 
 
 
==== Iota Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' May 2, 2003
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (15 total): '' Miguel Bazan, Dustin Collins, Alecia Eppelsheimer, Zac Holmes, Mike Matteson, Nikhil Nampalli, Matt Panas, Shawn Pfister, Nick Potkalesky, Becca Sager, Kevin Sawicki, Jonathan Stinton, Mike Strickler, Allison Tentis, Jacqueline White
 
 
 
==== Kappa Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' January 11, 2004
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (15 total): '' Jessica Campbell, Beth Cook, Owen Dublin, Anne Froustet, Rachel Porter, Gal Potashnick, Chris Reed, Jason Rodriguez, Josh Rosenberg, Elsie Samson, Josh Rosenberg, Nick SanFratello, Matt Serbinski, Onisha Smith, Myung Woo
 
 
 
==== Lambda Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' April 30, 2004
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (10 total): '' Alexis Blondrage, Jeff Burnham, Christopher Daley, Rebecca Lebowtiz, Luis Piedrahita, Lee Rynearson, Rachel Samaroo, Thien Tran, Peter Weisberg, Jason Weisburd
 
 
 
==== Mu Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' January 7, 2005
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (7 total): '' Victoria Liu, Sabrina Lugo, Devin Koestler, Sung Min Kwon, James Perkins, Nakesha Smith, Brittany Ray
 
  
==== Nu Class ====
+
While the three were invited to look into expansion possibilities in 1997 by Phi Sigma Pi, it took nearly a year before they were able to get recognition from the university as a new student group.  The three students gathered an initial group of about ten students interested in petitioning the university for recognition. The new President of the university, Albert Simone, was simultaneously working with Golden Key to bring their organization to campus and the administration actively tried to avoid any competition.  Several administrative organizations made obtaining recognition extremely difficult.  It was advised that the three students meet with Dr. Kit Mayberry, Associate Provost in the Spring of 1998.  Upon hearing their request for recognition and difficulties obtaining it through various routes she offered to immediately recognize the group under her office. 
''Induction Date:''
 
  
''Brothers inducted (6 total): '' Carmen De Vito, Nicholas Duers, Brendon Kapinos, David Raim, Snehapriya Rao, Andrew Tsai
+
In the Fall of 1998, the three students worked with [[Betsy Jaquith]], then [[Director of Expansion]] to set up mailings, information nights and [[colony]] events. On October 18, 1998, the charter class of the Delta Alpha chapter of Phi Sigma Pi was inducted with 38 members.  A 39th member was inducted soon after.
 
 
==== Xi Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' January 14, 2006
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (17 total): '' Michael Barth, Alex Butarbutar, Renee Cornett, Shanyssa Findley, Kate Foss, Michael Gingras, Rahul Gupta, Luke Kailburn, Caitlin Kempski, Jason McSheene, Joe Panzik, Joel Samaroo, Leslie Schreck, Maria Soto, Andrew Torkelson, Alex Walker, TzeFeng Yong
 
 
 
==== Omicron Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' May 13, 2006
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (10 total): '' Rachel Deutschman, Andrew Getty, Autumn Hale, Aziana Ismail, Young Jun Jun, Stacy Kowsz, J. David McCloskey (honorary), Simone Perry, Stephen Sarnelle, Aaron St. John
 
 
 
==== Pi Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' December 20, 2006
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (8 total): '' Sarah Exley, Kristin Evans, Nitin Nampalli, Daniella Hand, Aderonke Adegoke, Eden Waithe, Andrea Abreu-Mercado, Melisande Fritzsche
 
 
 
==== Rho Class ====
 
''Induction Date:'' May 12, 2007
 
 
 
''Brothers inducted (11 total): '' Catherine Smythe, Lindsay Block, Gregory Leaper, Omar Ghani, Alexandra Johnson, Chris Forbes, Jennifer Hill, Calgary Branagan, Andrea Braganza, Jamie Eustace, Katherine Varandas
 
  
 
== Chapter Leadership ==
 
== Chapter Leadership ==
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* [[Nick Potkalesky]] (2005-06)
 
* [[Nick Potkalesky]] (2005-06)
 
* [[Nikhil Nampalli]] (2006-07)
 
* [[Nikhil Nampalli]] (2006-07)
 +
* [[Andrew Tsai]] (2007-2008)
 +
* [[Stephen Sarnelle]] (2008-2009)
 +
* [[Laura Carbonneau]] (2009-2010)
 +
* [[Lisa Kratzer]] (2010-2011)
 +
* [[Nicole Martin]] (2011-2012)
 +
* [[Biruk Kifle]] (2012-2013)
 +
* [[Kris Yee]] (2013-2014)
 +
* [[Matthew Kennedy]] (2014-2015)
 +
* [[Alex Besen]] (2015-2016)
 +
* [[Elizabeth Pattie]] (2016-2017)
 +
* [[Emily Wood]] (2017-2018)
 +
* [[Mikeena Dowen]] (2018-2018)
 +
* [[Matt Roca]] (2019-2019)
 +
* [[Joe Talbot]] (2020-2020)
 +
* [[Ryan Murphy]] (2020-current)
  
 
== Active Chapter ==
 
== Active Chapter ==
The current Delta Alpha chapter has 50 Active brothers, led by the Executive Board. The Executive Board is made up of;
+
The current Delta Alpha chapter has 16 Active brothers, led by the Executive Board.
  
* President, [[Andrew Tsai]]
+
=== E-Board ===
* Vice President, [[Jason McSheene]]
+
* President [[Ryan Murphy]]
* Recording Secretary, [[Stephen Sarnelle]]
+
* Vice President [[Taylor Kozak]]
* Corresponding Secretary, [[Michael Gingras]]
+
* Secretary [[Sean Kloss]]
* Treasurer, [[Rahul Gupta]]
+
* Treasurer [[Charles Brinsfield]]
* Recruitment Advisor, [[Andrew Getty]]
+
* Initiate Advisor [[Keegan Kresge]]
* Candidate Advisor, [[Kristin Evans]]
+
* Recruitment Advisor [[Jennifer Schroll]]
* Historian, [[Kate Foss]]
+
* Historian [[Caleb Katzenstein]]
* Parliamentarian, [[Michael Barth]]
+
* Parliamentarian [[Matt Roca]]
 +
* Brothers at Large [[Matt Roca]], [[Chris Augsburger]]
 +
 
 +
=== Initiate Classes ===
 +
''Main article: [[List of Delta Alpha Chapter Initiate Classes]]''
 +
 
 +
=== Family Lines ===
 +
''Main article: [[List of Delta Alpha Family Lines]]''
  
 
== Chapter Events & Activities ==
 
== Chapter Events & Activities ==
  
 
===Karen's Walk===
 
===Karen's Walk===
[http://www.karenswalk.com Karen's Walk] is a 5K Run/Walk that sponsors heart failure research in memory of Karen Decker. Delta Alpha established the Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Fund at the University of Rochester Medical Center after a friend of the fraternity passed away from postpartum cardiomyopathy, a form of heart failure.  
+
[[Image:Karenswalk1.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Delta Alpha Chapter visiting the University of Rochester Cardiac Center.]]
 +
[http://www.karenswalk.org Karen's Walk] is a 5K Run/Walk that sponsors heart failure research in memory of Karen Decker. Delta Alpha established the Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Fund at the University of Rochester Medical Center after a friend of the fraternity passed away from postpartum cardiomyopathy, a form of heart failure. The walk was started in 2003 and to date has raised over $25,000. 
  
 
"The Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Fund supports research which furthers the understanding and treatment of cardiomyopathy and other forms of heart failure. Scientists at the University of Rochester Cardiovascular Research Institute draw from the fund to support their projects, and progress is made every day." (karenswalk.com)
 
"The Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Fund supports research which furthers the understanding and treatment of cardiomyopathy and other forms of heart failure. Scientists at the University of Rochester Cardiovascular Research Institute draw from the fund to support their projects, and progress is made every day." (karenswalk.com)
 +
 +
The chapter works with John Bisognano, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Clinical Preventive Cardiology and Burns Blaxall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine and of Pharmacology & Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute.  They have also hosted chapter members participating in internships in their labs.
 +
 +
===Brick City 5K===
 +
[http://www2.rit.edu/brickcity/ Brick City 5K] is a part of the annual RIT Brick City/Homecoming Festival. Starting in 2006, the Delta Alpha chapter joined hands with the RIT Running Club to host this annual event in association with RIT's Brick City Committee. The sponsors of this event include RIT Center for Residence Life and the RIT Track & Field Team. It is a free for all event that provides a scenic run through the heart of the RIT campus. The 5K run usually sees participation in the hundreds.
  
 
== Notable Alumni ==
 
== Notable Alumni ==
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** Founding Member
 
** Founding Member
 
** [[Vice President of Alumni Development]]  (2004-2006)
 
** [[Vice President of Alumni Development]]  (2004-2006)
** [[National President]] (2006-present)
+
** [[National President]] (2006-2014)
  
 
== Chapter Honors and Awards ==
 
== Chapter Honors and Awards ==
 +
''Main article: [[List of Delta Alpha Awards]]''
 +
 
=== National Awards ===
 
=== National Awards ===
 
* 1999 [[Outstanding Chapter for Challenging Tradition]]
 
* 1999 [[Outstanding Chapter for Challenging Tradition]]
* 2000 [[Outstanding Newsletter]]
+
* 2000 [[Outstanding Newsletter Award]]
* 2001 [[Chapter to Travel Farthest to Convention]]
+
* 2001 [[Furthest Traveled Chapter Award]]
 
* 2002 [[Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award]], [[Elissa Weeden]]
 
* 2002 [[Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award]], [[Elissa Weeden]]
 
* 2003 [[C.H. McClure Single Service Award]], [[Karen's Walk]]
 
* 2003 [[C.H. McClure Single Service Award]], [[Karen's Walk]]
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* 2006 [[Top in Region Award]] - Northeast
 
* 2006 [[Top in Region Award]] - Northeast
 
* 2007 [[Top in Region Award]] - Northeast
 
* 2007 [[Top in Region Award]] - Northeast
 +
* 2008 [[Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Programming]]
 +
* 2012 [[Outstanding Initiate Program]]
  
=== University Awards ===
 
*
 
 
=== Chapter Awards - Yearly ===
 
 
==== Chapter Service Key ====
 
==== Chapter Service Key ====
 
* 1998-1999 [[Donna Thibault]], [[Dan Lerner]]
 
* 1998-1999 [[Donna Thibault]], [[Dan Lerner]]
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* 2005-2006 [[Eric Majewicz]]
 
* 2005-2006 [[Eric Majewicz]]
 
* 2006-2007 [[Nikhil Nampalli]]
 
* 2006-2007 [[Nikhil Nampalli]]
 
+
* 2015-2016 [[Alex Besen]]
==== Brother of the Year ====
+
* 2016-2017 [[Elizabeth Pattie]]
* 1998-1999 [[Jonah Goodman]]
+
* 2017-2018 [[Carter Blalack]], [[Michael Desimone]]
* 1999-2000 [[Eric Marderness]]
+
* 2019-2020 [[Christina Eker]]
* 2000-2001 [[Eric Marderness]]
 
* 2001-2002 [[Ken VanderVeer]]
 
* 2002-2003 [[Joe Abbate]]
 
* 2003-2004 [[Lisa Barrett]]
 
* 2004-2005
 
* 2005-2006 [[Nicholas Potkalesky]]
 
* 2006-2007 [[Nikhil Nampalli]]
 
 
 
==== Outstanding Senior Award ====
 
* 2004-2005 Outstanding Service Award to [[Christopher Mabry]], [[Beth Cook]] and President's Award to [[Beth Soref]]
 
* 2005-2006
 
* 2006-2007 [[Nicholas Potkalesky]], [[Dustin Collins]], [[Lee Rynearson]]
 
 
 
==== Distinguished Leadership Award ====
 
* 2004-2005 [[Joe O' Bryant]]
 
* 2005-2006 [[Andrew Tsai]]
 
* 2006-2007 [[Steve Sarnelle]]
 
 
 
==== Other Awards (discontinued) ====
 
* 1998-1999 Best Fundraiser - [[Brody Messmer]], [[Brian Perry]]
 
* 1999-2000 Best Fundraiser - [[Jason Pacchiarotti]], [[Ken VanderVeer]]
 
* 2000-2001 Best Fundraiser - [[Brian Perry]], [[Ken VanderVeer]]
 
* 2000-2001 Community Service - [[Rebecca Alperstein]], [[Dan Lerner]]
 
* 2001-2002 Mini-greatness - [[Amanda Griffin]], [[Elissa Weeden]]
 
* 2002-2003 Awards and Scholarship Committee Award for Leadership and Dedication - [[Rebecca Alperstein]]
 
  
 
=== Other Awards & Recognitions ===
 
=== Other Awards & Recognitions ===
* 1999 [[Make a Difference Day]] - Certificate of Appreciation  
+
* 1999 Make a Difference Day - Certificate of Appreciation  
* 2004 [[Frontier Field]] - Service Group Appreciation Award
+
* 2004 Frontier Field - Service Group Appreciation Award
* 2004 [[Red Cross]] - For outstanding support and dedication to the success of blood drives at Rochester Institute of Technology.  
+
* 2004 Red Cross - For outstanding support and dedication to the success of blood drives at Rochester Institute of Technology.  
* 2004 [[Red Cross]] - For contributing to the success of the “April College Challenge by outperforming SUNY Brockport by 10%.
+
* 2004 Red Cross - For contributing to the success of the “April College Challenge by outperforming SUNY Brockport by 10%.
* 2007 [[University of Rochester Medical Center]] - Plaque of Appreciation  for support of Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Research Fund through Karen’s Walk/5K Run
+
* 2007 [http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/ University of Rochester Medical Center] - Plaque of Appreciation  for support of Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Research Fund through Karen’s Walk/5K Run
  
 
= Further Resources =
 
= Further Resources =
* [http://www.myphisigmapi.com Delta Alpha Chapter Website]
+
* [http://www.phisigmapi.org/rit Delta Alpha Chapter Portal]
* [http://rush.myphisigmapi.com Delta Alpha Chapter Rush Page]
+
* [http://www.phisigmapirit.org Delta Alpha Website]
 +
 
 +
= In the News =
 +
* [http://henrietta.whec.com/news/news/karens-walk-rit-raises-1800-heart-research/52273 Karen’s Walk at RIT raises $1,800 for heart research]
 +
* [http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=3165 April 30 Karen’s Walk, 5K Benefits URMC Heart Failure Research]
 +
* [http://www.rit.edu/news/?v=46878 RIT Student Receives Grant from Clinton Global Initiative]
 +
* [http://www.reportermag.com/article/148 Imagine RIT - Phi Sigma Pi’s Picture-taker]
 +
* [http://rochester.ynn.com/content/top_stories/654024/charity-run-to-honor-lost-mother/?ap=1&Flash]
  
 +
{{DA}}
 +
{{Collegiate Chapters}}
 
[[Category:Chapters]]
 
[[Category:Chapters]]
 
[[Category:Collegiate Chapters]]
 
[[Category:Collegiate Chapters]]
 
[[Category:Active Chapters]]
 
[[Category:Active Chapters]]
 
[[Category:Northeast Region]]
 
[[Category:Northeast Region]]
 +
[[Category:Delta Alpha Chapter]]

Revision as of 11:59, 31 May 2020

Delta Alpha Chapter (Founded 18 October 1998) is located at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. The Chapter was founded by alumni Mark Huebeler (ΔΑ 2), Thomas Schaller (ΔΑ 3) and Jonah Goodman (ΔΑ 1) and is a member of the Northeast Region.

Delta Alpha Chapter, Fall 2019

Historical Overview - Founding to Present

Founding

Delta Alpha Chapter was founded in 1998 by Mark, Tom and Jonah in an effort to bring a new social outlet to an otherwise highly academic focused campus. The three met by chance as freshman living in Sol Heumann. Mark and Tom were roommates on Sol 4 the location of all efforts to start the chapter. Jonah lived on Sol 9 and difficulties with his roommate led him to spend the majority of his time on the fourth floor with Mark and Tom who he was introduced to on move in day. In 1998 the university was predominantly male with very limited interaction between colleges and almost no social outlets. The three started looking at professional fraternities as an option to bridge the multiple disciplines of the university and to allow for a co-ed environment. Similar groups were non existent on the majority male campus. After not being able to find a professional fraternity that was open to multiple professions (Mark and Tom were studying engineering while Jonah was studying graphic design) the three stumbled upon the Alpha Rho Chapter's website and decided to pursue bringing Phi Sigma Pi to RIT.

While the three were invited to look into expansion possibilities in 1997 by Phi Sigma Pi, it took nearly a year before they were able to get recognition from the university as a new student group. The three students gathered an initial group of about ten students interested in petitioning the university for recognition. The new President of the university, Albert Simone, was simultaneously working with Golden Key to bring their organization to campus and the administration actively tried to avoid any competition. Several administrative organizations made obtaining recognition extremely difficult. It was advised that the three students meet with Dr. Kit Mayberry, Associate Provost in the Spring of 1998. Upon hearing their request for recognition and difficulties obtaining it through various routes she offered to immediately recognize the group under her office.

In the Fall of 1998, the three students worked with Betsy Jaquith, then Director of Expansion to set up mailings, information nights and colony events. On October 18, 1998, the charter class of the Delta Alpha chapter of Phi Sigma Pi was inducted with 38 members. A 39th member was inducted soon after.

Chapter Leadership

Past Chapter Presidents

Active Chapter

The current Delta Alpha chapter has 16 Active brothers, led by the Executive Board.

E-Board

Initiate Classes

Main article: List of Delta Alpha Chapter Initiate Classes

Family Lines

Main article: List of Delta Alpha Family Lines

Chapter Events & Activities

Karen's Walk

Delta Alpha Chapter visiting the University of Rochester Cardiac Center.

Karen's Walk is a 5K Run/Walk that sponsors heart failure research in memory of Karen Decker. Delta Alpha established the Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Fund at the University of Rochester Medical Center after a friend of the fraternity passed away from postpartum cardiomyopathy, a form of heart failure. The walk was started in 2003 and to date has raised over $25,000.

"The Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Fund supports research which furthers the understanding and treatment of cardiomyopathy and other forms of heart failure. Scientists at the University of Rochester Cardiovascular Research Institute draw from the fund to support their projects, and progress is made every day." (karenswalk.com)

The chapter works with John Bisognano, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Clinical Preventive Cardiology and Burns Blaxall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine and of Pharmacology & Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute. They have also hosted chapter members participating in internships in their labs.

Brick City 5K

Brick City 5K is a part of the annual RIT Brick City/Homecoming Festival. Starting in 2006, the Delta Alpha chapter joined hands with the RIT Running Club to host this annual event in association with RIT's Brick City Committee. The sponsors of this event include RIT Center for Residence Life and the RIT Track & Field Team. It is a free for all event that provides a scenic run through the heart of the RIT campus. The 5K run usually sees participation in the hundreds.

Notable Alumni

Chapter Honors and Awards

Main article: List of Delta Alpha Awards

National Awards

Chapter Service Key

Other Awards & Recognitions

  • 1999 Make a Difference Day - Certificate of Appreciation
  • 2004 Frontier Field - Service Group Appreciation Award
  • 2004 Red Cross - For outstanding support and dedication to the success of blood drives at Rochester Institute of Technology.
  • 2004 Red Cross - For contributing to the success of the “April College Challenge by outperforming SUNY Brockport by 10%.
  • 2007 University of Rochester Medical Center - Plaque of Appreciation for support of Karen Decker Cardiomyopathy Research Fund through Karen’s Walk/5K Run

Further Resources

In the News