Phis at RMU: good guys are "fed up"

[hoosier]

RMU fraternity breaks stereoype
By Jaime McLeod Staff Writer

11/13/2002

The brothers of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at Robert Morris University are fed up. “Any time you hear about fraternities on the news, it has to do with hazing or alcohol-related deaths,” said Kevin Conklin, a junior communications major who joined Phi Delta Theta last year.

Popular opinion of fraternities is so low that the parents of some pledges, fearing dropping grades and rising blood alcohol content, forbid them to join.


Though that stereotype may be a reality in many fraternities, Conklin paints a picture of life in Phi Delta Theta that sounds more like Bear in the Big Blue House than Animal House.


For the last three and a half years, the Phi Delts have held on to the Scholastic Award for academic achievement at RMU. The award is given each semester to the fraternity or sorority with the highest combined grade point average.


On top of that, each brother is required to complete 25 hours of community service each semester.


The fraternity typically coordinates anywhere between 15 and 20 service projects each academic year, often in conjunction with other campus Greek organizations.


This semester, one of those projects is a charity walk at RMU this Saturday, Nov. 16, to benefit the Lou Gehrig Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. Conklin and fellow Phi Delt Ken Presutti coordinated the walk after a scheduling conflict with another service project prevented them from taking part in a walk-a-thon for the organization held in Pittsburgh at the end of October.


Each of the 30 Phi Delta Theta brothers will play some role in the walk, either by walking, handing out hot chocolate and other refreshments or by helping with set-up.


Their goal is to raise $1000 for the foundation.


Conklin stressed, however, that the walk is not just for Phi Delta Theta brothers. Members of the campus community at large and the public are also invited to find some sponsors and walk.


Registration will begin at RMU at 10 a.m., with the walk following at 11 a.m. There is no minimum donation to participate and sponsorship forms are not required.


Questions? Call 724-351-9889.