As with all great ideas, it began with a discussion. Tim Hackenberg and Lucas Bruno, fifth-year architecture students, were discussing with friends the idea of an organization that could provide a positive experience for today’s college man. During that discussion, the group decided to explore their options for organizing an all-male fraternity on Marywood’s campus.

While initially looking at local chapters, it was soon apparent that the offerings of some of the local fraternities were not exactly what the students were hoping to do. With the assistance of Kimberly Coleman, Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, and Amy Paceij-Woodruff, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Education Department, the group began searching for national organizations that fit with the University and fraternities’ mission and vision.

“After researching, we discovered that Phi Mu Delta, a national all-male fraternity, fell in line with our values, objectives, and vision,” Lucas Bruno said. Phi Mu Delta encourages high personal standards, morally, mentally, and spiritually, and helps its members to live the ideals of its founders: democracy, brotherhood, and service.

Hoping to have their fraternity chartered by the end of the fall semester, the fraternity is working with several advisors that assist the brothers in several areas, including academics, financial, and judicial areas. “Because we’re a part of a national organization, it’s easier for us to have administrators, as it frees up time that we can dedicate to service and other initiatives that we have planned,” Tim Hackenberg said.

There are certain restrictions that Phi Mu Delta imposes, which include for fraternity members to maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. At Marywood, the students aim higher, and study hours are offered to bring each of the brothers’ GPA up to a 3.5.

“Each of the brothers performs at least 15 service hours per semester. The service element offers each of us the opportunity to grow as a brother and community member. We’re able to become better students and build our relationships with others, on and off campus,” Tim Hackenberg said.

Marywood’s Phi Mu Delta Chapter began with 33 members. The goal of the current fraternity members is to reach 60 brothers. They are also aiming to overhaul the volleyball courts this spring semester. Lighting and bleachers will be added to the area, so that Marywood students can hold volleyball games at any time. The fraternity directs its philanthropy efforts toward St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and the brothers do much work on sexual assault awareness and prevention.

For additional information about Marywood University Phi Mu Delta Fraternity, please visit http://www.marywood.edu/studentactivities/clubs/clubs.html, or email [email protected]