FA 2023 Alphas Report

Forming a Vision

Pledging the Alpha Delta Chapter of the Chi Phi Fraternity in the fall of 2021, I discovered that the chapter embodied the values of love, friendship, brotherhood, and, most importantly, mentorship. Learning about our chapter’s history and forming connections within the house, I felt compelled to take on a more active role in shaping our fraternity’s future. However, just as I was initiated into our brotherhood, 2022 brought unexpected challenges.

Trench Warfare

The title of this section speaks volumes. As a brotherhood, we maintain a group chat including every member of the chapter. In 2022, the name of our group chat was “Trench Warfare.” My best friend, mentor, and the Alpha of 2022, Brent McNeel, helped guide us through one of the most strenuous and challenging times our fraternity has ever faced. We were, indeed, in the trenches, fighting to survive. With more than half of our brotherhood graduating and essentially missing out on two pledge classes, our fraternity found itself fighting for its existence. Through Brent’s leadership, we learned how to navigate these turbulent waters. In the fall of 2022, I finally found the opportunity to serve our house that I had been seeking since pledging. Although I had not contemplated running for Alpha, a casual conversation with Brent while driving to class changed my perspective. We discussed the upcoming elections and the concern that we did not have a candidate for the position of Alpha in 2023. Understanding the fraternity’s need for leadership, I decided to run, ultimately becoming the chapter’s Alpha for 2023.

The House Always Wins

The name of our group chat has now become “The House Always Wins,” and there are numerous reasons for this change. The year 2023 proved to be particularly demanding for our chapter. It marked our first year back in operation following an unfortunate suspension in 2021, and we approached it with a mixture of caution and apprehension. Nonetheless, we were filled with excitement and passion at the prospect of once again functioning as a fraternity. We kicked off 2023 on a strong note, with a new pledge class and breaking our THON fundraising record by raising over $70,000.

A significant goal of mine for the fraternity in 2023 was to strengthen our external relations. I took it upon myself to foster a healthy relationship with our alumni board and representatives from the national office. One aspect that consistently struck me about Greek alumni was the willingness of alumni to support the undergraduates. This bond of honesty and respect was something we had long aspired to cultivate within our own fraternity. As 2024 begins, both the alumni board and the national organization have placed their trust in Alpha Delta, supporting us in reaching significant milestones. We’ve established a line of constant communication and friendship with the alumni in ways previously unseen in our chapter. A professional relationship with the alumni board has been forged, alongside a friendly and casual one. It’s heartening to share humor and reminisce about memories and traditions that have endured for a century that still live on today.

Heading into 2024, the Alpha Delta chapter finds itself with immense opportunities. Since 2022, we have rebuilt our membership, nearly reaching 150% of our end-of-2022 numbers. Our philanthropic endeavors have reached new heights, and the men of 1824 are discovering the true meaning of being part of something extraordinary. The close bond our brothers have formed with the national organization and alumni board bodes well for our future, and the University eagerly anticipates and commends the accomplishments we’ve achieved in 2023.

I anticipate our centennial anniversary and a spring semester where new leaders emerge to create achievements for our chapter. I reflect on our chapter with pride at how far we’ve come, and I’m excited to witness what the future holds in store. Thank you.

In Scarlet and Blue,

Christopher Levendosky, ‘24