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Recruiting
& Training
Kevin Haslam '10, Recruitment Team Chairman Low recruitment numbers are no more! We have incorporated a system that is proven to have worked and will work for years to come The main thing I’d like to express is that under our new system of recruitment, rush simply never ends. In semesters past, the rush period ended when IFC said it did. We at the Phi Delt house have decided to expand our program to new heights.
Not only are we implementing new ideas as time goes on, but we are also trying to heighten the experience of rush. In doing so, we are currently trying to have one individual hold the position of Recruitment Chairman for two semesters in a row, passing down his knowledge to the next group of guys so that the house receives maximum benefit from the recruitment committee. In keeping with tradition, we went with what worked in the Fall semester, such as move-in day, an interactive and fun rush calendar and an easy method of acquiring contact information for potential members. As mentioned earlier, we are also proceeding with recruitment after the official rush period has ended. This allows us to keep in touch with men that wish to have a year under their belt before they make the time commitment of our fraternity. We ensure potential candidates don’t just look at us as “typical fraternity guys,” but all-around leaders that know how to have fun and are the most prepared for the real world when it comes our way.
Fall Recruitment Team Breaks Recent Records, Once Again! If a goal of 20 for the year wasn’t enough, try 22 in one semester! In the Fall of '06, PA Theta’s Rush inducted a record twenty-two new Phikeia. Co-Rush Chairmen Eli Bohémond ‘09, Thomas Campbell ‘10 and Kevin Haslam ’10 were responsible for a full rush calendar which included a trip to see the State College Spikes minor league baseball team, numerous barbeques, parties, and other fun social events. “We really got to know these guys and we made them really want to be a part of this great house.” Campbell reflected. This personal touch was evident in the time and effort the Rush Chairmen and all of the actives were willing to put into recruitment. One of the new and innovative ideas the Fall Recruitment Team implemented was a composition book of information about all of the more serious rushes. “We created a rush booklet, which was basically a photo of each prospect with pertinent information.” Bohémond explained. These booklets helped the brothers develop a personal relationship with the new rushes – something crucial in determining who will make a good brother.
Aside from taking the time to get to know the potential rushes, the Fall Rush Committee made sure there would be plenty for the potential members to do. The recruitment chairs also provided a calendar of events and maintained a list of their extensive contacts to ensure prospects knew there was always something to do at Phi Delt. Haslam recalls rush as a time of “excessive barbeques and volleyball.” Aside from functions at the house, this semester featured a trip to State College’s brand new minor league baseball stadium, named Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, where brothers Mike Bernabe and Steve Feight competed in an on-the-field fan contest. Bernabe walked away as the proud owner of a duffel bag after defeating Feight in the number of water balloons caught in a bucket.
Another important aspect of this semester’s rush is that Recruitment has become a year-round program. Some extra events included functions during the Summer Session, thanks to Colby Wesner ’08 and Henry Hillmann ’09, which secured five pledges before the Fall semester even began; and Phi Delt’s second annual participation in Welcome Week Hall-Haulers (freshman move-in day), which eventually brought in five more. The committee was also able to take advantage of a new IFC event; house tours. Recruitment during the summer was more aggressive in 2006 than in prior year. Summer Rush kicked off in June in an attempt to tap into the incoming freshman class before every other fraternity, most of which do not begin recruitment until Fall Semester begins in September. Move-ins took place during the first few days of school when the actives volunteered to go to the dorm halls in order to help move in new freshmen and spread the word about Phi Delt. House tours, an event sponsored by the Inter-Fraternity Council, consisted of brief presentations given to groups of interested freshmen as they visited multiple fraternities across campus. All in all, these new or improved rush events accounted for nearly half of the fall pledge class, providing 11 Phikeia! The committee expertly adapted to and overcame new IFC regulations, competition from other fraternities and other challenges, pulling it all off with style. This fall’s class of 22 Phikeia placed Phi Delta Theta in the top 5 of the over 50 Penn State Fraternities as far as size was concerned. Even more impressive was the ability of the Rush chairs to find quality men, as all 22 were eventually initiated into the Bond. “For a school this big, with such a large and fiercely competitive Greek System, landing 22 is amazing. There are so many options. When we come near the top of over 50 other houses, I think that says something about our program,” said Campbell. “Next year, our goal is to have the largest recruiting class at Penn State University while maintaining the standard of quality we desire in future Phis.”
Fall 2006 Phikeia Make History! After a strong recruitment, the Fall 2006 Pledge Class makes history as one of the largest pledge classes in recent times. After a long and strenuous process of recruiting new members, the Fall 2006 Recruitment Team invited potential members to smoke the cigars they received with their invitation for membership at the house after bid extension was completed. "Scott Rush ’09 and I were a little late getting back to the house that evening,” Kevin Haslam said. “We had been handing bids out to the recruits in their dorms and off-campus housing, depending on where they lived. As I drove towards the house, my phone began to ring." "YO RABBI! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Eli Bohémond’s voice cracked over the phone. "I’m driving past the house now, I’ll be there in a second." I replied and hung up. Scott nudged me, "Rabbi, look at the house." "What I saw amazed me to points I cannot even fathom to this date. There were between 30 and 40 rushes on the front steps smoking their cigars with about 20 of the brothers. I thought to myself, I sure hope this is a look into the immediate future”, Haslam finished. That it was. The result of bid night was phenomenal, as 22 young men accepted their fate to embark on the fantastic journey that is Phi Delta Theta.
The 22 young men that formed Fall 2006 were confident in themselves when it all began; however, they quickly realized it wasn’t going to be as easy as they thought. The Phikeia were given the normal workload, including study hours, duties, and helping with Homecoming. They dedicated many hours to working hard at the house, helping the brothers with various chapter activities, or proliferating the name of Phi Delta Theta. “I’d say getting everyone together at one time was the hardest thing I had to do,” Pledge President, Chris Moss reflected. “It took the longest time for all of us to get together in one place since there were so many of us, but when we were together, there was nothing that we couldn’t accomplish. It certainly provided all of us with a lesson in organization and coordination skills.”
The Phikeia of Fall 2006 were constantly demonstrating their ability as quick, efficient, and effective workers. They proved this through one of their biggest accomplishments of the Fall – decorating the house for Christmas. The men take great pride in any activity that showcases the beauty and majesty of the beloved chapter house. The decorations were an impressive sight. Brandon and Jeremy Hill ’10, pledge class House Manager apprentices, took charge of the project, even adding more to the house’s beauty, creating a virtual Christmas tree of lights strung from the flag pole.
The light display also caught the eye of the Daily Collegian. The Hill brothers, along with Rob Leo ’09 stood on the front walkway as a Collegian photographer passed by. The photographer loved the display and snapped a few pictures, placing the picture in all of its glory on the front page of the newspaper the following day. “Putting in a lot of time because you care so much can be stressful and cause bickering after long hours of work. But, all-in-all, we got the job done,” Jeremy Hill ’10 said. “I’d say one of the biggest trials was our pledge project.” The Phikeia, led by handyman Jeff Dunning ’10, were given the duty to fix up the basement and make it a more presentable place for the brothers. “It was a lot of work, but in the end, looking back on it, that project definitely made the whole experience that much better, helping us to bond and take pride knowing that what we were doing would be enjoyed by present, past, and future brothers alike.” Tim Pawloski ‘10 explained. When it was all said and done, the Phikeia completed one of the biggest steps they will take in life – completing their Pledge Period, and entering into the Bond of Pennsylvania Theta.
“Looking back over the entire process, I would say I didn't understand, until now, some of the things we had to go through and do. I wouldn’t change it. It made us better people, better men and better brothers.” Chris Moss said. “Yeah, I agree. I don’t think any other fraternity brothers on this campus have the bond we do, just because of the uniqueness of pledging this house.” Mike Reifner further explained. Now it’s time for 22 young boys to step up and become 22 great leaders. Not only do they have the potential to become great leaders in the house and on campus, but they can become great leaders in life. These men realize they cannot take this time for granted, and have vowed to learn from the opportunities Phi Delta Theta provides. They have walked away from their time as Phikeia with a sense they must make the most of every situation they encounter in life. The men of Fall 2006 and the brothers before them are completely confident all of this can happen. However, it is almost inevitable to say that this class will never forget where they came from. Chris Moss said it best… “I’ll never forget the trials and tribulations we experienced. It brought us all closer together. Just to be in this house now – I’d like to quote Rob Leo. He told me in the beginning, ‘From the outside looking in, you have no idea – but from the inside looking out, everything is crystal clear.’ Now that I’ve been through it all, I finally understand that statement. No one else can share that, and I love it.”
Spring Recruitment Team Adds to Great Progress Continuing their quest to fill the house (and then some), the actives continue recruitment through the Spring semester. In light of this Fall’s success with rush, the Spring rush committee of Kevin Haslam, Kyle Thomas, Scott Rush and James Untig decided to change gears. “This semester we chose to be more selective, relying on contacts from previous semesters to bring in some quality guys,” said Untig. With four new Phikeia, they made sure to only select guys who had the right assets to bring to the house. Like the Fall, this semester’s rush featured a variety of different events that gave brothers a time to meet and evaluate the incoming class. In addition to a Super Bowl party, there was a poker night and several smaller events. Throughout these events the actives made sure to keep that same personal contact which had characterized last semester’s success. As the weeks went on, the field was narrowed as brothers decided on which rushes to extend bids to. “Without pressure for numbers,” Kyle Thomas said, “we could be very selective this semester.” Haslam agreed, noting that this semester’s class was selected for its “potential to really benefit the house these next four years.”
For the most part, it all went smoothly – although there were some minor glitches along the way. Inclement weather caused the cancellation of a few events, and interference from General Headquarters led to a slump in the middle of rush, but once again, the talented committee managed to pull off a successful campaign. Almost as important as bringing in new Phikeia was the experience gained by the rush team. “I was able to step back and learn. I feel confident that next rush I will be able to apply my new skills,” said Thomas. The actives are already looking towards next year, where they hope to not only draw in some new members but to build upon the tradition of excellence from this year. The members of the Rush Committee also learned valuable skills and experience to help continue to make Phi Delta Theta the “Best on Burrowes” and on campus.
New Phikeia Educator has Big Plans for Spring Phikeia Nate Killough ’07 uses methods of the past, along with some new ideas, to improve the knowledge and integrity of the new pledge class. “Our ignorance of history causes us
to slander our own times.” When it comes to fraternal matters, French novelist Gustave Flaubert could not be more correct. For years, Phikeia were asked to study the history of our national fraternity, including its founding fathers and the formation of The Bond. This information is vital to joining Phi Delta Theta; however, sometimes one needs to take a step back and learn what it means to be a brother in one’s individual chapter. This is the exact mentality of the Spring 2007 Pledge Master, Nate Killough ’07. “I would like to focus more on PA Theta history – specifically the trials and triumphs that this house has been through in the recent past. A lot of the new guys don’t realize that the house was sold the semester that I became a brother. Thanks to all of the hard work of Paul Silber, Adam Dahr, Mike Bernabe and the sophomore class, we got it back. They have really turned our house around.” Killough proudly explained. Recent history is a main objective of Killough’s; however, he cannot forget some of the fraternity’s best years. “My Plan for this pledge class is to emphasize the national fraternity, but also put an emphasis on the hardships and triumphs of PA Theta. This will include classes from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and even more recent history from the 90’s and 2000’s. I want the emphasis not only on Phi Delta Theta as a whole, but this house specifically.” Killough continued. One of the ways Killough plans on carrying out his plan to inform is to have a guest lecturer once every 1 – 2 weeks, giving their perception on what it means to be a brother at PA Theta. These lectures will feature alumni from the past, recent alumni and some of the top active brothers in the house, right now. Quizzes will still be given to the Phikeia; however, they will now include questions not only on the history of the entire fraternity, but questions on active brothers, PA Theta’s history and even information from the lectures. “I’d like to highlight a stronger liaison between the Pledge President (Ricky Pitcavage ’09) and myself. Philanthropy will also be a more prominent duty during this class’s pledge process – I hope to introduce them to Robby Wu ’08 and get them involved in such events as the Red Cross Blood Drive and THON. Finally, we will be doing a lot more brother/Phikeia events in order to tighten the eventual bond that will exist between the two.” Killough explains. Blue & White Weekend will be the class’s biggest project, and they will be working very hard with the actives in order to make our alumni feel as if they’re right back at home at PA Theta! The new Phikeia are very excited to meet the Alumni during Blue & White Weekend.
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