This is the original proposal for a history project dated 4/18/89 by Rich Pirrotta '87 that lead to the first version of our history.

Phi Delta Theta Proposal
The History of PA Theta

I. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

To compile a history of the PA Theta chapter of Phi Delta Theta, modeled after the book “From Six at First – A history of Phi Delta Theta.”

II. OBJECTIVES

A. To provide PA Theta with a project that will enhance alumni relations and encourage active’s to develop a stronger knowledge of the house’s history.
B. To accurately record the history of the house, especially as seen through the viewpoint of alumni, during all period’s in PA Theta’s history (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, etc.), and prepare for the 100th anniversary of the chapter’s existence in 2004.
C. To provide a new project after the three-year goal of the pillar fund has been achieved, and to keep the house morale on a high level – set on achieving a major goal.
D. To provide positive public relations for the PA Theta chapter, Phi Delta Theta nationally, and the fraternity system in general.

III. BUDGET

The cost of typesetting and printing a book will be expensive, but by utilizing alumni contacts, donations, and perhaps a grant from National Headquarters, a budget can be established.

A. Select a finance committee to contact local and major publishers – determine printing costs and a corresponding price per volume.
B. Contact alumni – use the database to see how many are involved in publishing/printing or journalism related fields.

IV. TIMING

Ideally, if a copy could be presented to Phi Delta Theta for the David D Banta library at the 1992 International Convention in St Louis – we’d be in good shape. A realistic estimate would be to establish a three-year project with a presentation scheduled at the International Convention in1992.

V. BROTHERHOOD INVOLVEMENT

The support and enthusiasm of the actives and alumni, as with the Pillar Fund, would be the lifeblood of this project. A delegation of activities or committees could be as follows:

A. 10-Year Committee – Each member would research ten years worth of Phi Delt history, and compile a chapter of the book based on that time period.
B. Alumni contacts – Brothers would coordinate efforts with the 10-year committee and interview alumni who wanted to provide information or insights into the years they spent in the house.
C. Photography – research for existing photographs of past and recent history to be included in the book. Some examples, the Penn State room, National Headquarters, alumni, etc.
D. Newsletters and other chapter documents – provide the 10-year committee with vital documents portraying an accurate picture of that time period.
E. Printing/Publishing – as mentioned earlier, a group to coordinate printing of the book.
F. Finances – responsible for budget of the book.

** Note: It would probably be best to delegate each ten-year period to a group of brothers responsible for photographs, alumni contacts, documents, and editing of the material from that period.

By involving the actives, the project will give a special sense of unity to the house.

VI. DETAILS

A. Length of the book would probably be best between 160-200 pages. This would mean roughly 2 pages per year, or 20 pages of material per each ten-year committee.
B. With the chapter’s word processing capabilities, text could quickly be entered and edited.
C. The number of actives and alumni involved in the project should be minimal at the start (a core team), eventually working with all actives and alumni who are interested.

VII. NOTES

A. This project is intended to replace our efforts after the pillar project is completed. Several Phi Delt chapters have already documented their history, and have books in the library at NHQ.
B. The PR we would receive on this would be phenomenal. Think of the effect on rush if we can show a potential rushee a book detailing the history of our chapter – and then tell them to go to Pattee and check it out! This will be a history of PA Theta which would convince them that they would like to be a part of the chapter.
C. The learnings that we can gather about our own chapter would be unlimited. All will benefit as far as our house history is concerned.
D. If we do not retrieve the information we have left now, we only increase our risk of not having it later. The 60’s lost a good deal of what we knew about PA Theta – let’s document what we have now and prevent this in the future.
E. This idea stemmed from the favorable reception the Founder’s Day Dinner Speech I gave in 1987 received. I also heard some supportive comments aft the Parent’s Day speech tracing the history of the house in the 80’s back on April 1st. People are interested – especially alumni…And who knows what we could find out about the house and its past members?
F. I am more than willing to discussed this proposal with exec or the entire chapter and am also willing to do a lot of writing or editing of this book….

May I suggest “From Sixteen at First”…..

Rich S. Pirrotta 4/18/89

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