A Short History of Phi Delta Theta and Maryland Alpha

Phi Delta Theta is one of the largest and most successful men’s fraternity in the United States.  At present, the fraternity is headquartered at Miami University in Ohio and consists of more than 190 active chapters and colonies in over 43 States and five Canadian provinces. There have been more than 310,000 men initiated in Phi Delta Theta since 1848. There are over 160,000 living alumni.  

The fraternity chapter at the University of Maryland dates to 1927 when it came into existence as Nu Sigma Omicron, a stand alone local chapter.  In 1930 the Chapter was incorporated into Phi Delta Theta under whose auspices the Chapter has operated ever since.  The national fraternity sets the terms and conditions for the operation of local chapters. Each chapter adopts by-laws consistent with the national charter.

Since its inception Maryland Alpha has been home to more than 2,300 undergraduate men.  While learning undergraduate skills, we think it important for members to also learn self-government, group discipline, athletics and reasonable social graces in an academic setting.

Maryland Alpha, through its title holding entity, owns an improved real property located at 4605 College Avenue in College Park.  Each semester thirty-one members live and take meals there and carry on fraternity operations. There is a full-time cook that provides meals for five days per week. Undergraduates are guided and mentored, but not directed, by graduate members of the chapter and are expected to conduct themselves in a mature, responsible manner.

Over the nearly 100 years of its existence, Maryland Alpha has changed and adapted as both the national fraternity and the University of Maryland have changed.  We can assure you two important things have occurred.  First, any type of discrimination has been eliminated, and the Chapter is open to membership by any male who is seeking a supplement to the educational experience in College Park.  Second, the fraternity has overcome and abolished the concept of “hazing” by older members directed toward new members prior to initiation as a “rite of passage.’  We believe the progress by all  fraternities toward the elimination of hazing has been very successful. It is important to note that Phi Delta Theta and Maryland Alpha, in particular, have been among the leaders in the anti-hazing movement among fraternities in the United States.  The new member education period now only lasts for six weeks.

Why Is Fraternity Life Important?

At its core, the fraternity, as embodied by Maryland Alpha, is a mentoring organization for the general good of the individuals and for the University of Maryland community. We, the alumni, know for certain, membership is aspirational and inspirational.

Phi Delta Theta and our Maryland Alpha Chapter’s mission is to develop relatively immature young men, just out of high school, into fairly well-developed graduating members mentally, socially and physically ready to contribute to society. The men are taught responsibility and they are also taught not to be short sighted, elitist or negative in any regard.  

We can tell you almost all of our gradutes have proceeded to a successful career in engineering, business, the professions, education, and virtually every other discipline offered by the University.  

A short list of Phi Delta Theta graduates from the University of Maryland who have made a real difference not only to their fellow students but to our society, government and military can be found on our “Hall of Fame” section of this website 

Recent Suspension and Our Plan to Return in Fall 2025

The conduct of a limited group of students, who, without proper authorization, and in violation of Chapter and University rules, led to the suspension of the entire Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta for alcohol over-consumption issues. The suspension, effective fall semester, 2023, kept the Chapter from  actively operating on campus for two years. 

One of the benefits of owning our own chapter house meant that we could board up the facility and make improvements for when we start recruitment in Fall 2025.  This includes painting the entire house, fixing small items and buying all new furniture.  This will make the house in pristine condition for when we reopen. The house has twelve bedrooms and four bathrooms.  Other perks of living in the house include:

  • Employ a live in graduate student that manages the property
  • Full-time chef and operating kitchen
  • Cleaning crew that comes three times per week
  • Dining room, study room and TV room
  • First floor living room with oriental rugs and leather furniture
  • Walking distance to campus, metro and local restaurants
  • Surrounded by all the best sororities on campus

Additional reasons to join the Maryland Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta include:

  • Active and local alumni base that supports an Alumni Mentor Program for all new members and provides internship opportunities
  • Alumni have supported numerous annual scholarships specific to our chapter equaling roughly a million-dollar endowment with the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.
  • Alumni have raised money to provide 28 scholarships for one full semester housing scholarships for the very best men in our first year of being back on campus
  • All new members will receive mandatory training and education related to hazing and substance abuse
  • Leadership development training and opportunities to bolster experience and resumes