Phi Delta Theta

Introducing our 2026 Outstanding Junior of the Year from Colorado Gamma at Colorado State University: Brother Zach McKinney!

"Phi Delta Theta has taught me that I am capable of more leadership, resilience, and personal growth than I originally believed," he says. Starting as a new member education board member, rising to Chapter President, and now serving as Colorado State's Interfraternity Council President, Zach has built a record of stepping up — and bringing others with him.

That commitment to something bigger than himself shows up in his Iron Phi journey too. Becoming an Iron Phi as a Phikeia, attending Lou Gehrig Day at San Francisco Giants stadium, and continuing to educate himself on ALS has made the Live Like Lou mission deeply personal.

"It represents something much bigger than ourselves — supporting a meaningful cause, creating real change, and spreading awareness for ALS," he shares. For Zach, the list of meaningful moments could go on forever. But his advice to others is simple: "Always rush Phi Delt."

📍 From the Bay Area, California
🔬 Biomedical Sciences major, Human Anatomy & Physiology concentration
👑 Chapter President & IFC President — Colorado State University
📋 New Member Education Board
🧑‍🏫 Peer Mentor to first-year students
🧬 Biology Tutor
🏥 Certified Nursing Assistant — Fort Collins
🏃 Marathon runner and former baseball and cross country athlete
⚔️Iron Phi — became one as a Phikeia

I give to support future leaders.

Because the Phi Delt experience has always been about more than four years of membership — it's about the man who walks out as a better version of himself.

The Phi Delta Theta Foundation exists to make sure every brother who joins Phi Delt has access to transformational leadership education; the kind that builds self-awareness, sharpens real-world skills, and prepares men for life beyond graduation.

On June 17, your chapter competes four ways:
🥇 Most dollars raised
📊 Highest donor participation rate
⚡ On-the-spot Blitz challenges throughout the day
📣 Share your Foundation impact story — tag us in a post and it counts for your chapter

Give on June 17 → phide.lt/GivingDay2026

(🧦 Gifts of $100+ receive exclusive 2026 Giving Day socks.)

Introducing our 2026 Outstanding Senior of the Year from Virginia Mu at James Madison University: Brother Caleb Williamson.

Brother Williamson didn't just join Phi Delta Theta, he helped build his chapter from the ground up. As a founding member and chapter president of Virginia Mu, he was there for every late night, every challenge, and every milestone that led to one of his most defining moments: watching his chapter receive its official charter in April.

"It was incredibly rewarding to watch all of the hard work, long nights, and dedication from our brothers come to life in under a year," he says. "Being able to celebrate that accomplishment together is something I'll never forget."

But for Caleb, building something meaningful has never been limited to the chapter room. From serving as President of Virginia Mu to TA-ing in both the Chemistry and Kinesiology departments to leading the Phi Chi Pre-medical Society, he's shown up fully at every level.

"Phi Delt has pushed me to reach outside of my comfort zone, strive for higher standards, and truly become the greatest version of myself," he shares. His advice to those who come after him is just as grounded: "Leave your chapter better than you found it."

📍 From Roanoke, Virginia
💪 Kinesiology major, Exercise Science concentration, Pre-Physical Therapy minor
👑 Founding Member & Chapter President
📋 Member of Recruitment, Risk, Pallas, and Social Committees
📚 Teaching Assistant — Chemistry & Kinesiology Departments
🩺 Social Chair, Phi Chi Pre-medical Society

Introducing our 2026 Outstanding Freshman of the Year from Missouri Beta Prime at Central Methodist University: Brother Jon Ribar!

Just one year into his college experience, Brother Jon Ribar is already making his mark — on the field, in the chapter, and across campus. For Jon, Phi Delta Theta was never just a fraternity. It was exactly the brotherhood he was looking for.

"It felt like more than just a fraternity — it felt like a brotherhood built on accountability, leadership, and lifelong friendships," he says.

From serving as Chaplain and Risk Management Chair to leading intramurals and sitting on the GPS board, Jon has thrown himself into chapter life with the same drive he brings to the baseball diamond.

"The more effort you put into your brotherhood, leadership, and relationships, the more you'll get out of it," he shares. For someone only getting started, Jon is already showing his brothers what that looks like in action.

📍 From Rogers, Arkansas
📚Psychology major
⚔️Chapter Chaplain, Risk Management Chair, and Intramural Chair
🌟 GPS Board Member
⚾ Central Methodist University Baseball Team

The Phi Delta Theta Foundation funds two of the most impactful leadership experiences available to our members: the McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference and the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute.

These programs bring Phi Delts together from chapters across the country to develop the leadership skills that define the next generation of the Fraternity. But getting brothers to these conferences can come with financial barriers, especially with the rising cost of travel.

That's where your chapter's performance in the Day of Giving Chapter Challenge comes in. Chapters that win Chapter Leadership Funds on June 17 can use that money to cover transportation costs to send their delegates to Kleberg, or direct it toward other educational programming within their chapter. That means winning on June 17 has a direct, tangible impact on the brothers in your chapter.

Here's how chapters can win:
🥇 Most dollars raised
📊 Highest donor participation rate
⚡ Blitz challenges throughout the day
📣 Share your Foundation impact story (tag us and it counts for your chapter!)

Every donor counts. Every share spreads the word. And every Chapter Leadership Fund earned puts more brothers in the room where the best leadership development in Phi Delt Nation happens.

Give on June 17: https://phide.lt/GivingDay2026

(🧦 Donors of $100+ receive exclusive 2026 Giving Day socks!)

Last week, as Major League Baseball celebrated Lou Gehrig Day, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity was proud to recognize Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl as the 2025 nominee for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. As a nominee for Phi Delta Theta’s Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, and through the support of the Live Live Like Lou Foundation, TJ was honored for his outstanding service and commitment to community impact.

The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award honors the legacy of Lou Gehrig by recognizing MLB players who demonstrate character, leadership, and service beyond the game. TJ Friedl has made a remarkable impact off the field through his work with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He regularly visits patients, engages with Make-A-Wish families, and continues to use his platform to bring joy and encouragement to children. He also supports Project 150 in Las Vegas and participates in Faith, Family, and Fastballs events, while connecting with fans through Reds events, camps, and community appearances.

During Lou Gehrig Day, representatives from Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation took the field to honor TJ’s nomination and present a scholarship for a local Reds fan affected by ALS. McKenzie Kemper, who was unable to attend the game, is a sophomore at Northern Kentucky University. During her time in college, McKenzie has endured the unexpected loss of her mother Tootie and became the primary caregiver for her father Bo following his ALS diagnosis in 2024. Despite these challenges, she returned to school with renewed purpose, aiming for a Master’s degree and advocating for those affected by ALS while balancing academics, caregiving, and personal growth.

Moments like these reflect what Lou Gehrig Day is all about—honoring Lou’s legacy and supporting families impacted by ALS. Thank you, TJ, for your leadership and service.

Introducing our 2026 Undergraduate of the Year from Texas Tau at the University of Texas at El Paso: Brother Juan Pablo Olvera!

Born and raised in Chihuahua City, Mexico, Juan Pablo decided to pursue his education in El Paso, Texas.

"Phi Delta Theta has taught me that being an international student is not a disadvantage, but an opportunity to challenge myself and grow in an unfamiliar environment," he says. "It showed me that I am capable of leading, communicating, and making an impact even in my second language — including serving as president of an entire chapter."

That leadership has shown up in every corner of his college experience — from the Career Center to the IFC, from Scholarship Chair to Chapter President. This summer, he'll be completing his third 70.3 Ironman triathlon in Ruidoso, New Mexico to help his chapter become an Iron Phi chapter.

"Being an Iron Phi represents more than just completing a physical challenge," he shares. "It reflects commitment, discipline, and the drive to push beyond limits for something greater than myself."

📍 From Chihuahua City, Mexico — studying in El Paso, Texas
📚 Industrial Engineering major, with minors in Mathematics and Finance
⚔️ Chapter President
🎓 Foundation Scholarship Recipient
🌟 Former Scholarship Chair, Social Chair, Alumni Chair & PR Chair for his chapter
📊 Fundraising Chair, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
🏃 Iron Phi
⚽ Lifelong soccer player

Did you know, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation awards more than $600,000 in scholarships every year?

This funding helps brothers across the country who need the financial support to achieve their educational goals. This past year, over 837 undergraduate brothers applied for a Phi Delta Theta Foundation scholarship. That's 150 more applications than the year before. It comes to show that today's students need this support more than ever — and that the Phi Delta Theta Foundation's work has never mattered more!

Have you received a scholarship or graduate fellowship from the Phi Delta Theta Foundation? If so, this is your chance to pay it forward for the future generations of Phis!

➡️ Your story is one of the most powerful things you can share. Whether you give financially or simply tell the world what the Foundation meant to you — tag us, share your experience, and help us show why this work matters to your peers.

🏆 On June 17 your chapter competes for the most dollars raised, highest donor participation, and on-the-spot Blitz challenges throughout the day. Every donor. Every share. Every story. It all counts for the Day of Giving Chapter Challenge.

Give or share on June 17! phide.lt/GivingDay2026

(🧦 Gifts of $100+ receive exclusive 2026 Giving Day socks!)

Introducing our 2026 Outstanding Junior of the Year from Florida Eta at Nova Southeastern University: Brother Ethan Hunter!

Ethan has a passion for education and a commitment to becoming the greatest version of himself — that's what led him to Phi Delta Theta.

"At the beginning of college, I never imagined I would achieve as much as I have today, but Phi Delt gave me opportunities to grow in ways I never expected," he says. For Ethan, that growth hasn't stayed within the chapter walls — it's shown up in research labs, classrooms, and community events across campus.

📍 Originally from Frisco, TX
🔬 Biology major in an 8-year BS/DO program
🩺 Reserved seat at NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
🧪 Teaching Assistant for Organic Chemistry & Lab Assistant for Anatomy
📚 Lead Research Assistant, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
⚔️ Chapter Philanthropy Chair and Vice President
🚀 Rising Phi

Match your gift 🤝 Match your socks. Join us on June 17 for our annual Day of Giving Chapter Challenge!

On June 17, every gift to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation will be matched, doubling your impact for our Brotherhood. As a thank-you, donors who give $100 or more will receive an exclusive pair of 2026 Day of Giving socks. 🧦

A stylish gift for your generous gift! https://phide.lt/GivingDay2026