Experience has shown that alumni involvement and support are necessary to sustain a strong fraternity chapter. The fundraising and recolonization efforts reestablished the undergraduate chapter. But equally important for the future was the reconnection of the alumni body to the chapter and to each other, and a new commitment to alumni communications and fellowship events.
During the campaign many alumni supported the effort by
reaching out to their classmates. Among those
who hosted campaign-supportive Alpha Delt gatherings were James Venezia ‘78, Scott Golan ‘80, Rocco Manzo ‘86, Don French ‘53,
Seth Tomasch ‘93, Len Fecko ‘74, Steve Fleischer ‘76, Ralph Herda ’75, James
Barre ’76, Fred Carmean ’77 and Rick Jordan ’69.
In 2009, a print campaign newsletter (Many Hands, One Heart) gave way to a new alumni newsletter email
format, Star & Crescent (click here to subscribe). Homecomings gatherings have been very well
attended (view running list of consecutive-year
attendance). In addition
to the traditional Homecoming tailgate and football game, alumni have enjoyed
strong interactions with the undergrads, a sit-down dinner at the
Alpha Delta Phi International recognized
In late 2008, alumni were first invited to join the
chapter’s new Loyalty Society. The Society, established to jump start a new
tradition of annual giving among alumni, provides special recognition to those
brothers who will pledge three years of annual support to the chapter. (Learn more here, view the Loyalty Society brochure and pledge card, or make a pledge online today).
Along with proceeds from chapter operations, the Loyalty Society will be a prime source of funds to cover ongoing financial needs, which include:
- paying off the bank’s final $100,000 renovation loan (terms require repayment by 2014)
- repaying $68,000 to alumni who hold secured notes
- ancillary renovations and maintenance
- alumni communications and programming costs