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| The Kappa Rho Colony
of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Rhode Island:
The Kappa Rho colony of Phi Ganma Delta at the University of Rhode Island was restarted by 10 men in the fall of 2004. Prior to this, the chapter’s charter as well as the fraternity’s right to exist on campus was revoked following a culmination of unfortunate events in 1999. These men took the values of Phi Gamma Delta to heart and now, after 4 pledge classes, our membership numbers 37 brothers. We strive exemplify the 5 values of Phi Gamma Delta which are Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality, and Excellence in our everyday actions. We are involved in many charitable events and give back to the community at large. We have brothers who are actively on student senate, participate in club sports teams, volunteer for the URI safe-rides program, participate in intramural sports, and every brother is involved in the every day affairs of Greek life on top of the rigors of school. We currently have 21 brothers living in the front part of the fraternity house, which is located on campus, and we hope to fill up the back half of the house in the future years. Our other brothers live either off campus or in on campus residence halls. Phi Gamma Delta has a rich and colorful history at URI. The fraternity was originally a local one at URI called Beta Phi and was started in1910. Their first house was the old Watson House, an 18th century farmhouse which was the original Watson Homestead and is now the oldest college building on campus. They lived here from 1911 to 1913. Less than three years after its founding, Beta Phi built the first fraternity house on campus and established another first by burning the mortgage on Jan. 10, 1926. The bronze plate used in this ceremony hangs on the wall in the library. Not long after Beta Phi was comfortably settled into its new home on Upper College Road, our country became involved in World War 1. 56 men of Beta Phi took an active part in the struggle and four brothers were killed or died as result of the war or service. Their names are impaneled on a bronze Roll of Honor in the wall in the library of our present home. From 1913 to 1925 extensive improvements and alterations were made to the fraternity property to maintain its value and to make it serve better the needs of the undergraduates. In May 1931 a decision was made to dispose of the house and adjacent property and various committees worked diligently on plans for a newer and better Beta Phi house. In the fall of 1932 the fraternity settled into its present and well appointed home. World War 2 served to further emphasize the contributions of our fraternities to the college effort and over 900 army assignees and 100 secretaries for the Office of Strategic Services were trained at the college. Most of the fraternity houses were used to house and feed the depleted student body and our Beta Phi house served as the memorial union during this time. Also, over 250 members of Beta Phi were in active service in World War 2 and five were killed in action or died in service. In 1950, Beta Phi petitioned the national fraternity Phi Gamma Delta for membership and was accepted. They were an active chapter at URI until 1999, when they lost their charter but are now back as a colony seeking reputation. About Phi Gamma Delta:
1) Friendship, which brings us together and is the basis
of our brotherhood. Because of it, we accomplish far more than we do
as individuals. The vast Graduate Brother involvement within the fraternity manifests itself in its educational fund. The Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation is the largest contributor of scholarships in the fraternal world. As part of its "Academic Achievement Award", those who earn a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their pledging semester receive $250.00 from the foundation. Other fellowships and grants are awarded to Fiji brothers, with significant emphasis given to the financial need and merit of the individual brother. Some interesting facts about Phi Gamma Delta
are as follows: Phi Gamma Delta has a very distinguished and notable list of graduate brothers (alumni). They have distinguished themselves within the fraternity as well as their professional careers. We present here a partial list of the “Famous Fijis” known to us for their achievements. Business: Politics and Government: Entertainment: Sports:
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