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Michigan Alpha Centennial 1964

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    The Centennial Celebration 1964 jointly hosted by the Michigan Alpha Alumni Association and active chapter.

Homecoming 2013

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    Homecoming 2013 at 1437 Washtenaw.

Harmon BBQ 2013

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    BBQ at the chapter house to honor Tom Harmon '41.

Homecoming 2012

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    BBQ revives tradition attracting strong alumni attendance.

Mud Bowl

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    A PHOTO HISTORY OF THE MUD BOWL 1934 to 1997 ~ MICHIGAN'S GREATEST FRATERNITY ATHLETIC RIVALRY During the fall of 1934, Phi Delta Theta (PDT) active member E. Reed Low '37 challenged the "house across the street" (Sigma Alpha Epsilon -- SAE) to a friendly game of "touch" football on the morning of Homecoming in a little used valley in their side yard along South University. Low is considered the founder of the Mud Bowl. The men of PDT and SAE fought a close match which SAE narrowly won 8 - 6. Given the intense rivalry between the two fraternities which were located only a couple hundred feet apart, it was decided that the Mud Bowl would be an annual event. The Mud Bowl became a revered Homecoming tradition as PDT and SAE fiercely battled each year for nothing more than pride. In the early years, the game essentially was a rough intramural football match played on a field that was wetter and shorter than regulation. As the annual contest matured, it was decided that the challenge and entertainment value of the game could be enhanced by tilling the ground and flooding the field. Eventually, the Ann Arbor Fire Department contributed to making the mayhem on the field even more muddy by pouring approximately 10,000 gallons of water into the valley shortly before the game. By kickoff of games played in the 1970s through the 1990s, it was not uncommon for the mud to be more than one foot deep with water covering the west end of the "field." The PDT-SAE rivalry series in the Mud Bowled ended in 1997 after the 60th game between the two fraternities was played. The records about these 60 games are a combination of fact and myth, but no one disputes that this was the greatest fraternity athletic rivalry in the State of Michigan if not the entire nation. The Mud Bowl grew into such a spectacle that crowds numbering in the thousands showed up each year to witness the game. The game attracted coverage by Sports Illustrated, ESPN, ABC Sports as well as campus, Ann Arbor and Detroit media. The Mud Bowl became so popular that national brewing companies -- at first Stroh's, and then Miller -- sponsored the event. Of course, some people have speculated that the presence of sororities playing football, or speedball in some years, during the half-time may have garnered most of the great public interest in the event. Nonetheless the athleticism and intensity of the PDT-SAE matchups proved to be very entertaining for the fans. While the exact win-loss tally is subject to dispute, it is believed that PDT rightly boasts a few more victories in the series than SAE. Given that SAE hand picked the referees for each Mud Bowl, a PDT victory typically required overcoming the opposing players plus the men in stripes. For this reason, PDT's hard fought "losses" remain as much a source of pride as its many victories. If you have pictures or memories of the Mud Bowl to share with the Alumni Association's Heritage Project, please contact us at [email protected].

« December 2013 | Main | February 2014 »

Michigan Alpha Initiates 21, Total Active Membership at 90 Men

Highest Total Active Membership Since the 1990s

PDT MA 2013 fall pledges house activated 2014 January 29

[Posted January 30, 2014]  On the night of January 29, Michigan Alpha activated the 21 member 2013 Fall Pledge Class during a formal initiation ceremony at 1437 Washtenaw. The signing of the Bond of Phi Delta Theta (PDT) by these new brothers brings the total active chapter membership to 90 men.

This is the largest active chapter roster since the 1990s, and a higher amount than the long-term annual membership average.  The activation of this class increases the total number of men initiated in Michigan Alpha since its founding to 2,073 (the current High Bond Number).

Building the Fraternity While Maintaining High Standards

More than 250 men visited or contacted the PDT during Fall Rush. Active chapter leaders have reported that the number of rushees visiting Michigan Alpha has steadily increased during the last several rush cycles.

They attributed the rising interest in the fraternity to aggressive recruitment efforts by the active members as well as increased awareness on campus about PDT's reputation for positive achievement and strong brotherhood. The great condition of Michigan Alpha's historic chapter house has also been an important contributing factor for rush success.

Being mindful of Michigan Alpha's tradition of selectivity and desire not to be so large that the active membership's fraternity experience is diminished by crowding the chapter house, fewer opportunities for participation in activities, being unable to get to know everyone, etc.., bids were extended to fewer than 15% of the rushees.

Ultimately, 21 men completed the pledge education program which emphasizes learning the history and values of the fraternity while building brotherhood. Michigan Alpha fully complies with the PDT General Headquarters' policies for conducting a positive pledge experience. As a result, new initiates are immediately encouraged to play key roles in the leadership of the chapter and live in the house during their sophomore year.

The large size and high quality of the 2013 Fall Pledge Class bodes well for the future of Michigan Alpha. These men are expected to comprise the vast majority of an expected 28 actives living in the chapter house during the 2013-2014 school year.  The diversity and high motivation of this class will undoubtedly produce dynamic leaders who will build on the solid foundation of the fraternity that they inherit.  

Alumni Support Can Accelerate Rush 

While rush is rightly the main responsibility of the active chapter, Michigan Alpha alums can help to keep the rush momentum going in two ways.

First and foremost, alums are strongly encouraged to provide recommendations for prospective rushees. There were two legacies in the most recent pledge class which continues Michigan Alpha's long tradition of making the fraternity a family experience. If you know of a man who is attending, or will be attending, U of M and believe he may have an interest in fraternity rush, please contact the Alumni Association at [email protected]

Second, alums' contributions to the Annual Fund managed by the Alumni Association are critically important to maintaining and improving the living experience in the chapter house. Any alum who has contributed to the Annual Fund can take pride in knowing that he has helped to make the now 110 year old "Red Brick Barn" attractive to a new generation of Phis.


Roster of the New Initiates of the 2013 Fall Pledge Class:

Peter Andrew Borowsky '17, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dalton Lee Dondero '17, Romeo, Michigan
Maxwell Sergio Gomez '17, Birmingham, Michigan
Samuel Hunter Gomez '17, Birmingham, Michigan
David William Granadier '17, Birmingham, Michigan
Kevin Patrick Kelly '17, Park Ridge, IL
Andrew David Lehr '17, Philadelphia, PA
Patrick O'Brien Lelich '17, Minneapolis, MN
Collin Jeffrey Macdonald '17, Omaha, NE
Devin Patrick McDonald '17, Woodbridge, VA
Frank Andrew Morton '17, Denver, CO
Chris Lee Naubert '17, Livonia, Michigan
John Thomas Orban '17, Joliet, IL
Joshua Peter Redlinger '17, Brighton, Michigan
Reid Fulton Rossberger '17, Cedar Rapids, IA
Jacob Cole Schreiman '17, Fairfax, VA
Greyson Paul Schultz '17, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jake Michael Sprintz '17, Nashville, TN
Eric Tang, Northville '17, Michigan
Charles Cameron Taylor '17, Tulsa, OK
William Sergeant Watkins '17, Asheville, NC

 

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