What is Delta Pi?
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
I was recently asked by active brother Owen “Ozzy” Zulli to write a few words about “what Delta Pi is.” Below are my attempts. If you have a version you would like to share, you can do so in the comments below.
Let me know what you think.
Dave
351
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Short version:
Delta Pi is accidentally finding your tribe in the most outlandish and unexpected place. It’s thinking you are joining a drinking club, but realizing you found much more. It’s learning about yourself, as a part of learning about your brothers. It’s being honorable. It starts with a few weeks of challenges and ends with a lifetime of friendships. It’s men of character who will be there for their brothers for the rest of their lives.
Poetic version:
Delta Pi is more.
It’s more life.
It’s being better.
Being smarter.
Being funnier.
Being a better partner.
It’s a spice.
It’s knowing life is hard…and welcoming the challenge.
It’s real life.
It’s real people.
It’s messy.
It’s one step closer to the edge.
It’s stories that no one will believe.
Long Version:
I am 62 years old, and I’m still not sure I can answer the question of “what is Delta Pi?” I think my answer would change about every decade, so maybe that’s how to best answer it:
Up to 10 year old Dave - “fraternity” was secret clubs for rich boys who wore snazzy clothing and who were clever. Later it became that crazy place I saw when I watched Animal House. It’s young men having the times of their lives raising hell and sticking it to authority. Delta Pi is irreverent.
11 to 20 year old Dave - I was in at age 18, and realized it was in fact Animal House as anticipated…but much more. I was coming into my own at that age. Dating (mostly) pretty girls and becoming a man. Taking on my first real responsibilities to a group of people who were now my extended family. Pledging was hard, and it taught me that sometimes we have to do hard things to reap great rewards. I use that insight every day as I plot my life choices. Delta Pi is the crucible.
21 to 30 year old Dave - I got married (to a Greek girl who was out of my league who also went to Bloomsburg). Without being in Delta Pi, I would have NEVER had the confidence to approach her, or the commitment to keep her. But because of the things I learned in Delta Pi, I realized I could do anything I put my mind to. We are celebrating our 33rd anniversary this year. I start my own business. Delta Pi is believing in myself.
31 to 40 year old Dave - My kids are born in this period. Full career mode now. You would think that Delta Pi would be a distant memory at this point. However, I find myself doing almost all my socializing with brothers and other Greeks from Bloomsburg. Truth be told, a good number of my clients are brothers or referrals of brothers. I push my business forward, take risks and earn successes all on the foundation and confidence I first experienced as President of Delta Pi all those years ago. I know how to win, and it’s a good feeling that I want to be part of my daily life. Delta Pi is a tradition of excellence.
41 to 50 year old Dave - My friends all are married now and have families of their own. Some aren’t as successful as others. Occasionally, a brother might sleep on my couch for a day or two. Things don’t always go smoothly. This is the time when fraternity begins to mean “giving back”. It’s the time of scholarships and realizing good fortune, and being there for others…because you can. Delta Pi is service and honor to others without judgement.
51 to 60 year old Dave - My daughter is now Greek. She saw all our friends and the fun we had as she was growing up, and she wanted that for herself. She saw the life long support and sense of accomplishment that being Greek gave to us, and she understood the value. This is the time when Delta Pi means attending homecoming celebrations and fraternity reunions because these friends are for life, and that’s important. Delta Pi transcends generations.
60 years+ Dave - since this is the last stop for this story, and I can’t predict what I will think about Delta Pi in my 70’s and beyond, all I can say is that I know Delta Pi brothers will be the guys who carry my casket. My wife will take my brick off the shelf, and put it in my coffin as it instructs in my will.
This is Delta Pi.
“Delta Pi: ‘til ya die”. That’s who we are.