Phi Gamma Delta

FIJI
Phi Gamma Delta
Missing image
Phi_Gamma_Delta_Crest.gif
The Crest of Phi Gamma Delta

Motto "Friendship...the Sweetest Influence"
Colors Royal Purple
Symbol White Five-Point Star within a Black Diamond
Flower Purple Clematis
Founded May 1, 1848 at Jefferson College (now Washington & Jefferson College) in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Fraternity Type Social
Scope International
Headquarters 1201 Red Mile Road
Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Chapters 119, 5 colonies
Mascot Snowy White Owl
International Homepage http://www.phigam.org


Phi Gamma Delta (commonly known as FIJI) is a collegiate social fraternity with chapters across the United States and Canada. It was founded on May 1, 1848 at Jefferson College (now Washington and Jefferson College) in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania by John Templeton McCarty, Samuel Beatty Wilson, James Elliot, Jr., Ellis Bailey Gregg, Daniel Webster Crofts, and Naaman Fletcher. These six founders are referred to as "The Immortal Six".

Phi Gamma Delta distinguishes itself by limiting the use of its Greek letters to seven specific places. Use of the Greek letters representing Phi Gamma Delta outside of these seven places is strictly barred by the fraternity. More commonly, the term "Fiji" is used when referring to the fraternity outside of these specific locations.

Phi Gamma Delta subscribes to the 5 core values that comprise the "5 points of the Star". These values are Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality, & Excellence. Fiji also stresses the hierarchy in the order of priorities for a Phi Gam: "Scholarship, Fraternity, Self". A slogan used widely within the fraternity is "...Not for College Days Alone", testifying to the deep familial bonds the fraternity aims to forge.

The vast alumni involvement (Phi Gamma Delta refers to alumni as "Graduate Brothers") within the fraternity manifests itself in its educational fund. The Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation is the largest contributor of scholarships in the fraternity 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.

There are over 140 chapters (both collegiate and alumni) and colonies across the United States and Canada. All Phi Gamma Delta chapters adhere to a strict anti-hazing policy. Phi Gamma Delta is headquarted in Lexington, KY at 1201 Red Mile Road 40544-4599. The phone number for Fiji's headquarters is (859) 255-1848; the fax number is (859) 253-0779. For more information, please visit the official website of Phi Gamma Delta: http://www.phigam.org


Famous Phi Gams include:

BUSINESS/PHILANTHROPY

CIVIL SERVICE

ENTERTAINMENT

MEDIA/LITERATURE

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY/MEDICINE

SPORTS


CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS


More famous Fijis and other historical information on Phi Gamma Delta can be obtained at this website:

http://www.phigam.org/history/index.htm

This article is a part of the WikiProject for Fraternities and Sororities. Click here to find out more.

See also: Phi Gamma Delta, 1848, Canonsburg, Clematis, Colony (fraternity), Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, May 1