Initiation – a night in which old and new bros alike, enraptured by the induction of a new class of worthy brothers, embrace and execute traditions passed down through the PDC bloodline. The ceremonies this year were shortened slightly in comparison to last year due to time constraints, but each bro was tested on their commitment and faithfulness to the PDC name. Bigs and littles bought food for one another as a final representation of the bond they shared during the pledging season. Each pledge had to go through three rooms prior to the final induction – in each room, they were tested on their commitment to and faith in their brothers guiding them down the right path. It was a fitting demonstration that emphasizes the motto of Phi Delta Chi – Each Needs the Help of the Other. The night concluded with a formal meeting in which the rituals of PDC were taught to each pledge by their big. It was a wonderful sight to see such a large group of fresh-faced new brothers, ready to take on UIC CoP. The traditions and rituals introduced to the new class of brothers will continue to be passed down through the ages, as will the spirit of brotherhood embodied by them.
- Declan Tuffy, AE 1486
The books are a fun way for pledges to get to know the current brothers and vice versa. This year, brothers were asked to turn in a series of unique facts about themselves for the pledges to guess who the facts belong to in order to get a brother's signature for their book. This gave the pledges an opportunity to meet all the brothers during the pledging process in order to collect signatures for all of the facts. The books are a great way to allow both pledges and brothers to step out of their comfort zones in order to meet one another, which is a very valuable life skill. Getting to know each other through the books is a stepping stone to developing a stronger sense of brotherhood in the future.
- Mike Jones, AE 1466
The Opening Act
Initiation
Books
BEHIND THE SCENES
INITIATION