THE 2007 THETA DELTA CHI PREAMBLE INSTITUTE
The Preamble Institute (PI) will provide undergraduate leaders within Theta Delta Chi the unique opportunity to work with other undergraduate leaders from Charges across North America during an intense three day program in Boston. PI 2007 will give participants a setting to define and improve leadership skills, to fully understand Theta Delta Chi values and ritual, and to develop values-based plans of action for their Charges. Attending brothers will leave PI with a stronger commitment to Theta Delta Chi and a strong network of fraternal peers to aid them in the future.
The history of the formation of the Preamble Institute stems from the dissolution of Regions and Regional Conventions in 2005. The 130th Grand Lodge led by PGL Bob LoParo Alpha ’87 and newly elected GSGL Adam McCready Chi Deuteron ’02, who had recently finished serving Minerva three years as a Charge Consultant, came to the decision to nurture the undergraduates’ leadership growth through a centralized leadership conference.
With a smaller International Organization and the quality and attendance of regional conferences having fallen off, the decision was made to abolish regions and unify the entire fraternity under the auspices of a one region brotherhood. With this came the problem of how to properly educate our membership on current issues and provide the proper leadership training necessary to enrich one’s Charge. Thus came the decision for the first ever Preamble Institute, Theta Delta Chi’s inaugural undergraduate leadership conference. One member from each Charge will be invited to spend a weekend in Boston and experience brotherhood in a new light. In addition, by bringing the undergraduates to the CFO, members can browse their Charge’s archives and re-connect with lost heritage, both local and internationally.
Brother McCready has worked tirelessly to develop the curriculum in what looks to be an enriching and eye opening week-end. Each member will make a deep connection to our fraternal values and network with other up-and-coming leaders from Charges around the United States and Canada. The experiences gained will empower young Theta Delts to make a difference in their Charge, their Greek Community, and throughout their lives. We have a fantastic group of Facilitators for this exciting weekend: Brian Bertges, Sigma Triton ’00, a former Charge and IFC President, Patrick Flynn Xi Deuteron’01, reigning TDX Alumni of the Year, and Rick Wood Gamma Triton ’73, a highly involved alumnus with the Educational Foundation and a great scholar of pedagogy. In addition, the keynote speaker will be Rudy Peksens Kappa ’66, a highly decorated USAF Brigadier General. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to all the dedicated alumni whose generous VG dues donations have allowed the Educational Foundation to underwrite such an exciting event.
Each Charge is limited to one participant. PI is intended for Theta Delts who will have an active leadership role in their Charges during the 2007 – 08 academic year.
