Phi Delta Theta Foundation 2024 Impact and Accomplishments
The Phi Delta Theta Foundation supports every chapter and every Phi through the world-class Pursuit of Greatness educational program. In addition, the Foundation also gives out gives out more than $600,000 in scholarships annually. As we look ahead to the second half of Campaign 2030: A Greater Version for Tomorrow, our priorities center around increasing the number of students at our in-person programs and the number of scholarships available to Phi Delt Nation to help offset the rising cost of education.
Phi Delta Theta Foundation Breaks Records in a Historic Year of Fundraising
Your ongoing generosity strengthens the Fraternity, enabling Phi Delta Theta to support even more programs for our members.
The Phi Delta Theta Foundation has achieved an unprecedented milestone, a record Phi Delt Fund year while awarding over $1 million. This oustanding achievement underscores the dedication of our alumni, friends, and supporters in advancing the Foundation’s mission of fostering leadership, scholarship, and lifelong brotherhood.
A Historic Donation
In an impactful beginning to the year, the Foundation received its third seven-figure donation from a living donor and the fourth in its history. Shirley and Mark Craig, Colorado State ’71, (pictured above) made this transformational gift, further solidifying the Foundation’s ability to provide scholarships, leadership development programs, and resources for its members.
A Record-Breaking Giving Day
The 2024 Giving Day was the largest in the Foundation’s history, driven by remarkable participation across chapters and divisions. Alumni engagement reached new heights, and the competition among chapters resulted in significant leadership fund awards.
Interfraternal Giving Tuesday Champions
For the second consecutive year, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation has proudly retained the title of Interfraternal Giving Tuesday Champion. The Foundation’s efforts outpaced other prominent fraternities, including PIKE, Sigma Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Alpha Gamma Rho. This victory highlights the strength of our brotherhood and the unwavering commitment of Phi Delt alumni to supporting the mission of the Foundation.
A Vision for the Future
This record-breaking year is more than just a celebration of the past—it’s a launchpad for the future. In 2024, the Foundation had its most significant impact year yet, awarding more in scholarships and grant dollars than ever before. With the incredible momentum generated by this year’s fundraising success, we look forward to 2025 being another record year of support for our students.
As we reflect on this historic achievement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every donor, alumnus, and supporter who contributed to this year’s success. Together, we are building a brighter future for our members, our chapters, and the communities we serve.
Accomplishments for 2024
By the Numbers
Campaign 2030 Progress
$1.7 Million Educational Dollars Granted
Record-Breaking Amount of Scholarships Awarded
The Phi Delta Theta Foundation aims to support every chapter and every Phi possible. Over the past twenty-five years, its reach has grown dramatically. Like most organizations, it experienced a setback during the 2008 recession; however, thanks to the diligence of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation Board of Trustees, the Foundation continued awarding scholarships. Today, the Foundation gives out $600,000 annually to more chapters than ever. As we look ahead to the second half of Campaign 2030: A Greater Version for Tomorrow, we’re proud of our success during the first five years of the campaign and now turn our attention to increasing the number of scholarships available to Phi Delt nation to help offset the rising cost of education.
Scholarship Student Profiles
“With less worry placed on finances, I was able to be a part of our executive board last year as philanthropy chair, as well as joining a school competition for my major where we compete against other schools.
Overall, these scholarships have allowed me to direct my attention to activities I want to pursue, both for the experience and for my resume, while not worrying about finances.”
Sebastian E. Lopez Cal Poly ’25
“Receiving a scholarship has been extremely impactful on myself and my family. Any sort of support on tuition makes a difference when it comes to funding my education. I feel lucky to have been chosen as a recipient and can’t thank the donors or Phi Delt enough for the positive impact they have had on me. I hope to see members in my chapter benefit the same way I have from this scholarship and continue to demonstrate what it means to be a Phi.”
Noah Schweitzer CU Boulder ’25
“From the high price of college tuition to living expenses to less realized tools like a computer or books; These scholarships have not only helped me, but also my family as I continue to embark on this great college journey. Also with being a first generation student, the Fraternity has been a great resource from tips and tricks to even big brothers helping me map out college since I was a freshman. I am truly thankful for all of the scholarships and blessings that I have received in order to continue reaching and surpassing my educational goals.”
Shanon Jackson II Akron ’26
Breaking Barriers: The Impact of Phi Delta Theta’s First-Generation Student Scholarship
For many first-generation college students, the journey through higher education is filled with ambition, hard work, and financial challenges. Coleton Brice Geibel, a student at the Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business, embodies this spirit as he pursues a degree in accounting while balancing leadership roles and community involvement. Thanks to the generosity of Phi Delta Theta’s First-Generation Student Scholarship, Coleton is one step closer to achieving his academic and professional dreams.
A dedicated student and leader, Coleton is actively involved in the Penn State Society of Accountants and VITA, a student-run organization that provides free tax preparation services and financial literacy education to low-income individuals. Beyond his academic commitments, he is also playing a pivotal role in rebuilding the Pennsylvania Theta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta, reinforcing the fraternity’s values of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude.
“I have high aspirations of being a leader, entrepreneur, and a man of upstanding values,” Coleton shares. “This scholarship has helped relieve financial stress, allowing me to focus on my education, leadership roles, and the dream of one day owning my own gym—a place built on strength, growth, and a positive mental attitude.”
“This scholarship has helped relieve financial stress, allowing me to focus on my education, leadership roles, and the dream of one day owning my own gym—a place built on strength, growth, and a positive mental attitude.”
Coleton B. Geibel
Penn State ’26
For Coleton and his family, this scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the support of the Phi Delta Theta brotherhood.
“One motto I carry with me, passed down from my grandfather, is that nothing is given, but earned,” Coleton reflects. “I am proud to have earned this scholarship, and even more proud to call myself a Phi.”
Phi Delta Theta’s First-Generation Student Scholarship ensures that ambitious young men like Coleton have the support they need to break barriers, pursue their dreams, and make a lasting impact—both in their communities and within the fraternity.
Your support fuels the success of first-generation students. Join us in making a difference today.
Celebrating a Year of Record-Breaking Impact
Dear Brothers and Friends,
There are years that move the needle, and then there are years that redefine what’s possible. Thanks to your belief in the mission of Phi Delta Theta and your unwavering support of the Foundation, 2024 was a truly historic year. Together, we achieved more, gave more, and impacted more students and chapters than ever before in our history.
We awarded the largest amount of scholarship and grant support in the Foundation’s lifetime, a powerful statement about the role our brotherhood plays in building access and opportunity. Whether it was easing the financial burden of tuition or helping fund educational experiences that shape young leaders, your generosity made a difference where it mattered most.
On Giving Tuesday, Phi Delta Theta once again led the fraternal world, claiming the title of Interfraternal Giving Champion for the second year in a row. It wasn’t just a win—it was a reflection of the pride, unity, and ambition that define our brotherhood. Hundreds of alumni, undergraduates, and friends joined together to show that Phi Delts don’t just talk about impact, we deliver it.
These milestones weren’t achieved by accident. They were the result of a growing, energized community of brothers who believe that our values—Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude—deserve to be lived out, scaled up, and passed on.
As you explore the stories and achievements in this year’s report, I hope you feel the same sense of pride that we do. Because every dollar raised, every scholarship awarded, every leadership opportunity funded—it all began with you.
Thank you for investing in the future of Phi Delta Theta. Let’s carry this momentum forward as we continue
Gratefully, Yours in the Bond,
Sean S. Wagner, President
