Letter to My Younger Self: Bob Cavanagh, Washington College ’00
When I graduated from college in 2001 as a member of Phi Delta Theta’s Maryland Gamma Chapter, I didn’t give much thought to the Fraternity beyond the friendships I had made during those years. Those bonds carried on, of course, and I still keep in touch with many of the brothers I shared those days with. But the Fraternity as an organization? At the time, I thought I had left it behind.
What I didn’t fully appreciate until much later was just how much Phi Delta Theta had shaped my path. My freshman year of college was tough! I was homesick, overwhelmed, and even considered dropping out. Thankfully, I was encouraged to stick it out, reminded how fortunate I was to be in college in the first place. When I returned sophomore year, I rushed Phi Delta Theta and found my people.
The camaraderie and support of my brothers carried me through the rest of my college experience. As someone with four older sisters and no biological brothers, I had always longed for that kind of brotherhood. Phi Delta Theta gave me that and more. The friendships and mentorship I found not only helped me survive those years but also laid the foundation for who I would become.
Nearly twenty-five years later, that sense of brotherhood has never faded. Life has scattered us in different directions, and I’ve lost touch with some, but the magic of Phi Delta Theta is that whenever we reconnect, it feels like no time has passed at all. That immediate connection, picking up where we left off, is something I treasure deeply.
The Fraternity has been more than social ties; it has been a lifeline. The advice, encouragement, and steady presence of brothers have helped me navigate challenges in ways I can’t imagine doing alone. For men who have never experienced fraternity life, I often wonder how they find that same level of support and camaraderie.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve found myself pulled back into fraternity life in ways I never expected. I recently began volunteering on the chapter advisory board to help reinstall New Jersey Alpha. As part of that role, I was invited to attend the General Convention, a gathering I’ve heard about but never taken seriously.
I decided, “Why not?” I had never been, and it seemed like a good opportunity to learn more. What I discovered surprised me: a vibrant, supportive, and deeply connected brotherhood that extended far beyond my chapter. Everyone I met was eager to connect, not because of business cards or résumés, but because of a simple, shared bond: we were brothers!
The Atlanta Convention in June 2025 was a revelation. I came away with new friendships, a deeper understanding of Phi Delta Theta’s reach, and a renewed sense of pride in being part of something much larger than myself. I only wish I had discovered this sooner.
Phi Delta Theta has always been there for me, even when I didn’t fully realize it. And now, nearly twenty-five years later, I find myself grateful not just for the past friendships but for the continuing opportunities to grow, serve, and connect through this extraordinary brotherhood.
Sincerely,
Bob Cavanagh
Washington College ’00
