DePauw and Wabash Phi Delta Theta Chapters Raise Money and Awareness for ALS
Members of Phi Delta Theta’s Indiana Zeta Chapter at DePauw and Indiana Beta at Wabash continued a meaningful tradition ahead of the 131st Monon Bell football game on November 15, 2025. Prior to kickoff, brothers from both chapters presented the ceremonial game ball to officials—a culminating moment following a relay between the two campuses to raise awareness and funds for the Fraternity’s philanthropic partner, the Live Like Lou Foundation.
“The idea is to raise both awareness and funds for our International Fraternity’s charity the Live Like Lou Foundation,” said DePauw chapter President Jim McMurray, DePauw ’26. “In addition, it helps to set a tone for the respect we have for the event and the competition.”
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. As many as 30,000 Americans are currently affected by ALS. Phi Delta Theta brother, and baseball legend, Lou Gehrig tragically passed away from the disease in 1941.
The Monon Bell football game, first held in 1890, is staged annually between Wabash and DePauw. The trophy is an old locomotive bell donated by the Monon Railroad Line which once had service between the two cities.
“This is the thirteenth consecutive year for the event,” shared Alumni Adviser Andrew Miller, DePauw ’13. “This year, we’ll eclipse $80,000 in cumulative donations toward ALS research. We are grateful to host Wabash and DePauw’s athletic director Stevie Baker-Watson for her support of this very positive event.”
DePauw won the fourth consecutive Bell game 41-20 and is headed to the NCAA tournament November 29.
Brothers from both chapters have regularly been team members on both sides of the ball. Notably, Campbell Trophy nominee Robbby Ballentine plays for DePauw led by head coach Brett Dietz, ’04 ,a proud Hanover alumnus.
Those interested in learning more about ALS or wishing to donate to the may visit livelikelou.org
