Phi Delta Theta Kicks off 2026 with Annual McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference
The 2026 McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference brought together 205 dynamic student leaders from across the country, all embarking on the journey of serving as their chapter’s president or recruitment chairman. With a focus on resilience and leadership under pressure, this year’s conference provided attendees with tools, insights, and inspiration to thrive in one of the Fraternity’s most demanding roles.
Building Resilience
Leading a chapter comes with its share of challenges, and the conference aimed to prepare presidents for the mental and emotional demands of their position. Through interactive workshops and small group discussions, attendees explored strategies for maintaining balance, fostering personal well-being, and guiding their chapters with confidence. Sessions emphasized practical approaches to managing stress and overcoming obstacles, ensuring that each president left with actionable takeaways to apply back home.
Insightful Keynote Speakers
The keynote presentations were a highlight of the conference, addressing topics such as ethical leadership, managing behaviors within the chapter, and translating the skills learned as president into future career success.
Opening Session – Nat J. Love, Michigan ’81
General Council President Nat J. Love, Michigan ’81, opened the conference with words of wisdom centered on Guard Against Elation—reminding chapter presidents that while success is worth celebrating, it should never lead to complacency. He encouraged students to make the most of the McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference by continuously striving to do more and using their momentum to drive sustainable growth as they prepare for their new role as chapter presidents.
Be a Leader You Would Follow – Corey Ciocchetti, Colorado State
Corey’s most popular keynote on ethics encourages audiences to chase the truly important things in life such as a solid character, strong personal relationships and a sense of contentment. These “real rabbits” are compared and contrasted to more fleeting worldly success such as excessive wealth, popularity, and prestige. Audience members left with a better sense of what it takes to develop integrity, set priorities, gain a big-picture perspective, and chase an authentic life.
To Do What Ought to Be Done: CEO-Level Responsibility – Marc Mores, Iowa State ’95
Marc’s session tackled the complex challenges presidents may face when enforcing the standards outlined in The Code and Phi Delta Theta’s Risk Management policies. He emphasized the importance of maintaining accountability and integrity while navigating difficult decisions, highlighting the potential consequences of turning a blind eye. Drawing on his expertise as the executive vice president of Favor & Company and leader of the Fraternal Health & Safety Initiative, Marc provided actionable strategies to position chapters for success while safeguarding the well-being of brothers and the fraternity as a whole.
Turning Tragedy Into Progress – Panel Discussion
This session centered on the devastating results of hazing through the story of Max Gruver and the continued fight of his family to end hazing. Although Rae Ann and Stephen Gruver were unable to attend McKenzie, the session pivoted to honor Max’s legacy by sharing the Gruvers’ story through video and a facilitated panel discussion.
Max, described by his parents as a “gentle giant,” was a sports fanatic and aspiring journalist whose life was tragically cut short just weeks into his first semester at LSU after being forced to consume 190-proof alcohol during a hazing activity. In the years since, the Gruvers have founded the Max Gruver Foundation, helped pass the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, and received the 2019 Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Award.
Following the video, a panel discussed Phi Delta Theta’s responsibility to share Max’s story, enforce risk management policies, and empower chapter presidents to take action—emphasizing accountability, culture, and the obligation to live out the Fraternity’s values in order to truly end hazing.
Leadership Lessons from Phi Delta Theta – David A. Miller, Texas Tech ’71
The Phi Delt Leadership Forum offers undergraduates the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished leaders who embody a lifetime of leadership. During this session, David A. Miller, Texas Tech ’71, shared practical leadership lessons focused on building genuine relationships and creating systems that drive long-term success, challenging participants to think intentionally about how they lead both now and in the future.
New Program Announcement: Rising Phi
Announced at McKenzie and inspired by Brother Neil Armstrong, Purdue ’55, the first man to walk on the moon, Rising Phi challenges undergraduates to take their own “giant leap” during their college years. Through a guided journey of milestones and achievements, the program helps members strengthen their leadership, character, and career readiness while building a lasting connection to the Fraternity and its values.
Rising Phi challenges members to complete 20 of 24 established milestones ranging from chapter leadership and fraternity engagement to campus involvement, philanthropy, and career development. Each milestone reinforces Phi Delta Theta’s Cardinal Principles and prepares members for life beyond college, ensuring they graduate not only as stronger Phis but as well-rounded leaders.
By completing the journey, Rising Phis distinguish themselves among the best of Phi Delta Theta—undergraduate leaders who are the most engaged, dedicated, and inspiring brothers within the Fraternity.
Empowering Future Leaders
A standout feature of the McKenzie Presidents Leadership Conference is its forward-thinking approach, equipping attendees with skills that extend beyond their fraternity experience. From effective communication to crisis management, the conference emphasized the real-world applications of leadership training, preparing presidents to excel in their future endeavors.
Recruitment Track
Last year, we expanded the McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference to include the Recruitment Track, an opportunity for newly-elected recruitment chairmen to gain experience in marketing the Fraternity and learn to form genuine connections with potential new members. This education was led by the General Headquarters Growth and People team.
Designed to equip chapter recruitment leaders with practical strategies, personalized planning support, and communication tools to confidently attract and connect with potential new members, participants left with actionable tactics to strengthen year-round recruitment and elevate the Phi Delta Theta experience on their campus.
General Sessions Included:
- The Changing College Landscape and the Value of Fraternities – Moe Stephens, Past President of the General Council and Survey Commission Member
- Recruitment is NOT a One-Man Job – Brian Lyke, Director of Expansion
- The Blue Ocean – Jim Rosencrans, Vice President of Growth and People
- Creating a Welcoming Recruitment – Austin Deray, Diversity and Inclusion Commissioner
- Sell Me This – Michael Boulter, Survey Commissioner
- Transmitting the Fraternity – Dr. Charley Pride, Past President of the General Council and Survey Commission Member
Feedback and Looking Ahead
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive 98.2% of participants recommending the conference for future presidents. This resounding endorsement underscores the value of the McKenzie Presidents Leadership Conference as an essential part of the leadership journey within Phi Delta Theta.
As we look toward the next conference, we’re inspired by the dedication and potential of this year’s attendees. Their commitment to excellence and growth will undoubtedly shape the future of their chapters and the broader fraternity community. Here’s to another year of empowering our presidents to lead with resilience and purpose!
