Opening Doors for First-Generation Students
The Phi Delta Theta Foundation is proud to announce the first round of 2026 recipients of the First-Generation Student Scholarship, recognizing undergraduate members who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year college degree. These outstanding brothers represent the determination, resilience, and promise that inspired the creation of this program.
2026 Round 1: First-Generation Student Scholarship Recipients
Sebastian Cabrera, California Xi
Bryan Cordero, Texas Kappa
Brant Dees, Virginia Kappa
Joshua Delgado, California Upsilon
Rene Ibarra-Lujan, Indiana Beta
Ginikachi Ike, Connecticut Gamma
Matthew J. Luna, Oklahoma Epsilon
Luke Mackey, Oklahoma Epsilon
Zachary Madrigal, Wisconsin Zeta
Adrian Perez, California Upsilon
Daniel Ramos, California Rho
Carlos Reyes, Georgia Delta
Jeremiah Richardson, Pennsylvania Omicron
Robera Tadesse, North Dakota Beta
Isaac Zheng, Massachusetts Eta
A Program Rooted in Commitment
The First-Generation Student Scholarship was launched in December 2021 as a commitment by the Phi Delta Theta Foundation’s Board of Trustees to expand access to higher education for undergraduate members. Since awarding its first scholarships, the program has grown into one of the Foundation’s most impactful initiatives.
To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million through the First-Generation Student Scholarship program. The Foundation remains fully committed to awarding scholarships this year and beyond. This commitment is a cornerstone of Campaign 2030, which aims to raise $6.4 million to sustain and grow support for first-generation members.
Growing Support Across Phi Delt Nation
Several restricted first-generation scholarships have been established to support members connected to specific chapters, experiences, or donor initiatives, including:
A scholarship honoring Stephen M. Bloomer, Monmouth ’83, supporting first-generation members who have served in the military.
Chapter-supported scholarships benefiting members from Indiana Gamma (Butler University), Illinois Alpha (Northwestern University), North Carolina Beta (UNC Chapel Hill), Pennsylvania Mu (Widener University), Pennsylvania Theta (Penn State), Tennessee Zeta (Belmont), and Texas Gamma (Southwestern).
The Norcross Family First-Generation Scholarship supports eligible members across Phi Delt Nation.
Eligibility and Application Information
Applicants must be first-generation college students, initiated on or after July 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2026, in myPhiDelt, and before the end of a member’s first academic year of membership.
A Lasting Impact
Through Campaign 2030 and the generosity of donors, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation continues to open doors for members, forging a new academic path, strengthening the future of Phi Delta Theta.
