Phi Delta Theta Initiates Its 300,000th Member
In its 178-year history, the Fraternity passed another major milestone; on March 20, 2026, Pennsylvania Theta’s Griffin Hays, Penn State ’29, became Phi Delta Theta’s 300,000th member. Please help us welcome him and all the new 2025–26 initiates into the Bond!
How does it feel to be the 300,000th initiate?
I am super honored to be the 300,000th member of Phi Delta Theta. This is a huge achievement for our organization as a whole. I think this goes to show the impact this Fraternity has had on many young men just like me.
What drew you to Phi Delta Theta? What made you want to join?
What initially drew me to Phi Delta Theta was a friend from high school who had joined the year before. He had invited me to come visit the brothers, get to know them, and see if I would be interested in joining. When deciding whether to join, I reflected on my time with the brothers and saw some genuinely good men looking to better themselves in any way they could. This was a group I wanted to be a part of.
How would you define brotherhood—and has that definition shifted at all since you joined?
As a multi-sport athlete playing football and wrestling, brotherhood had always meant to me a collective group of men working together to better themselves. As a Phikeia, I learned the difference between an acquaintance and a brother: a brother is not just someone you share experiences with, but someone who holds you accountable and pushes you toward your goals as you do the same for them.
What skills, experiences, or relationships are you hoping to gain through Phi Delta Theta?
Through Phi Delta Theta, I hope to develop stronger leadership and communication skills. I want to build bonds with my brothers that will surpass college and carry on into both my professional and personal life.
What are your short-term and long-term goals—where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
In the short term, my goal is to do well academically, become more involved on campus, and continue developing my leadership abilities. In the long term, I hope to build a successful career in business and establish strong professional and personal relationships. In five to ten years, I see myself working in a meaningful career, continuing to grow professionally, and staying connected with the people and organizations that helped shape me during college, including Phi Delta Theta.
Is there already a brother who has inspired or encouraged you?
I would say that although I have had many brothers influence or encourage me, the greatest role model I’ve had was my Phikeia educator, Joshua Kiss. I have seen the way he carries and presents himself to others, as well as how he has led by example throughout my Phikeia journey.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Phi Delta Theta?
I would say focus on the values and the people rather than just the social aspects. Take the time to understand the type of people and whether this is where you see yourself succeeding the most.
Joining a fraternity is a lifelong commitment. Even this early on, how do you think about keeping Phi Delta Theta in your life beyond college?
I view being a brother in Phi Delta Theta as something much more than a part of the college experience. In my opinion, it is a part of building lifelong friendships, professional connections, and an enduring commitment to our Fraternity’s values.
