Donor Profile – Cory Lagerstrom
Giving Tuesday is a perfect time for a Brother of Phi Delta Theta to make his first gift to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation. Today, your contribution can be matched to double your impact and help the Foundation defend its Champion title in the Interfraternal Giving Tuesday Challenge. For Cory Lagerstrom, Kansas ’94, a longtime Fraternity volunteer and champion of Kansas Alpha and Phi Delta Theta, today felt like the perfect opportunity to make his first gift to the Foundation and inspire others to give as well.
Why Now?
When reflecting on his first-time gift to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, Lagerstrom shared, “I am a strong supporter of the Kansas Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta. However, the fraternity spans beyond just Kansas Alpha and I want not only the chapter to succeed but the greater Fraternity to succeed as well!” Across nearly 200 campuses in North America, Phi Delts are united in the Bond, and Cory saw Giving Tuesday as a moment to elevate the entire organization.
A Family Legacy
Cory’s son, David Lagerstrom, Kansas ’26, is a current member of Kansas Alpha. David has joined Brothers from across North America at hallmark leadership experiences including the 2023 Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute in Oxford, Ohio and last year’s McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. These programs remain the flagship of Phi Delta Theta’s in-person leadership development efforts, made possible through generous support of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.
As both a Phi and father of a Phi, Cory regularly speaks to Phikeia classes’ parents. In these countless conversations, his message is consistent. He wants parents to understand the significance of what their sons are joining.
“When your son goes to college, they join a very large campus community. Phi Delta Theta creates a smaller community in which your son gains lifelong friendships and a support structure beyond a lecture hall or dorm floor.” He goes on to challenge parents to encourage their sons to embrace their membership to covet the lifelong lessons independent from their collegiate studies.
Brotherhood Meets Business
A pillar in the greater Kansas City business community, Cory reflects on how Phi Delta Theta shaped his professional life. “The Fraternity greatly impacted my professional life. I think back to when I was just starting out, I was able to get many a meeting because of the Phi Delt network. Being in business or in contact with a fellow Phi, you will get the benefit of the doubt.”
He adds that the network’s reach remains powerful no matter where your career takes you. “I would have no problems calling on a fellow Phi for help.”
Giving Back
While today marks Cory’s first gift to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, his commitment to Phi Delta Theta spans years of volunteer service and steadfast support of local chapter efforts. When asked what advice he would offer a Brother considering making his first gift, Cory shared, “As I mentioned earlier, local chapters would not exist without the bedrock of Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters. While I am loyal to Kansas Alpha, the organization has to be supported by the General Fraternity and that is why I am giving this gift.”
Cory’s commitment reflects what it means to live the values of Phi Delta Theta by showing up for one another and investing in the success of all Brothers. His Giving Tuesday gift is a reminder that the strength of the Fraternity comes shared purpose. Today, every Brother has the chance to join Cory in strengthening the Bond and supporting the programs that shape future generations of Phis.
