Phi Beta Delta () was a
college social fraternity in the United States founded at
Columbia University on . In 1941 the fraternity merged with
Pi Lambda Phi.
There were eight founders:
Null would go on to become a NY State Appellate Judge, serving in that role from 1943-'49
The Founders stated, "Its purpose is to inculcate among its membership a fine spirit of loyalty, activity and scholarship toward their Alma Mater, to develop the highest ideals of conduct and to promote a close fraternal bond through means of carefully selected associates."
[Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities, 14th Edition, 1940.]
While entering the ranks of national fraternities somewhat later than its national peers, the organization quickly grew with chapters quickly formed at a number of eastern schools.
In 1934, Phi Beta Delta absorbed the
UPenn
The University of Pennsylvania (also known as Penn or UPenn) is a Private university, private research university in Philadelphia. It is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and is ranked among the highest- ...
chapter of
Omicron Alpha Tau
Omicron Alpha Tau () was an historically Jewish fraternity founded in 1912. It merged with Tau Delta Phi in 1934.
History
Omicron Alpha Tau was founded at Cornell University in the Spring of 1912. No intention at this time was made to forming a G ...
, a smaller Jewish fraternity that was dispersing that year. This group either merged with the existing Phi Beta Delta chapter on the campus, or re-established it. Four of 's other chapters went to
Tau Delta Phi.
Phi Beta Delta effectively merged into
Pi Lambda Phi on February 1, 1941. Baird's (19th ed.) notes the merger documents were signed on . At the time, Pi Lambda Phi had 20 active chapters and Phi Beta Delta had 16. Considering duplications, the combined post-merger fraternity had a net of 33 chapters. All members and alumni of Phi Beta Delta were admitted into Pi Lambda Phi.
Symbols and traditions
The badge was diamond-shaped, and edged with 20 pearls. Across the center it displayed the Greek letters , , and in gold on a blue background. Above the letters was a five-pointed star, and below were two crossed keys.
The colors of the Fraternity were blue and gold.
The flower was the Hyacinth.
Chapters
Chapters of Phi Beta Delta included the following, listed in the order of formation. Those noted in bold were active at the time of the merger, those in ''italics'' were dormant at the time of the merger:
[ The main archive URL i]
The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage
Notes
See also
*
List of Jewish fraternities and sororities
*
Beta Sigma Rho
*
Beta Sigma Tau
Beta Sigma Tau () was a social fraternity founded at Roosevelt University in . In , most of its active chapters were absorbed into Pi Lambda Phi fraternity.
Beta Sigma Tau was known for being a fraternity "open to all Races and Religions".
Histo ...
*
Pi Lambda Phi
References
External links
Guide to the University of Chicago Phi Beta Delta Records 1925-1935at th
University of Chicago Special Collections Research Center
{{North American Interfraternity Conference
Fraternities and sororities in the United States
Pi Lambda Phi
Student organizations established in 1912
Defunct former members of the North American Interfraternity Conference
Historically Jewish fraternities in the United States
1912 establishments in New York City
Jewish organizations established in 1912