Phi Beta Delta () was a college social fraternity in the United States founded at

Columbia University Columbia University (also known as Columbia, and officially as Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhatt ...

on . In 1941 the fraternity merged with

Pi Lambda Phi Pi Lambda Phi (), commonly known as Pi Lam, is a social fraternity with 145 chapters (44 active chapters/colonies). The fraternity was founded in 1895 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Pi Lambda Phi is headlined by prestigious chapte ...

. 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 chapter of Omicron Alpha Tau, 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 Tau Delta Phi (), whose members are commonly known as Tau Delts, is a national social fraternity founded on , in New York City. Since its inception, dozens of chapters have been founded and thousands of men initiated into its membership. Today, T ...

. Phi Beta Delta effectively merged into

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

References

External links

Guide to the University of Chicago Phi Beta Delta Records 1925-1935
at 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

Symbols and traditions

Chapters

Notes

See also

References

External links