Phi Delta Chi Student Chapter Places Second Nationally in Emory W. Thurston Grand President’s Cup Competition
In late July, nine Brothers of the Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Chi (PDC) and their faculty advisor, Dr. Peggy Carver, traveled to Anaheim, California for the 72nd Grand Council. The students’ travel was generous supported by the Central Student Government as well as PDC alumni. Chapters of this pharmacy fraternity, founded at the University of Michigan in 1883, have come together biennially at Grand Council meetings since the year 1900. PDC is America’s first professional fraternity serving the field of pharmacy. The Alpha chapter has developed over the years with a focus on the mission of shaping leaders who advance the profession of pharmacy.
During this five-day event, Brothers had the opportunity to participate in various leadership tracks, including Leader Within, Leading from Behind, and Officer Training Courses. Brother Ryan Larson (P3) had the unique opportunity of participating in the Delegate Track, where he represented the Alpha collegiate Chapter as its delegate in official parliamentary business sessions. During these sessions, issues affecting the national organization were voted upon. Dr. Carver served as the Michigan Alumnae delegate, and Dr. Dena Dillon, PharmD’95, as the Alpha Alumnae chapter delegate.
The Alpha Chapter took second place overall out of more than 90 other chapters in the Emory W. Thurston Grand President’s Cup competition. This award, the most prestigious a chapter can receive, is presented to the chapter that has “promoted the profession of pharmacy and Phi Delta Chi to the fullest extent during the preceding year.” The Alpha Chapter placed high in each of the key scoring components: 1st for the John D. Grabenstein Leadership Report, 4th for the Ralph L. Saroyan Brotherhood Report, 9th for the Albert B. Prescott Scholarship Report, and 6th for the Nancy A. Alvarez Professional & Service Projects Award. These results are a reflection of the meaningful work that Alpha Chapter Brothers accomplish, and the level of dedication put in by each member of the fraternity.
Individual Brothers from Alpha Chapter were also recognized. Dr. Carver, who was awarded the Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award two years ago at the previous Grand Council and the Professional Development Award at Regionals earlier this year, was presented the Selfless Servant Honor Award at this Grand Council. With a heartfelt nomination from alumnus Dr. Austin Brown, Dr. Carver was once again recognized for her continuous dedication to the chapter and her overwhelming support for her students as a whole. Another Alpha Brother recognized was one of our very own Alpha alumnae: Dr. Dena Dillon was awarded the title of Honorary Grand President in recognition for her many years of commitment to the fraternity. Dr. Dillion continues to embody the fraternity motto, “Brothers for Life,” as she is currently the Chapter Advisor for the Nu Chapter at the University of Iowa.
Attendance at Phi Delta Chi’s summer meetings such as Grand Council continues to be an integral part of the success of Alpha Chapter. These meetings offer unlimited support, an opportunity to grow professional pharmacy networks, and lifelong values that drive the chapter to strive for excellence. Attending members spend time the week after the meeting reflecting on their individual experience and relaying what they have learned to members back at the College. The U-M Brothers look forward to challenging themselves even more this upcoming year in hopes of facilitating even more inclusivity and innovation to take home a first-place win in the future.
