This weekend marks a significant moment for the Phi Delta Theta house. The Indiana Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta was established at Wabash College on November 16, 1850, just two years after the first chapter was founded at Miami University by Robert Morrison, John McMillan Wilson, John Wolfe Lindley, Ardivan Walker Rodgers, Andrew Watts Rodgers and Robert Thompson Drake.
The Indiana Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta is currently the longest running chapter of Phi Delta Theta in the nation, has maintained its presence through the Civil War, both World Wars and the Vietnam War and has overcome challenges that have reshaped student life across generations. Throughout the many years of its existence, Indiana Beta has played a salient role in maintaining Wabash traditions and impacting the college with its alumni. The fraternity’s values of friendship, sound learning and moral rectitude have guided thousands of men through their undergraduate years and beyond.
Bob Allen ’57, who served as the chairman of AT&T, generously funded the Allen Athletics and Recreation Center we all know and love. Michael Dill ’71, who boasted a successful investment career, was a philanthropist who created opportunities for Wabash students to study abroad through the Dill Grant. Additionally, Will Hays Jr. ’37, a former Crawfordsville mayor, bridged the gap between Wabash and the people of Crawfordsville. These contributions stand as lasting symbols of the fraternity’s influence not just within the chapter walls, but across the entire Wabash community.
Yet the fraternity’s story is not just about the past; it is rooted in values that remain central to its members today: friendship, sound learning and moral rectitude. Chapter President Bryce Poling ’26 explains that moral rectitude—the call to uphold the highest ethical standards—still guides their brotherhood. The brothers of Phi Delta Theta think of moral rectitude as their extended gentleman’s rule.
“Even if it’s not your place to do it, you should always be doing the right thing,” said Poling. “Sometimes that means making a tough choice in the moment, but it’s about putting others before yourself and making the community around you a better place.”
Beyond moral rectitude, accountability is a large part of the Phi Delta Theta brotherhood.
“Friends aren’t obligated to tell you what you need to fix about yourself,” said Professor Scott Himsel ’85. “Brothers are obligated to do that.”
Similarly to the culture on campus, the Indiana Beta Chapter emphasizes closeness among students. Alumni and active students alike point to the enduring friendships that carry forward long after graduation. Whether in moments of celebration or moments of grief, the fraternity fosters bonds that extend far beyond campus life.
“I’ve seen brothers deliver eulogies at funerals,” said Hugh Vandivier ’91. “That kind of lifelong friendship—developed in that big white house—means a lot.”
The values held by Phi Theta Delta are carried forward by traditions unique to Wabash. Chief among them are the red and green “pots”—caps worn by freshmen. Once a college-wide custom, the practice faded decades ago but was preserved within Indiana Beta.
“Everyone wanted to get rid of it,” said Poling. “But we see it as paying dues to history…a little ode to what was going on before we were here.”
The spirit of continuity, tradition and brotherhood will be at the heart of the 175th anniversary celebrations, which are largely possible thanks to the work of Vandivier. The Indiana Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta will have an informal celebration on Friday in Carmel, IN, and will subsequently celebrate on Saturday.
The fraternity plans to honor their brother, Head Football Coach Gilbert ’98 on September 13 after his first home football game as the head coach, and will celebrate further with a reception at the Allen Athletics Center.