About Fiji

SP20 Pledge Class (Kappa Nu Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta)

OUR
MISSION

Phi Gamma Delta unites men in enduring friendships, stimulates the pursuit of knowledge, and builds courageous leaders who serve the world with the best that is in them. Our vision is to be an active, vital force of men who courageously live our values and make a positive impact at Cornell and in our community.

HISTORY OF
PHI GAMMA DELTA

The Immortal Six and first members of Phi Gamma Delta

Founded on April 22, 1848, at Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Phi Gamma Delta was originally a secret society known as "The Delta Association." It was started by six college students, referred to by members as the "Immortal Six." They were John Templeton McCarty, Samuel Beatty Wilson, James Elliott Jr., Ellis Bailey Gregg, Daniel Webster Crofts, and Naaman Fletcher.

On May 1, 1848, Phi Gamma Delta was established, and it was then that the first regular meeting of Phi Gamma Delta and the adoption of the Fraternity's Constitution took place. Phi Gamma Delta's mission statement lists five core values for its members: friendship, knowledge, service, morality, and excellence. In addition, members are encouraged to live by three priorities in the order of scholarship, fraternity, and self.

On March 19, 1888, the Kappa Nu Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was chartered and installed at Cornell University on April 14, 1888.

The founders and first members of the Kappa Nu chapter at Cornell University

NOTABLE
BROTHERS

Over the years, many members of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta have gained notability in their chosen fields. Some of our most notable members include:

  • Calvin Coolidge
    Alpha Chi chapter at Amherst College
    3    0th President of the United States

  • Philip Knight
    Epsilon Omicron chapter at the University of Oregon
    Co-founder and former CEO of Nike

  • Seth Meyers
    Phi chapter at Northwestern University
    Former head writer of Saturday Night Live, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers

  • Jack Nicklaus
    Omicron Deuteron chapter at Ohio State
    Greatest golfer of all time (winner of 18 major championships)

  • Randy Garutti
    Kappa Nu chapter at Cornell University
    CEO and Director of Shake Shack

Overall, members of Phi Gamma Delta include one U.S. President, four U.S. Vice Presidents, eleven Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, five Medal of Honor recipients, six Pulitzer Prize winners, two Nobel Prize winners, over 80 competitors in the Olympic Games (of which at least 28 Fijis have won at least 37 medals), and at least seven billionaires.