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Issue date: 3/4/08 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Chris Tezak

On March 1, the ERAU Daytona Beach Campus welcomed the new colony of Delta Lambda Phi (DLP). A social fraternity founded in 1986 in Washington, D.C. Delta Lambda Phi has become one of the fastest growing fraternities in the nation. Their motto "Lambda Men are Making Their Presence Known" has become a motivation for several new colonies over the past few years.

After submitting their request on Jan. 11, the DLP National Board approved the Embry-Riddle interest group on Jan. 20 to begin colonization at the beginning of March. Accepted by both the Interfraternity Greek Council (IFC) and The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), the DLP interest group has decided to become the second fraternity in the MGC. Their President, Shaun Kelly, started his efforts during the Fall 2007 semester. Since then the interest group has grown to 10 members, with two female staff/faculty advisors.

Delta Lambda Phi is known nationwide as the largest fraternity designed specifically for gay, bisexual and progressive men. As many of their members will tell you, they are not a "gay" fraternity, but a fraternity open to all accepting and progressive males irrespective of sexual orientation. The fraternity was founded by gay men for all men. One of their goals includes enhancing the quality of life for all progressive individuals. Their Director of National Expansion, James Kaechele, commented by saying "our fraternity centers around creating gentlemen of character, and future leaders."

As advocates of tolerance and equality, the colony hopes to contribute to enhancing equality and diversity of life on campus through educational efforts and programs. In the fall, the interest group held several events and fundraisers including free HIV testing in the Doolittle Annex. They also held several social events and gatherings well attended by many students representing several other student organizations.

In the next year, the group plans to hold and promote several educational programs including the "Make a Difference" event on Mar. 7 on the West Lawn. The event includes a candle vigil in remembrance of those killed in hate crimes. The fraternity itself, as well as their ERAU group, does not compete with any other groups or organizations. The colony plans to co-exist and interact with all existing entities on campus.

As diversity is one of the main focuses and goals of the fraternity, they believe this has become one of their greatest strengths as well as one of the primary reasons of their rapid nationwide expansion. Any male university student, if accepted by its members, may become a part of the Lambda men. The 10 member interest group already has achieved the goals of many as far as diversity. The group consists of one staff member, one graduate student, several ethnicities, a wide range of ages, religions, and backgrounds, and the collective membership of over 10 other student organizations, not to mention the two female advisors who will have an active roll in the development of the new colony.

"We hope to bring a new face to the Embry-Riddle community," said DLP President Shaun Kelly, "offering friendship and brotherhood to all regardless of sexual orientation, and help shape ourselves into America's future leaders of equality."

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