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Sending your child off to college for the first time is an emotional and stressful endeavor for any parent, let alone when the COVID-19 pandemic gets thrown into the mix. During Stefano F. DeRossi’s (Emory University, 2024) first year on campus, his mother Maria DeRossi recalls him experiencing a sense of isolation that so many other first-year students were dealt as well. Now a rising junior, Stefano proudly serves the Beta Epsilon Chapter as the social chair, a feat made possible thanks to the comfort, camaraderie, and inspiration he’s experienced as a Delt.

Upon meeting a few chapter members and realizing they all shared the same values that he aspired to have, Stefano knew that Delta Tau Delta was the right fit for him. “It was the perfect balance between dedication to school, social activities and the Fraternity,” Maria noted.

After treating her son and a few of his chapter brothers to dinner on a visit to campus, Maria was assured that her son was where he needed to be. “Character is an important trait, and this Fraternity has held true to it being one of the main purposes. He is surrounded by a good group of young men who lean on each other and can learn necessary life skills in a nurtured environment.” To Maria, being a part of the Fraternity has had far more importance and significance on her son than just spending time with other young men would accomplish.

One of the many people who were responsible for the Parent group topping the 2022 One Day. One Delt. Day of Giving donor chart, Maria chose to financially impact the Foundation and Fraternity for what it has given her son: a home away from home. “I wanted to give because I’m proud of the good culture he’s a part of and the sense of ownership he’s adopted.” Maria also credits her desire to give due to the comfort she has knowing her son is in an environment that showcases a sound support system where he is able to thrive.

As the social chair for Beta Epsilon, Stefano organized a fundraiser for the JED Foundation that helped raise over $700 for mental health awareness.

“I wanted him to develop as a holistic young adult and to be surrounded by a group of male role models, and I know that he’s found that with Delt.”

To follow Maria DeRossi’s lead and help make an impact on the lives of young Delts by donating to the Delt Foundation, visit delts.org/give.