Pi Chapter Installed the University of Mississippi
The Fraternity made history over the weekend as it returned the Delt flag to the University of Mississippi. Only one of two chapters to be gained through the merger with the Rainbow Fraternity (Lambda at Vanderbilt University being the other) the chapter had been dormant since the 1940s. In all, 42 men took their Oath and became the Pi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta on Saturday, April 8. The installation was the culmination of many years of work in the most unusual of circumstances for these men. The colony came together in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact its first formal recruitment was conducted from a tent earning the colony the nickname “Delta Tent Delta.” Since then the chapter has surged in number and acquired its own Shelter at 48 Fraternity Row.
“The work of the men of Pi is nothing short of remarkable,” said Chief Executive Officer Jack Kreman (University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2004). “They faced an uphill challenge from the beginning. They never waivered and now are able to call themselves the newest members of the Delta Tau Delta.”
Brothers from the Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Auburn University initiated the newest Pi men. Following a Ritual ceremony in the Shelter, the men and their guests convened for the traditional banquet. The chapter members were joined by more than 75 family members and friends. Toasts were made and parents spoke on the impact the Fraternity has had on their sons. In what has become a truly family affair, Lee and Jennifer Manske, parents of chapter president Jack Manske (University of Mississippi, 2025) were honored for their work to secure the chapter facility. Following their recognition the chapter leadership received the charter, the gavel and all other chapter relics. The banquet concluded with remarks by International Chairman Rosario Palmieri (American University, 1999) and former Southern Division President Mark Nichols (Kansas State University, 1991).