Delta Tau Delta members prepare for the Back to School BBQ, preparing for fraternity members and non-Greek students alike.
Riana Braselman/The Lion's Roar

Delta Tau Delta fraternity members opened the doors of their home by hosting a Back To School BBQ to help students get involved on campus.

On Thursday, Jan. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m., the fraternity invited all university students to enjoy an evening that included free dinner, games and an opportunity to get together to take a break from their studies.

“The purpose of this event is to help students, but especially incoming freshman, feel involved on campus and feel welcomed to campus,” said Event Coordinator Joshua Asoodeh, a junior computer science major.  

A free barbecue dinner was grilled outside while attendees could play basketball or ping pong as they waited for the food to be prepared. 

“It’s just something to get back into the swing of things, school and whatnot,” said President of Delta Tau Delta and junior marketing major Tristyn Wheeler. “Get everybody for just a moment take their mind off of everything, you know. Get together, have fun. Eat some food. Listen to music. Hang out. That sort of thing.”

The members of Delta Tau Delta prepared for a large crowd. The turnout of the barbecue ended up being over 100 attendees. 

“We’re expecting around 100 to 200 people, but you never know,” said Asoodeh. “Sometimes it’s more. Sometimes it’s less. This event has been really well advertised.”

The members of Delta Tau Delta promoted the event in many ways, utilizing on campus tabling and social media.

“We do it every year,” said Wheeler. “So, it’s usually about a month out or so we start posting on social media. And we’ll get a booth in the union and we’ll hand out flyers and whatnot. Just word of mouth. Things like that.”

The various forms of advertising spread the news of the event to many students and faculty on campus. The flyers, social media posts, tabling and word-of-mouth drew in students who had never visited Delta Tau Delta until the barbecue.

 “I’ve never been to an event like this, but I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Paige Johnson, a sophomore nursing major.  “Food and a lot of friends.” 

 “I saw it on Instagram,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Eric Summers, who attended the beginning of the event.

Delta Tau Delta hosted the evening of food, friends and fun as a simple gesture to give back to their community of fellow students on campus. 

“We really want everyone to see what Delta Tau Delta is really about,” said Asoodeh. “We’re really into giving back to the community, and you know, this was to help people get involved on campus.”

Riana Braselman/The Lion's Roar

Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Eric Summers, left, talks with a member of Delta Tau Delta  as they await the arrival of other attendees. 
Riana Braselman/The Lion's Roar