On Nov. 21, 2010 Southeastern Louisiana University’s Epsilon Phi chapter of Delta Tau Delta welcomed 20 new members into the organization.

The new members were brought through an eight week pledging member education class where they learn about the values, the history, and the different aspects of the organization.

“These twenty two guys came in very young and many of them showed it,” said Ben Black, the Pledge Educator in Delta Tau Delta. “Our weekly meetings consisted of an hour lesson, and usually a speaker who talked about things such as academics, manners, striving for excellence, and other qualities that we try to instill in all our members.” 

The 20 new members of Delta Tau Delta are: Landon Andries, Elliot Barcelona, Bryce Barras, Ian Doran, Evan Fiore, David Gutekunst, Lance Hardman, Malcolm Hernandez, Chase Lawson, Jason Loupe, Ethan Lowery, Cody Martin, Hunter Mullins, Sean Payton, Michael Scallan, Branden Summers, Daniel Thornton, Logan Torrance, Dustin Wesley, and Andrew Zidaru.

The diversity of the group is evident just by watching them. They hail from various backgrounds and each one has a unique story to tell. Some of the members were set on joining a Greek organization from the start while others, like freshman Branden Summers, were more hesitant.

“I never thought I would join a fraternity but I am glad I did, already it has shaped me into a more mature adult,” Summers admitted. “All the guys in the pledge class are unique in their own way which makes it truly great.”

Older members of the chapter have also noted the attitude of the new members.

“The new members are very excited to make a difference,” says Brandon Colletti, the president of Delta Tau Delta. “They were selected to join our organization for one reason: we saw great potential in them.”

According to actives, the new members are exceeding expectations. In the eight weeks during their pledging membership they accrued a total of 650 community service hours working at various events such as Relay for Life and volunteering at Natalbany Elementary School in Hammond. Two members, Landon Andries and Logan Torrance, were also accepted into the University’s Orientation Leader program.

“I’ve helped out with community service all semester since I’ve gotten here and it makes me feel like a better person,” says Dustin Wesley, one of the new active members. “I believe most people should look into joining one of the organizations because it shows you more about yourself along with your values and teaches you many things.”

The new members of Delta Tau Delta have made it clear that their goal is to improve the University and the fraternity through hard work and dedication. Their drive over this past semester is evident and the future will tell whether or not they are up for the challenge. But members of Delta Tau Delta are optimistic.

“They are committed workers who will get the job done,” Says Colletti. “I know they will leave this organization, as well as the University, in a better place then they found it.”