The Michigan Alpha chapter of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity was established at the University of Michigan (U of M) on November 28, 1864. It was the first chapter of Phi Delta Theta in the State of Michigan and the 16th chapter in the nation. Phi Delta Theta was the 7th fraternity established on the U of M campus. By the early 1900s, Phi Delta Theta was regarded as one of the top fraternities on c
ampus boasting membership of campus leaders, star athletes and students who aspired to high standards of achievement. Between 1902 and 1903, the chapter acquired land at the corner of Washtenaw and South University to build a new chapter house. Renowned architect Albert Kahn oversaw the designing of a Georgian Revival style red brick mansion that became known as 1437 Washtenaw Avenue. The structure was first occupied by members in the fall of 1903 and currently is the oldest fraternity house on campus still owned by the entity that built it. Prominent students such as 1940 Heisman Trophy winner, all-time Michigan football great Tom Harmon, early 1940s track star Bob Ufer (who later became the legendary voice of Michigan football as an announcer for 36 years), All-America halfback of the 1947 National Championship football team Bob Chappuis put Michigan Alpha in the spotlight. Both Harmon and Chappuis appeared on the cover of Time Magazine while they were students and members of the fraternity. Numerous other outstanding Wolverine scholar-athletes contributed to the fame of the chapter on campus. Phi Delt Theta’s members were also known for their dominance in intramural sports and the Mud Bowl. The annual Mud Bowl tradition was started in the fall of 1934 when Phi Delt member E. Reed Low ’37 challenged the “house across the street” (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) to a spirited match of football. Phi Delta Theta went on to win the balance of the 65 annual Mud Bowl battles with SAE from 1934 to 1997 when the rivalry matches ended. During this time period, the Mud Bowl rivalry between Phi Delta Theta and SAE became one of the most revered U of M homecoming traditions. Throughout the balance of the 20th Century, Phi Delta Theta was a pillar of the U of M Greek System. The fraternity maintained a reputation for strong brotherhood, competitiveness in intramural athletics, robust social activities and philanthropic contributions in the community. The foundation of Michigan Alpha is a brotherhood shared by an alumni body that totals more than 1,800 members — approximately 1,100 living alums found in almost every state and many countries across the world. Michigan Alpha alums have distinguished themselves in a wide range of endeavors including business, law, medicine, engineering, technology, academics/education, government, politics, military, professional sports, music, science, etc…
Established in 1895, the Michigan Alpha Alumni Association keeps these far afield alums in contact with each other as well as the active chapter membership. The Alumni Association also plays the key role of owner and landlord of the historic chapter house at 1437 Washtenaw. For more information, join our alumni on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-Alpha-Alumni-Association-of-Phi-Delta-Theta/10150132153750433?ref=br_tf.
