HAPPY 112th ANNIVERSARY TO ALPHA PHI DELTA
The Magnificent Seven: Our Founders:
Cesidio Guarini, Ferdinand DiBartolo Cesidio Guarini and Dominic Ciolli, Otto Gelormini, Nicholas Frunzi, Joseph Cangiamila, Anthony Frascati
Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity Celebrates
the 112th Anniversary of its Founding!
On November 5, 2026, Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity celebrates the 112th anniversary of its founding. It was on that day, in 1914, seven students at Syracuse University -- Joseph Cangiamila, Dominic T. Ciolli, Ferdinand F. DiBartolo, Anthony T. Frascati, Nicholas Frunzi, Otto Gelormini, and Cesidio A. Guarini -- swore a mutual Oath of Brotherhood, on a sword, at Syracuse University to create our brotherhood. It was a brotherhood Italian in heritage, American in loyalty, and family-like in nature.
Since its founding, over 23,500 men have been initiated into Alpha Phi Delta on over 112 campuses. November 5th is Alpha Phi Delta's Founders Day -- and on that day it is especially appropriate for members to wear a white carnation ("garafano") to honor our founding and our founders. Alpha Phi Delta evolved from our seven founders, who first established "Il Circolo Italiano" (an Italian Club) on the campus of Syracuse in 1913.
However, realizing that they wanted to create something that they would be able to remain part of after graduation and in their lives ahead, they decided to form a fraternity, Alpha Phi Delta, on November 5, 1914. About a year and a half later, in June of 1916, the brothers of Alpha Phi Delta at Syracuse merged with another Italian fraternity at Columbia University (Sigma Gamma Phi), and from that merger, Alpha Phi Delta, a national fraternity, was formed. Our Chapter at Syracuse became known as our "Alpha Chapter," and our Chapter at Columbia became known as our "Beta Chapter."
Pictured at left is our 112th Anniversary logo, which notes that 112 years is "the road traveled thus far" -- which indicates that our brotherhood has many, many more years ahead. The number "112" is colored in green, white and red, the Italian tri-color, a colorful reminder of Alpha Phi Delta's Italian heritage. It also features in large print our founding and anniversary dates: November 5: 1914 to 2026.
Pictured above is our 112th Anniversary Heritage logo, which focuses on Alpha Phi Delta's Italian Heritage and family-like brotherhood. The flags of the U.S. (top) and Italy (bottom), remind our members our Fraternity's American origin and our Italian Heritage. At the bottom of this design is the word that is our motto: Faciamus, which means "we do."
Below is an audio and video presentation of a message delivered to the organization by one of its founders -- Ferdinand F. DiBartolo. The message is taken from an article he penned in the 1929 issue of The Magazine of Alpha Phi Delta (later called The Kleos). This beautifully read-aloud article gives some insights into the founding of the Brotherhood of Alpha Phi Delta, and it should be played at least annually to membership of each entity in the fraternity, so that we may never lose sight of the beloved ideals of our founders.
"Every great event, every new era, every new school of thought or human endeavor in the history of the world, occurred because the need for it arose. It was so with Alpha Phi Delta: unalterable forces, recognizing the dire necessity for its existence led to its inception." These are the words from the earliest history of Alpha Phi Delta. The words are from founder Dominic T. Ciolli. Find out more about our history by clicking here and reading about our early years.
Key Events in Alpha Phi Delta History
1911: Alpha Phi Delta founder Cesidio Guarini enrolls at Syracuse University. He meets Ferdinand DiBartolo.
1913: Guarini, DiBartolo (above), and five fellow students (Joseph Cangiamila, Dominic T. Ciolli, Anthony T. Frascati, Nicholas Frunzi, Otto Gelormini) form Il Circolo Italiano at Syracuse.
1914: The members of Il Circolo Italiano at Syracuse decide to form a fraternity; on Nov. 5 Alpha Phi Delta is born.
1916: Alpha Phi Delta and Sigma Gamma Phi meet in Syracuse and merge to become Alpha Phi Delta — a national fraternity. The first “convention” is held to elect leaders for the organization. The original shield of Alpha Phi Delt is shown above.
1918: Alpha’s Joseph Cangiamila, one of our founding fathers, is killed in a military training operation. He is the first founding father — indeed the first brother of Alpha Phi Delta — to die.
1919: On March 15, six men are sworn in to Alpha Phi Delta at Yale, which becomes our Gamma Chapter (first chapter outside of New York). Afterwards, our second National Convention is held at the Hotel Taft in New Haven, Conn. (shown above)
1923: By spring of 1923, there were twelve chapters in four states: New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Fraternity’s growth is swift.
1926: The first National Directory is published, followed swiftly by The Ticker (a national magazine), precursor of The Kleos.
1927: Lambda Sigma Delta, an Italian fraternity at Boston University is merged into Alpha Phi Delta as our “Sigma” chapter. Within a year, two other chapters in Boston are chartered by the Fraternity. (The Sigma Chapter charter is shown above)
1928: The Cleveland Alumni Club is chartered as the Fraternity's first Alumni Club. By 1936, over a dozen Alumni Clubs have been chartered. (The National Convention was held in Cleveland, hosted by the Cleveland A.C., many members of the club are in the picture above)
1930: The Kleos (in late 1929) and The Dokime are established by Dr. Peter Sammartino (pictured above)
1933: Fraternity experiences its first chapter loss as it closes Omicron chapter at University of Michigan.
1938: Districting plan is put in effect that remains unchanged until 1982.
1940: The first three National Awards established by Grand Council (they were awards for Outstanding Undergraduate, Outstanding Alumnus and Most Improved Chapter). Picture above is Joseph Gambatese of Kappa Chapter -- the first winner of the Outstanding Alumnus Award.
1942: With World War II underway, Mu Chapter at Cornell donates its house to the U.S. Navy for use as housing for military . Mu brothers move to an apartment; they return to their house in fall 1945, after the end of World War II.
1942-44: During these peak years of World War II, the Fraternity closes more than half of its chapters as the war effort depletes the male college population.
1946: The largest memorial service to date is held to honor our brothers who lost their lives in World War II. That same year: our first formal Central Office is established in Boston. The fraternity flower, white carnation (pictured above) was place in a wreath to honor deceased brothers at our memorial services -- this practice is still used today.
1953: The Fraternity abandons the Roman titles of Consul, Pro-Consul, Quaestor, etc. and replaced them with American titles: President, Vice President, Treasurer, etc. Grand Council was renamed National Council.
1960: Central Office is relocated to Pittsburgh, Pa., where it stays for 18 years, with Adam DiVincenzo (pictured above) as National Secretary and Joseph Scotti as National Treasurer.
1965: On September 2, the National Council approves changes to officially allow non-Italians to join as members. The Kleos, in fall 1965, reported on this historic change with the headline shown above
1971: A new Oath of Brotherhood is formally ratified and becomes part of our Ritual. Pictured above is Br. Camillus Casey, OSF, who chaired the Ritual Committe and led the revision of the Oath.
1973: The National Scholarship Fund is established, in 1980 it will be merged into the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation. Pictured is past National President Joseph DeGuglielmo in 1973 announcing the formation of the National Scholarship Fund.
1978: A new Constitution is adopted. It replaces the 1925 Constitution and reflects current fraternity operations. The Constitution would be revised and split into a Constitution and Bylaws in 1991 -- a recent copy of that revised Constitution is shown above.
1980: The Alpha Phi Delta Foundation is established. This new organization comprises three divisions: General fund, Scholarship and Housing. By the mid-90s the housing component is eliminated. Above is the image of the Foundation leaders signing founding documents.
1982: Major redistricting of the fraternity (the first since the 1930s) is undertaken and redistributes our entities from seven districts to 13 districts.
1987: The Annual Meeting of National Council (our governing body) is made into a separate gathering from the National Convention. The Convention remains in the summer, the Council meeting moves to the winter. Picture above are brothers at an early winter Council Meeting.
1990: The first edition of the Ecce Signum (the handbook for brothers) is issued to all undergraduate brothers. A portion of the cover of the most recent edition is shown.
1991: Chapter-based Alumni Associations are established by the National Council.
1995: The Fraternity Leadership Conference program is born. The National Secretary day-long conferences in six different sites throughout the fraternity over a period of 10 weeks. The picture above shows a 2012 leadership conference gathering.
2007: After years of steeply increased fees, the National Council reverses course lowering initiation fees and replacing per capita tax with a flat assessment.
2013: Delta Psi Omega, a local fraternity at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, New York, merges with Alpha Phi Delta, becoming our Epsilon Gamma Chapter. It is our first merger since a local fraternity at Wesley College became our Delta Delta Chapter in 1991.
2014: In April, a Centennial Gala is held in Washington, D.C., at the Mayflower Hotel to celebrate the fraternity’s 100th anniversary. Over 400 brothers and guests attend. That summer a Centennial Convention was held drawing a record 525 conventioneers including 14 past national presidents.
2016: The National Archives of Alpha Phi Delta is established to house and preserve our fraternity's history. National Historian Ronald Smé, shown here promoting "The History of Alpha Phi Delta," helps coordinate the Archives.
2020: Due to the Coronavirus epidemic, and for the first time since World War II, the National Convention is cancelled. The Awards Banquet and Memorial Service are held at a Church hall in Marydel, Maryland, with a small attendance, and broadcast online.
2022: For the period of fall 2021 thru spring 2022, Chi Chapter (Penn State) set a non-expansion initiation record initiating 51 new brothers (about 17% all Fraternity initiations).
2023: John Russo, after having stepped-down as the Kleos Editor in 2021, after 30 years, steps down as Convention Chairman after 20 years. The 2023 Convention — the 100th in our history — marks Russo’s final one as chairman.
103rd National Convention Finds Alpha Phi Delta Sharing Brotherhood in Clymer, New York
Our Fraternity's National Convention was held from August 5-9, 2026, at the Peak'n'Peek Resort in Clymer, New York. Brothers, wives, and families filled the ranks of conventioneers this year. Convention Chairman Ralph Parmegiani (BAC '15) and his convention crew put on a wonderful five days of fraternal fun, with events for all ages.
Among the highlights were the Trivia Night on Thursday, an Alumnus Emeritus luncheon, a Military Brothers' Reception, and a comedic entertainment program on Friday; the Alumni-Undergrad Softball game, Executive Committee meeting, Convention Picnic, Memorial Service, and Awards Banquet on Saturday. Peppered in between these events were Bocce tournaments, nightly dinners, a wonderfully stocked hospitality suite, and much, much more. The scenic area in and around the resort, and the wonderfully helpful staff there, made the 2026 National Convention a memorable and enjoyable time for all.
It was announced to the conventioneers that next year's convention will be at the Kalahari Resort and Water Park in the Poconos area of eastern Pennsylvania, Wednesday to Sunday, August 4-8, 2027.
National Awards Winners 2026
The Brothers of Stockton Chapter (Stockton University, Galloway, New Jersey) are shown here at the National Convention proudly showing off their 2026 Outstanding Chapter Award. Pictured with the brothers of Gamma Mu, at center, is National President Jeffrey Sidoti. Gamma Mu, which is in the Delaware Valley District, previously won the Outstanding Chapter Award in 2001, 2011 and 2016. Among Gamma Mu Chapter's key achievements during the past year good recruiting efforts, strong academic performance, and a vast community service program.
The Brothers of Beta Phi Chapter (Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey) were the winners of the 2026 Most Improved Chapter Award. At the National Convention in Clymer, New York, the brothers of the Chapter were present with their award (being held by National President Jeffrey Sidoti and Chapter President, Mason Brown). Beta Phi Chapter is part of the Delaware Valley District. The Chapter has previously won the Most Improved Chapter Award in 1986 and 2024.
The Brothers of Gamma Mu Chapter (Stockton University, Galloway, New Jersey) were on hand at the National Convention in Clymer, New York to pick up their Outstanding Community Service Award for 2026. The Brothers of Gamma Mu are shown above with National President Jeffrey Sidoti receiving their award.
This marks Gamma Mu's fifth win in this category, previously winning it in 1995, 2016, 2024, and 2025. With five wins, Gamma Mu now has the most wins in this category, with a never-before accomplished: three wins in-a-row.
The Brothers of the Delaware Valley District were in attendance at the 2026 National Convention, along with their District Governor, Fr. Jim Lentini, when their District was honored with the Outstanding District Award.
The District, composed of Beta Phi (Rowan), Gamma Mu (Stockton), Epsilon Beta (La Salle), Epsilon Tau (Delaware), and the Delaware Valley Alumni Club, previously won this award in 2007, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024. Some of the undergraduate brothers of the District with all of the award won in 2026.
Prolific winners in this category, the Epsilon Gamma Alumni Association marked its sixth win in eight years for the Outstanding Alumni Association Award. Part of the Long Island District, it is a very active entity that does yeoman work to support its affiliate chapter, Epsilon Gamma (St. Joseph's University). The Epsilon Gamma Alumni Association previously won this award in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Chartered in 1933, the Pittsburgh Alumni Club, with its large membership and vast social calendar, was named the Outstanding Alumni Club of 2026. This win marks the 16th time the Club has won this award, with previous wins in 1971, 1974, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014 and 2025. The Club has at least one win in this category in each of the last six decades.
Travis Weaver (Psi '09) served in the role of President of the Pittsburgh Alumni Club, and a visible force in the western flank of the Fraternity. For his many years of dedicated efforts and continuous service, he was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award of Alpha Phi Delta. He is the 15th brother of Psi Chapter to win this award. It was previous won by a Psi brother in 1955, 1965, 1973, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2001, 2010 and 2022.
Maxwell L. Nicolussi, Chi '23, was named as the Fraternity's Outstanding Undergraduate of 2026. Initiated on March 23, 2023, Brother Nicolussi, age 22, was a student at the Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit majoring in Supply Chain Management. He is also a winner of an Alpha Phi Delta Foundation Scholarship.
He has been a leader in his chapter since being initiated; he served, of note, Chapter President in 2025. In his nomination letter for Nicolussi, Psi Alumnus and Duquesne University faculty John Russo (Psi '72) wrote this:
"Max Nicolussi embodies the very best qualities this award seeks to recognize: sustained academic excellence, exceptional leadership, and a lasting, positive impact on his chapter and university. He is not simply an outstanding undergraduate, he is a standard-setter among his peers."
He graduated this year. Nico is the eighth brother of Psi Chapter to receive this honor (previous winners were in 1953, 1956, 1959, 1972, 1976, 1998, and 2001)
Scholarship Winners for 2026
On August 8, 2026, the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation announced that its Scholarship Trustees award 91 scholarship awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to worthy applicants. The scholarship winners were announced at the 103rd National Convention of Alpha Phi Delta. The number of scholarships awarded represent a new high for the Foundation's Scholarship program. Of the 91 winners, 63 were brothers of Alpha Phi Delta and remainder were children or relatives of fraternity brothers. Scholarship have been awarded annually in this program since 1975. Click the button below to view our online Scholarship winner booklet showing the name of all of our 2026 Scholarship award winners.
National Council Meeting 2026
Jeffrey Sidoti (Beta Beta '08) (left) was elected National President for 2026-27, while Zachary Bartolotta (Beta Lambda '12) (right) was elected National Vice President.
Sidoti and Bartolotta Elected as
National Pres. & VP for 2026-27
On February 28, 2026 at its Annual Meeting held at SUNY Oneonta, in Oneonta, New York, the National Council elected Jeffrey Sidoti (our current National Vice President) as the 57th National President for Alpha Phi Delta. Sidoti, age 37, is an alumnus of Beta Beta Chapter, initiated in 2008, and has served previously as Hudson Valley District Governor and as Member Education Chairman. He is the second National President from Beta Beta Chapter (Manhattan University). Sidoti was nominated by Joseph Rahtelli II, Past Upstate New York District Governor and Richard Trieste, National Treasurer. He was elected by one-unanimous vote cast by the National Secretary on behalf of a united National Council.
Zachary Bartolotta (Beta Lambda ’12) was elected as the 49th National Vice-President of Alpha Phi Delta. Bartolotta, age 33, has served previously as Central Pennsylvania District Governor and Expansion Committee Chairman (a position he holds currently). He is the second National Vice President from Beta Lambda Chapter (St. Francis University). Bartolotta was nominated by Salvatore Flagiello, PNP, and Christopher Mancusi, PNP. As with Sidoti, He was elected by one-unanimous vote cast by the National Secretary.
Both brothers gave statements prior to election summarizing their backgrounds, plans and visions for the Fraternity. Following their elections both were honored by the Council with the Fraternity handclap. This new leadership teams takes office effective July 1, 2026, along with all officers appointed for the coming year.
During the midday break of Alpha Phi Delta's Annual Meeting of National Council Meeting (February 28, 2026), Max Fountain (Beta Phi '24) was elected to the post of Chairman of the Fraternity's Undergraduate Coordinating Committee (Vice President for Undergraduate Affairs).
Fountain laid out his vision for the coming year regarding the work of the Undergraduate Coordinating Committee. UCC delegates then asked various questions ranging from fees and finances to recruitment and retention to service and ideas for philanthropy.
Brother Fountain begins his term of office leading the Undergraduate Coordinating Committee on July 1, 2026, and serves until June 30, 2027.
During the midday break of Alpha Phi Delta's Annual Meeting of National Council Meeting (February 28, 2026), the Alumni Coordinating Committee met.
The Committee, made up of one delegate from each Alumni Club and each Alumni Association, is chaired by Vice President for Alumni Affairs, Rayomond Rokicki (Gamma Nu '97).
As is customary, the Committee's main order of business was the election of the 2026-27 Alumni Coordinating Committee Chairman (Vice President for Alumni Affairs). The votes having been cast, the current chairman, Raymond Rokicki (President of the Gamma Nu AA) was re-elected for another term as Chairman of the Committee.
Alpha Phi Delta by the Numbers
112
Number of Years of Brotherhood
23,639
Number of Brothers
Initiated since 1914
30
Number of currently active
Chapters and Colonies
27
Number of currently active
Alumni Clubs and Associations
3.21
Our Average Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA)
88%
Our College Graduation Rate
31-percentage points above the U.S. all-male grad rate
25.8%
% of Members
attending College on Scholarship
100%
1st year to 2nd Year of College Retention Rate
112
Number of Chapters historically since our founding in 1914
22
Average Chapter Size
17
Number of States in which Alpha Phi Delta has had a Chapter
17,171
Total Living Membership
71%
Member graduating with a 3.0 Grade Point Average or higher
22%
Member graduating with a 3.6 Grade Point Average or higher
11%
Undergraduate Brothers attending school on an Alpha Phi Delta Scholarship
197
Number of Alpha Phi Delta Scholarship's Awarded to our Undergraduates 2023-26