University at Albany - Pedagogue Yearbook (Albany, NY)

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PHI DELTA ALPHA CHAPTER

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Phi Delta al T a meeting ofthe Normal Literary Union, held January 8, 1892, it was voted that a com- mittee of three be appointed to wait upon the president of the College, to ascertain his views concerning the advisability of reorganizing into a secret society. That committee consisted of Messrs. Slawson, Newberry and Patrie. At the following meeting, held January 15, the committee reported the approval of President Milne, and his willingness to aid in mak- ing the change. Thereupon, at a meeting held February 5, a committee of live was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. That committee consisted of Messrs. Wliite, Slawson, Newberry, Streeter and Hunt. The president then appointed as a committee to draft a pledge, Messrs. Wllite, Hunt and Cook. Thus, from the society known as the Normal Literary Union, was evolved the new secret society that chose for its name Phi Delta Fraternity, Alpha Chapter. This new secret organization, absorbed into itself the life of not only the Normal Literary Union, but, also that of the contemporary society, the Independent Order of Normals. E Pluribus Ummm secured the directing motto, and never since that time has been questioned the wisdom of that guiding thought. The loss of identity of each of these societies was more than compensated in the renewed life and increased energy that resulted from their union. From the time when the new consti- tution was finally adopted, February 12, to the present, nothing has occurred to mar this page of our history, or to bring censure upon the course pursued by the succession of members. One of the formalities incident upon the change was the signing of the pledge by each of the charter members, to the effect that he would put his shoulder to tl1e wheel and be ever found at his post ready and willing to further the launching of the bark. fllut after all the preliminary steps had been taken in preparing and adopting the new con- stitution, by-laws, rules of order and ritual, there yet remained important problems to be solved. It was only by careful planning and close management that at last the new chapter found itself possessed of the necessary equipment whereby to do the work of the society and put itself on a strong footing. ' The name of the society and its motto resulted from frequent councils with Dr. Milne. Wllell they were finally settled upon, a pin was selected, approved and adopted. Then arose the all-important question of cap and gown. Once more, through the ready aid of our president, was it permitted us to put our plans into execution. There could not have lJCCl1 a prouder moment than when, for the first time, we were all assembled in full regalia, and imbued with the spirit implied in our society name. 14