UMD welcomes new fraternity

Pi Delta Psi brothers from the Twin Cities UMN campus. Photo courtesy of Tyler Vongphachanh

This spring, the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) welcomed their first multicultural Greek-lettered organization — expanding to a total of ten fraternities and sororities. Pi Delta Psi is a multicultural Asian interest fraternity. 

The organization is open to any interested students. Director of Expansion, Twin Cities student Tyler Vongphachanh, explains that the cultural aspect is really what drew him and so many others to this organization in particular.

“I ended up really enjoying being around other Asian-American men that were in higher education and working towards a bigger purpose” Vongphachanh said.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

While recruitment is different in the COVID times, Vongphachanh is hopeful of the interest at UMD. Near the end of February and into March, members from the Twin Cities chapter visited UMD to spread the word. 

“As Asian-Americans sometimes, or maybe even oftentimes, we’re the first ones in our family [to go to college],” Vongphanchanh said. “Being able to rely on and create community with other people that are going through similar experiences is really helpful.”

While Pi Delta Psi is an asian-interest organization, anyone is welcome to join. One of their goals is to have a collaborative club with students of color and other interested students.  

With a chapter at the Twin Cities campus, there is always a chance to connect with other brothers just down the highway. Events this spring included hanging out virtually with Twin Cities members and learning about the pillars of the organization. 

According to the Pi Delta Psi national website, their mission is to help individuals grow through, "academic achievement, cultural awareness, righteous, and friendship and loyalty while fostering ethical behavior, leadership, and philanthropy.”

Any one who is curious about the new organization is encouraged to reach out to Greek Life at UMD. Leaders say that membership numbers may be low at first, but they are excited to work with Duluth’s campus community and continue building a chapter at UMD.