Phi Delta Theta is hosting its annual Spring Philanthropy on April 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. called “Live Like Lou”, an initiative honoring baseball legend and Phi Delta Theta brother, Lou Gehrig. Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a disease that destroys nerve cells and can lead to muscle weakness. “Live Like Lou” (LLL) is also its own organization that aims to create and connect communities to support families affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease and research ALS. 

The event consists of fundraising and a wiffleball social event. All of the money raised goes towards researching ALS. Students, staff/faculty, and community members can support “Live Like Lou” by coming out to Phi Delta Theta’s event and checking out the LLL Foundation. 

“This project is important to me because Lou was a very influential brother that we all look up to,” says William Livingston, a Phi Delta Theta brother. 

The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity was founded in 1848 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Their cardinal principles are friendship, sound learning, and rectitude. By learning from each other’s strengths and improving their weaknesses, Phi Delta Theta members develop into a greater version of themselves and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Gehrig joined the fraternity in 1922 at Columbia University and officially became a Yankee in 1923. He became a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and led the club to six championships.

Philanthropy is a key aspect of Greek life. Every fraternity or sorority has a philanthropic focus and emphasizes the importance of philanthropy. Through fundraising and social events, Greek life groups can give back to the community and leave a positive legacy.