Delta Chi, one of Embry-Riddle’s earliest social fraternities, raised the first fraternity house on Greek Row in Daytona Beach more than 50 years ago. Today, Delta Chi also has bragging rights as a home to leaders, including newly elected Student Government Association representatives. Chapter president Nolan Vores is SGA vice president and Harley Valdez is treasurer. The chapter claims nearly 1,000 alumni and 50 current members. 

A fellowship announced at the 55th Founding/50th Chartering anniversary celebration will elevate future leaders. 

This spring, alumni board member Mitchell Licht (’18), a Boeing avionics engineer, co-hosted almost 200 returning brothers, current members and guests at an anniversary celebration. Delta Chi had a few surprises in store. 

The chapter announced the Ed & Phylann Fusco Fellowship to promote leadership. The first recipient, Matthew Gorenstein (’24), will attend the Delta Chi Emerging Leaders Academy. The program encourages rising sophomores and juniors to build skills and contribute with impact. Future recipients will have the funds to participate in other leadership programs, such as intra-fraternity conferences. 

Ed Fusco (’73) recently retired from 7-Eleven after a 45-year career. His commitment to Delta Chi extends even longer. “It was gratifying to hear the fellowship named at the celebration. Delta Chi raised $25,000 in the room. My wife and I added another $10,000.” 

Fusco says “lifelong allegiance” is in the spiritual DNA of the fraternity, dating back to Greg Nelli (’70) and Pat Phelan (’72). At the anniversary dinner, Nolan Vores (’23) and Chris Haak (’22) received the Greg Nelli-Pat Phelan Scholarships for $15,000, the chapter’s highest award to date. In the past year, the fund surpassed a milestone of $100,000. 

Licht said, “Delta Chi is more than a social fraternity. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and giving alumni who share the ideals and leadership that Delta Chi values.”