Bill Freytag ’73 ([email protected]) was drawn to Phi Delta Theta because of the great blend of social life and academics. “The character of the brothers I met during rush, the great location of the house, and the balanced commitment to academics, sports, and social programs all blended together nicely.”
Phi Delta Theta’s leadership was what set it apart for Freytag. “We were ‘the jock’ house with a dozen or more varsity football players. We also had some of the best parties.”
One of his favorite memories from his time in the house was an unexpected victory. “I was studying for an exam at my desk one evening and got cajoled into joining a five-person team to participate in a beer-drinking contest at the Pig & Whistle. I missed the exam the next day but we won the contest by drinking 25 pitchers of beer in 60 minutes. I still have the newspaper clipping extolling our victory.”
Apart from the fun times and excellent stories, Phi Delta Theta encouraged Freytag to push himself as a student and an individual. “Life in our house offered an early introduction to leadership – at first by watching it performed by the upperclassman, and later through direct participation. Life in the house taught me camaraderie, loyalty, and commitment to one another – brothers in the bond.”
Freytag gives back because he wants to provide a high-quality experience for future brothers. “I want to see the fraternity survive and flourish for future generations of brothers. I have been financially successful – it’s payback time.”
“I have many close friendships now: golfing buddies, running buddies, fishing buddies, Vegas buddies. I think the fraternal experience at Phi Delta Theta instilled a desire for camaraderie in my life.”
His two younger brothers Carl Freytag ’75 and Svend Freytag ’77 also attended Purdue and pledged Phi Delta.