2026 Pi Recap

Pi 2026 Recap

The 2026 Preamble Institute was hosted by the Nu Charge at the University of Virginia. The event was from January 16th to 19th, 2026. There were nine volunteer facilitators, including undergraduates and alumni from different Charges of Theta Delta Chi. Executive Director Brian Bertges was the lead facilitator. The Alumni Facilitators included PGL Jim Leuck (Upsilon Deuteron ‘09), Grand Lodge Exec. Member Greg Wagner (Epsilon ‘84), former Grand Lodge Treasurer James Ambrose (Tau Triton ‘18), and Charge Consultant Nick Carter (Tau Triton ‘24). The Undergraduate Facilitators consisted of Griffith Klyne (Nu ‘26), Will Strickland (Sigma Deuteron ‘27), Kasem Sasa (Omicron Triton ‘26) and Drew Rich (Rho Triton ‘27). Griffith Klyne and Drew Rich are both second-time facilitators; they were invited back a second time due to their excellent contributions at the previous Preamble Institute. Nick Carter is a first-time facilitator at Preamble Institute, while Jim Leuck, Greg Wagner, and James Ambrose have facilitated previous Preamble Institutes.

Each active Charge in Theta Delta Chi is required to send one delegate to Preamble Institute. This year, five Charge sent an additional delegate. The growing event is a testament to the quality offering from our facilitators in the continually revised curriculum. Unlike other leadership retreats, PI is not position specific and is open to all current and future leaders.

This leadership retreat focuses on taking inventory of already established leadership habits through completing the Leadership Practices Inventory Self-Assessment, practicing communication skills and connecting them to Fraternity applications, and exploring the organization’s ritual. Delegates explore new and familiar concepts in a lecture-style setting (Large Group) and examine them in-depth to ensure understanding and outcomes in the small session Lodges. Delegates are empowered with an increased understanding of leadership and organizational values. Combining these two allows them to make the changes at their respective Charges to reform and grow. It can also help Brothers identify a more refined vision and clear goals to bring back. These outcomes are supported by the Institute framework of shifting from large group sessions to in-depth personal discussions.

Facilitators and staff also had the chance to get key information in front of rising leaders in Theta Delta Chi. Information on MyTDX tools and resources were reviewed. This includes where and how to access scholarship information, grant information, and more. Learning about the support from the Educational Foundation is critical. This support can alleviate some of the financial pressures of the undergraduate experience. The Institute itself has received annual grants from the Educational Foundation to support the costs of this event, which is now in the twentieth year since its inauguration.

Delegates left with an understanding that the organization is bigger than just their Charge, we have a shared connection across time and geography, and that the Grand Lodge, Educational Foundation, and Founders’ Corporation are all part of their support network. The delegates are motivated to bring the momentum back to their Charge and to make changes where they see fit as a result of this training. The training also provides context and reasons to connect with more resources and tools outside of PI. Many PI graduates have expressed interest in future programming opportunities such as ReCharge and ChargeUp, as well as additional Central Fraternity Office support.