The Florida State University chapter of the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity has won the Chapter Excellence Award for universities in the southeast.
“This was an amazing feat by the undergraduate students,” said Professor of Exercise Science Chester Ray, the group’s adviser. “This group has only been in existence for less than two years.”
The distinction recognizes chapters that surpass standards of excellence in operations and in the programming areas of academics, service, social, cultural, philanthropic and medically related events. Chapters also must raise a minimum of $2,000 to support hospitals affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network.
The FSU chapter formed in March 2018 and was officially installed as a chapter Dec. 8, 2018.
Kyler Strange, the chapter president, said the group started with 43 students and now has 72 active members. They started the FSU organization to build community among students who were engaging in the grueling course work required to apply for medical school while also providing opportunities for education and philanthropy.
The organization received the Chapter Excellence Award this past February.
“This award serves not only as an indication of our member‘’s incredible dedication to the fraternity but also to our members’ commitment to becoming future physicians of integrity,” Strange said. “From the beginning, the FL Zeta chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon has striven above all else to create an environment that feels like home to our members. While receiving the Chapter of Excellence Award serves as validation that we have achieved this goal, we will continue to grow as a chapter and accomplish more with each semester.”