Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have a diverse range of nearly 30 student-led groups on campus, offering students opportunities to connect, engage and grow in their personal and professional interests.
Emily McMahon, class of 2026 marketing major, is the president of Phi Chi Theta. McMahon shared why she joined, what makes this organization unique and how to get involved.
Lerner: When and why did you choose to join this student group?
McMahon: I joined in the fall semester of 2022, a few weeks into my freshman year at UD, in an effort to find my place on campus. I hoped to meet people within Lerner and to make friends with people who’d be in my classes for the next four years. I also had a goal to network and develop professionally, to be better prepared when applying for jobs and internships.
Lerner: When and where does your student group meet and approximately how many members do you have?
McMahon: Phi Chi Theta meets for weekly chapter meetings, and has a few events each week. These events are either professional, social, or philanthropy related. We have approximately 60 members in our organization that range from all majors and minors within Lerner!
Lerner: What is the mission/goal of your student group?
McMahon: The goal of our group is to help our members develop professionally and make lifelong friendships. With a strong network of business professionals, professors, and alumni, our members are afforded opportunities to apply to jobs and internships that they would not get outside of our business fraternity. We are a smaller organization, so all of our members know each other well and are able to create stronger bonds and connections with one another.
Lerner: What is your best memory or proudest moment from this student group?
McMahon: My proudest moment from Phi Chi Theta happened my sophomore fall semester when I was first elected onto the Executive Board as the Vice President of Operations. Becoming a leader in Phi Chi Theta helped improve my confidence and communication skills, and is what led to my becoming the President of my organization.
Lerner: What is unique about your student group?
McMahon: Something unique about our organization is how much we encourage leadership. Over a third of our members hold a leadership position, ranging from our Executive Board to our smaller chair and director positions. We want all of our members to be able to have a direct impact in Phi Chi Theta, and we motivate them to get involved in leadership as early on as they’re interested. Speaking from experience, I got involved in leadership as the Director of Public Relations at the end of my freshman year. This led me to being elected to the Executive Board a semester later, and becoming President the next year. Getting to ease my way into leadership gave me a clear understanding of how my work and efforts can make a difference in Phi Chi Theta.
Lerner: What are your goals for the future of your student group?
McMahon: Over winter break, Phi Chi Theta started our transition from an RSO to a Special Interest Greek Chapter (SIGC). As we change our classification on campus, I hope we are able to spread our name and purpose throughout UD, and continue our merit of being the newest and fastest growing business fraternity on campus. Being a part of FSLL with other Fraternities, Sororities, Multi-Cultural Groups, and Special Interest Greek Chapters gives Phi Chi Theta a new chance to make an impact.
Lerner: How has your student group helped you grow, personally or professionally?
McMahon: When I joined my freshman year I was incredibly quiet, and didn’t have a clue what the next four years were going to look like. Since then, I have completely come out of my shell, and improved my communication abilities and public speaking skills, which has allowed me to confidently network with professionals. Becoming a leader on my campus has given me the understanding that I can make a difference and be a role model for other students, which has been an unparalleled part of my personal growth. Being a part of Phi Chi Theta has led me to develop professionally as well, giving me the experience and skills I needed to secure an internship for the summer of 2025.
Lerner: Does your group have any social media handles?
McMahon: Instagram : @udpct and LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/udpct
Lerner: Does your group have a website?
McMahon: https://sites.google.com/udel.edu/phichithetaud
Lerner: Is there anything else you would like to share?
McMahon: Here is a little background of Phi Chi Theta at UD: Founded in 2019, we are the newest and fastest growing business fraternity on campus. We encourage any student with a business major or minor to rush. We hold recruitment in the fall and spring, and while spring recruitment has already ended, we hope to see students who are motivated to get involved within Lerner and on campus at Fall 2025 Rush!