My Davidson | A Student Blog Fraternity Life at Davidson College
April 7, 2026
Explore how fraternity life at Davidson College fosters lifelong mentorship and philanthropy through the experience of Gabe Garcia ’26. In this blog post, he shares how meals work, what brotherhood is like, and the variety of service projects his fraternity has taken on in the community.
About the Author
Gabe Garcia ’26 is a History and Educational Studies double major from Chicago, Illinois. On campus, he is involved with QuestBridge Scholars, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Davidson Orchestra, Bee Club, the Davidson History Journal, and Catholic Campus Ministry.
“My favorite class at Davidson has been History 301: Making History. This class taught me about the history of Hawaii. For our final project, we did archival research in Honolulu during spring break. This class improved my research skills and helped me create close friendships.”
When I first arrived at Davidson, I had no idea what organizations I wanted to join. Looking back, one involvement I couldn’t have predicted was joining a fraternity.
However, I had the opportunity to join Phi Gamma Delta the spring of my first year. It was because of the people—both the peers joining alongside me and the upperclassmen already in the chapter—that I decided to join. My friends and I rushed together because of the fraternity’s strong reputation. As soon as I met the members, I knew it was the right place for me. I particularly looked up to the older members who were already preparing for successful careers after graduation.
Similar to a Davidson eating house, our fraternity offers a meal plan. Because we are a close-knit organization, members bond with people from all different social circles. This connection is most prevalent during our daily lunches and dinners; eating together at the house allowed me to develop deep friendships with my brothers.
One of the most impactful aspects of my experience has been our commitment to philanthropy, both within the Davidson community and beyond. Each semester, we host “Puppies and Slushies.” Through this event, we raise money for Continue the Mission, a local organization that trains service dogs for veterans living with PTSD. Our fraternity helps raise the funds necessary to train, feed, and house these puppies. Additionally, we maintain a close partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteering to construct and renovate affordable homes allows us to serve families in the greater Davidson community.
As my time at Davidson comes to an end, I look back proudly on my years with Phi Gamma Delta. I am grateful to now mentor younger members, just as older students once did for me. I have full trust that my brothers will continue our mission of philanthropy, leadership, and lifelong brotherhood.
