Imagine becoming an American citizen on Independence Day. Immediately thrown into the festivities and celebrations, perhaps even before grasping what being American means, you are exhilarated and maybe a little overwhelmed as you light your first firework.

Phi Gamma Delta fraternity is in a similar situation.

“As soon as we were established, we were officially installed as a colony here, recognized by the university and recognized by the fraternities as of Oct. 23,” said Matt Edgar, the field secretary for Phi Gamma Delta. “It was an exciting evening where we unveiled the founding fathers, but then, all the sudden, hey, now we’re doing Homecoming.”

Edgar even knows the minute Phi Gamma Delta, or the “Fijis,” as they are nicknamed, became an official colony: 6:38 p.m.

“We’re the new kid on the block,” Edgar said.

They won’t have their own house for at least a couple of years, said Gary Wiser, coordinator of Greek affairs.

Phi Gamma Delta is an old fraternity, founded May 1, 1848 at Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pa.

Some of the most famous brothers over the past century include President Calvin Coolidge, the Tonight Show’s Johnny Carson and Peter O’Malley, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Fijis begin their chapter at Western during one of the busiest, if not one of the most important, weeks in Greek life.

Phi Gamma Delta is unique in the sense that its first week on campus is Homecoming week.

“I don’t know of many of our other colonies that so quickly after being established on the campus are so integrated and kind of ready to go,” Edgar said.

Before anyone even knew if they were going to be successful, they were paired with Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

“It really was a supportive prop for us going into this colonization project, to learn that we were going to be paired right off the bat, that we were going to be involved and integrated,” he said.

None of the brothers of Western’s Phi Gamma Delta have been involved with Greek Homecoming activities before, Edgar said. It’s all a new experience for all 40 “founding fathers.”

Phi Gamma Delta, KA and AOPi are working together on a float that will be seen during Friday’s Homecoming parade.

“I think the tone is one of excitement,” Louisville junior Brandon Bowman said.

“We’re ready to join, to go full force forward,” he said.

Phi Gamma Delta is helping KA with its Haunted Hill tours.

“Whether it’s selling tickets, or taking tickets, or getting people through the doors and in line- or even dressing up and scaring, it’s just part of working together,” Bowman said.

Edgar added, “I think it’s more a manpower thing there again, they’re teaching us and helping us learn what to do and how to do it, while we’re able to help them in the planning of their event and the actual happening of their event.”

The profits received from the Haunted Hill tours will be donated to a philantrophy.

Phi Gamma Delta has no organizational allegiance to KA or AOPi but was partnered with them and is very grateful for their help.

“It’s kind of like a dance partner; you’ve got someone you’re working with to be successful,” Edgar said.

He said the Greek groups will work together to build a float that integrates the theme “Vote Big Red for President.”

“Homecoming is a competition,” Edgar said.

Phi Gamma Delta participated in Tuesday’s Greek games and will participate in Big Red’s Roar at the Colonnade on Friday in addition to participating in the Homecoming parade.

“It’s interesting that we become pledges, and week one is Homecoming. One of the most stressful weeks of the entire Greek semester here, is our week one,” Bowman said. “So we’re popped into it immediately.”

Reach Tabitha Waggoner at diversions@chherald.com.