From March 29 through April 4, the Iota Theta Chapter at Boise State University hosted its first-ever Better Man Week, a multi-day series of events designed to challenge members to reflect on leadership, accountability, responsibility, grit, and brotherhood.

The week brought together speakers, service opportunities, and brotherhood activities that aligned closely with Delta Sigma Phi’s mission of developing Better Men and the Fraternity’s four pillars: Pursue Education, Embrace Service, Lifelong Friendships, and Launch Careers.

“Better Men Week is basically a week where our chapter takes each day to focus on the core values that are the foundation of who we are and what we want each member of our chapter to embody,” said Chapter Vice President Matt Hohl.

The week opened with a presentation from Delta Sigma Phi CEO Phil Rodriguez, Illinois State '03, who encouraged members to take initiative within the Fraternity and recognize that leadership is not dependent on holding a title. Discussions throughout the week challenged members to think critically about leadership styles, accountability, and personal responsibility while encouraging members to Pursue Education through reflection, honest conversation, and leadership development.

Additional speakers focused on brotherhood and accountability, encouraging members to hold one another to a higher standard while building meaningful relationships rooted in trust and honesty. Those conversations reflected the Lifelong Friendship pillar and emphasized the importance of creating a chapter culture where members actively support and challenge one another. Conversations about leadership development and taking initiative also encouraged members to Launch Careers by building confidence, communication skills, and habits of accountability that extend beyond the chapter experience.

On Friday, members put those values into action through the Adopt-A-Highway program, cleaning a one-mile stretch of roadway in the Boise area. The service project reflected Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity’s commitment to Embrace Service, and in recognition of the chapter’s efforts, the roadway will now bear the name Delta Sigma Phi.

The week concluded with an early morning brotherhood hike centered on grit and perseverance. The experience gave members an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned throughout the week while strengthening connections within the chapter.

“Overall, it was just a really good week of community and connection among the brothers. It gave us an opportunity to intentionally focus on the culture of our chapter and have conversations that maybe don’t always happen in day to day life. It was also really valuable seeing older members connect with younger guys and pass down advice, perspective, and leadership to them,” Hohl said.

As the chapter looks ahead, Better Man Week established a new tradition focused on helping members grow as leaders, friends, students, and fraternity men while living out the values that define Delta Sigma Phi.