Mike is pictured in the military uniform. Everyone else is his pledge brothers. This is from Mike’s wedding in July 2007, 13 months after (most) graduated.
After graduating in 2006 with a BS in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Mike Dumas joined the Air Force, where serves as an A-10 pilot and currently commands the 358th Fighter Squadron at Whiteman AFB, MO. His formative experience in Phi Gamma Delta began with his pledge class.
“My pledge class is an amazing group of men. We bonded through our pledgeship and grew closer over our three years living in the house. At different times, I’ve drawn inspiration, support, and gratitude from each and every one of them. I would not be the man I am today without the influence of my pledge brothers and the older brothers in the house that guided us through pledgeship.”
Thinking about what initially drew him to the fraternity, he remembers, “most people saw us as good students and good men that knew how to have a good time.” Over time, he has come to appreciate the “deep and lasting” friendships that stem from his Phi Gamma Delta connections.
“The rooms and roommates I lived in/with were fantastic. I especially enjoyed building a bar and stereo junior year my senior year in the 2-hundo. Warm days, especially during football season, were spent on the porch and the lawn, playing frisbee and cornhole. Most of my pledge class and I still communicate regularly, mostly about Purdue sports.”
He describes his fraternity brothers as the sort of lifelong friends who will “be at your wedding (and) be at your funeral.” It’s not just an expression, as Mike was joined by several brothers on the day he married his college sweetheart (as seen in the photo).
“I met my now wife in the spring of our junior year. As a Theta, she and I found an instant connection through our shared Greek life experiences. Her connection with and acceptance by my brothers is a central part of why we are happily married today after 16 years.”
Mike and Megan were married in July 2007 and now have three children.