New fraternity provides young men with the opportunity to start from scratch
by Matt Killingsworth
page 7, Fall 1999 NewsGreek Newsletter
The fall semester brought about the beginning of a new fraternity chapter at Kansas State University.
On October 16, 1999, Theta Chi fraternity officially opened their doors to Wildcats. The colonization banquet contained the swearing in of 30 new members and a blessing from the KU Theta Chi president. But the process Theta Chi went through for this moment had been a long time coming.
After evaluation of 1998 summer recruitment numbers, the InterFraternity Council decided that K-State was ready for expansion. The only question was which fraternity to let colonize. After researching 12 different national fraternities, Theta Chi was chosen because of its strong support on a national level.
"We needed a new fraternity that could be competitive," said Barb Robel, Greek Affairs advisor. "It just seemed like there was more interest than we were able to accommodate."
To accommodate this interest, Theta Chi was allowed to colonize. There was little worry that Theta Chi would be able to achieve full chapter status of 50 men by next fall. The previously newest fraternity, Delta Chi, has grown to a 90-man house and is thriving.
Brian Lilley, senior in accounting and management information systems and Theta Chi colony president, believes that Theta Chi presents a unique opportunity for young men wanting to go Greek.
"Theta Chi was selected to colonize at K-State due to their approaches to fraternity life," said Lilley. "We are going to have a different approach to brotherhood, social responsibility and to academic expectations than other fraternities do."
"The idea of getting in on the ground floor of an organization will appeal to many students," said Robel.
That was one of the motivating factors to join for Brent Anders, a junior in psychology and Theta Chi new member.
"I've really enjoyed the opportunity to be the part of the founding of this new fraternity on this campus," said Anders. "I am grateful for the chance to create a fraternity that will truly stand out for high academics and helping the community."
KU Theta Chi president, Ryan Gerstner, realizes the stresses of starting a new colony.
"I am very pleased with the progress of the Kansas State Colony. Starting a new group anywhere is a challenge, but this group has the leaders to meet that challenge. There's no doubt in my mind that they will soon become one of the top chapters of Theta Chi," said Gerstner.
The situation of housing has also been solved for the new colony with the leasing of the Sigma Sigma Sigma house on north Denison Avenue for next year. Theta Chi colonized as a dry fraternity, joining the growing number of K-State chapters as alcohol-free. But the choice was made for them, since all Theta Chi colonies must be alcohol free.