CORAL GABLES, FL – Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce the reinstallation of Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Miami on December 7, 2024, after a 61-year-long absence. The chapter was reinstalled with 61 Rechartering Members on campus at Miami's Newman Alumni Center.
Delta Epsilon's 61 Rechartering Members are Bender Al-Awwad (2025), Jacob Aragon (2025), Davio Badalamenti (2024), Charles Barrellier (2025), Javi Barrenechea (2025) Shivum Bhoola (2026), Anthony Bonadonna (2025), Jake Bonilla (2024), Maximiliano Bosetti (2025), Aidan Burdo (2025), Giuseppe Butera (2025), Jack Conroy (2026), Cole Coyne (2026), Noah Cueva (2025), Christopher Czajkowski (2026), Greg Drbul (2026), John Essom (2026), Elian Estulin (2026), George Foussianes (2026), Raymond Graceffo (2025), Michael Grecco (2025), Michael Grippa (2025), Jeremy Grisafi (2027), Ethan Gross (2027), Kyle Haas (2025), Alexander Hall-O’Sullivan (2027), Konstaninos Houvardas (2025), Shad Joseph (2025), Jack Kaplan (2025), Alexander Karian (2025), David Laplante (2025), Nicholas Marshall (2025), Derek Martin (2026), Chris Michelini (2026), Bennett Miller (2025), Gonzalo Miranda (2025), Donovan Moore (2026), Nolan Moss (2026), Rafferty Mowle (2026), Joseph Nicolosi (2025), Joshua Oh (2025), Raymond Owens (2025), Michael Palagonia (2025), Elias Panageas (2025), Miguel Paz Alborta (2025), Matthew Penny (2025), Joseph Piazza (2024), Greyson Prado (2026), Peter Radovich (2025), Reza Reyes (2026), Munir Reyes (2025), Jonah Savitz (2025), Daniel Schwartz (2026), Carter Shedd (2024), Dylan Stapleton (2026), Stephen Stento (2025), Jake Van Horn (2026), Maximus Vickers (2025), Cooper Wyler (2025), and Riley Yee (2024).
The colony/chapter advisory board includes Chris Hixon (Iota Theta/Central Florida 2011) and is actively pursuing additional alumni support.
Special attendees included International President Toby Roth, International Vice President Alan Copeland, Director of Growth Sam Terry, Assistant Director of Growth Zack Ross, Growth Specialist Eric Rys, Sergio Molina (Iota Omicron/FIU 2016), Michael Cooper (Iota Omicron/FIU 2017), Sebastian Mayor (Iota Omicron/FIU 2025), and Emmanouil Potamianakis (Iota Omicron/FIU 2027).
Following the reinstallation ceremony, a reception was held at Titanic Brewery and Restaurant.
Delta Epsilon's return to the University of Miami began during the spring of 2023. Alexander Hall-O'Sullivan (2027) reached out to former Sr. Director of Growth Zack Brown with a group of men interested in starting a Theta Chi chapter. Theta Chi International Headquarters' Growth team connected with Dean of Students Steven Preipke and Associate Dean of Students Cristina Luna to collaborate on the best possible opportunities for the fledgling group to become an entity of Theta Chi.
Unable to make any official moves prior to the end of the term, Zack Brown and Director of Growth Sam Terry were invited to present to the University of Miami IFC in the fall. In the interim, Davio Badalamenti (2024) and Riley Yee (2024) attended the 2023 Initiative Academy in Bloomington, IN and completed all requirements to become Resolute Men as part of their commitment to Theta Chi, even though they didn’t know for sure whether starting a chapter would come to fruition.
Brown and Terry traveled to campus in September of 2023 and presented to members of the IFC community. Despite support from the university and IFC members, Theta Chi was denied an invitation to join the IFC by three votes of the IFC chapter presidents, a process which lasted through the conclusion of the term. The votes to deny were based upon the uncertainty of adding a new fraternity within the IFC community. Undeterred by the “no” votes, the Fraternity and these men agreed that the best course of action would be to establish a colony outside of University recognition, with a commitment to support the efforts of the IFC community and hope that they would change their minds. Despite being unable to participate in IFC recruitment activity, men attracted to the idea of starting a new chapter joined and brought the size of the group to 28 by the time of recolonization.
Within the next few weeks following recolonization, the IFC did in fact change their mind, and welcomed the men as part of the Miami IFC community. Following their acceptance to the IFC community, the group flourished; after organizing care packages and raising $2,000 for the USO, recruiting one of the largest groups of men in fall 2024 amongst the IFC fraternities, and maintaining a 3.24 GPA, the group swiftly completed all other requirements for reinstallation.
"The brothers of Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Miami have exemplified what it means to build something bigger than themselves. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our values have driven their success throughout the ups and downs on their journey from interest group, to colony, to chapter. It's been an honor to support them on this journey, and I have no doubt they will continue to achieve great things as they carry the banner of Theta Chi." - Director of Growth Sam Terry
"It has been nothing short of a privilege and a blessing to watch the men of Delta Epsilon formally reinstall the chapter. This group has worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone and I am confident they will continue to be a banner chapter for Theta Chi as they grow and develop. I am incredibly excited to see their story continue on this campus." - Assistant Director of Growth Zack Ross.
“The Delta Epsilon Chapter is nothing short of relentless. Beginning with only a few members dedicated to learning the true meaning of Theta Chi, the group rallied together to advocate for the expansion of our Fraternity. They worked closely with Miami's administration and the Greek community at-large to showcase their ambition for bringing something new to campus. The University of Miami took steps to believe in these gentlemen and provided access for the opportunity to recolonize. It’s through this university partnership that these new brothers were able to chart their own course and develop leadership skills that will sustain their growth for years to come. I’ve never been prouder to be a Theta Chi as I watched each of them receive the well-deserved honor of joining our brotherhood.” - Chris Hixon, Chapter Adviser
Remarking on the opportunities that the new chapter has ahead of them, Rechartering President Michael Grippa said, “I am beyond excited to lead Theta Chi into a bright future at the University of Miami. As a newly reinstalled chapter, we have the opportunity to build a strong foundation, create lasting traditions, and make a meaningful impact on our campus and community."
The future of Delta Epsilon Chapter is bright and will continue to add value to the University of Miami community.
Congratulations to our new brothers, Welcome Back, and Go Canes!
Follow the current exploits of the chapter via their Instagram and click the name below to send notes of congratulations to newly elected Chapter President Michael Grippa.