Delta Rho/NC State Reinstalled
Raleigh, NC – On October 17, 2020, Theta Chi reinstalled the Delta Rho Chapter at North Carolina State University, adding a fourth active chapter to the state of North Carolina.
In August 2019, Field Executives Kofi Ladans and James Jackson were dispatched to Raleigh, NC, to start the process of rebuilding the Delta Rho Chapter. In just a few short months, they built up a strong interest group and Delta Rho was recolonized on October 19, 2019.
After colonizing, the colony worked diligently to build their reputation on campus. They partnered with a sorority to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, held philanthropy events on campus to benefit the USO, volunteered for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund by helping work their celebration run/walk, and raised over $8,000 for Dance Marathon at NC State, garnering them the Miracle Cup.
Everything was going great for the Delta Rho Colony and they were slated to reinstall in April 2020 when everything came to an abrupt halt. Right before their scheduled reinstallation, NC State shut down campus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the summer, the colony did their best to stay connected though the members were states apart. The reinstallation was rescheduled for September 2020 but they had to postpone again when there was a spike in COVID cases on campus. The third time was the charm when Delta Rho was officially reinstalled on October 17, 2020.
The 44 Rechartering Members are: Joey Abriola (2024), Christopher Allen, Aemon Barber (2023), Sam Blue (2023), Anish Bondre (2024), Grant Booker (2024), Zachary Brown (2023), Zack Carson (2024), Josh Cooper (2023), Andrew Cox (2023), Rex DeMatteis (2024), Cameron Dutra (2023), Jonas Forsberg (2023), Jack Forsythe (2024), Samuel Fowler (2024), Dylan Inman (2023), Drew Jackson (2023), Brian James, Salim Koroma (2023), Brandon Kottmer (2022), Seth Lamoreaux (2023), Ean Lawrence (2023), Michael Macomson (2023), Simon Max (2023), Conner McManus (2022), Erik Petursson (2023), Jack Pierce (2024), Brendan Popella (2024), Quinn Porter (2024), Paul Rigsby (2023), Devlin Santos (2022), Giuliano Scala (2023), Will Sherrill (2024), Austin Stella (2023), Preston Thornton, Noah Tran (2024), Bryce Tricas (2023), Nate Uy (2023), Anthony Vaccaro (2024), David Villafuerte (2024), Mason Ward (2022), Tyler Whitt (2023), Nick Wiblitzhouser (2024), and Fulton Williams (2023).
The Reinstallation Ceremony took place on a farm owned by Delta Rho/NC State alumnus Sean Lloyd (1996) and was presided over by International Vice President Creig Andreasen. Others in attendance included Senior Director of Training and Development Zack Brown, CAB Ambassador Rich Santoriello, and alumni from Delta Rho/NC State and Theta Xi/VCU.
Indeed, alumni were key to the development and success of the new brotherhood.
Delta Rho Alumni Corporation President Charlie Townsend (2015) stated, "Over the past five years Delta Rho Alumni have come together and coalesced our efforts around one mission: to see the return of Theta Chi at North Carolina State University. On October 17th, we did just that. Forty-four young men took fraternal oaths overlooking the fields at a Delta Rho alumnus’ family farm.” He concluded, “To see their excitement validated our mission and knowing that our storied history has begun its next chapter is a moment that myself and others will never forget."
Rich Santoriello (Epsilon Sigma/Wagner 1987) lives in Raleigh and serves as a chapter adviser and CAB Ambassador. He said, “The Delta Rho Colony was scheduled to be reinstalled in April. Then it became August. While COVID-19 has affected all of us, the colony remained determined and focused. Finally, reinstallation day was upon us as we gathered at Brother Sean Lloyd’s farm with a few Delta Rho Alumni and CAB Members participating all while adhering to local COVID-19 restrictions. The colony’s resilience paid off as October 17, 2020, was a great day for the alumni and collegians of Delta Rho. The chapter was reinstalled and the charter found its way home and we could not be more proud.”
Several current and former International Headquarters staff members had worked with Delta Rho alumni and colony members for years and were very proud.
Former Field Executive James Jackson said, “I’m so proud of the men who have turned the Delta Rho Colony into the Delta Rho Chapter once again. A lot of hard work was put into the process to get the chapter to where it needed to be, despite all of the adversities over the past year. I hope these men take full advantage of this opportunity and continue to make it their own.”
James’ partner on the project, former Field Executive Kofi Ladans, echoed these remarks. “I'm honored to have helped bring Delta Rho back to the NC State campus. My biggest thanks go to the alumni for their generous hospitality, to NC State administrators and faculty (especially Mindy Sopher) for their unwavering support, and to James Jackson for being a solid partner in the endeavor. I look forward to watching these men grow into fine Theta Chi brothers and ambassadors for our brotherhood.”
Senior Director of Training and Development Zack Brown said, “I’m very proud and excited for the young men reinstalling the Delta Rho Chapter. The collegians and alumni have both persevered during a pandemic and academic semester unlike anything we have ever seen. In a year where so many things seem to be negative, it’s great to hear some good news. Delta Rho is back!”
In a day that celebrated collegiate brothers amidst a national pandemic, they remained humble and optimistic.
Delta Rho Chapter President Seth Lamoreaux reflected, “It has been a long road to get to where we are today, but the men in Delta Rho Chapter have made every step of the way a blessing. I’m proud of all of us for accomplishing this and I look forward to seeing all the great things that Delta Rho will accomplish in the future.”
Welcome and congratulations to our new brothers at NC State! Though born amidst a pandemic, may Delta Rho’s future be safe, healthy, and bright!
Congratulatory notes may be sent to Chapter President Seth Lamoreaux.
You can follow the progress of Delta Rho Chapter via their Twitter or Instagram account.
Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 196,000 initiated members and has established 245 chapters. Leadership development, personal development, and service to alma mater are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s mission.