Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State University Recolonized

Bowling Green, OH – On October 1, 2017, the Gamma Mu Chapter at Bowling Green State University, an institution Theta Chi has been absent from for 17 years, was recolonized with 18 collegians.

In 2015, Theta Chi was granted permission to return to campus during the fall 2017 semester. With that announcement, alumni such as Bob Curtis (Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State 1965) started to prepare for Gamma Mu’s return by rallying alumni to offer support for the eventual return of the chapter. One of those alumnus volunteers included Roc Starks (Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State 1988), an instructor for Bowling Green State University’s Insurance Department. Roc agreed to serve as the adviser whenever the chapter recolonized. With the start of the fall 2017 semester quickly approaching, he began meeting with some collegians at Bowling Green State to introduce them to the idea of starting a new fraternity. In August 2017, Field Executives James McGuire and John Schoenle arrived on campus and were able to recolonize just a month and a half later.

The October 1st recolonization ceremony was held at Olscamp Hall on the Bowling Green State University campus in Bowling Green, OH. International Historian Brad Burk presided over the ceremony. Other attendees included Chief Operating Officer Ray Vanlanot, Field Executives James McGuire and John Schoenle, collegians from Beta Lambda/Akron and Eta Mu/Findlay, and alumni from Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State. The ceremony included two legacies: Conor Ryan, son of Michael Ryan (Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State 1987), and Tanner Gunter, brother of Tyler Gunter (Beta Lambda/Akron 2019).

The reception that followed the ceremony included attendees of the ceremony, Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Leah Howell, Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life Tiffany Dennett, IFC President Brian Snouffer, parents and family members of the new pledges, women from the Bowling Green State Panhellenic sororities, and graduate assistants from the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. Speakers at the reception included Dr. Howell, Bob Curtis, Bill Ficken (Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State 1962), and colony president Nick Achilie, who all spoke to the excitement of having Theta Chi back on campus after a long absence.

“It was truly an honor to be a part of this ceremony, meeting alumni, and brothers from the area,” stated Colony President Nick Aichele. “Hearing their stories made me realize the journey I am about to embark on. They showed me how being a resolute man sticks with you for life, and how joining Theta Chi is more than just a collegiate experience. I am excited for this journey ahead, working with my fellow colony members to become a chapter and what my future holds being a member of Theta Chi."

“On Sunday, October 1, 2017, I witnessed the recolonization of the Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State Chapter of Theta Chi with 21 new pledges,” said Dan Fobas (Gamma Mu/Bowling Green State 1966). “These terrific young men are eager to accomplish our old goals of preparing themselves to achieve success in this world! However, in this process, they are committed to making a difference on campus and to their fellow colony members.”

Moving forward, the goals of this colony include having the highest grade point average (GPA) amongst all fraternities and to have multiple members get involved with the IFC at Bowling Green State.