Kappa Gamma Chapter Installs at the University of North Florida
It all started in the Cove Building, room 323 at the University of North Florida. Eleven men were discussing their desire to be more than just a group of friends. “Many of us had rushed other fraternities in the fall and some had received bids, but we still weren’t satisfied,” explained past Colony President, Phillip Boan (2016). “This got us talking, because we saw room for Greek life to grow on campus.” Boan’s father, Dr. John Boan, was an alumnus of our Beta Psi Chapter at Presbyterian College. Although the Boans had discussed what fraternity on campus would suit Phillip well, the conversation continued to lead to one thing: starting a Theta Chi chapter at UNF. After researching Theta Chi, the eleven men immediately drew connections from their lives to our military roots. Many of their own family members were former or active service men and women, and had witnessed first-hand the support that organizations like the USO offer.
In early 2015 they became an interest group and on May 30, 2015, 13 men officially colonized the University of North Florida. Although excitement engulfed the new colony members, they were aware of the challenges ahead. Through the remainder of summer 2015, the men who resided in Jacksonville met weekly to plan for the fall and spring semesters. A number of members, including Colony Treasurer Nadim Issa (2016), Tyler Sanders (2016), and Phillip Boan, traveled to Indiana to attend Theta Chi’s premiere leadership training program, the Initiative Academy. It was here that the men equipped themselves with vital leadership skills to bring back for the academic year.
The fall semester began with entry into the university’s Interfraternity Council (IFC), and formal rush. By the middle of fall, the colony had grown to 30 members. An October retreat facilitated by Chief Operating Officer, Ray Vanlanot, invigorated the men, providing insight to continuous recruitment and a greater understanding of what’s needed to be chartered. Several weeks after, the colony had grown to 40 members.
“Our men then, as they do now, encompass a diverse range of students,” explained Boan. “This inclusiveness brings a wide range of ideas to the table and is something the chapter prides itself on.”
On April 9, 2016, at the Mandarin Masonic Lodge in Jacksonville, FL, 42 men installed the Kappa Gamma Chapter at the University of North Florida. International Vice President Joseph Couch presided the ceremony, with Ray Vanlanot and Field Executive Kevin Kutner representing the International Headquarters.
“It’s a beautiful and vibrant campus that Theta Chi certainly belongs on,” said Vanlanot. “There are abundant opportunities to engage the campus community and to add to the student leadership.”
The University of North Florida is a relatively new institution, established in 1972. Despite its young age, it boasts over 16,000 students.
Members from Tau/Florida, Beta Psi/Presbyterian, Gamma Delta/Florida Southern, Delta Beta/Georgia, and Iota Nu/USF attended the ceremony and reception. Kappa Gamma’s Marshal, Cory Morabito (2017) received the Active Chapter Service Award during the reception, which also included a host of local chapter awards:
Phillip Boan – Brother of the Year Award
Chapter President, Zachary Venezio (2016) – Best Supportive Brother Award
Austin Bryant (2016) – Community Service Award
Jordan Driggers (2016) – Improved Scholar Award
Kameron Arnett (2016) – Outstanding New Member Award
Kenneth Roldan (2016) – Scholar of the Year Award
Matthew McClymont (2016) – Gentleman of the Year Award
The chapter’s vision includes growing to 60-70 members by fall 2016, hosting a successful USO event, and maintaining an identity of community service and gentlemanliness.
“It has been a long process to get to where we are today and it didn’t come without trials and tribulations,” says Boan. “Everyone can agree, however, that what we have been through has been well worth it and has shaped us into who we are today."
"Through hard work, dedication, and the support of both Theta Chis and non-Theta Chis, this chapter understands the true values of our Fraternity, and we are ecstatic to become an official chapter of Theta Chi at the University of North Florida.”
Pictured are the original colony members with their newly presented Charter.
The University of North Florida fosters the intellectual and cultural growth and civic awareness of its students, preparing them to make significant contributions to their communities in the region and beyond. At UNF, students and faculty engage together and individually in the discovery and application of knowledge. UNF faculty and staff maintain an unreserved commitment to student success within a diverse, supportive campus culture.
The University of North Florida aspires to be a preeminent public institution of higher learning that will serve the North Florida region at a level of national quality. The institution of choice for a diverse and talented student body, UNF will provide distinctive programs in the arts and sciences and professional fields. UNF faculty will excel in teaching and scholarship, sharing with students their passion for discovery. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors will enjoy a campus noteworthy for its communal spirit, cultural richness and environmental beauty.
