On a typical fall afternoon, Chris Gulino, Thomas Dillane, Nicholas Marrone, and Joshua Citron were hanging out at lunchtime, much like they always did. On this particular day their conversation had turned to Greek Life and fraternities. By the end of lunch, the group had decided that they wanted to form their own fraternity.
After doing some research, the group decided that Theta Chi Fraternity would be the perfect fit for them. They began spreading their message across campus – speaking to others about their goals and values. Along the way, they began to discover that other men on campus also shared the same interests and values and their group began to expand.
In March of 2013, the group of four met with the Greek Advisor to discuss their plans. Soon after, then-Sr. Director for Recruitment and Expansion, JD Ford met with the interest group to discuss the process of becoming a chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. Shortly after Ford’s visit, the work of becoming a chapter truly began. Chris Gulino did what he could to help speed up the process.
On Sept. 7, 2013, 14 members were pledged during a Colonization Ceremony held in the Cory Union Exhibition Lounge at SUNY Cortland University. Then-National Secretary Joseph D’Amore Jr. presided. Representing the International Headquarters staff were then-Assistant Director of Recruitment and Expansion, Joe Macko and Field Executive Chris Barker. Other attendees included Justin Howland (Eta Phi/Oakland 2007) and undergraduate brothers from Alpha Chi/Syracuse.
Over the next year, the Colony held the highest fraternal GPA each semester, and had a GPA higher than the overall men’s average.
The Colony also participated in and philanthropy events like the annual CROP WALK to Stop World Hunger where they raise more than $2,000, and YWCA Safe Halloween where they ran a miniature bowling event, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, and eventually holding their own Charity Ice Hockey Game where they raised $700 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Members were involved in a wide variety of activities on campus such as: CSTV (Cortland State TV,) WSUC Radio (SUNY Cortland radio,) Ambassador’s Club, Orientation Assistant, Physics Club, Intern at the Campus Physical Plant, Research Assistant for the Economics Department, Volunteer at the local fire department, Economics Club, Special Ed Club, Chemistry Club, Student Government, Criminology Club, Alliance of Physical Education Majors (APEM,) Judson H. Taylor Program, FIT Club, Acapella, Sports Management Club, Intramural and Club sports, Dartfish Club, Roller Hockey, Swimming, Ultimate Frisbee Team, Outdoor Adventure Club and Resident Hall Council.
The Colony members also participated in National events like the Deranian Presidents Conference, Recruitment Boot Camp, Mid Year Leadership Conferences, Initiative Academy, and attended the 158th Anniversary Convention in Minneapolis, MN.
The colony also gained an adviser: Justin Howland, Eta Phi/Oakland 2007. Howland shared, "As one of the few available alumnus brothers in Upstate New York, I found myself in a unique position to benefit the SUNY Cortland Colony. When approached with the opportunity to be their advisor, I knew these gentlemen had scarce resources without an established alumni base locally upon which to draw. I wanted to lend the Assisting Hand in any way I was able and to demonstrate to them Theta Chi for Life is a real, tangible thing and not a lip service slogan."
Howland continued, "Their raw enthusiasm and can-do attitude is an amazing breath of fresh air. These gentlemen embraced the opportunity to begin SUNY Cortland's Theta Chi legacy and to add to the International Fraternity's legacy. I've never once witnessed them encounter challenges with anything but determination, positive thinking and reliance upon one another. They invigorate the purest forms of Theta Chi in myself. Mostly, they are tremendous individuals and a powerful force as a collective that bears witness. They are the people you wish you had more of as an undergraduate member and the kind you want to compose our Fraternity's membership into the future. I truly feel honored to help and guide them even the little bit I am able."
With Howland's guidance, the colony petitioned the Grand Chapter for installation, and received approval to set a date.
On May 2, 2015, 45 men were initiated into Theta Chi Fraternity and installed as Iota Omega Chapter in a ceremony held at 11 a.m. at the Port Watson Mini Conference Center in Cortland, NY. National Counselor Chad Strelow presided. Representing International Headquarters were Director of Recruitment and Expansion Justin Jones, Director of Education Brandon Younkin, and Field Executive Darien Key.
Several members of Eta Phi/Oakland University were also in attendance, traveling all the way from Michigan. They came to support their chapter brother and Iota Omega adviser Justin Howland and to show the spirt of brotherhood to the new initiates at SUNY Cortland. Eta Phi brothers shared more than brotherhood: coincidentally, Eta Phi Chapter was installed 34 years prior on the same date: May 2, 1981.
Justin Howland shared, "As the Legal Advisor on the Eta Phi Chapter Advisory Board, I am in direct contact with the leadership on the undergraduate and alumni level at my alma mater at Oakland University in Michigan. These brothers have been instrumental in my life, as I know I have been in theirs. When I received official word the SUNY Cortland Colony had been approved for installation, I contacted Brother Justin Wojas (Eta Phi/Oakland 2004) and Brother Joseph Current (Eta Phi/Oakland 2010) to see if they would come to help. For me, it was important to join my two Theta Chi worlds together. As they always have, the Eta Phi alums and undergraduates answered my call for help. Soon, I was on the phone with them planning their road trip and weekend here in New York. In solid fashion, five alumni brothers and three undergraduate members made the 10+ hour trek. In doing so, they demonstrated the best part of Theta Chi's foundation, and truly exemplified the words of our Creed." He continued, "While I'm sure the brothers on the actual trip have invaluable stories from the road, it will be the memories of their time at Cortland which will mean the most. Each one volunteered time to answer questions, participate in the Installation Committee, talk about their own journey in Theta Chi, and to celebrate the occasion with their new brothers. As a current and former leader of Eta Phi Chapter, I couldn't have asked for anything more. The newly-initiated Cortland brothers took note and expressed their appreciation to Eta Phi."
Four additional chapters were represented on the Installation Committee including Gamma Theta/San Diego State, Eta Pi/East Stroudsburg, Theta Psi/Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Iota Pi/LSU.
Iota Omega Charter Members and the Installation Committee
Iota Omega Charter members include: Michael Atalyan, Samuel Bloomquist, Joshua Citron, Chandler Coons, Thomas Dillane, Ronald Duppert, Conor Everett, Dylan Ferrier, Miles Ferris, Antonio Fiume, Liam Fogarty, Antrico Forbes, Zachary Forman, Raad Gheith, Morgan Goldstein, Alexander Gombas, Christopher Gulino, Anders hade, Brian Hade, Richard Happel, Jacob Howland, David Hughes, Brian Katchman, William Keogh, Michael Lawshe, Corey Maiale, Nicholas Marrone, Justin Mazzarisi, John McConie, Connor McKenna, Matthew McLaughlin, David Miranda, Philip Murtagh, Schuyler O’Brien, Christopher O’Neill, Matthew Rhodes, Tyler Rodabaugh, Mateo Santos, Tyler Seaward, Garrett Smith, Robert Storrie, Stephen Suozzi, Michael Sutz, Sean Tlrellj and Tyler Tlrellj.
A reception followed the ceremony at the home brothers Dylan Ferrier, David Hughes and Conor Everett. In attendance were University President Eric Bitterbaum, parents, friends, family members, and members of Eta Phi Chapter.
Guest of Honor: Theta Chi welcomes SUNY Cortland President, Dr. Eric Bitterbaum. (l-r): Director of Recruitment and Expansion Justin Jones, Field Executive Darien Key, Dr. Bitterbaum, Director of Education Brandon Younkin, and National Counselor Chad Strelow.
At the reception, President Samuel Bloomquist presented Christopher Gulino the Active Chapter Service Award. The Best Recruiter Award was presented to Connor McKenna, and the Highest GPA Award went to Justin Mazzarisi. Tyler Tirelli received the Rookie of the Year Award, and John McConie was presented the Sacred Purpose Brother of the Year Award. The Community Service Award went to Dylan Ferrier.
Chapter Advisor Justin Howland spoke about the growth of the colony, and National Counselor Chad Strelow spoke about the meaning and importance of brotherhood. The brothers of Eta Phi Chapter presented a decorated and signed paddle to Iota Omega Chapter and dedicated it to the bond between the chapters. Howland stated, "Eta Phi presented a commemorative paddle to Iota Omega symbolizing a token of acknowledgement and welcome. As Eta Phi and Iota Omega now share the same Installation date (May 2), albeit 34 years apart, I have no doubt the Eta Phi road trip to Cortland will mark the beginning of an amazing intra-chapter relationship between Oakland and Cortland's finest."
“Iota Omega is composed of very diverse individuals who are really coming together for the sole purpose of removing negative stereotypes and helping the community around them,” said Chapter President Samuel Bloomquist. “Cortland County is a very poor county and the chapter is very focused on giving back to the community,” he said. “We bring a new individuality and good reputation causing new life of campus,” said Bloomquist. “For these reasons our Fraternity should be proud to be represented at SUNY Cortland.
Iota Omega's first Chapter President Samuel Bloomquist with Director of Recruitment and Expansion Justin Jones, who was Iota Pi/LSU's first Chapter President.
Moving forward, Iota Omega will focus on recruitment as 19 members of the chapter prepare to graduate this month.
The chapter will continue to be supported by their Chapter Advisory Board (CAB):
- Justin Howland, Eta Phi/Oakland 2007, Chapter Advisor
- Paul Van de veur Ph. D., Faculty Advisor
- Brian Ward Ph. D., Faculty Advisor
- David Franke Ph. D., Health and Safety Advisor
On behalf of the CAB, Justin Howland shared, "This will be a day I will always remember. I was very proud to see Iota Omega Chapter be born, and to usher in 45 new brothers. It was a unique opportunity to witness the next step in their journey as someone who helped them start two years ago, as well as be there along the way. In a way, I felt relieved and excited for them. Relief that their hard work until this point was not for naught, and that the instant pressure of obtaining a charter had been completed. Excited because I was finally able to embrace them as brothers and let them understand me and much as I would them. As their advisor, it was important for me that I see them paying close attention to our Ritual, and to the words of the brothers helping them gain full understanding. Lastly, it was a day of great joy. The smiles, embraces, and deep conversations that occurred on installation day left me with tremendous joy. I know these Men of Theta Chi went about it the right way and will do tremendous things at Cortland, within Theta Chi, for themselves and for each other."
To conclude, original colony organizer and Iota Omega Roster #1 Chris Gulino (2015) shared, "This was personally one of the best days of my life. It was something we all worked so hard for over the last two years and it was amazing to see it finally happen. Everything I did over the last 2 years, I did with the intention of becoming a fully initiated brother of Theta Chi, so when it finally happened, I was speechless. Knowing that Theta Chi will have a continued presence on the SUNY Cortland campus and in the community is something that means the world to me. The connections I have made through Theta Chi and the memories I made with not only my chapter brothers, but brothers around the country, will be with me for the rest of the my life and I am beyond excited that Iota Omega Chapter at SUNY Cortland will be able to offer these same experiences to future brothers."
Gulino then shared, "The banquet was an amazing experience. Being able to celebrate something we worked so hard for with all our family and friends as well as the President of our University was an amazing experience. Having the undergraduates and alumni brothers from Eta Phi/Oakland University make the 11-hour drive to Cortland, New York really showed not only myself, but everyone in attendance, what brotherhood is really about and how much it truly means to be a Theta Chi. I can not wait to give back to my chapter and my beloved Fraternity. Becoming a Theta Chi was the greatest decision of my life."
Congratluations and Best Wishes to the Charter Members and future brothers of Iota Omega Chapter!
Letters of congratulations may be sent to Iota Omega Chapter President Samuel Bloomquist at samuel.bloomquist@cortland.edu
You can follow the chapter on Twitter at @CStateThetaChi and on Instagram at thetachicortland