SUNY-Oswego Colonized
Like many who set forth on the path of bringing Theta Chi to campus, the men of SUNY-Oswego desired something different. They wanted a fraternity that could be built as a force of excellence, with a leadership focused mission. This led them to Theta Chi.
A snow storm named Jonas crippled the eastern seaboard in mid-January, making any travel to or from the area difficult if not impossible. Fortunately for the men of SUNY – Oswego, Field Executive Will Maher was in the midst of his northeast visits when the snow began to fall. Walled off from International Headquarters staff and volunteers, Brother Maher was able to plan and execute the colonization ceremony. Twenty-two men colonized SUNY-Oswego on January 23, 2016 with Brother Maher presiding. Despite the record-breaking storm, family members and friends of the colony members were in attendance. Brothers from Iota Psi/RIT and Alpha Chi/Syracuse also made the trip to Oswego and assisted with the ceremony.
With the average fraternity size on campus being 30, the group is already looking to take the lead and build a chapter membership well above this average. They understand the path to recognition is paved by positive actions and outstanding results. Brother Maher facilitated an abridged Recruitment Boot Camp training for the colony, equipping the men with tools to exceed their goals, and make good on their promise of excellence.
“I am very impressed with the professionalism of this group so far,” remarked Maher. “It is obvious to me that they not only want to become one of the premiere chapters on campus, but a premiere chapter with Theta Chi.”
The nation’s largest comprehensive public university system, The State University of New York (SUNY), was established in 1948. Since its founding, the SUNY system has evolved to meet the changing needs of New York’s students, communities, and workforce. SUNY initially represented a consolidation of 29 unaffiliated institutions, including 11 teachers colleges. All of these colleges, with their unique histories and backgrounds, united for a common goal: To serve New York State.
Today, the system includes 64 schools, a mix of 29 state-operated campuses and five statutory colleges—including research universities, liberal arts colleges, specialized and technical colleges, health science centers, land-grant colleges—and 30 community colleges. These institutions offer programs as varied as ceramics engineering, philosophy, fashion design, optometry, maritime studies, law, medical education, and everything in between. The University also operates hospitals and numerous research institutes.
