On Oct. 1, 2014, Field Executives Darien Key and Tom Sisco arrived at the University of Oregon to begin soliciting members for an interest group. The first two bides were extended to Noah Daniels and Ethan Rivas, and they then began advising Key of prospective members. Soon, an interest group of ten was assembled and a petition to colonize was submitted to the Grand Chapter.
The Recolonization Ceremony of Alpha Sigma Chapter was held Nov. 21, 2014, in the Ford Alumni Ball Center at the University of Oregon. Former Field Representative and Alpha Sigma alumnus, Tom E. Smith (1974) presided as 12 men pledged Theta Chi Fraternity. Darien Key was also present for the ceremony.
Additional Alpha SIgma alumni in attendance at the ceremony included: Kevin Horner (1975), Al Jewett (1974) and Dave Lingenfelder (1976). Also present were members from Sigma Chapter at Oregon State, University of Oregon IFC and Panhellenic Council presidents, University of Oregon Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisers, family and friends.
"It has been a humbling experience to help restart the Alpha Sigma Colony,” said Darien Key. “These men have all the potential to make Alpha Sigma better than ever," he said.
“It's an amazing feeling bringing back Theta Chi,” said Colony President Noah Daniels. “We've done a lot of work trying to grow and it paid off. It's an honor to guide the colony towards initiation. I'm proud to say that I'm part of this organization and part of the group of amazing gentlemen that made this a reality,” said Daniels.
So what is next on the agenda for Alpha Sigma Colony?
“We're all looking forward to expanding, as every colony seeks to do,” said Daniels. “All of us are striving to be the best fraternity on campus and we have goals to make it there. We already have plans to reach out to the community and we are currently planning events for philanthropies. Our colony has a lot of work ahead of us, but I know that with the guys we have, we'll be able to pull it off,” Daniels concluded.
The initial ceremonies that transformed local fraternity Phi Sigma Pi at the University of Oregon into the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Theta Chi began March 6, 1925, when John E.H. Simpson, Sigma/Oregon State 1917, called the installation committee to order.
At 10 a.m. Saturday morning, John E.H. Simpson formally installed 46 active and alumni members of the local organization into Alpha Sigma Chapter. Following the ceremony, a customary meeting was held.
That evening, more than 100 Theta Chi members and guests enjoyed a formal banquet in the Hotel Osburn. Brother Simpson served as toastmaster and introduced the program after the reading of numerous congratulatory telegrams. Various guest speakers addressed the audience.
Following the banquet many of the brothers taxied to the dance hall and reveled until midnight.
Sunday afternoon, a reception was held at the Craftsman’s Club where nearly 400 guests gathered to extend their congratulations to Alpha Sigma. A musical program was presented by member of the chapter and other friends. Corsages were presented to female attendees, and refreshments were served.
After 87 years, the chapter went inactive on Oct. 6, 2012 and alumni worked with International Headquarters staff to prepare for its return.
The Oregon State Legislature established the university in 1872, and struggled to finance the institution by holding several fundraising events – church socials, produce sales, and strawberry festivals – eventually coming up with the funds needed to purchase 18 acres in Eugene. The university opened its doors in 1876 with Deadly Hall as the sole building and with 155 students. Today the University of Oregon is one of the oldest universities on the west coast. Students at the university hail from all 50 states, and the student population is approximately 25,000. The university is home to 33 fraternities and sororities.