In November 2011, an inquiry was received at Theta Chi’s International Headquarters from a group of students at Texas A&M. The group was interested in knowing what steps must be taken in order to become a part of Theta Chi Fraternity.
“We chose to go Greek because of the increased networking capabilities,” said Eta Upsilon Colony’s current President Paul Kelsch. “We saw that Theta Chi was previously represented at Texas A&M,” he added.
In February 2013, group members Paul Kelsch, Carson Capper, Ryan Reaves, Mahesh Reddy and Gus Rodriguez attended the Mid-Year Leadership Conference (MYLC) in Austin.
“That (MYLC) was a huge deciding factor in (choosing) Theta Chi,” said Kelsch. “It was an awesome experience! Nobody knew we were coming except for National Chaplain Doug Miller and Counselor, Philip Thornton. However, even though no one knew we were coming, every one welcomed us with open arms solely because of the fact that we wanted to represent Theta Chi at Texas A&M. Even the guys from University of Texas chapter were welcoming and warming to us,” Kelsch continued.
Over the next few months the group continued to receive advice from Doug Miller and Philip Thornton. Leadership and Education Consultant Kyle Griffis also paid a visit in March 2013 to help the group get organized.
At noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, hard work and perseverance paid off as Alex Borrell, Andrew Briscoe, Daniel Cortes, Brit Henderson, Paul Kelsch, Michael Nguyen, Drue Norton, Kevin Peery, Ryan Reaves, Mahesh Reddy, Daton White, Chris Wright, and Cole Ziegler, participated in the Theta Chi recolonization ceremony held at Memorial Student Center on the Texas A&M campus.
National Chaplain Doug Miller presided and was assisted by Counselor Philip Thornton, Gamma Theta/San Diego State 2005, and former LEC Jason Howeth, Delta Phi/University of North Texas 2012. Also in attendance were Tony Kitchen, Delta Phi/North Texas 2010, Mike Peacock, Delta Omega/Ripon 2012, Andrew Vannerson, Delta Phi/North Texas 2011, Richard Hernandez, Theta Eta/Sam Houston 2014 and Erik Hermes, Delta Mu/Texas 2013.
A small reception followed the ceremony.
"I'm truly impressed with the men of Eta Upsilon Colony,” said Philip Thornton. “They withstood many challenges and setbacks to reach this milestone, which only make them stronger as a brotherhood on their journey towards becoming Theta Chis. Many kudos belong to colonists Mahesh Reddy and Paul Kelsch for uniting this group in its early days. Secondly, the efforts of National Chaplain Doug Miller should be recognized for his many visits to College Station to mentor these men. I look forward to the day we can call these men full brothers in Theta Chi," he added.
“I am super stoked to have been pinned with some great guys and I'm more than excited to push forward with them to get our Badges of Theta Chi,” said Kelsch. “However, along with the excitement and the readiness to proceed, this colonization represents a beginning. We are anxious to begin this lifelong journey. Now is the true challenge to see if we can keep this going,” Kelsch said.
Congratulations to the new members of Eta Upsilon Colony! Good luck on your journey toward reinstallation!
If you know of any young men at Texas A&M that would be great additions to the colony - or - if you are an alumnus that lives near College Station and would be willing to assist on the Colony Advisory Board, please contact Sr. Director for Recruitment and Expansion JD Ford at jdford@thetachi.org / 317-824-1881.