It was a typical fall afternoon. Four guys, Chris Gulino, Thomas Dillane, Nicholas Marrone, and Joshua Citron were hanging out at lunchtime, much like they always did. On this particular day, however, their conversation took them down a path that would change their lives forever. On this day, their conversation turned to fraternities, and by the end of lunch, the group had decided they wanted to start their own fraternity.
“After doing some more research we found that Theta Chi would be a fantastic fit for not only us as young men and aspiring leaders, but for the campus and the surrounding community as well,” said Gulino.
To prove they were serious about becoming Theta Chis, the guys started spreading their message and spoke of their goals about campus. Doing so, they discovered that other guys were interested in the same things they were and shared the same values they did.
On March 22, 2013, the four met with the Greek Advisor, and the process was started to move forward.
“As soon as we were able to get the ball rolling I took it upon myself to do as much as I can to speed the process up,” said Gulino. “There is no doubt in my mind that Theta Chi will have a positive impact on our community as well as the student body as a whole, that is why we are all so passionate about it,” he continued.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, 14 members of SUNY Cortland took part in the Theta Chi Colonization Ceremony held at 10:00 a.m. in the Cory Union Exhibition Lounge at Cortland University. Secretary, Joseph D’Amore Jr. Eta Pi/East Stroudsburg 1977, presided. Representing the International Headquarters staff were Assistant Director of Recruitment and Expansion, Joe Macko, Zeta Tau/ Michigan-Flint 2012, Leadership and Education Consultant, Chris Barker, Epsilon Zeta 2013. Other attendees included Justin Howland, Eta Phi/Oakland 2007, and undergraduate brothers from Alpha Chi/Syracuse.
A reception followed the ceremony.
State University of New York at Cortland was founded in 1848 as Cortland Normal School, and became a four-year school in 1868. The original campus was burned in a fire in 1919. The Cortland campus of today was built in 1923 and became a founding member of the State University of New York in 1948. SUNY Cortland has a student population of nearly 7,000. The university is also home to five sororities and three fraternities.