After transferring to Long Island University - Post, Anthony Musacchio, an initiate of Epsilon Zeta Chapter at the University of Tampa, felt that something was missing from his life—the brotherhood that he had known being a member of Theta Chi.
Musacchio started looking into the possibilities of bringing Theta Chi to the Long Island campus. He first sent a message to the Theta Chi website to the Senior Director for Recruitment and Expansion, JD Ford. After that, he contacted two of his close friends from Epsilon Zeta Chapter who were also Leadership and Education Consultants, Jeffrey Draluck (2012), and Chris Barker (2013), for additional advice.
“I began handing out flyers and trying to spread the word any way I could here on campus,” said Musacchio. “Eventually I got responses and we built an interest group around it. We have had members come and go, but now I am confident we have a solid foundation for us to grow into a very strong chapter,” he said.
On Feb. 28, 2014, 11 members of the Long Island University - Post interest group became pledges of Theta Chi Fraternity in a ceremony held in The Tilles Center Atrium on campus. Recruitment and Expansion Specialist presided. Leadership and Education Consultant Tanner McCullough served as Chaplain. Guest speakers included Greek advisor Jamie Dresher and Colony President Anthony Musacchio.
Also in attendance representing the International Headquarters was Leadership and Education Consultant, Chris Barker. Epsilon Zeta Chapter brother Dave Hiller (2012) was present, as were members of Epsilon Psi/NJIT, family and friends.
“When Anthony Musacchio first contacted fellow chapter brothers from the University of Tampa Jeffrey Draluck and myself about starting Theta Chi on his campus, I knew it would be a tough battle for one individual to do on his own,” said Barker. “However, it was apparent Anthony was determined to succeed. It was an honor to be present and participate at the colonization with fellow chapter brother and area local, David Hiller, to support Anthony and the new colony to Theta Chi. It was great to see the bond colony members are already forming together and their eagerness to learn fraternal operations and best practices during my return visit,” he continued.
Since the colonization ceremony, members of the Long Island Colony - Post have been busy.
“In terms of our future and mission to transition from colony to chapter we have a full agenda, said Musacchio. “We have begun volunteering at the local Boys & Girls Club biweekly, and adopted the foundation Autism Speaks as one we fully support through our fundraisers and events. We have a plan for recruiting the best kind of men on this campus that can help progress themselves and the organization as a whole,” he continued. “We are operating as a chapter would, under my guidance and the help of our alumni adviser, Blake Sage,” said Musacchio. “We have high hopes that our organization can propel a lagging Greek system that hasn’t seen too much life in the recent years. I know personally the great things that Theta Chi can offer and am excited to spread it to the surrounding Long Island area,” he added.
The Long Island University institution is one of the largest private universities in the country. The university was chartered in 1926, in Brooklyn, by the New York State Education Department to provide affordable education. In 1951, LIU purchased a 123-acre estate located in Brookville, the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post and Edward F. Hutton. Three years later the name of the campus was changed to Long Island C.W. Post, in honor of Mrs. Hutton’s father.
Today LIU is a multi-campus university consisting of six campuses, with LIU - Post as the University's largest campus. LIU - Post houses the University's main administrative offices, has a student population of more than 11,000 and is home to six fraternities and seven sororities.