In the fall of 2014, Theta Chi was invited by Western Michigan University to recolonize Theta Tau Chapter. Field Executives Alex Nunchuck and Sean O’Donovan were sent to the campus to start the project but had to depart when the semester ended. At the beginning of the spring semester, O’Donovan and Darien Key returned to campus to get the group off the ground.
Inactive since 2004, Theta Tau at Western Michigan University was recolonized during a ceremony held at 9 p.m. Feb. 15, 2015, in the Bernhard Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Field Executive, Darien Key presided over the pledging of Joseph Benzinger, Macarthur Engbers, Ethan Fegan, Cody Fishell, Jonathan Hazard, Jason Hemacki, Mitchell Hilton, Brady Hostetler, Conor McDonald, Cody McKnight, Jordan Millwood, Traevon Oliver, Trent Vanderlende and David West to Theta Chi Fraternity.
Also in attendance were Director for Recruitment and Expansion, Justin Jones, Field Executive Sean O’Donovan, members Iota Gamma/Grand Valley State and Delta Zeta/Nebaraska-Omaha, members of Western Michigan University's newly installed FIJI Chapter, members of Alpha Xi Delta, family and friends.
“This group has certainly put forth an effort since coming to campus,” said Key. “The group currently boasts a 3.42 GPA which is the highest on campus. Before Theta Chi arrived, the highest GPA was 3.06, he said. “I am very excited to see this group move forward,” said Key. “They have all the tools and resources to be one of our best chapters. I hope they see that and take it for everything it can be and I look forward to seeing them installed,” he concluded.
“When other Greek students on campus heard about us it was nice to see they had positive reactions,” said Theta Tau’s Colony President, Joseph Benzinger. “Now that we've actually colonized they have been pretty friendly and helpful. It's nice to see so much support and advice from the University's Greek life. Our Field Executives, Darien and Sean, left us in really good shape with a productive Executive Board and a good number. Our expectations are to recruit into the 20's before the end of the semester, which will help replace our graduating seniors. We would also like to retain our high GPA average which is higher than all Greek life on campus. I see a bright future for Theta Chi here at Western Michigan University,” said Benzinger.
Established in 1903, Western Michigan University underwent several name changes before Governor G. Mennen Williams signed a bill making Western Michigan College the state’s fourth university and giving the university its current name. The university is comprised of five campuses with the largest and primary campus located in Kalamazoo. In the fall of 2014, the university had a student enrollment of 23,914, and is currently home to 17 fraternities and 12 sororities.
Photo of Theta Tau Colony from March 1, 2015. Photo by Counselor Wade Merrill.