Theta Chi's Zeta Chapter first chartered at the University of New Hampshire in 1910. In 1974, the chapter closed due to low membership, but reopened in 1984 only to close again in 1993. In February 2013, the University of New Hampshire invited Theta Chi to re-colonize its inactive Zeta Chapter.
This past January, Theta Chi Headquarters sent Assistant Director of Recruitment and Expansion, Joe Macko, Leadership and Education Consultant, Tanner McCullough and Recruitment and Expansion Specialist, Tyrone Brooks to the University of New Hampshire campus to spearhead the recolonization. After an interest group had been established, the baton was passed to the new members to spread the word and invite other like-minded gentlemen of character, values and scholar to join them.
“After about half a semester of work the group had brought together a total of 24 members, each of whom accepted their bids,” said Zeta Colony President, Theodore Belanger. “The group worked together to hold elections for individuals to create a board of officers. The board of officers worked together to create a petition to submit to the Theta Chi Grand Chapter in request of re-colonization of the Zeta Chapter,” said Belanger. “In order to re-colonize, the group had to reflect on its ability to grow, to instate an executive board, and to create, amend and approve our own bylaws, all of which were done promptly,” he continued.
On March 22, 2014, 22 men were pledged during the recolonization ceremony held in the Memorial Union Building at the University of New Hampshire. Tyrone Brooks presided. Guest speakers included Dan Fleetham Sr., Alpha/Norwich 1934 (at the young age of 102!), and Dan Fleetham Jr., Theta Chi/GC Honorary 2006. The Fleethams presented the colony with a photo of one of Alpha's Chapter Houses at Norwich University, framed with wood salvaged from the house.
Also in attendance were Colony Advisors, Joseph Pilsbury, Epsilon/WPI1999, Bill Lucas, Epsilon/WPI 1998, alumni from five other chapters, family and friends.
After the ceremony, everyone went to dinner at Libby’s Bar and Grill in Durham, NH.
“I worked with the group the most over the semester,” said LEC Tanner McCullough. “When I was asked to go start up the chapter I said to JD Ford and Joe Macko, “Time to go make some new friends” That’s exactly what I did. I went out and found some of the best guys they have on their campus and made them my friends and brothers. I can’t wait to go install them as a Chapter, I have no doubts in my mind that they will get there,” said McCullough.
“Now that Zeta chapter has become recolonized, we plan on continuing to grow by actively seeking potential new members who reflect the high level of character we hold ourselves to,” said Belanger. “We aim to host and co-host future philanthropy’s independently and with other Greek organizations on campus so we can have a positive impact on our community,” he said.
To date, the group has hosted an event called, “Questions without Cuffs,” presented by the UNH Police Department. The event was to inform students about the law and policies of extracurricular activities.
“We are a young group but we have reflected the ability to grow very clearly from our work in the past half a semester,” said Belanger. “We can’t be more thankful to have had Theta Chi headquarters helping us all along the way. We have high hopes for our future and I truly believe, as Theta Chi president of UNH, that the men I represent will come together to make a positive impact on our campus community,” he said.
Founded as New Hampshire College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1866, NHU was first located in Hanover and had a connection to Dartmouth College. NHU moved to Durham in 1893 after a farmer, Benjamin Thompson donated land and money to the further advancement of the college. In 1923, Governor Fred Herbert Brown signed a bill changing the name to New Hampshire University.
Today UNH is one of the top national research institutions, and with more than 15,000 students, it is the largest university in the state. UNH is also home to 11 fraternities and seven sororities.
