Theta Tau Chapter Reinstalls At Western Michigan University
Carmel, IN - The Theta Tau Chapter at Western Michigan University was recolonized on February 15, 2015. Alex Varner (2016), a transfer from Eta Phi/Oakland University, played a pivotal role in helping to start the group. Since the majority of the colony hadn’t experienced Greek life before joining, they immediately began learning and becoming immersed in the community. The group set out with the goal of receiving their charter by the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
The spring 2015 semester was spent organizing and planning for a successful 2016. “Our first event was a video game night at a colony member’s house,” explained Chapter President Connor O’Donnell. “Only two potential new members showed up, we drastically overspent on food, and didn’t end up recruiting either of the men. It was clear we still had a lot to learn.” Fortunately, the men became closer with every event held. By the end of the spring 2015 semester they had grown to 21 members, and felt confident in the brotherhood bring built.
Despite excitement and motivation leading into the fall semester, challenges still laid ahead. “After a poor formal recruitment, it was Theta Tau’s darkest hour,” said O’Donnell. “We were new to campus and were already facing some serious challenges.” The men refused to let this hinder the Theta Tau Colony. “We quickly made connections with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and several other service organizations around Kalamazoo,” O’Donnell explained. “Every single brother contributed to volunteering throughout the community. Not only did this allow us to make meaningful connections and help the community, but we became closer as a brotherhood.” Growth continued steadily through fall 2015, but the men knew they would need to make a final push come spring.
Two rush weeks were held in addition to the men’s regular weekly recruitment events. Emails were sent to students on the dean’s list, sororities submitted recommendations of unaffiliated men, and more on-campus events were held. Soon after, students from the dean’s list began replying to their emails, their recruitment events became increasingly successful, and every chapter meeting saw more names being voted on.
On April 29, 2016 the Theta Tau Chapter was officially reinstalled at Western Michigan University. Then-International Counselor Chad Strelow presided the ceremony with Chief Operating Officer Ray Vanlanot, Associate Development Officer Jordan Carter, and Field Executives PJ Ricketson and Jordan McGee representing the International Headquarters. “The road has been long and arduous, but we finally reinstalled the chapter,” says Brother O’Donnell. “We have more men joining us still, making us one of the largest Fraternities on campus. We have a lease signed for a larger house next year. We’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t. Most importantly, we’ve built an amazing brotherhood that will last long after graduation."
Western Michigan University is a national research university enrolling nearly 24,000 students from across the United States and 100 other countries. Founded in 1903, it is a learner-centered, discovery-driven and globally engaged public university that stands out among America’s more than 4,600 higher education institutions.
