After nearly a semester of hard work from Field Executives Kevin Kutner and Drew Marsh, 16 men recolonized Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio on November 19. International Counselor Darick Brown presided over the ceremony with brothers from Beta Nu/Case Western, Beta Lambda/Akron, and Zeta Lambda/Westminster in attendance.
When Kutner and Marsh started on campus, they targeted leaders and inevitably found their first signed bid to come from Tyler Miller-Gordon, the Student Government President. As the group grew, the men began hosting volunteer and brotherhood events, in addition to their regular chapter meetings. The colony members made a point to immerse themselves into the community through service and action. They actively supported the Greek system and took advantage of any opportunity to make Theta Chi’s presence known. Their primary focus throughout the semester was to “recruit enough upstanding gentleman to build a strong foundation” according to Colony President Bradley Linton (2018). The 16 men who received Pledge Buttons that day exemplify that strong foundation.
The Associate Vice President of Student Experience Eddie Howard and Assistant Director of Student Activities and Greek Life Carrie Anderson attended the ceremony along with other members of the Greek community, alumni, family, and significant others. Darick Brown spoke on what it means to be a Theta Chi, what family members should expect, and what the colony members should expect of themselves. Kevin Kutner echoed Brother Brown’s sentiments, commenting on his personal experience while working with the colony throughout the semester. A reception was held at Cassese’s Mahoning Valley Restaurant shortly after the ceremony.
Going forward, the colony hopes to play a key role in supporting the Youngstown State Greek community by collaborating with other organizations to extend the Helping hand within the community. They hope for each member to complete 60 hours of community service every year and are working towards building a chapter of 40 members. The colony also plans to align themselves to produce Resolute Men upon reinstalling.
“This group of men is bound to lay a strong foundation for what is soon to be one of the largest and strongest fraternities at Youngstown State,” exclaims Tyler Miller-Gordon. “In a few years’ time, I cannot wait to return to visit my brothers as an alumnus to see the continuation of the ideals we fostered as a colony. It can only be bigger and better from here.”
Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 180,000 initiated members and has established 235 chapters. Leadership development, personal development, and service to alma mater are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s mission.
