WEST CHESTER, PA - Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce the recolonization of Zeta Omega at West Chester University after a 19-year absence.
The Recolonization Ceremony was held on campus at Science Center North on November 9, 2024, at 12 p.m. Special Guests included International Chaplain Kelly Linster, Director of Growth Sam Terry, and Assistant Director of Growth Zack Ross. Additional attendees included several loyal Zeta Omega alumnus brothers: David Beresford (1989), Dave Demey (1986), Bill Doherty (1993), Bruce Goodman (1985), Michael Morgan (2004), Scott Schusko (1989), and Andrew Shoffner (1997).
Zeta Omega's newest pledges are: Ibrahim Altingoz (2027), Shane Haggerty (2026), Nick Kaeser (2027), Michael Madanat (2027), and Sam Reynolds (2027).
The Zeta Omega Colony Advisory Board is currently composed of Andrew Shoffner, Bruce Goodman, and former Leadership and Education Consultant Derek Lightcap (Epsilon Sigma/Wagner 2006).
The efforts to establish Zeta Omega Chapter began when Growth Specialists Eric Rys and Justin Guseman arrived on campus during spring 2024. The team began their initial recruitment efforts by contacting prospective members through the official IFC recruitment lists and delivered a presentation at the IFC kickoff event shortly after arriving. This initial outreach allowed our team to introduce the vision for Theta Chi at West Chester and gauge initial interest. Next, the men participated in IFC's tabling and information events. Eric found success in his initial recruitment efforts via tabling and social media outreach and extended several invitations to restart Theta Chi. Zeta Omega's application for recolonization was approved in May 2024 and the ceremony was scheduled to be held during the fall. In the meantime, Zeta Omega's newest members attended the summer's 168th Anniversary Convention & 41st School of Fraternity Practices in New Orleans.
Following the Ceremony, colony members received words of encouragement from Dave Demey, who expressed his pride in the group for returning to campus and for their commitment to Theta Chi. Sam Terry and Zack Ross also reminded the men that the Reolonization Ceremony was only the first step of their Theta Chi journey and that it was time to excel.
Since recolonization, the members actively participated in their IFC's spring recruitment process, hosted brotherhood events, and recently attended the January 2025's Leadership Conferences in Indianapolis.
"I could not be happier and prouder of the men of Zeta Omega! They have done excellent work leading up to the recolonization, and I know they will be extremely successful moving forward. I'm really looking forward to seeing the current men in Zeta Omega continue to thrive and add to the rich history of this chapter!" - Growth Specialist, Eric Rys
"We are so excited that Theta Chi has returned to West Chester University and can only imagine what the future holds for us. Growing one step at a time, we cannot wait to see what kind of name we will make for ourselves!" - Colony President Shane Haggerty
Congratulations to Zeta Omega Colony! You can follow the group's exploits via their Instagram.