In August 2013, Recruitment and Expansion Specialists, Scott Turk, Iota Beta/Missouri State 2012 and Jeffrey Draluck, Epsilon Zeta/Tampa 2012, were sent to Western Illinois University with the mission of establishing an interest group to recolonize Theta Chi Fraternity.
After acquiring names of potential recruits from various campus organizations and administrators, the staff members began to extend bids and build a cohesive group.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, 27 men participated in the Zeta Psi Colonization ceremony at the Multicultural Center at Western Illinois University. Six Zeta Psi Chapter alumni were present for the ceremony. Recruitment and Expansion Specialist Scott Turk officiated the ceremony.
In attendance were International Headquaters' Assistant Director of Recruitment and Expansion, Joe Macko, Zeta Tau/Michigan-Flint 2012 as well as Austin Kramer, Iota Beta/Missouri State 2012, Justin Wilson, Gamma Delta/Florida Southern 2012, and several family members.
"This group of men exhibit an outstanding amount of great character and passion,” said Turk. “They are truly a special group and it has been an honor to help establish such a great Colony with Jeffrey Draluck. We are excited to see the amazing things that this group accomplishes and know that they will continue to leave an incredible legacy at WIU," he continued.
A social hour was held prior to the ceremony. Alumni brought memorabilia from their days in the chapter and shared stories with all of the New Members.
After the ceremony, Brothers Wilson, Turk, Macko, and Colony President, Don Doolin all spoke directly to the group, and a reception followed at the Multicultural Center.
Western Illinois University was founded in 1899, and built on land donated to the state by the Macomb Freemasons. The university opened its doors to 229 students as the Western Illinois Normal and Training School, Sept. 23, 1902. The School underwent a couple of name changes – becoming Western Illinois University in 1957.
Today, Western Illinois University has a student population of 12,200 students and offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, pre-professional programs, certificate programs, and a doctorate degree in education. The campus is also home to 19 fraternities and ten sororities.