The fall semester of 1998 kicked off with painting the spirit rock in Robinson Field. This was done in preparation for rush week. During the week of rush, the events of volleyball, billiards, and preference dinner at Cheddar's were performed. At the end of the week, one individual decided to sign a bid to Theta Chi, Keith Lang. One fully initiated Brother named John Weaver, transferred to Grand Valley from the Alpha Iota Chapter at Indiana. He provided a lot of help and motivation, especially since he was initiated and the rest of us weren't.

The first thing after the week of rush was Greek New Member day. It was a beautiful thing because it was mostly women there, so odds were in Theta Chi's favor!! All in all, 4 of 6 men at the event were Theta Chi's.

In preparation for our sister sorority for the semester (Sigma Sigma Sigma), we went to their house to play a little Truth or Dare. It was kept simple and fun. A week later we had a walk for breast cancer in downtown Grand Rapids, which we did with the Sigma's. The following night, Big& Lil exchange took place with the ladies as well.

For a time span, the Brother's worked on fundraising for the group by selling skybox tickets and raising money for the Humane Society. This and a few Monday night football recruitment events kept us busy until Homecoming. The week of Homecoming was a tough and strenuous week, especially since we've never been in one. We didn't finish well, but we learned a lot about the week, ourselves, and we had fun.

On the 13th of November, the Interest Group celebrated a one-year anniversary. On this night, Brother Tim Cornman signed a bid to the Interest Group. The following day was a great day at Ferris State University, when some of us went with some ladies from Alpha Sigma Tau to tailgate at the Grand Valley vs. Ferris State football game. Which Grand Valley came back and beat Ferris State in overtime.

Elections were held to finish off the semester, but we were excited to see Brother's Brian Ihrke and Rai Irabagon join just before Winter break.

-Brother Lang

The Winter Semester kicked off with preparations for formal rush week. This all began with the Big Ol' Bash on campus. The standard information night and house rotation night were followed by an open gym night, a GVSU basketball game, and then preference dinner at Mongolian BBQ. On the day of bid acceptance, Brothers Eric Luchs and Eric Easterday joined Theta Chi.

The semester continued with simple events. Such as a leadership summit was held at GVSU, which seven brothers attended. Philanthropy events continued to raise money for the Humane Society. A couple of recruitment events involved the Superbowl and playing billiards. The Interest Group also sponsored a Winter Semi-Formal with GVSU's RHA.
Our Sister Sorority for the semester was Alpha Sigma Tau, which we held a few socials and a Big & Lil Exchange.

The Interest Group was awarded the highest cumulative GPA of 3.044 among all Greek organizations, just another reason for us to be proud Theta Chi's.

Brother Tony Hanson paid a visit to our Interest Group. He was a wonderful representative from the National Headquarters. He gave us a lot of insight to the future and much understanding. The man was original in his own way, which made all of us who met him, believers in him. (Tony, from the few of us who met you, thanks man!)

Shortly after the visit, Brother Scott Fitzpatrick joined the Interest Group. Another wonderful Brother from Kistler Hall!!!!

This brought the Interest Group to another Greek Week. After all the games were over, the group finished second of five fraternities. This was an awesome uplift to the group. If 15 brothers can out perform groups with 30+ members. Then we had to be doing something right.

After a couple more recruitment events, the Interest Group extended two more bids by the end of the semester, which Brothers Phil Timm and Keenan Colquitt joined Theta Chi.

Finally near the end of this school year, the Interest Group held it's first Theta Chi Spring Formal of '99. This was a wonderful night, which Brother Drajka received the Odysseus Award from the Group and he also received the Presidents award from GVSU.

The entire semester ended with a big ol' BBQ at Brother Lang's Apartment, which many Brothers and some guests came for food and fun!

Finally the Interest Group took another step into Theta Chi. Enter the Theta Chi Colony at Grand Valley State University. All of the hard work did pay off.

-Brother Lang

A new birth, the first steps, and new vision, this is a new beginning for the Brothers of Theta Chi at GVSU. After all, we are a colony now.

This semester began as usual with an informal fall rush. During that time period, four individuals signed bids to the join the colony, Brothers Jake Hatten, Jim Hull, Jason Keesler, and Jamie Davis. The Colony was also able to perform a pledge pinning ceremony for the New Members.

This semester our Sister Sorority was Delta Zeta. For Homecoming we had to work with them in all events as though we are a team. This was new, but also a lot of fun. We interacted at new levels and gained more friends. I don't believe we finished excellent, but we had a lot of fun that week. We also got to celebrate another victory as Brother Tim Cornman was crowned Homecoming King of Grand Valley. It was great to see your own Brother up there above the entire crowd. Tim said that it was a great feeling to see all of his Brothers supporting him.

In this fall semester, the Colony took part in it's first all Greek Softball Tournament. Overall, we finished second. It was a heartbreaking loss to blow the championship game in the bottom of the 9th to TKE. But what can you do.

Overall, we had a few times of the semester when things seemed to just fall out. We questioned ourselves and our integrity. We were told that we'd be experiencing growing pains as a colony. More members, more work, therefore more room for error. Of course, that solution seemed too simple to us, but it's true. It does happen.

This semester was a tough semester. The Colony had no luck in recruiting more members than what we took at rush. Knowing that we were not satisfied with this semester's performance, so we geared up for the Winter Semester.

-Brother Lang

Winter '00

This winter semester really helped the Colony break out. During the week of rush, 10 individuals signed with the Colony. Brothers Nate Dillahunty, Ralph Johnson, Craig Lemmon, Ryan Moody, Kevin Nelson, Rich Stolides, Jason Tayon, Shane Teusch, Dan Wagner, and Jake Word. It was definitely interesting and shocking to the Greek Community when Theta Chi took twice as many members than any other group for that rush.

This semester our Sister Sorority was Sigma Kappa. This was the second time we had them for sisters and it was fun as usual. We had the standard socials and Big & Lil Exchange with them.

Before all of that though, the Greek system once again held a Greek Week. Once again, we finished second. We just can't seem to break through, but Brother Keesler was Greek God and he shattered all past records by collecting over $1000 dollars.

Brother Dave Westol visited the chapter from the National Headquarters. We spoke with him on some issues and he gave us much insight. We told him that we are now at like 30 members. What is the chance of getting a chapter when the average fraternity at GVSU was 27 members? He merely told us to challenge the National Headquarters. This meant that we needed to petition for a charter. You want to talk about work and preparation.

After all of the work on the petition, we learned that we would be initiated and installed as Iota Gamma Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at our Spring Formal. Talk about a good time to celebrate. Brother Chad Friend received the Odysseus Award for all of his hard work in the Fraternity.

Now that all of the parting is done, Brother Murray put us to work to prepare for our initiation and installation. During the week of final exams, everything was scheduled. Of all the little events done during the week, nothing was as the dramatic reverse candle pass. How it works is, if you hold the candle, then you cannot speak. It is the time for others to say things about you. This event started on Thursday night at 9pm and went till 4am. Brothers came and went. Many of us had exams or checkouts to do the next day. All in all, I think we bonded like no others in that room. The good memories and the bad ones all came out and they were all relived and left to lie in the past. That Friday evening, all of the members of the Colony at Grand Valley became initiated Brothers of Theta Chi Fraternity. The following Saturday morning, the Colony was installed as the Iota Gamma Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. That night a reception was held in Holland, Michigan with all of our families to celebrate our work and efforts. We had finally done it! Our forever-long time goal to be a chapter was here.

-Brother Lang

So now what? Where do we go from here? Our goal was to be a chapter and we are there! So what's next? These were the questions in our heads as we arrived back to campus in the fall.

During this fall's informal rush, two individuals joined the Chapter, Dan Huhn and Matt Hughes. Once again we could perform the new member ceremony, but now as a Chapter we can also initiate our Brothers.

This semester was an interesting semester as many unexpected curves showed up into the road. Once again, growing pains. They were back this time a somewhat worse.

Brian Murphy from the National Headquarters visited us and helped us set new goals and he showed us new paths to travel. So first off, we had to put all of the garbage on the table and sort through it. It was a tough job because there was a lot of garbage. The biggest question was, "Where do we start?" At this point the Exec Board started sorting and little by little more members helped join in and sort. By the end of the semester, the chapter finally cleared off the desk and was back at a new Ground Zero!

Some things accomplished this semester were a successful Homecoming week with the Tri-Sigma's as our paired Sorority, a new and revised Standards Board, an on campus Theta Chi house would be available to us in the Fall of '01, and new all Greek Standards.

As a new Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, it was time that Theta Chi impacted this campus a bit more. In doing this, our chapter was the first chapter to abolish Big & Lil Exchanges of new and old members. This was against National Policy and so we challenged the Greek System. Needless to say, we were not liked, but our voice hit hard and now more Greek organizations have decided to follow our path.

We finished third in the fall softball tournament, so we were unable to challenge for the gold. But it was an awesome sight to watch Brother Cornman smash a softball off of a light pole 4 stories up. Thank God for the $20.00 Cryogenic Bat.

The semester ended in Clare, Michigan at a Winter Retreat. It was a lot of fun and it was definitely interesting as we visited Mt. Pleasant two nights of the weekend.

-Brother Lang

This winter we jumped right into the formal rush which Brothers Adam Devantier, Ryan Harp, Matt Janik, Mike Maesch, Justin Miller, Nathan Potter, Jason Price, and Robert Hoglund joined the Chapter.

Robert was an interesting Brother to join because he was a foreign exchange student from Sweden. "We love you Viking and we'll miss you!!"

This semester overall was getting things more on track to be an active Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity.

The sorority, which we were paired with this semester, was Alpha Omicron Pi. A few socials and philanthropic events were planned for the semester. The Humane Society was moving and therefore didn't need volunteers at the moment. Hopefully we can be more active in the fall with them.

Overall, it seemed that major goals for the Chapter involved service, fundraising, alumni relations, and campus involvement. These goals were met midway, but not fulfilled. They will definitely be expanded upon in the fall.

A real dramatic issue for the Chapter involved allowing freshman to rush there first semester on campus. From the Fall of '98 to Winter of '01, freshman were not allowed to rush in the fall. Other stipulations went concurrent with that clause, but overall Grand Valley supported deferred rush. Overall, the Chapter supported it to because of similar reasons. We felt that it was best for GVSU to stay that way. Once again, we were against the Greek System. The Greek leaders all went at it, and after a few rounds. The system overall decided to pursue the banishment of deferred rush. Goals were set by the system and deferred rush has been lifted from GVSU. The fall semester of '01 will be an interesting one because of a formal rush.

The Chapter is still at a point of searching for stability. It seems that we see needs for improvement in many areas and we are working for that. Brother Lambert visited us from the National Headquarters and gave a few pointers to the Executive Board and the Chapter. He also gave a demonstration on the L.E.A.D. program. Overall, I think our chapter is sold on it, because it can help provided stability. This upcoming fall will be interesting, a Chapter house to be shared with the Sister's of Alpha Sigma Alpha, the possibility of becoming a LEAD chapter, and working to complete old goals while attaining new ones.

-Brother Lang

The fall semester was an interesting one. Yes, it was a lot of fun, but not as fun as it could have been. Most of the Brother's living in the House moved in early, needless to say fun trouble began to brew between Brothers. Oh, did I mention that the fun trouble occurred with the ASA's also…. HAHAHA. The big event that kicked off the Theta Chi's living with the ASA's was going to see the movie Jay and Silent Bob strikes back. We all had a blast that night.

Things continued to roll right on around to rush. We participated in many Greek activities to help the overall Greek population expand. But when it finally came down to the big week of RUSH, things were different. Most of the chapters here at GVSU took about 12-15 new members. Theta Chi took zero. This was definitely a shock to us all. IT is something that no member would have imagined. I don't think any of us really knows what went wrong. There is no faster way to through your semester down the drain than just failing at recruitment. Not to mention that every person in this country had to deal with the shock of the attack on our Country in New York City, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C. That week didn't go well for anyone because of that. I don't think anyone will forget how they felt on September 11th 2001. May God bless all of those that died and felt pain that day! I still think that many of us have mixed emotions about that day and still aren't sure how to handle it within ourselves.

But as the Iota Gamma Chapter of Theta Chi, our leaders saw our failure at recruiting members as a hurdle. A new type of hurdle, but yet as a chapter we have leapt over many hurdles just like this one. Being a young chapter, one has to expect to have troubling times, but getting through those times and accomplishing what was failed, definitely makes this chapter a great chapter. So now it was time for the Brother's to learn from that week and push on into the semester.

Shortly after the week of Rush, two individuals joined the Brotherhood of Theta Chi Fraternity. The first to join was Brother Andrew Brown and then Brother Jeremy Sharp. Two great men that represent good class and character.

The Brothers of Theta Chi joined the Sisters of ASA to enact a 24-hour philanthropy event. Funds raised from the event were donated to the S. June Smith Foundation and the National Red Cross in response to the Sept. 11th incident. We had a lot of fun working together. That night we all feasted together, sang songs, and danced. It was a wonderful time all outside under the Transformational Link and the stars.

Homecoming approached quickly after Rush week. Since our Sister sorority was the ladies of Alpha Sigma Alpha, they would work with us to compete against all others. This week was a complete blast for the Brother's. We had a ton of fun working with the ladies. In the end, I don't think we placed as high as we would have liked too, but it didn't matter. I never saw anyone complain because we had fun. We were able to bond with a group of girls, which we lived with in a new way. It was the first time we were really able to work with the ladies. It was a great learning experience of how to have fun. Thank You Ladies!!!

After Homecoming, we continued on towards Halloween. The Brother's decided it was time for the Iota Gamma Chapter to throw its first official party. So we had the 1st annual Theta Chi Halloween Costume Party. It was awesome. Many Brothers chipped in at making sure everything ran smoothly and everyone had fun. It was a complete success. It was a BIG party and a GREAT party.

Our only major social for the semester took place with the ASA's. We all went to an "establishment" and visited with each other while others sang. It was a wonderful attempt to sing karaoke, but let's just say Theta Chi's and karaoke don't mix well.

The semester ended with a retreat To Brother Davis's cottage up near Benzie, Michigan. It was "interesting"! We had a lot of fun and laughs. No business was allowed! We sat around the campfire telling stories, chopped down a couple trees for fun. (It was all Sharp). The first Theta Chi Tough-Man Contest took place. Events such as sprinting, the truck pull, caber toss, obstacle course, the axe hold, and wrestling took place. Brother Luchs won the competition followed by Brother Hatten in second, and Brother Nelson took third. Brother Davis won the douche award because he finish last compared to everyone!! It was a crazy yet fun weekend. Thanks to our Alumnus Brother's Friend and Ringrose for coming out to the retreat. (They were the ultimate winners of the tough-man contest! You should have seen them pull that truck!!)

And so our fall semester ended. The winter semester brings new men into all the positions and a whole new approach. Brother's Davis, Harp, Lang, and Potter will be attending the Deranian President's Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana while on winter break. Hopefully, they bring new motivation and new ideas for the winter semester.

-Brother Lang

The year began on a bit of a rough note. Theta Chi received a difficult lesson as to what can happen when we don't come together and work with one another to achieve our desired goals. Despite our limited efforts during the fall, we failed to get any guys to sign and formally rush Theta Chi. We all had our excuses and different opinions as to why we had a failed rush but one thing was certain for all of us- it was time to get down to business and make up for lost time.

Our efforts in the following weeks greatly exceeded those during the formal rush dates. Jeremy Sharp and Andy Brown signed bids that were extended to them and became the 44th and 45th members of the Iota Gamma Chapter. Both of them add to this fraternity their own certain charisma and future leadership qualities.

The sorority that we were paired up with during Homecoming was the Alpha Sigma Alpha's. We had a great time with them all semester and took third place during the Homecoming festivities.

Soon after the tragic events on September 11th, 2001, we carried out our first public ritual for a deceased brother. Three Theta Chi's from various locations around the nation were known to have been killed in the events and one was missing. Although the ceremony was a somber moment, it felt good for our Chapter to come together and give thanks and pray for the Brothers whose lives were taken.

Another highpoint as the school year progressed was the fact that 10 brothers now lived together on the same floor in an on-campus apartment structure. Our letters are posted on the outside of the building to show those who pass by that we live there. The letters also attract the ladies.

A great memory of the semester was the retreat that the majority of us went to in early November. Jamie Davis was kind enough to let us use his wonderful home up North for two full days. The main focus of the retreat was brotherhood building. It felt great to get away and spend quality time with each other. Eric Luchs won the first ever Theta Chi "toughman" award and proved to us once and for all that he is not a sissy.

Several philanthropic events were hosted during the semester. We had a 24-hour fundraising event on campus along with the Alpha Sigma Alpha's to raise money for the St. Jude's children's hospital as well as a September 11th fund. Amazingly, Brother Potter was present for 21 of the 24 hours. Talk about commitment.

The duration of the semester included elections, officer transitions and preparing extensively for the winter rush. With a new executive board, new officers and new committees, Theta Chi was eager for winter break to get over to jump back into things as soon as the new semester began.

-Brother DeVantier

The new V.P of recruitment, Brother Harp, showed us what he's made of during this semester's rush. Brothers Matthew Chapman, Julian Gonzalez, Adam Hudson and Ross White joined the Chapter. Jon Yates also signed a bid and will be initiated next semester. Numerous others would have signed bids had they achieved the required 2.5 grade point average. We are hopeful that those who couldn't join this semester because of grades will join us next fall.

The start of this semester was quite different when compared to the previous semester. With all new officers and committees, Theta Chi was ready to set and accomplish goals. Chapter meetings have been conducted more efficiently by the guidance of president Jamie Davis. Brothers Matthew Hughes and Matthew Janik who are the first and second guards, respectively, have done a wonderful job limiting those who talk out of turn when the floor is not theirs. The new Chaplain, Keith Lang, has enforced having ritual meetings once every month, which seems to have made all the meetings run more professionally.

Brother Justin Miller serves as our Treasurer and is doing a remarkable job budgeting for the future, which is something our Chapter has failed to do in the past. Brother Jason Tayon has worked hard to make the committee system run smoother. Numerous other Brothers have contributed significantly with their hard work and dedication to our Fraternity.

Greek week seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye this year. When it was all said and done, we finished third place. Highlights of the week were the fact that all the new guys gave it their best the entire week and sacrificed a great deal with their participation in Lip Sync and the Greek Banner as well as all the other events. Brother Andy Brown raised well over $2000 for philanthropy, which gave us an easy first place in the Greek God competition. During the obstacle course, Jamie totally blew it with the saltines, but we'll forgive him.

This was a very goal-oriented, yet exciting semester. We have had a lot of fun, accomplished much, and will continue to do both of those when we get back in the fall.

-Brother DeVantier

Winter '04

With the start of winter semester along with the installation of new officers, steps were taken to get our name out in the GVSU community. Newly elected President William Renner III took it upon himself to ensure that our organization have a house for the following 2004-2005 school year. By discussing this with many of the brothers and convincing others unsure of the idea, ten brothers signed leases to live in the house located on Rich Street. Along with this accomplishment, Brother Renner also instilled in us the reaffirmation of what a being a brother in the Iota Gamma chapter meant. He instructed all of us to do our chapter duties to the best of our abilities and encouraged to respect and love all our brothers.
Along with the reaffirmation of what being a brother of Theta Chi meant, numerous steps were taken to get our name out into the community. This included several fundraising efforts by our Asst. Treasurer Nicholas Harry and Academics Chair Matt Lillie. Brother Harry orchestrated fundraisers including one to send a care package to Brother Craig Lemmon who was currently stationed in Iraq. Brothers volunteered to stand out in the cold, bleak weather of January to offer hot chocolate to the freezing masses of GVSU's student body. Brother Matt Lillie organized a fundraiser later in the year for student school supplies for children of Migrant workers. In this effort, in the less oppressive weather conditions of spring, brothers once again volunteered to offer hot dogs and pop to those that passed by on their way to Kirkhof. Both fundraising efforts as well as others allowed us "To extend the Helping Hand" to the neighboring community.
Other successes included the efforts by newly elected V.P. of recruitment Adam Hudson. Brother Hudson's efforts during the winter semester saw the initiation of our winter rushee in two years. Brother Sean Griffin became a brother before entry military service the following summer. By achieving at least one initiate during the winter semester in which passed years saw no one, we began to feel a nature progression as things finally began to be carried out. The year which ended with our formal in Mt. Pleasant, saw us striving by all to continue the traditions of Theta Chi Fraternity.
-Brother Dascola