Members of the Theta Chi colony are waiting until spring to become the first-ever chapter of the Theta Chi fraternity at the University.
“We have been recognized as an interest group on campus since the week before this fall semester,” said Ethan Gremillion, political science sophomore and president of the Theta Chi interest group.
A group wishing to form a fraternity must first petition for status as a colony, and it may later be chartered to become a full chapter.
Gremillion said the group was off track in its progress to fulfill requirements in the beginning.
“We met with [Dean of Students] KC White and [Associate Director of Greek Life] Jonathan Sanders,” said Gremillion. “They got us back where we needed to be.”
The organization began with Alex Harvey, BRCC student, and Alex Mouhot, disaster science management sophomore. Each brought together 10 friends who were interested in starting the fraternity, Gremillion said.
“Mouhot, [history junior] Matthew Barouse and I went to the National Convention in July. That’s when it clicked. Instead of it just being about friendship, it was about Theta Chi,” Gremillion said.
Ten of the men in Theta Chi were interested in Greek life, and they each went through rush. But they didn’t click with any of the fraternities.
“We are open to anyone, but the people who weren’t drawn to the other fraternities have found a safe haven in Theta Chi,” Gremillion said.
Fifteen new men have expressed interest since school started, though most have been through word of mouth, Gremillion said.
“We were all a group of friends,” Gremillion said. “As we add more people, we are in a sense pitching what Theta Chi is all about.”
Theta Chi wants to help the community and be a positive force, Gremillion said.
“First, we have to know who we are and where we are coming from,” he said.
The petition for the Interfraternity Council has already been written. However, Theta Chi is waiting to add to its 25 members and build its service portfolio, Gremillion said.
The group is already getting involved on campus as well as in the community with events like “My Hands,” an event to raise awareness for Scleroderma, Gremillion said.
“We are new,” Gremillion said. “We have a lot to establish as far as presence and history.”
Theta Chi would not be near where they are today without the support of the Theta Chi Alumni, Gremillion said. He said there are about 1,000 in Louisiana.
The group doesn’t have a house yet, but once Theta Chi is established at the University, housing will be considered, Gremillion said.
“It won’t be something we see in our day but something our successors will see,” he said.
Jonathan Sanders, associate director of Greek Life and Interfraternity Council adviser, said Greek Life anticipates Theta Chi’s expansion.
“We are extremely excited for the possibility of Theta Chi joining the IFC in the spring,” Sanders said.
—-
Contact Kayla DuBos at [email protected]