By Jeff Beaudrey ’01, Chapter President
The Theta chapter has always been an institution where traditions have been an important part of ritual, pledging and everyday life. However, as many of you know, the Theta Chapter is operating under new rules and regulations this year. The first week back to school we were informed of mandatory changes that would take place in our house. Unfortunately because of some of these changes, several brothers of the house deactivated as active members. The remaining members, along with a few members of House Corp, then attended a two-day retreat. The retreat involved several activities designed to open up our lines of communication and to promote working together. But perhaps the best part of the retreat came at about 1:00 a.m., when the brother sat around a campfire and discussed the events that had just happened in the house and the future of Theta Chapter. A few brothers questioned whether they could make the necessary commitment to the new Chapter. This was met with much reassurance by the other brother that we would work together to accomplish what we needed to. Everyone left the fire with a renewed confidence in each other and our aim and purpose. We established a new openness with each other and sence of brotherhood, and we returned to campus with enthusiasm and new focus.
Changing our entire rush and pledging programs hasbeen an ongoing struggle. We were able to get one pledge this semester, a sophomore whom we are pledging using our new pledge system. At first there was some frustration when many traditions of the past were replaced with new activities and teachings. But soon everyone became more comfortable with the idea, and the pledging process hasbeen going well. We have been putting a lot of time and effort into the challenge of conducting a dry rush; it is difficult to change old habits and traditions. Much of our chapter meetings have been spent brainstorming new ideas for meeting freshmen, and for holding events to get to know them better. Overall, the brothers of the Theta Chapter have been putting forth a huge effort toward rushing good, responsible men.
Despite our new challenges, the men of the Theta chapter look forward to a successful year and the continuation of our great tradition.
Contact me at jdbeaudr@cc.owu.edu with comments and questions.
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