Students form Theta Chi interest group

By Gwen Daniels

Published March 7, 2008

At MU almost 2,000 fraternity members call each other brothers.

Theta Chi fraternity, a new group at MU, offers another chance to find brotherhood on campus.

Theta Chi is a nationally recognized fraternity. The MU interest group hopes to attain chapter status by the end of 2008, Theta Chi president Dallas Schepers said.

Secretary Philip Makarewicz said the group came to life after a group of friends decided to form their own fraternity.

“We started talking about it, and we came to the point where we were like, ‘You know what, why don’t we just try to do this ourselves?’” Makarewicz said.

Together, several of the men contacted the national organization, Theta Chi Fraternity, Schepers said.

After meeting with a national representative and attending several conferences, the group became a recognized interest group with Theta Chi, Schepers said.

“It was born from an idea of brotherhood,” he said. “When we went to these conferences and saw what the international fraternity was all about, it opened my eyes to the aspect of brotherhood."

Several of members rushed other fraternities on campus but could not find the perfect fit, he said.

“It’s really about finding a group that’s for you,” Makarewicz said. “We let guys know, ‘Hey, we felt the same way, and maybe we can help you out.’”

Schepers said the fraternity emphasizes academics, community and campus service.

“We want to have guys who not only have really high GPA’s or above the all-men’s average, but we want to have guys who are involved in more organizations and groups on campus,” he said.

The fraternity is partnering with several sororities at Stephens College for service projects and socials, Schepers said.

Several of the fraternity members will participate in the Stephens College chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority’s date auction benefiting their philanthropy projects.

The fraternity also plans several social events each week.

They also have intramural sports teams, Schepers added.

The social events give prospective members a chance to get to know each member of the group.

“They’re just for people to meet us,” Makarewicz said. “There’s no pressure at all. We’re not really bringing up the fraternity at all. It’s just hanging out and seeing if you like it. We want to make sure the friendship is there before we bring up the fraternity.”

The group is taking steps toward recognition as a colony of Theta Chi.

This week, the Organization Resource Group officially declared the group an MU student organization, which is the first step toward colonization, Schepers said.

Makarewicz said the group has also written bylaws and established regular meetings and study hours.

The group currently has 15 members, Makarewicz said. A colony must have 25 members, he added.

Ultimately, Theta Chi hopes to have 45 members and gain chapter status by the end of the fall semester, Schepers said.

To become a chapter at MU, Theta Chi will also meet with the MU Interfraternity Council, advisers from the Office of Greek Life and the presidents of the 28 existing fraternities at MU.

The fraternity presidents will vote on including Theta Chi on campus, IFC spokesman Sam Hargadine said.

“We are really excited about expansion, but we want to make sure they’re a good fit,” Hargadine said.