September 23, 2005

I am writing to you as one of the Assistant Directors in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Penn State and a brother of Theta Chi Fraternity. I hope to provide some information regarding the state of the Greek community at Penn State and to give an update on the current state of the Omega chapter.

In 2004 in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs, the Vice President and the Office of the President, a Greek Pride-“Return to Glory” initiative was organized. The reason for this focus was to look at the structure, support, and current state of the Greek community at Penn State. In 2004 the Greek community was ranked as one of the worst Greek communities in the nation and developmentally about ten years behind other Greek communities. The community lacked goals, standards, leadership, and understanding of the true meaning of being Greek men and women at Penn State. Through this initiative we have been able to establish a structure and a vision for the current Penn State Greek community as well as a set of standards that all of our chapters must live up to and reach. These standards were developed by team of alumni, undergraduate leaders, national representatives, and the university. Please read more about the Return to Glory initiative and visit the following web site for the current standards for each chapter.

The Omega chapter continually goes above and beyond the call of duty serving as members of Theta Chi. From my perspective, the chapter is on a constant roller coaster. They have reached many high points of success, winning awards at both the Penn State Greek Oscars and International Convention, and additionally hold the second highest GPA (3.34 spring semester 2005) out of the 48 IFC fraternities. However, along with the many high points, the men have some challenges as well. The brotherhood struggles with recruitment and increasing their membership. They have also been focusing on the house and lack of improvements, and struggle from a lack of advising support. I believe that if the men can get over some of the low point issues, the Omega Chapter will be a model organization and a chapter of excellence at Penn State.

Being Greek in 2005 has changed. No longer is it about the wild keg parties, hazing, and living out the scenes from “Animal House”. Being Greek is about living our ritual, being leaders, contributing to service and philanthropy events, and being social. Most importantly, it is about Extending the Helping Hand of Theta Chi. As alumni and life members of Theta Chi there is so much that can be done to sustain and ensure the future of Omega. The current undergraduates can use the guidance and structure to prosper and continue on a path of success and prestige. I know I am proud to call each and every member a brother and you should be as well.

Fraternally,

Jared Brown– Eta Zeta, ‘99
Assistant Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Penn State University