With over 40 fraternity and sorority chapters currently established here at Binghamton University, one would think that there is barely enough elbow room in the greek community as is. There is a group of men on campus, however, who think there is still room for growth and expansion.
These are the brothers of the Theta Triton colony of Theta Delta Chi.
Last semester, about a week before finals, Theta Delta Chi received colony status. The work to become an official colony had been put into motion by a group of students ‘ Paul Liggieri, Matthew Zimmer, Justin Zimmer, Jason Finkelstein, Brian Goldstein, Jeremy Leiss and Robert Clark ‘ who said they wanted more out of greek life.
After experiencing rush and seeing what the other fraternities had to offer, the colony founders decided to start Theta Delta Chi.
Matthew Zimmer, vice president of philanthropy said, ‘When we were getting rushed by the other fraternities, we didn’t exactly see the response that we would have liked to see in terms of philanthropy, in terms of something other then just the social aspect of fraternity [life].’
‘When we decided to create this fraternity,’ said colony president Paul Liggieri, ‘we decided it was going to be about grabbing all quality individuals who were aggressive, who were leaders in the community, who wanted to contribute as far as philanthropy, as far as charity and who really wanted to give back to the community.’
It would seem those individuals have responded in kind, as Theta Delta Chi has seen a recruitment explosion. Although it has only been about 1 1/2 months since receiving colony status, their brotherhood already stands at over 40 members strong. ‘The response from Binghamton has really been unprecedented,’ added Liggieri.
He declined to comment on any particular ritual ‘ or the process for initiation ‘ but did say that each ritual is done for a purpose, to create ‘friendship and mutual esteem among the brothers and to create leadership.’
But Theta Delta Chi’s positive recruitment results may not be such good news for other fraternity presidents, who refused to comment on the establishment of a new greek life organization on campus.
What is it about Theta Delta Chi that is drawing such large numbers of individuals into their ranks? It may be the fact that they place heavy focus on community service. Said Zimmer, ‘Our future and short-term goals for right now are to establish that. We’ve been on the phone with soup kitchens, with nursing homes, with transportation and adopt-a-highway. We have the quality; we have the members; now we just need to get moving, and we are.’
It seems that the brothers of Theta Delta Chi are already well on their way to reaching their own high-set standards. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday they will be rotating brothers at the Salvation Army soup kitchen.
Throughout the weekend they will be helping serve the cold and hungry residents of Broome County.
While things may be looking up at the moment, Theta Delta Chi still has a long way to go. They still need to become chartered in order to be recognized as a national chapter of the fraternity. However, with the success of its first semester under its belt, as well as the praise it have received from Senior Charge Consultant for Theta Delta Chi Eric Kelley, Liggieri is confident that they will obtain their national charter as early as this summer.
Once that hurdle has been leapt, the obstacle of becoming a recognized campus fraternity remains. Currently, due to the large number of existing greek organizations on campus, a temporary moratorium is in effect. This restricts the expansion of existing greek organizations as well as the addition of any new ones.
Jack Causseaux, director of greek life, said, ‘They [Theta Delta Chi] are not part of our fraternity and sorority community and I don’t know when, and if, they ever will be.’
Even so, their spirit has not diminished. The brothers said they are hopeful that the moratorium will be released and a policy of controlled expansion will be enacted. This would allow organizations which have proved themselves to be contributors to the community a chance to become an established campus organization.
‘We’re not here to make this a competition,’ says Liggieri, ‘We’re not here to step on anybody’s toes. If anything we’re here to work with them [greek life] and make everything the best that we can.’ Still, their passion and confidence in Theta Delta Chi is stronger than ever. ‘The wheels are in motion and this train isn’t stopping for anything.’