Sophia Fishman
Contributing Writer
As the new school year starts up, it brings rush week for sororities and fraternities all over ESU.
Theta Chi is not just a well known fraternity on campus, but all over the country too. It was founded in 1856, originally starting at Norwich University, which was a military college at the time.
Theta Chi is a well-known and well-respected fraternity across the country. The frats’ colors are military red and white and use a symbol of a rattlesnake. Their motto is “An Assisting Hand” and they are known to have core values such as completing acts of community service and leadership.
They have over 245 active chapters today in the U.S.
With rush week comes a week long of activities, Theta Chi set up a schedule to meet and bond with potential new brothers. These activities include, a house tour, dodgeball, a barbecue with Alpha Sigma Tau, a sorority on campus, and interviews to conclude the week.
“A week-long series of events to help fraternities meet and hopefully get new members to join their fraternity. The week varies from fraternity to fraternity in their events, with each having their own unique style,” said Robert Nolan, recruitment chairman for Theta Chi, when asked to describe rush week.
Rush week is an exciting time for many and gives students a look into what brotherhood will fit them best.
In order to have a rush week, a recruitment chairman is much needed. The job of a recruitment chairman is to lead a recruitment strategy, coordinate with the chapter and to be a main leader in a stressful time like this.
Selecting future brothers with good charter and well rounded men is a value that Theta Chi holds high.
“In order to obtain as many well rounded men, we just need to be ourselves,” said Nolan when asked about the fraternity’s selection process. “I believe we have the best character and brotherhood on campus, and really just showing that off during rush week along with truly getting to know potential new members, I feel truly helps us obtain men who we think are perfect fits for this brotherhood and what we’re trying to accomplish at Theta Chi.”
Some people don’t feel the need to rush and or it’s not for them. Nolan shared a similar experience.
“When I first came to this school, I was against joining a fraternity. I didn’t think it was necessary and I didn’t think it fit into what I was trying to accomplish here at East Stroudsburg,” said Nolan. “However, I remember going to the fall rush events before I was even able to rush, and my opinion changed quickly.”
“Seeing how all the guys treated each other, cared for each other, and just the overall brotherhood they had with one another made me want to be a part of what they had at Theta Chi,” he said. “I truly believe if incoming students or returning students do the same as I did, they’ll be sold within an instance due to the pure character of our brothers, and the brotherhood and relationship we have with one another.”
Whether it’s Theta Chi or a different fraternity, joining a brotherhood can make a positive and fun experience for many college students. Rush week is all about coming together and finding your true family for the next four years.