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 | | History |
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| A History of Epsilon Theta Chapter (Not Yet Complete) |
Epsilon Theta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was originally chartered at the Colorado State University on November 10, 1956. The Chapter made its home on East Elizabeth Street, nearly two miles from campus. The chapter remained a small close knit group often only pledging two or three men. In the early 1970's student sentiment against fraternities combined with PiKA National demands for program and membership growth signaled the temporary end of Epsilon Theta Chapter in 1974.
The Epsilon Theta Colony of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity was established at Colorado State University on Sunday evening, February 27, 1983. It was on this date that the first 21 men were formally pledged to Pi Kappa Alpha. The pledging of the Alpha Class was conducted by Resident Counselor David Stowe and National Director of Expansion Rodney Stephens.
Shortly after pledging, the following officers were appointed: Michael Williams, President; James Johnson, Vice-President; Todd Biddison, Secretary; and Michael Lambe, Treasurer. In addition to the new officers, Epsilon Theta got its first Chapter Advisor. Gary Anderson, an alumnus of Alpha Tau, University of Utah, took on that great responsibility.
The Beta Class of Epsilon Theta, numbering twelve, was formally pledged on April 4, 1983. This brought the number of pledges in Epsilon Theta Colony to 33. On April 30, 1983 at John XXIII Catholic Church in Fort Collins, the Alpha and Beta classes were initiated as active members by brothers from Weber State University and the University of Utah.
After initiation Alpha and Beta classes prepared for chartering. A number of criteria set down by Nationals had to be met before Epsilon Theta could become a full-fledged chapter. Among these were; the establishment of a major fund-raiser, a philanthropy project, organized committee positions, and short and long-term goals; the submissions of a petition to be filed with National Headquarters; and a passing grade upon the inspection in the Fall. But before any of this could happen, the Colony had to have at least 50 members.
On October 2, 1983, the 24 members of the Gamma Class had been pledged. They were initiated as active members on December 3, 1983, at the most emotional initiation in Epsilon Theta's history.
Prior to Gamma Class' initiation, the Colony had undergone an inspection for chartering. Before a board composed of National officers and a neighboring chapter, Epsilon Theta presented itself for approval by Nationals. A thorough investigation of reputation, attitude, performance, and dedication was made by the inspection board. In a unanimous vote of approval, Epsilon Theta was recommended for chartering to the National Headquarters of Pi Kappa Alpha. In conjunction with the initiation of Gamma Class on December 3, 1983, Epsilon Theta became a nationally recognized chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. The Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Classes were the founding classes of the Chapter.
The following semester was one of growth for Epsilon Theta. With all the formalities behind, the time to become really established arrived. Fifteen more men, forming the Delta class, were pledged and initiated on April 13, 1984. This was the first pledge class to be initiated by an Epsilon Theta initiation team.
The initiation of the 25 member Epsilon Class marked the beginning of a new school year in the fall of 1984. Epsilon Theta Chapter was just settling in at C.S.U. and the Epsilon Class was indicative of Epsilon Theta's increasingly outstanding reputation. The Class ranged from Freshmen to Seniors and turned out to be one of the most successful classes in Epsilon Theta history. The Epsilon Class was the first class to finish all Group Activity Projects, including a fund-raiser that paid for everything into which the class ventured. It was a sign of Epsilon Theta's growing popularity and appeal to quality young men.
Spring semester 1985 was very eventful period in the growth of Epsilon Theta Chapter. Rush parties, the Regional Conference, and hard work for permanent housing kept the chapter busy as it began its second year of affiliation with Pi Kappa Alpha. The rush program began with Greek Golf, C.S.U.'s formal fraternity rush program. The theme parties included a toga party, a wine & cheese party, a hot-tub party, and a pizza party. Spring rush 1985 was, at that time, the most successful rush ever in Epsilon Theta history. The Zeta Class included 25 quality men and added to the Pikes' solid reputation as respected leaders on campus. Also that Spring, Epsilon Theta was proud to serve as host/sponsor chapter for the 1985 Rockies Regional Conference in February. PiKA's National Supreme Council and brothers from other chapters were treated to lectures and seminars on campus and outstanding social events on the town during their stay in the Choice City.
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Above: Epsilon Theta Chapter poses for a photo on the stairs of the Administration building. Circa 1985
In the Fall of 1985 the Chapter had no limits on what they could accomplish. The semester began with the first annual "Pike Fest" coordinated by brother Erick Loss. Four live bands, dancing outdoors, and a huge crowd of people made the event a big success. All monies generated were donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
"Pike Fest" also marked the beginning of our Fall 1985 Rush program. And what a program it was. Brother Curt Werking, Rush Chairman, announced that 35 men had pledged Pi Kappa Alpha here at C.S.U. That was the largest Pledge Class to date in the history of Epsilon Theta. The Eta Class was initiated on November 22, 1985. Upon induction of the Eta Class, our chapter had grown to 111 active members.
Spring 1986 found the brothers of Epsilon Theta in top form. The quest for a Chapter house continued under the efforts of Dan Corah. Likewise, the emerging traditions of the Rush and Pledge Education programs resulted in the initiation of Theta Class of 32 promising young men who, as a class, broke every Pledge Class record of Epsilon Theta's books. The major chapter philanthropy of the semester took the form of the First Annual Hughes Stadium Sit-a-thon, in which the Pikes and the Tri-Deltas raised money for charity by placed their butts in all 30,000 stadium seats. And in Intramurals, Pi Kappa Alpha took the Greek Championship trophy. It had become apparent to the brothers that Epsilon Theta was something extraordinary, and all eyes looked toward the National Convention in August, 1986.
The Boston Convention was a dream come true for Epsilon Theta. In only two and one half academic years since its chartering, Epsilon Theta had risen to the top at both C.S.U. and Nationals. In a maelstrom of emotion, the brothers of Epsilon Theta at the Convention returned to the awards table at the banquet time and time again. We had been awarded the Robert Adger Smythe Award, which recognizes us as one of the top 15 of 190 Pike Chapters in the country. Epsilon Theta also received on of three awards given for best Rush Program, best Pledge Education Program, and Man-Miles. The Convention was a realization of our dreams. All the hopes, aspirations, and prayers of the founders of Epsilon Theta had been answered. All their hard work, dedication, and perseverance had paid off in two and a half short years.
The awards presented to Pi Kappa Alpha for the 1986 year at the Boston Convention made Epsilon Theta the number one Pike chapter in the country. In this position, it seemed possible that the chapter might ease up from the standards of excellence which we represented in receiving our awards. This, however, did not occur as brothers Deron Grothe and Randy Stafford brought up a new pledge class, the Iota Class, in the traditions of Pi Kappa Alpha.
The success of Epsilon Theta has continued and is establishing a standard of excellence. The Spring semester of 1987 was no exception. The semester began with Scot Hammond and Greg Rutherford educating the 21 members of Kappa Class. In philanthropy, Carl Shanbacher established the Poudre River Clean Up. Pi Kappa Alpha, in conjunction with 15 different clubs and organizations, cleaned a 50 mile stretch of the Poudre River. In intramurals, Pi Kappa Alpha finished second on campus for the Greek Intramural Trophy. The reputation and prestige of Epsilon Theta was maintained and continued into the summer months at the Leadership Academy in Memphis, Tennessee. At this academy, our goal of obtaining a second, consecutive Smythe Award was realized. Receiving our second Smythe award established Epsilon Theta as one of Pi Kappa Alpha's premier chapters nationwide.
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