Monmouth College is currently going through a process to expand their Greek Life program by adding one national fraternity.

A group of Monmouth College men have expressed interest in joining the new fraternity, and the list of possible fraternities has been narrowed down to four so far: Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Psi, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Chi. The group of students is excited to start the new fraternity.

“I am looking forward to being a part of a group of men who come together for what they believe in, and also to be part of a group who shares the same views and ideals,” said junior Derek Barrow.

All four of the fraternities are familiar with Monmouth College, as they have each had chapters here in past years.

Each group sent a representative to come to Monmouth College to give a presentation about their fraternity.

The first group to present was Phi Delta Theta, which came to Monmouth College on Nov. 28. Phi Kappa Psi was next to visit Monmouth on Dec. 3., and Tau Kappa Epsilon presented on Dec. 5. The Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity had a chapter at Monmouth College relatively recently. Walter Huff, whom the Huff Athletic Center is named after, is an alumnus from Tau Kappa Epsilon. The final fraternity to present was Sigma Chi, on Dec. 6.

Regardless of which fraternity is chosen, it will have one distinct difference than the three current Monmouth College fraternities, as the new group will be alcohol free.

Prospective members of the new fraternity did not identify one group that they were leaning toward, but a formal decision will be made on Friday, Dec. 7.

“There has been one that has stuck out for me, and I know there has been one, and not necessarily the same one, that has stuck out for other men involved,” said senior Ben Sauer, a prospective fraternity member. Regardless of which fraternity they support, future members of the new fraternity are excited for the opportunities that will be provided from this experience.

“It’s not often that an opportunity of this caliber comes along,” Barrow said. “It’s not that the existing fraternities don’t offer enough; it’s more about being able to take part in the overall experience and have that final say.”

Controversy has circulated the Monmouth College campus regarding why Monmouth College is looking for a new fraternity when one of the current fraternities is believed to be already low on members. Some members of the current Monmouth fraternities are worried the addition in Monmouth College’s Greek Life will decline their numbers.

Return to Home -- Return to News