Muhlenberg College Welcomes Alpha Tau Omega Re-Colonization Effort
Alpha Iota to re-colonize in the fall of 2009.Tuesday, April 14, 2009 11:22 AM
Established in 1881, the Alpha Iota chapter of Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity was among the earliest Greek organizations organized at Muhlenberg College. In the fall of 2009, the national fraternity will begin the process of re-establishing this chapter, due in large part to a dedicated alumni base and the organization's renewed commitment to academics and leadership development.
"ATO has had a strong alumni base over the years, and we were impressed with the leadership of the group that is spearheading the re-colonization efforts," remarked, Randy Helm, President of Muhlenberg College.
An agreement between Muhlenberg College and the national fraternity was reached in late March after the organization responded to the College's invitation to participate in its Greek life expansion process. The Committee on Greek Life, a multi-constituent group composed of students, faculty and staff, made the recommendation for re-colonization after reviewing materials from the fraternity and hosting a site visit by national office staff and local alumni.
Alpha Tau Omega will begin the re-colonization process in conjunction with the traditional Fall Recruitment Week at the College. Recruitment Week for fall 2009 is scheduled for September 6 through September 12. Interested men will be required to register for recruitment, which will make them eligible to participate in the activities of all recognized fraternities during that week. In addition to considerations regarding character, leadership and service, men chosen for the colony class will be required to have a GPA of at least 2.80.
The national fraternity owns the chapter house, located at 2302 Chew Street in Allentown. Plans are for the colony to complete the requirements of receiving a charter and to demonstrate organizational effectiveness before the chapter house is made available to the members. The earliest this would occur would be the fall of 2011. In the meantime, the colony will go through a fraternity education process, which will enable them to meet the accreditation requirements of the College and national.
The Alpha Iota chapter was in continuous operation from 1881 through 2000, when a series of violations of College policy led to the loss of recognition from the College.
The addition of Alpha Tau Omega will bring the total of active fraternities and sororities on campus to eight - four fraternities and four sororities. Approximately 24% of eligible students at Muhlenberg choose Greek life; there are currently over 400 Greek members. In 2008, Greeks contributed nearly $15,000 to charitable causes and conducted over 9,000 hours of community service.
