The University's Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity chapter will recolonize this spring after closing in May 1999.
Fiji alumni and undergraduate members made the joint decision two years ago to shut down the University chapter. At the time, Fiji was suffering from financial difficulties and declining membership.
The chapter's house corporation, a legal entity that owns the Fiji house located at 128 Madison Lane, believes that now is an appropriate time to reopen the fraternity.
Fiji will participate in the regular Inter-Fraternity Council rush process next semester, up to a certain point, and then drop out a few days early. Fiji plans to pass out its bids a few weeks after the other fraternities have already done so, according to IFC President Josh Johnson.
Members of the house corporation and an advisory committee comprised of younger Fiji alumni in the area will choose the new members.
"We would like to get both upperclassmen and first year students," said Jim McGrath, a member of the house corporation board and an alumnus of the University's Fiji chapter.
Those involved in the process said the recolonization will provide a unique opportunity for University students interested in joining a fraternity and helping to develop it from the ground up. Most other fraternities on Grounds already have established traditions.
"This is an excellent opportunity to be a member of a fraternity where you can define yourself," Johnson said.
Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life, agreed with Johnson, adding that new members will serve as founders of the recolonized chapter.
"This affords current University students the opportunity to be part of a very new and historic effort," Laushway said.
Fiji alumni hope to attract students with leadership capabilities who will be able to play an immediate role in the redevelopment of the fraternity.
The house corporation will hold an upperclassmen rush event at the Fiji house Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
McGrath said the fraternity hopes to create an environment based more on the aspects of brotherhood than simple revelry.
"I would hope for a more moderate environment," McGrath said.
Phi Gamma Delta fraternities have banned alcohol nationwide, and the University's chapter will therefore be opened as a dry house. Some alumni have expressed concern over this decision, but they generally believe that an increased emphasis on brotherhood and a more moderate lifestyle will benefit future members, McGrath said.
"By all accounts, when a fraternity recolonizes as a dry facility, nationally numbers have increased and insurance liability has decreased," Laushway said.
Alumni plan to launch an ambitious capital campaign starting next semester that will raise funds to renovate the Fiji house. McGrath said he hopes that with the money raised from Fiji alumni, their fraternity house will become the nicest on Grounds.
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