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The Crescent of the Fraternity grows again. At this point three years ago, there were zero active chapters of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity in Colorado. With the revival of the Beta Kappa Chapter at the University of Colorado as the Beta Kappa Crescent Colony, positive ongoing conversations to return the Theta Omicron Chapter to the University of Northern Colorado and now the chartering of the Epsilon Omicron Chapter at Colorado State University, Delta Tau Delta has an undeniable presence on the front range. As is usually the case, returning to Fort Collins was not a simple, linear process. In fact, difficult starts at Colorado State are somewhat the norm for Delta Tau Delta.

The first chapter of Delta Tau Delta at Colorado State was established as the Epsilon Omicron Chapter in 1967. Like many fraternities and sororities in the 1960s and 1970s the chapter succumbed to the anti-Greek atmosphere on campus and was not able to continue. The Fraternity recolonized, and the chapter chartered again in 1993. The second iteration of Epsilon Omicron continued to provide an outstanding leadership experience for several decades before again falling on challenging times in the 2010s. During the second iteration, the CSU Delts secured what might have been one of Delta Tau Delta’s most unusual shelters – a converted gym next to a fast-food restaurant.

Overcoming the Vietnam War and the general decline in the 2010s might have been enough to prepare the young chapter for the latest obstacle of progress – the COVID-19 pandemic. As one of only a few chapters to begin during the pandemic, the men faced enormous challenges. Their faith and confidence never wavered. The collective wisdom of their advisor team, including former Western Plains Division President James Wallen (Colorado State University, 1993) prepared them to persist through the most challenging of times. As those 15 men took their Oath, it proved Delta Tau Delta is positioned to overcome all obstacles.

The well-attended ceremony and banquet took place at the Renaissance Flat Iron Hotel in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains on May 20, 2023. The men of Theta Kappa Chapter at the University of Nebraska at Kearney made the five-hour drive to conduct the Rite of Iris and Ritual. The UNK Delts departed from their campus after graduation ceremonies to install the Fraternity’s newest chapter. Most remained through the night to help the men of Epsilon Omicron celebrate.

As if a chapter installation wasn’t enough, the day also saw two very special presentations. First, Matt Bedin (Colorado State University, 2023) returned to the chapter more than 30 years after his own graduation. Originally a member of the second founding class, graduation came for Matt before initiation did, and he never had the chance to initiate. His recitation of the Delt Oath proves our values are timeless. During the banquet, the attendees surprised Jeff Desserich (Colorado State University, 1999) with the presentation of a long overdue Fraering Award for young alumni service. Confirmed more than 15 years ago but never presented, the award recognizing Jeff’s service to the Fraternity early in his career was due without question.

Providing encouraging words for a great day and a better future was former Western Plains Division President and current Director at Large for the Arch Chapter Chris Wisbrock (University of Missouri, 1997), and closing the banquet as customary was Fraternity Chairman Rosario Palmieri (American University, 1999).