News

The Fraternity welcomed its newest Delts to the brotherhood when 23 men took their Oath and became the Theta Omega Chapter of Delta Tau Delta at Northern Arizona University (NAU). The installation was the culmination of two years of work in the most unusual of circumstances for these men. The Theta Omega Crescent Colony formed in February 2020–mere weeks before the world shut down amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort and persistence were not lost on the Fraternity leadership.

“Starting a new group in any circumstance is difficult but beginning a group in the way the men at Theta Omega did calls attention to their ability to withstand adversity,” said Chief Executive Officer Jack Kreman (University of Nebraska-Kearney, 2004). “These men had to overcome such significant obstacles, no one would have blamed them for failure. But they took those obstacles and were made the better for it.”

The 23 men who initiated on March 26, 2022, continue the legacy of the Theta Omega Chapter at NAU. The chapter was originally installed in 2000 and operated without interruption for 16 years. In 2016 the chapter closed due to low membership. While it was difficult to leave, everyone agreed it would only be a matter of time before the chapter returned. A successful campus presentation resulted in the invitation in 2018 setting the stage for the 2020 return.

“I am thrilled to have the Theta Omega Chapter back,” said Western Pacific Division President Jason Feiner (Bradley University, 1997). “There are three campuses in Arizona with fraternity and sorority communities. Having another presence in the state means we have a broader ability to fulfill our mission both there and, in the division at large.”

The chapter is composed of men from varied backgrounds. In addition to those who grew up in Arizona, the chapter includes men from California, Nevada, Colorado and Nebraska. The group is heavily involved in other activities on campus and represents several different majors. Indeed, the diversity of the group is one of its strengths.

“We have always tried to be different on campus. The other fraternities fill a niche, but our niche tends to attract men who maybe didn’t originally consider joining fraternities. We are pleased to bring an entirely new profile of man into the fraternity and sorority system at NAU,” said founding president Carson Hearn (Northern Arizona University, 2022). “We’re trying to make a positive impact and life-changing experience for everyone who joins Delta Tau Delta at NAU and bring positive change for the Flagstaff community as a whole.”

Brothers from the Theta Gamma Chapter at Arizona State University initiated the newest Theta Omega men. Following a Ritual ceremony in the University Union, the men and their guests convened for the traditional banquet at the DuBois Center at NAU. There, the chapter leadership received the charter, the gavel and all other relics of a chapter. The banquet concluded with a keynote by International Vice President Rosario Palmieri (American University, 1999).