“The stronger the breeze, the stronger the trees
Good timber doesn’t grow with ease”
The year was 2006, and the Alpha Gamma chapter had just called an emergency meeting. It had become increasingly apparent that there were rifts developing within the chapter and the loyalty of several members was, at best, becoming questionable. Executive Board members were defaulting on their duties and a few brothers were involved in all sorts of social misconduct. Things were bad. When, however, half a dozen brothers (about a third of the actives) single-filed into the meeting, none of the others were prepared for what was about to happen. If they were, then they definitely had not braced themselves for the impact thereof.
So when the renegade members officially signed their disaffiliation paperwork, a cloud of devastation fogged the room. Heads buried in their hands, the remaining brothers had nothing but nostalgic and betrayal thoughts. They remembered how it had taken more than five years to get chapter status; how their first three lines had been solos, and it was not until four years since colony establishment that the first two-man line crossed. They must have also reflected on how, as a young chapter, they had won Chapter of the Year a year or two before. Then they considered, too, the fact that all the disaffiliates constituted the vast number of young brothers. For many, this was the end of an era. The very existence of the chapter was threatened.
With a battered spirit but undeterred resolve, those who stayed put their shoulders to the plow. And what a job they did. After a grueling recruitment period, the chapter crossed a four-man line in the spring of 2007. Celebrations were lively but short-lived: the neos were virtually all freshmen, and all the prophytes were graduating the same semester. The new members were thrown right into the line of fire. If you have (as many brothers have) had to maintain the chapter with a couple of people active, you can testify how stressful it is.
In addition to the administrative challenges, the next few recruitment efforts were difficult. Once, the chapter had all of five interested men reconsider a few hours before induction and decide not to come. It was close to two years before the next line- A solo- crossed. Brimming with enthusiasm, he reintroduced the art of strolling and other forms of public showcasing. Thereafter, subsequent lines reasserted the chapter’s commitment to multiculturalism, academics and service.
This story could go on. My suspicions are it might sound similar to what many other chapters have gone through. So in the interest of brevity, here is a quick list of ideals that worked towards rebuilding the chapter from rubble
1) Diversity: with a clear and uncompromising understanding of our Latin roots and emphasis, the chapter actively opened its doors to different people. The aforementioned Spring 07 line consisted Asian, African and Latino brothers. Since then, there have been several brothers of those ethnicities and others who have joined; and the trend is not likely to stop;
2) Showcasing: stroll, step, and go to the most active place on campus in your letters. Let the people see you!
3) Encourage involvement: The resurgent brothers have been involved in all aspects of campus life. They range from presidents of the Latino Students Union, African Student Council, the Latin dance team, MGC. Several have been R.As… the list goes on. Not only does encouraging involvement develop brothers as leaders; it increases visibility in the community;
4) Service and academics: This should be a no-brainer; we should never forget our principles. The Alpha Gamma chapter has built a phenomenal partnership with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and several brothers have obtained jobs and internship through their service there. It is also an honor to be graduating brothers at a consistent rate and sending them off to jobs and graduate school.
Again, one might read this and see the story of their individual chapter. Or maybe, one will look and wonder why an example from a particular chapter should be the blueprint for SLB revival. Outside of the successes mentioned above, what validates this as an epic story and an example worth considering?
The tribulations that the chapter had gone through mirrored the nature of the educational process. Because these men of different races, creed and abilities bled and cried together in the trenches, their legacy and dedication to each other has been immortalized and set them on a path of excellence.
But hey, don’t take their word for it; let us hear what the powers that be have said…
Well, in the 2010-2011 period, the chapter has received a number of awards including: GVSU new member of the year (2010), Fraternity Man of the Year (2010), SLB East region Brother of the year (2011), GVSU Program of the Year, GVSU Chapter of Excellence (2011) and SLB’s National Chapter of the Year.
Not too shabby for a chapter who, a mere few years ago, stood on the verge of extinction, I’ll say. What tomorrow brings remains a mystery, but this moment belongs to you. Good job brothers: you epitomize what the fraternity stands for.
“We’re all only fragile threads, but what a tapestry we make”
-Jerry Ellis
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