Zeta Chapter Rebounds,
Looks for Continued Growth
By Derrick Cabrera
National Executive Vice President
For several years, time, money and membership had plagued Zeta Chapter at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Finally, however, they can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Eric Budd, Chapter President and a senior, described the situation as "fairly overwhelming" at the start of the 2002-2003 academic year. With only one other active to help him and 20 hours of classes, that could be considered an understatement. But with all the support the chapter has received over the course of the year, he never felt that restoring the Chapter was an impossibility.
Rockhurst's enrollment has slipped drastically over the past few years, with fewer that 70 new freshman males entering last fall. The two other fraternities on campus, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Pi Kappa Alpha, weren't helping Zeta's situation either, with over 45 members each and what some have called unfair rushing practices.
"This has been typical of the atmosphere here at Rockhurst over the past few years. I have many friends among these other fraternities, but some of their members' actions make it very hard to compete with them," explains Budd.
Zeta received support from Sarah Oyer, Rockhurst's Director of Greek Life, as well as ADG's National Executive Council and Zeta Chapter Alumni. "I got support from nearly every member of the Council, in particular Jim Smith, who helped me out a lot with rush, and Anthony
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( New Members of Zeta Chapter )
Schembari, who came to visit us for our toga party, as well as many brothers from Beta Chapter in St. Louis," says Budd. "Derrick Cabrera has been like my mentor here with the Chapter.
"Our alumni in Kansas City are incredible," Budd continues. "In particular, Pete Swenson, Aaron Johnson, and John Koehler were instrumental in the candidate education process." Their help included taking roles as candidate educators, attending the Spring Conference this year in Chicago, and organizing several nights for candidates to visit with other Zeta alumni.
The results of their hard work paid off, as ADG welcomed the following new gentlemen of Rockhust into the Brotherhood: Jon Carr, Daniel Cummins, Zach Gregg, Dan Martin and Justin Wetterer.
Zeta Actives, Alumni and the National Council know that this battle is not yet completely won. But with this past year's 300%+ jump in membership, the chapter's future is as bright as it has been in some time.
If you would like to contact Eric Budd or offer assistance, please e-mail him at buddem@rockhurst.edu, or phone (816) 686-4307.
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