Theta-Theta Re-colonization Update

September 15, 2005

Brothers,

The re-colonization effort has gained both momentum and proponents in the past six months. The 2005 Detroit Alumni Banquet in May was an opportunity for our Board members to network with area alumni and openly discuss the re-colonization planning. Grand Consul Keith Krach, Executive Secretary Mark Anderson, VP Strategic Planning Marc Carlson, and our new Eastern Michigan Province Grand Praetor Jon Greenawalt were in attendance and spoke with us at length. The message was clear from International: Theta-Theta is expected to be back at the University of Michigan as soon as possible!

International had recently created a list of "high profile" universities targeted for an active undergraduate chapter presence. Mike Stearns made arrangements to meet with alumni in Chicago who had significant roles with the successful Omega chapter re-colonization at Northwestern this winter. Mike came back from his June meeting with Andy Hughs (Director of Expansion) with useful information and a better appreciation for the enormity of the task. Five members of our Board traveled to Chicago again in July to attend the Chicago land Alumni Golf Outing. Arrangements had been made to meet beforehand with Jack Chapin (Constantine Sig), Jeff Kuchman (T T alumni), Bill Bringham, Jr. (RMF Liason), and Brian Burbrink (HQ staff). The discussions focused on alumni participation in the process and the techniques utilized to recruit and train them. We have learned that International has developed a protocol for chapter re-colonization recently and it was implemented successfully at Omega. The expanded role that International intends for the Theta-Theta re-colonization requires that we understand the roles of all participants and that communication is vital.

The alumni and fraternity officers we spoke to were impressed with our organization. We can all be proud that in spite of the devastating blow Theta-Theta absorbed in September 2003, we have a stable financial plan, a four year tenant, and an engaged and informed alumni base. These assets will prove invaluable during the re-colonization efforts.

In addition to our monthly House Corporation Meetings in Ann Arbor, the Restoration Committee has continued to meet monthly in Birmingham. This group allows us to maintain continuity with our fund raising organization and the large donors. Earlier this year we modified the focus of this group to include re-colonization tasks. The attendance of Jon Greenawalt and Marc Carlson in addition to our committee members gives us an excellent vehicle for alumni communication.

Recently I have been in contact with Bill Bringham, Jr. about involving the alumni chapters in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Detroit, with the identification and recruitment of alumni to take active roles in the re-colonization effort. One of the tenets of the re-colonization process is a Re-colonization Committee distinct from the existing House Corporation Board. This new committee will be staffed by alumni volunteers focused on the re-colonization tasks only. The existing House Corporation shall continue to manage the physical facility, fund raise, and manage the challenging finances.

The current timeline for the re-colonization has the undergraduate candidates initiated and petitioning for charter during the 2007-2008 academic year, and moving into the house in September of 2008. I look forward to working with our liaison from International, Doug Shapiro, during this challenging and worthwhile cause. The important steps to start the process will need to be taken in the coming months. In the next few months we shall detail the roles, responsibilities, tasks, and schedule for the entire process. I will continue to distribute updates in the Wolverine Sig and our web site. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments or to volunteer.

In Hoc Signo Vinces,

'83
President