Back in Ann Arbor: Alpha Gamma Returns
Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce its return to Ann Arbor following the recolonization of Alpha Gamma Colony on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Theta Chi Chapter House located in Ann Arbor, MI.
Twelve men who are currently attending the University of Michigan were pledged as members of the colony: Tyler Burtch (2029), Eric Chiu (2029), Sean Cohen (2029), Nino Dioso (2026), Caleb Goldstein (2029), Garrett Haghighi (2028), Brendan Harper (2029), Bryan Lin (2029), Robert Murphy (2029), Matteo Narciso (2029), Ayaan Shaik (2028), and Anthony Vega (2029).
Early planning for Theta Chi’s return centered on developing the CAB and conversations with Alpha Gamma Alumni Corporation President Jeff Fordek (Delta Kappa/Ball State 1990) to determine how much access International Headquarters staff would have to a critical, historic asset: the chapter house near the University of Michigan campus. It was important to demonstrate to potential new members that Theta Chi had a viable property to use as a hub for fraternal activities and as a future residence. Jeff purchased a grill for the house to help jumpstart hosting opportunities and informal gatherings.
Growth Specialists Mark Budde and Ethan Hecht arrived in Ann Arbor on August 25, 2025. Prior to their arrival, they conducted extensive outreach through social media, interest forms, and alumni recommendations. Over the course of several weeks, they met with dozens of potential new members, carefully getting to know each recruit one-on-one. Roughly a month and a half into the expansion project, Ethan departed the International Headquarters staff, and Mark continued the effort solo to see the expansion through to completion.
Ultimately 12 men were tapped to form the nucleus of the new Alpha Gamma. These men met Theta Chi’s standards for character, scholarship, and leadership, and demonstrated the vision and resilience required to reestablish a historic chapter like Alpha Gamma. Throughout the fall, meetings organically evolved into brotherhood gatherings, including poker nights and informal hangouts at the chapter house, helping this core group begin to build a close-knit bond with one another.
International Vice President Alan Copeland, Director of Growth Sam Terry, and Growth Specialists Mark Budde, Josh Schatzel, and Caden Shoemake all attended the Recolonization Ceremony, with Copeland, Terry, and Jeff Fordek offering remarks to the new pledges and guests about fostering a culture of accountability amongst one another. Additional attendees included Steve Holden (Alpha Gamma/Michigan 1980), along with twenty-two brothers from Epsilon Mu/Eastern Michigan, who traveled fifteen miles to Ann Arbor from Ypsilanti to show their support.
“We have been looking forward to returning to Ann Arbor since the chapter closed almost four years ago. Thanks to the work of the local alumni and the brothers from Epsilon Mu chapter down the road at Eastern Michigan University that dream is another step closer to reality. It was gratifying to see so much support for the colonization and to witness first hand the enthusiasm of the men of the colony. That coupled with the proud history of Alpha Gamma should see the chapter returned to full operational status very soon.” – International Vice President All Copeland
“Theta Chi should be proud to be represented here because it already has a long and storied history, there’s a very strong alumni base, and they have a tremendous amount of support from neighboring Theta Chi chapters.” – Mark Budde, Growth Specialist
“It's incredibly exciting to see Theta Chi back in Ann Arbor! Alpha Gamma has a long history of success, and it will be great to see this new group of men follow in those footsteps. It's a long road to reinstallation, but these men are here for the right reasons and will certainly reach that milestone quickly with the right effort. Congratulations to the new members of Alpha Gamma Colony!” – Sam Terry, Director of Growth
“I’m beyond proud to serve as the President for Alpha Gamma Colony. As we take our first steps on our journeys as men of Theta Chi, I’m looking forward to creating an organization on campus where guys can find not just friends, but lifelong bonds. Even if other parts of their college experience aren’t going the way they hoped, they’ll always have this brotherhood to lean on.” – Caleb Goldstein, Colony President
Congratulations to Alpha Gamma Colony! You can follow their progress and support their journey on Instagram here.