Back in the Saddle at Western Michigan
Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce its return to Western Michigan University with the recolonization of Theta Tau Colony held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in Room 2101 of the Admissions Presentation Room in the Student Center in Kalamazoo, MI.
The new pledges of Theta Tau Colony include: Quinn Bowen (2029), Desmond Byrne (2028), Landon Corbett (2029), Garrett DeBoer (2029), Jacob Evin (2029), Landon Fredericks (2029), Christopher Friday (2029), Rowan Grenier (2029), Keller Hammer (2029), Benjamin Kitchen (2029), Kazzier Lindblom (2029), Owen McDonnell (2029), Fletcher Moore (2029), Andrew Nixon (2029), Niken Patel (2029), Lukas Shaheen (2029), Brandon Shopshear (2029), Tanner Sobol (2029), Brogan Terry (2029), Lucas Thelen (2029), Austyn Thereien (2029), Kyle VanBaalen (2029), and Merrick Watson (2029).
The Colony Advisory Board (CAB) currently includes alumni volunteers Quinton Slovacek (Zeta Beta/Adrian 2020) and Cameron Scallan (Theta Rho/McNeese 2024). Alumni interested in supporting Theta Tau’s growth and development as CAB members are encouraged to contact Director of Engagement Erik Van Den Berghe at erikv@thetachi.org.
Theta Tau’s return to Western Michigan began in earnest when Growth Specialists Josh Schatzel and Caden Shoemake mounted an expedition to Kalamazoo, MI, on August 25, 2025. Starting from zero, the Growth Team generated most of their leads through social media outreach. Early on, the biggest hurdles were securing the first four men and building momentum to reach 10 but the team remained focused on finding men who were both inspired and excited by the idea of creating something new.
A turning point in the expansion project came during Bronco Bash, Western Michigan’s new student orientation event, where our team met future colony member Desmond Byrne (2028). As a campus tour guide, Byrne became an essential enthusiastic ambassador for Theta Chi, regularly highlighting the Fraternity and its opportunities to his tour groups and helping establish a positive reputation on campus. Another key recruit, Fletcher Moore (2029), attended an interest group meeting and then returned to his residence hall to rally additional classmates to join the Growth Team for dinner the next day, which helped the interest group jump from four members to 12 almost overnight.
To foster brotherhood and build affinity among the growing interest group, staff hosted tailgating and bowling events, as well as a pick-up basketball game with the original 10 members. The men also began engaging in the Greek community by participating in Alpha Phi’s Strikeout Arthritis Week, affirming their commitment to service and campus involvement even before the expansion was complete.
Special attendees at the recolonization ceremony included Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Eva Hughes, International Vice President Al Copeland, Growth Specialists Josh Schatzel and Caden Shoemake, and Director of Growth Sam Terry. In addition to campus and Fraternity leaders, 15 family members of the colony’s membership were present.
“The colonization for Theta Tau marked my first visit to Western Michigan University and it was a wonderful experience. 23 young men are now pledged to the Theta Tau colony and have hit the ground running. Honestly, it was hard to believe that this group had just recently formed. The camaraderie and sense of purpose they displayed were much more reminiscent of an established chapter than a recently formed colony. It was especially gratifying to have the opportunity to talk with the parents of several pledges who came from all over Michigan and parts of Illinois to show heir support and to meet with the Greek Advisor who left her sorority’s initiation to be there. I am already looking forward to my return to Kalamazoo when we are ready to reinstall this chapter.” – International Vice President, Al Copeland
“Instead of just following what other groups were doing, we wanted to build something of our own. It’s an honor to serve as the first President of the new Theta Chi Colony here at Western Michigan. It’s exciting to help lay the foundation for what this organization will look like here, and even more exciting to do it alongside my brothers. My hope is that by the time I step down, we’ll be growing, thriving, and in a position where the chapter continues to develop long after I’m gone.” – Colony President Landon Fredericks
“For how competitive the Greek community is at Western Michigan, Theta Chi did well. The members we recruited would have excelled anywhere, but they were attracted to the traditions and ideals of Theta Chi more than anything.” - Growth Specialist, Josh Schatzel
“Go Broncos! It's great to be back in Kalamazoo. Throughout working with the men of Theta Tau Colony, I have been continually wowed by their enthusiasm, determination, and commitment to raising the bar for fraternity life at Western Michigan. Just like WMU football currently leads the MAC, I have no doubt that in short time the men of Theta Tau will be leading the WMU Greek community. I look forward to their growth and being back in Kalamazoo for their Reinstallation!” –Director of Growth, Sam Terry
Congratulations to the members of Theta Tau Colony at Western Michigan University! You can follow their journey and support their progress on Instagram here.