Bear Down, Wildcats! Beta Iota Begins Return to Arizona
By: Greg Rush
Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce its return to the University of Arizona following the recolonization of Beta Iota/Arizona!
Eleven collegiate men were pledged as members of the colony: Connor Baloun (2027), Johan Brambila (2028), Sean Cutlip (2028), Angel De La Rosa (2029), Chris Gallagher (2027), Dawson Green (2027), Owen Kraus (2028), Conor MacLaughlin (2029), Luca Mohamed (2027), Henry Pyne (2027), and Gabe Stoner (2027).
Growth Specialists Josh Schatzel and Caden Shoemake arrived in Tucson on February 12, 2026, with the intent of rebuilding Theta Chi’s presence on campus. Before their arrival, they conducted extensive outreach through social media, looking for men who would resonate with the Fraternity’s traditions and ideals. During their initial recruitment efforts, the team established direct contact with students via tabling and signed their first new member, Johan Brambila (2028), who was excited by the opportunity for leadership and professional development via the Fraternity’s robust programming for collegiate members.
Throughout the rest of the semester, the team cultivated additional leads through presentations to sorority members and referrals from other collegians. Our team used group activities, such as meals, bowling, and outings to popular recreational spaces like Corbett’s and Topgolf, to build brotherhood among the interest group members.
The Recolonization Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in the Sabino Room of the University of Arizona’s Student Union. International Secretary James Black, himself a Rechartering Member of Gamma Rho/Florida State in 2006, served as the Presiding Officer. He was assisted by International Historian Jim McMahon, Past International President Michael Maloney, Foundation Chapter Director Philip Pappas, and International Headquarters staff members Chief Communications Officer Dalton Fischer, Director of Creative and Visual Communications AJ Tu, and Caden Shoemake. Additional alumni in attendance included George Andros (Beta Iota/Arizona 2012), Roy Bakkers (Zeta Epsilon/Long Beach State 1977), Robert Defenderfer (Zeta Beta/Adrian 1988), Antonio Espinoza (Delta Upsilon/Arizona State 1978), Isaac Figueroa (Beta Iota/Arizona 2011), and Matthew Sherman (Gamma Xi/San Jose State 1992).
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen by Theta Chi, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to choose it for myself. As I look ahead and think about the future for Beta Iota, the responsibility of this chapter is to honor those who came before us and raise the standard for those who come after us.” – Colony President Owen Kraus
“At first, it was a little challenging to get everyone to socialize, but by the end of our time together, it was really rewarding to see the members of Beta Iota experience the true friendship of Theta Chi naturally. You can tell that they genuinely enjoy each other, and I’ll be excited to hear about all the great strides they’ll make.” – Josh Schatzel, Growth Specialist
“The men are driven and goal-oriented, and I can’t wait to see where that takes them.” – Caden Shoemake, Growth Specialist
Beta Iota’s Colony Advisory Board consists of Nels Dixon (Beta Iota/Arizona 2013) and Mason Rhey (Iota Kappa/Northern Arizona 2024). If you have interest in supporting this group as a volunteer, please contact Director of Engagement Erik VanDenBerghe at erikv@thetachi.org.
Congratulations to the members of Beta Iota Colony! You can follow and support their journey to reinstallation via their Instagram.