EPSILON IOTA
Western Michigan University

FOUNDED ON
11.16.2001

LOCATION
Kalamazoo, MI

HISTORY
Western Michigan University was founded in 1903. In its first century, enrollment grew to 28,800 students.

Alpha Sigma Phi Leadership Consultant Bryan Proctor, Grand Valley ‘96, recruited an interest group on the campus in the fall of 1998. Mike Gnewkowski, Michigan ‘67, spearheaded development of the undergraduate organization. By the end of the winter term, membership had grown to 15 men. In the fall of 1999, ten men pledged during recruitment, and on October 30, 1999, the interest group became a colony. Chapter Leadership Consultant Gordy Heminger, Bowling Green ‘96, performed the Colonization Ceremony. In fall of 1999, the group acquired a house at 650 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A chartering petition was submitted by 32 undergraduates and six alumni in July 2001. The Colony was chartered on November 17, 2001. The Installation Banquet was held at Heritage Hall on the WMU Campus. The Chapter had the highest grade point average of the 14 campus fraternities in 2004-2005.

In November 2006, Fraternity President and CEO Drew Thawley, Ohio Wesleyan ‘94, reported that the Chapter had their house revoked by the University and the small group of five members considered the idea of surrendering their charter. In May of 2007, the Chapter closed following a period of poor recruiting and poor chapter operations. 

Fraternity Headquarters re-started the Epsilon Iota Chapter in the fall of 2013 by Dylan Dunne, Grand Valley ‘10, and Beau Loendorf, Colorado State ‘11. The Interest Group of 15 men colonized in January of 2014. 

On November 18, 2017, Epsilon Iota once again became an official chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi. The Ceremony took place at the Fetzer Center on the Western Michigan University campus. Keynote speakers included Grand Councilor Rodney Rusk, Central Michigan ‘93, and Founding Chapter President Josh Wenke, Western Michigan ‘16. Logan Dunnigan, Salem State ‘13, represented Fraternity Staff. Chris Lee, Western Michigan ‘02, was also in attendance.

CHAPTER AWARDS
Records show award name and year(s) received.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Records show brother's name, initiation year, and award received.