ZETA ZETA
Northwood University

FOUNDED ON
4.28.2012

LOCATION
Midland, MI

HISTORY
Northwood University was organized in 1959 and opened its Midland, Michigan Campus in 1961. It had opened in 1959 in Alma, Michigan with an enrollment of 100. From 1964 to 1983, the University operated an Orange County, Indiana campus on the site of West Baden College, a Jesuit college. The University also has campuses in Cedar Hill, Texas, West Palm Beach, Florida and Montreux, Switzerland. There were 1,650 undergraduates on the Michigan Campus in the fall of 2012.

At Northwood University, 33% of the student body is a part of Greek Life. There are seven fraternities on campus (Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Chi Rho, Delta Mu Delta, Iota Phi Theta, Kappa Sigma, Omega Psi Phi and Tau Kappa Epsilon) and three sororities (Delta Zeta, Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Chi Omega). Greek life is not only a large part of the student body, but the alumni body as well. Many fraternities and sororities on campus are littered with legacy members, which add to the rivalry and competition among the groups.

In the spring of 2011, 10 men came together at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan with a vision to bring another fraternity to Northwood. After receiving the graces of the administration, they set out to shop national fraternities. Following a positive Skype interview with Fraternity Staff member Matt Humberger, Bowling Green ‘03, they selected to go with Alpha Sigma Phi. Three weeks later, Fraternity Staff member Jason H. Nolen-Doerr, Murray State ‘05, came to Midland to conduct a Pledge Ceremony. The Ceremony was on Saturday May 7th, 2011, one day after finals (the group stayed in Midland that weekend before going home to become new members). This was the first showing of their work ethic and commitment to Alpha Sigma Phi’s Vision. 

The summer preceding, many plans of action were put into effect. The first goal was to be the top recruiter. They understood that recruiting is the bloodline to the Fraternity and without blood we cannot survive. That fall, they made sure everyone was representing Alpha Sigma Phi. They welcomed 16 freshmen and two sophomores with great recruitment events, such as poker tournaments, Canada trips, Northern Michigan cottage trips, basketball and football games, etc. These 18 men represented the largest fall pledge class in three years at Northwood. The Beta Class had a successful new member process which consisted of all Alpha Phase education weeks, a new member retreat and frequent quizzes on Alpha Sigma Phi history. The Alpha and Beta classes were initiated together in October of 2011 by members of the Delta Rho (Central Michigan) Chapter and Fraternity Staff member Enzo Pivirotto, Chico State ‘11.

In February of 2012, the Grand Council approved the Colony’s petition to charter. Zeta Zeta Chapter was chartered in ceremonies at the Midland Michigan Convention Center on April 28, 2012.  Aaron Cisco, Northwood ‘12, was the Founding Chapter President. Rodney Rusk, Central Michigan ‘93, served as Grand Chapter Advisor throughout colonization and after chartering.

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

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