Established 1916

Search ogb.wfu.edu

 

 

 

 

 

Thetas vote to disband
By Nick Phillips
Old Gold and Black Reporter

After several years of low recruitment numbers, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority voted to disband last spring. This marks the third Greek organization to exit campus in six months.

Senior Kelli Karasiewicz, president of Theta, said in a written statement, "The members of the Zeta Omicron chapter decided that it would be in our best interest to close after the spring 2002 semester."

Connie Carson, director of Residence Life and Housing, said, "The Thetas were struggling with numbers for a few years, and the national and local charters were not satisfied. Locally they made a decision to close last April. Currently they do not exist at the university, but they do have the opportunity to recolonize."

Their lounge space will be up for reallocation by the Student Life Committee sometime in the near future, and their block housing will become student independent housing next year. Carson said, "The sorority has set up an Alumni Chapter, where all the members of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority are now alumni members." Because they have already pledged Theta, the sisters are cannot pledge another sorority.

However, the 11 women who pledged Theta this past spring are in a delicate situation. Speaking anonymously, one sophomore sister said, "There was little warning that Theta would close … but others knew of the issues. I feel that the Greek community in general is not supportive of other groups — the consequences being that people are not getting support, that bad news and rumors travel." All 11 pledges were initiated into Theta sorority and therefore qualify for alumni status. Another anonymous sophomore said, "I am happy with Theta, but upset about the lack of information."

Carson said, "Wake Forest is open for groups to come back, and the university is committed to having a strong Greek life."