Fraternity Fulfillment

In the past school year Randolph-Macon has introduced a new fraternity on campus that has not only contributed to diversity, but has also represented the college in a positive manner.

The Theta Epsilon Chapter of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on campus January 24, 2013 as the first fraternity from the historically black Divine Nine fraternities and sororities. Expanding the boundaries of Greek life here on campus, it adds to the Tau Delta Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. that was already on campus. With the addition of these two chapters, there is now a National Pan-Hellenic Council on campus.

Jayme Watkins, Randolph-Macon’s Co-Curricular Activities Coordinator, helps oversee the new NPHC that was recently added.

“NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions,” Watkins said.

After their presentation to the community in October, the fraternity has excelled on and off campus. Iota Phi Theta has already had an impact beyond R-MC with their involvement on other college campuses. According to Watkins, they participate in events for not only their fraternity, but for other organizations as well.

Senior, John Hollemon, the Theta Epsilon Chapter president has been dedicated to the purpose of the fraternity. He is the winner of the 2013 Greek Man of the Year Award, along with The Pepper and Stuart Laughon Commitment to Community Award. The opportunity to win these awards has been available through this fraternity. Hollemon states the Theta Epsilon Chapter will set an example when it comes to providing service to the community and maintaining scholarship with the current highest GPA on campus.

“We have been here officially for four months and we already have the second highest community service hours of all Greek organizations with only five members,” Hollemon said.

The fraternity has provided an outlet for greater diversity with the start of the NPHC on campus. Hollemon states that having a historically black fraternity and sorority at R-MC will give minority students other options because it has been difficult for them to identify with the existing Greek life from previous years.

“They embody what a fraternity is all about,” Watkins said. They are a great example for the campus community.”