EXPANSION EFFORTS

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech FarmHouse became the 44th chapter in the fraternity’s history on October 16, 2011. The chartering church service, ceremony and banquet was held on the Virginia Tech campus and was attended by FarmHouse men, family and friends from across the country.

The chapter reported counted its membership at 21 in the Fall of 2011. Spring 2012 goals include securing permanent chapter housing, continuing to grow membership and organizing philanthropy and community service opportunities. The group is especially proud of its achievements on campus, as members are involved in IFC, Relay for Life, Block and Bridle and other campus organizations. Read more about the chapter in this profile from the Virginia Tech student newspaper: http://www.collegiatetimes.com/stories/19046/atypical-fraternity-develops-members

Tarleton State University

The Tarleton State colony of FarmHouse will be officially chartered as a chapter on March 11, 2012. The colony currently has 31 members and has consistently placed first in grades on their campus. In the fall of 2011, the group hosted a “Totally Baldacious” head shave in support of the official FarmHouse philanthropic cause, the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society. Tarleton State FarmHouse men raised donations for the right to shave their heads in a public space on campus.

FarmHouse chapters, alumni and friends are invited to take part on the Tarleton State chartering ceremony on March 11. The day will begin with a nondenominational church service, followed by the ceremony and chartering banquet on the Tarleton State campus. RSVP to FHHQ@farmhouse.org.

Southern Illinois

FarmHouse officially colonized the Southern Illinois University interest group on Deccember 4, 2011 in Carbondale, Ill. Attending and presiding over the ceremony were Executive Director Chad Harris, Assistant Director of Chapter Services Tim Hadachek and alumnus Robert Graham (MS ’69).

The colony has recruited and initiated 25 men for the 2011-2012 school year and all were on hand for the ceremony, as were family, friends and FarmHouse alumni. The group posted a 3.11 grade point average in their first semester of eligibility, placing first among fraternities and sororities at Southern Illinois University. They also organized a weekend visit to the Iowa State chapter to learn and experience FarmHouse firsthand.

In the coming months, the men of the Southern Illinois colony have ambitious goals. These include continued membership growth, organizing a service project, finding a communal housing solution and conducting another chapter visit. The International Board and Staff will be continuing to support the colony, and welcome the assistance of any alumni and friends in the Carbondale and surrounding areas.

Clemson

FarmHouse International has begun efforts to bring a chapter back to Clemson University. Staff members, volunteers and undergraduate members from Virginia Tech and Troy participated in spring recruitment activities on campus during the evenings of January 22-23, 2012. Throughout the Spring 2012 semester and following summer, volunteers, alumni and staff will work to build an interest group with the intention of participating in fall 2012 recruitment activities and officially colonizing shortly thereafter.

In addition, staff are working with alumni in the Clemson area to form a Geographic Alumni Club that can easily transition into an Alumni Association in support of a chapter when such a need arises. Any alumni or friends who know students attending Clemson University, or who would want to become involved in the Clemson Alumni Club are encouraged to contact the International Office at FHHQ@farmhouse.org.