IFC allows new frat to colonize U.

Lambda Chi Alpha is the latest in recent expansion string; 25 frats have applied to join Penn's IFC The InterFraternity Council voted last night to accept Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity's proposal to colonize on Penn's campus. The vote of IFC chapter presidents signifies an official acceptance of Lambda Chi Alpha's efforts to form a chapter at the University. The fraternity, which received tentative approval by the IFC's expansion committee last spring, will be on a two-year probationary period. IFC President and College senior Josh Gottheimer said Lambda Chi Alpha is "a strong national chapter." "They will add a new angle and focus that will complement our campus," the Alpha Epsilon Pi brother added. The fraternity is the sixth in two years to colonize at Penn for the first time, or to return to Penn after a suspension. The Alpha Phi Delta fraternity colonized on campus four years ago, but did not receive official recognition until last spring. Chapters of Pi Kappa Alpha, Theta Xi and Psi Upsilon returned to campus this year after suspension, and are currently operating under provisional recognition by the University. "Provisional recognition gives the chapters many of the same rights and privileges as fully-recognized fraternities," said Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski. "But they still need to fulfill requirements before they can get recognition." Pi Kappa Alpha began its recolonization process last February, and the chapter currently has more than 50 members. PiKa President and College junior Dan Goldberg said his chapter is "very excited to be back again" after four years of suspension. "We have a lot of innovative ideas for parties, campus involvement and change, and we're willing to take chances and make a difference," he said. The continuing expansion, including Lambda Chi Alpha's colonization at Penn, is "a positive thing," Goldberg said. "New fraternities are trying to bring in new ideas, and [Lambda Chi Alpha] will benefit the University and the Greek alliance." Theta Xi re-colonized on campus last November after three years of suspension, and Psi Upsilon returned to the University last October after losing its charter in 1990. Finally, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter received a recognition of its charter in 1994. Reikofski said the recent expansion of fraternities on campus is "very positive." He attributed much interest in Penn to the influence of the IFC's 21st Century Plan, an initiative that aims to increase community service, academics and non-alcohol programming. The plan will go to a final vote November 12. "When national organizations see a solid plan at a university, they are attracted to it," Reikofski said. Gottheimer noted that this rapid expansion makes Penn home to the "cutting edge" for Greek life on college campuses. "More chapters give us more options," Gottheimer said. "There's a chapter for everyone here." The University has received 25 more requests since last year from national fraternities interested in colonizing on Penn's campus, Gottheimer said. All students except freshmen can participate in rush events with Lambda Chi Alpha, and after the spring's bid-signing occurs, freshmen will be free to participate.