The InterFraternity Council voted unanimously -- by a vote of 32-0 -- to readmit the recently recolonized Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity into the council Wednesday night.
SAM was suspended from campus in April 2000 after violating dry rush procedures while on social probation. This year, the fraternity began recolonization efforts, interviewing prospective members and re-establishing a relationship with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
"In years past, SAMmy had a strong presence on campus and we hope with the IFC's resources that Sigma Alpha Mu can once again regain its place on campus," IFC President Conor O'Callaghan said.
No debate, beyond a simple presentation of the pros and cons, was necessary.
"The only reason why a chapter would vote against reinstating a fraternity would be if they felt that there would be a negative impact on rush in terms of numbers," O'Callaghan, who is a Wharton and Engineering junior, explained. "However, with the loss of [Zeta Beta Tau fraternity], there's certainly no doubt that this campus can support 29 houses."
"I'm very impressed with the caliber of SAM's Executive Board and I think they have a very promising future ahead of them," O'Callaghan added.
OFSA had a similarly positive outlook on the fraternity's prospects.
"I'm very pleased with the IFC's vote on Sigma Alpha Mu as well as their overall support for the re-establishment of the SAM chapter," OFSA Director Scott Reikofski said. "SAM's integration back into the fraternity [council] is key, and the IFC's welcome and support paves the way -- at least in part -- for a successful re-establishment of a strong, viable chapter with a great history at Penn."
SAM leaders say they were pleased to be welcomed back into the umbrella organization after the fraternity's four-year absence.
"Obviously, SAMmy's very excited to rejoin the IFC and return to campus," SAM Prior and College junior Adam Lampert said. "I was fairly confident regarding the IFC vote but it was very reassuring to see such solid support in the IFC."
Aiming to become strongly involved in the IFC and in Greek life on campus, the fraternity is "currently in the process of recruiting young men on campus with strong leadership skills and a solid sense of motivation and community responsibility," according to Lampert.
