AU fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu was re-chartered on Saturday, according to SAMMY President Chase Freeman.
SAMMY originally lost its charter in 2003 for administrative noncompliance and alcohol violations after a period of probation by AU, The Eagle previously reported. SAMMY’s national headquarters suspended its national charter during the 2002-2003 academic year.
Even without campus legitimacy, the group continued operating successfully as an unofficial fraternity for the past seven years. After regaining campus and national recognition as a colony, SAMMY was able to fulfill its requirements and quickly regain full-fledged chapter status.
In order to receive charter, a colony must fulfill requirements laid out by AU, the Inter-Fraternity Council and its national headquarters, according to IFC Public Relations Chair Adam Tager.
The process, which usually takes about two years, happened quickly for SAMMY because they have continued to be a functioning organization, albeit an unsanctioned one, he said. However, the IFC welcomes SAMMY back onto campus.
“We are always happy to welcome more greeks onto campus as official [organizations],” Tager stated.
A ceremony, involving members of SAMMY’s national headquarters and SAMMY alumni, reestablished the organization as an official fraternity chapter, Freeman said. SAMMY pledges were also initiated as brothers.
“It was an honor to bring it back on campus and be a part of the national organization,” he said. “Everyone was really excited.”
Now that SAMMY has received its charter, it will focus on expansion, but will be selective about future brothers, Freeman said.
“We want to get some new quality guys,” he explained. “Quality over quantity. We want to grow, but only if it’s going to benefit our fraternity.”
The brothers are looking forward to being able to being more involved in the greek community and in participating in alumni, D.C. and campus events.
Freeman said SAMMY didn’t do anything out-of-the ordinary to celebrate receiving its second charter.
“Just had a good time, as always,” he said.
You can reach this staff writer at srudnick@theeagleonline.com.
