The Lambda Theta Colony of Lambda Chi Alpha were re-installed as an official chapter at South Dakota State University.

The charter banquet was held Oct. 15, in the Hobo Day Gallery of The Union. 

“The fraternity used to be a chapter on campus until 2005. I believe it was taken away by poor actions,” said Secretary of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Ben Halbkat. 

The fraternity returned to South Dakota State University as a colony in 2013. Once a new colony is established, the men in that colony must work to meet specific standards to become a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Specifically, the colony had to meet a total of 15 standards before it could apply to become a charter once again.

The standards included three letters of favorable endorsement, monthly progress reports, an installation fund, house inspection, standards for chapter excellence, being in operation for one year and more.

The members of the fraternity worked on the standard requirements for three semesters and completed them last academic year.

Halbkat said recruitment or membership was one of the harder aspects for the fraternity to overcome. The fraternity needed at least 38 members to apply for the charter. 

According to the Greek Council records at SDSU, Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity is one of the largest men’s general fraternities in North America. Lambda Chi Alpha first became a chapter at SDSU in 1968.

The fraternity’s mission is to inspire the highest level of character, values, scholarship and service to all members. 

It also serves to complement higher education while providing opportunities for academic achievement, leadership development and lifelong friendships.

According to a press release from John Halbkat, alumni adviser for the fraternity, there are more than 275,000 initiated members and it has held chapters at more than 300 universities. The headquarters for the fraternity is located in Indianapolis.

The press release also mentioned that in the early 1970s, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity was the first fraternity to eliminate pledging and remains a leader in combating hazing, alcohol abuse and other challenges college students face.

“We will be officially recognized by our headquarter and be able to go out and do what the other fraternities are able to do instead of focusing on reestablishing the colony,” Ben Halbkat said.