The Louisiana Epsilon Chapter at Louisiana Tech University was installed on December 10, 2022, thanks to the support of GHQ staff, volunteers, family members, and friends of the chapter.
The chapter started as an interest group before being inducted as an emerging chapter in May of 2021, quickly establishing itself as a force for good on campus and in their community. Some of their outstanding efforts have included starting and maintaining a community food pantry, extensive campus involvement in clubs and organizations like the Student Government Association and other ports for participation, and a now weekly fundraising effort they have dubbed Phi Fridays, which raises money for both the chapter’s development efforts as well as the Live Like Lou Foundation.
The installation festivities started with the initiation ceremony on Friday, December 9, 2022. The ceremony was supported by Senior Chapter Support Coordinator Colin Blouin, Director of Chapter Support Clay Coleman, generous support from the Texas Upsilon Chapter at the University of Texas at Dallas, and presided over by General Council President Moe Stephens II. On Saturday, the chapter and its guests, including family and friends, enjoyed a robust installation celebration complete with a Founders Ceremony, keynotes from staff and volunteers, and the presentation of the charter to Chapter President Abram Bender by Moe Stephens on behalf of the General Council.
Abram spoke on the resilience of the chapter through the COVID-19 pandemic and as the chapter has grown and developed. He also highlighted the willingness and readiness of the men to create an organization that challenged what it means to be a fraternity man and the excitement the group has as they look towards their bright future, not willing to be complacent, but rather seeing and seeking opportunities for further success.
Colin remarked on the chapter’s welcoming and embracing culture and inclusitivity efforts, the strength of the brotherhood, and the opportunity to pursue success with tenacity. He emphasized their ability to embrace their identity, the willingness to do things the right way and for the right reasons, and being a values-driven organization.
Chapter Advisory Board Chairman William Land, who was also initiated with the chapter as an honorary initiate, spoke of the group’s immense potential and his excitement as a volunteer to see the group’s continued growth and ambitions. As an alumnus of Louisiana Tech University, he found excitement in being a part of something he had always considered during his undergraduate tenure and finally had the opportunity to support.
General Council President Moe Stephens provided closing remarks to inspire the men, connecting their close-knit brotherhood to his experience as a brother, staff member, volunteer, and General Council member, as well as the importance of the lifetime commitment the brothers, have embarked upon. His message of showing up for one another, no matter where time or geography may take them, especially resonated with the men.
Congratulations to Louisiana Epsilon at Louisiana Tech University!
