Iota Phi Theta. The gilded gold and charcoal brown brothers stand strong in a sea of better-known organizations. Three new men plan to reenergize interest in Iota.Who are they exactly?
The men are no strangers to puzzled faces regarding their brotherhood. To set the record straight, sophomore Yusuf “Peanut” Anderson sat down with The Gramblinite to spread a little Iota knowledge.
The business management major says that people constantly inquire about the letters on his new shirt. Everyone, it seems, wants to know why he chose Iota. Many assume that Anderson, a drummer, entered a band fraternity.
Others believe that he just joined the supposed new Greeks on the block. Iota Phi Theta was founded in 1963, decades after other fraternities.
Nonetheless, he suavely mentions the support of countless ladies. Women respect his decision to join the fraternity. They find his deviation from campus Greek norms, brave.
Heroics aside, how exactly do Iotas differ?
They are “building a tradition . not resting upon one,” as recorded on the official website.
Anderson insists that the organization only accepts scholars. All others won’t be selected. They boast a 98% college graduation rate, he says.
Anderson assures that Iota Phi Theta membership emphasizes education in addition to brotherhood. He recounts prior friendships with other members, but maintains constant contact with his brothers now.
Somehow he hasn’t lost himself in the shuffle. He is still about his books, but explains that more so than being novel-wielding Greek men, Iotas stress individualism. He assures that (almost) any man can become an Iota.
So how does one get down with the gold and brown? Potential applicants are encouraged to research the fraternity first. Applicants must be strong minded and grounded in self. Beyond that, they should just let a shirt wearer know that they are interested.
While he doesn’t dismiss any campus organization, he stresses the importance of joining Greek life for sound reasons.
“Most people want to do what’s popular, not what’s right.”
The group that seemingly crossed from thin air anticipates a plethora of campus activities such as powder puff football; a barbecue and a celebration of women are in the works.
Main stipulation for the ladies?
“No feet,” Anderson emphasizes, his narrow nose crinkling. “Not me!”
“Ow, ow,” he says with enthusiasm.