New Frat Begins Fall Rush Season

The Harvard Sigma Chi chapter which raised administrative ire last month by renting a fraternity house on Mt. Auburn Street, is now in the throes of their fall rush.

The fraternity is not recognized by the College, but Sigma Chi's acquisition of its own building has allowed the fraternity to consolidate itself and its members.

Already nine of the members live in the new space.

Sigma Chi member Matthew B. Bakal '97 described the rush, which has attracted more than 50 undergraduate men, as "low-key [and] non-alcoholic."

Fraternity President Jon D. Doolittle '97 said his group includes football, hockey and soccer players, singers, actors, political enthusiasts and community activists.

"The common thread is a desire for fellowship and friendship of a higher order," said Doolittle. "Harvard is lacking in those sort of friendships."

Unlike the final clubs which select new members by invitation only, Sigma Chi's rush events are open and advertised by word-of-mouth.

And in sharp contrast to the black tie cocktail gatherings of many final clubs, Sigma Chi rush events have included Monday night football, some informal dinners, a movie night and a not-for-money poker evening.

A pool tournament is scheduled for this weekend.

Sigma Chi also plans a fundraiser for the fraternity's official charity, The Children's Miracle Network, an organization that provides medical care for disadvantaged children.

Plans for this event fell through last year, but Doolittle has higher hopes for this spring.

The major project for Sigma Chi, however, is the refurbishing of their Mt. Auburn Street home.

The building contains an unfinished first floor space which is currently used only for meetings.

The fraternity's plan to renovate this space for other purposes is progressing slowly.

"It's going to take time and money," Doolittle said. "I'm not sure how much of each."

Bakal said the downstairs space, once completed, will likely be the primary social center for the group.

"[The house] will be a positive thing, if used in a good way, for both the fraternity and the community."

Harvard administrators, however, have expressed concern over the establishment of a fraternity house at Harvard.

Last month, Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III described the fraternity's decision to rent a house as an "unfortunate development."

But the administration has not taken any actions against the fraternity nor has Doolittle spoken with the administration.

Still Doolittle is "not unconcerned" about the administrations reservations.

He declined to comment further on any tensions between the College and Sigma Chi.