Inaugural First Amendment Institute

hosted by the Fraternity & Sorority Action Fund

From September 30 to October 2, student leaders from across the country gathered to learn how to advocate for freedom of association on their campuses. They heard from fraternity and sorority industry experts, legal and advocacy experts, and campus professionals, and learned skills they can take home to protect their sorority or fraternity experience. Former National Undergraduate Chairman Jake Netterville (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’19) had this to say about his experience:

“What I found most helpful specifically was the national polling statistics that we went over with Brad Todd, of Onmessage media group, who walked us through the different perceptions people have of Greek life. He helped us take a step back and see ourselves from an outside perspective. This new insight helped us understand how to better our reputation, promote our groups, and share the value of our groups in more efficient ways.

My biggest takeaway overall from the event was simply the better understanding of what our rights are. Our freedom of speech and freedom of assembly did not seem black and white to me until I learned the full scope of our rights.

We went over case after case of higher education targeting Greek life and directly infringing on those basic rights. Before this event, I was naive to the struggle currently playing out across the country.

The institute prepared me to better defend my groups from outside attacks. I learned that we have rights that can supersede even the interest of our colleges and universities and that gives us an ability to stand strongly when challenged.”

Above (Left to Right)

Evan Hanna, Director of Chapter Operations

Aaron McKeever (Epsilon Nu–Georgia College ’19)

Jake Netterville (Alpha Gamma–Louisiana State ’19)

Lyle Johnston (Epsilon Nu–Georgia College ’19)

Nathan Wingfield (Alpha Omicron–Arkansas ’20)

Alex Barney (Lambda–Virginia ’20)

Larry Stanton Wiese, Executive Director

Kay Honored by Westminster and Chapter

During the Westminster College Alumni Weekend April 14–15, 2023, Donald P. Lofe, Jr., President of Westminster College honored Former Knight Commander Darren S. Kay (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’88) with the Alumni Achievement Award. Kay and five other Westminster College graduates were recognized for their personal and professional achievements that contribute to society and reflect the Westminster mission.

Later that day, the Alpha Eta Chapter inducted Kay into the newly created Alpha Eta Chapter Hall of Fame. Kay joins George E. Keithley ’90, first Number I of Alpha Eta Chapter, and Franc L. “Bullet” McCluer ’14, President of Westminster College from 1933 to 1947, in the inaugural class.

Knight Commander Kay in front of the Alpha Eta chapter house with current Number I Jason Reilly ’20, left, and former Number I Enrique Fuentes ’19, right.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE–DELTA LAMBDA

The brothers of Delta Lambda Chapter at Middle Tennessee State won 1st place in Alpha Omicron Pi’s All Sing Competition for Crowd Favorite. They raised more money for AOII’s philanthropy than all the other sororities and fraternities. The entire event raised more than $12,000 for the local philanthropy, Special Kids of Murfreesboro.