The summer of 2011 is ending, and the new year is almost upon us. Here are a few changes we’ll all see in the fall.

The face of Greek life will be markedly different on the campus of Lafayette this year. First, there will only be four recognized fraternities on campus: DKE, Zeta Psi, Phi Kappa Psi, and Delta Upsilon remain while Kappa Delta Rho has lost its recognition.

Interestingly, Chi Phi has been making moves to return to campus, and is currently waist-deep in a lawsuit against the school alleging that their chapter has the right to recolonize. It seems unlikely that any official recognition will be given by the college this fall, though. That being said, DU was still driven out of Chi Phi’s house, which they had been occupying; they will be moving into the refurbished P.T. Farinon building adjacent to sororities Alpha Phi and Pi Beta Phi.

Affecting everyone, also, is the appointment of a new Fraternity and Sorority Advisor whose position stands to replace the former Residence Life Assistant to Greek Life position. Stuart Umberger has the honor of taking this position, and we all look forward to working with him.

Within our own house, Brothers and visitors will notice that the college has made many improvements during the summer. Most noticeably, the dining room, foyer, living room, and all three stairwells have been repainted, giving a new look to the dingy walls of the past.

Concerning membership, you’ll notice several returning faces and the absence of others. Mike McCulloch ’12 has returned from his year of studying around the world. JJ Houldin ’12 and Ben Paro ’12 have also come back from their study abroad trip to Rome. Additionally, we welcome the return to campus of Mike Brazell ’13 and Billy McCarrick ’12. On top of all the recently graduated seniors, well on their way to becoming distinguished alumni, Chip Morel ’13 will be leaving us for a semester to study abroad in London and intern for the British Parliament.