Proclamation
The Theta Chi / Phi Theta / Western Club Alumni Board hereby proclaims:
Brother Jon Slater ‘70 President Emeritus
We thank Jon for his leadership, vision, and accomplishments for Phi Theta, which ultimately became Theta Chi.
Jon had a vision of what a fraternity should be. The existing fraternities did not measure up to his mission of more than just a brotherhood but leadership development, scholarship and service.
Jon was adamant against hazing in any form.
Jon found others who shared his perception who became the Founding Fathers. Then he recruited campus leaders to begin the membership drive.
Jon was the driving force to create a constitution, recruitment policies, member standards, an initiation ceremony, and housing so we function as a fraternity. He gave the members opportunities to develop their skills through committees and leadership roles as officers.
Jon worked hard to get acceptance by the WIU administration, fighting to prove we were worthy of being a fraternity. He led the service projects of Lake Argyle cleanup and student dorm move-in to show the administration we were an asset for Western. The grade point requirement set us apart and set a high standard.
Jon led us to overcome the biases and ridicule poured on us by the other fraternities. He led us in athletics to show we could compete with the other fraternities. Over time, the WIU administration and the existing fraternities believed we would make the entire Greek system better and stronger if we were admitted to the IFC. Our experiences in Phi Theta provided us a foundation for future success after graduating from Western as teachers, corporate managers, VP's, and presidents. Many of us feel our achievements are a direct result of Jon's leadership. Friendships that began in Phi Theta have endured all these years.
Jon, your legacy is that Theta Chi is now the best fraternity at Western. New members of Theta Chi will forever know who was the driving force in creating this fraternity.
Cole Harris, President Date: September 29, 2022
