Laissez les bon temps rouler, Epsilon Kappa is back
The return of one of the Fraternity’s most venerable chapters was long overdue. The last attempt to colonize the Delta Tau Delta chapter at Louisiana State University occurred in the early 2000s amidst some of the most difficult times in history to start a fraternity chapter. Sadly, the initiative failed, the Shelter was sold and everything lay dormant for more than 15 years.
In front of 200 people on a pristine Friday Baton Rouge evening, the Delt jewel of Cajun country returned to thunderous applause amidst spouses, university guests, Fraternity officials and of course, and dedicated alumni. Sixty-four of the newest members of Delta Tau Delta took the Oath of a Delt and initiated a new era for Epsilon Kappa.
The April 5 celebration began with the Rite of Iris and Ritual performed expertly by the men of the Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi. Performing the Fraternity’s most cherished ceremonies is always a tall task, but for this occasion, perfection was required, and the men from Southern Mississippi delivered. Included in the assembly of neophytes was Hamilton Cunningham (Louisiana State, 2025), who joined the original colonization effort in the fall and labored as the colony’s Guide, to build the chapter’s Ritual equipment. In a twist of irony Hamilton’s biological brother, John Cunningham (Southern Mississippi, 2024) was among the first to use the equipment as a member of the Zeta Chi Ritual team.
Parents, friends and guests welcomed Fraternity dignitaries, including former Western Division President Sid Gonsoulin (Louisiana State, 1970) and former International President Alan Bracket (Tulane, 1982) to Baton Rouge. Emcee and Fraternity CEO Jack Kreman highlighted the work of chapter president Ryan Ripley (Louisiana State, 2025), chapter advisor Trip Trask (Louisiana State, 1990) and former Baton Rouge and LSU man of the year Art Favre (Louisiana State, 1972).
The new chapter will continue to build its operations in anticipation of moving into the new Shelter at 21 Dalrymple in the fall. On this day in April, it was great to be a Delt and even better to be an Epsilon Kappa Delt.