Dear Brothers:

As MIT’s independent living groups dive into the uncharted waters of a completely revised set of rules by which new members must be recruited, it is becoming apparent that not all fraternities will flourish as in the past, and some may indeed perish. Reports following MIT’s “official” rush period as of late September/early October 2002 cite pledging rates across the spectrum of ILGs as high as 21 individuals in one case but as low as no individuals in other cases – not a staggering triumph for the Greek system.

Where does PKT fit into this picture? Before it was over, 14 people had accepted the bids extended to them and pledged our fraternity! Our undergraduate brothers did a remarkable job of planning and working around the constraints of a new rush system, and I congratulate them on their perseverance, spirit, and success. They have done their part in ensuring the short-term survival of our house.

Now it’s our turn to step up to the plate. The long-term survival of PKT depends on the continued generous support of alumni. Despite the past success of our undergraduates in filling the house with top-rate new brothers every year, they had to endure a significant increase in rent this Fall 2002 – an increase driven by soaring property taxes and insurance rates and the maintenance costs of an aging physical plant. Thank you all for support in the past, and please continue to consider Phi Kappa Theta among your charitable causes.

Yours in the bond,

Erik D. Hjerpe ‘83
Alumni Corporation President