Following a year of greek life, where the community witnessed everything from a record-breaking philanthropy event to violations warranting permit suspensions, Aug. 27 will mark a fresh start for more than 80 organizations at Penn State.
Roy W. Baker, former director of fraternity and sorority affairs at Syracuse University, recently accepted the position of director of greek life and advancement at Penn State and will begin Aug. 27.
"I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with this great institution," Baker said.
The former Pi Kappa Phi regional governor from Richmond, Va., announced his resignation from Syracuse in late July after holding his position for three years.
During Baker's time at Syracuse, he established momentum in revitalizing greek life, said Matthew Snyder, director of communications and media relations for student affairs at Syracuse.
"Baker has set the bar quite high, and it will be hard for us to find someone to replace him," Snyder said. "We will sorely miss him here."
Baker has worked at Bucknell and Syracuse universities to help implement initiative plans, Baker said. He added that he was happy to see Penn State has its own Greek pride initiative, "Greek Pride: A Return to Glory."
Abe Gitterman, Interfraternity Council philanthropy chairman and president of Delta Sigma Phi, 508 Locust Lane, said he heard from his fraternity brothers at Syracuse about Baker's initiative at Syracuse: "The Vision for Excellence."
Syracuse junior Brian Zapert, former public relations chair for Syracuse IFC, said Baker had a problem with "selective enforcement" and held "incredibly high standards" at Syracuse.
At Syracuse, Baker required all fraternities to register parties with the university and enforce a guest list, Zapert said, adding he "could not be happier" about Baker's resignation from Syracuse.
"He reminds me of Joseph McCarthy -- nice man, but has a mission and will get it accomplished," he said.
Gitterman said IFC needed to improve its judicial system and hopes Baker will deal with fraternity issues on an individual basis rather than adjusting all of IFC.
In November, Phi Kappa Tau's housing permit at 408 E. Fairmount Ave. was suspended for points violations including refuse and weed violations, furnishing of alcohol to minors, disorderly conduct and loud music.
Members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity were also cited for similar violations but were allowed to continue to live in their house at 346 E. Prospect Ave. after signing a consent agreement with the State College borough.
"I'm excited to have someone new and someone fresh," Gitterman said.
As the new director of greek life and advancement at Penn State, Baker plans to bring the greek community together.
"I think it is absolutely crucial that we work together," Baker said. "I want to have a relationship with all students involved."
He said it is important for greek life to have credibility and accountability within the community.
"I'm just excited and honored to be here, a part of this family, whether greek or not," Baker said.
Snyder added that Baker has a bedrock commitment to students, and that future generations will continue to benefit from his work.
"Many of the students are going to miss him," Snyder said. "We wish him the best at Penn State."
