About Us

Iota Iota Chapter (Michigan State University) History

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The following reflects information gathered from multiple documents, newsletters, the archived msupike.org website, and several other sources. It is incomplete and we welcome any additions, corrections, or modifications to this information.

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Origins (1986–1988). After an earlier attempt faltered, students reorganized as an interest group in 1986. They elected their first executive board on November 9, 1986, stabilized finances, and formed an alumni association on November 18, 1986 to support recognition and growth. In spring 1988, Michigan State’s Interfraternity Council granted the group local “colony” recognition—reportedly the first time in MSU IFC history that a group earned that status before receiving a national charter.

 

Culture and campus presence. In spring 1988 the group famously purchased a 1948 red fire truck (complete with a CO₂ pump), which became a signature presence at tailgates and helped the Pikes build campus visibility and identity. By fall 1988, they moved operations from the “Gunson House” to a Whitehills Road triplex, expanded membership to ~70, adopted St. Vincent’s Home for Children as a local philanthropy, and were known as the “Gentlemen of Michigan State.”

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Read full details of our founding HERE

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Installation (1989). The chapter was installed as Iota Iota over May 11–12, 1989 at the Kellogg Center. Members received the token charter during the ceremony and spent the day volunteering with Special Olympics; the formal banquet followed that evening.

 

Trial by fire and early 1990s resilience. Just days after a new executive board took office, a furnace fire gutted the newly rented chapter house the Tuesday after Thanksgiving 1990. The chapter rallied—salvaging the charter and composites, securing interim housing, addressing a significant banquet debt, and appointing alumnus Dan Tibbits as advisor. Iota Iota kept momentum with a strong showing at the 1991 Great Lakes Regional Conference and launched a Chartering Day Banquet tradition.

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Read full details of the fire HERE

 

Mid-1990s growth and recognition. Building on its “gentlemen” culture and campus reputation, the chapter matured through the mid-1990s. Chapter honors during this era (per chapter records) include:

• Robert Adger Smythe Award (1997, 1998).

• International Work Day recognition (2005).

• 100-Man Chapter Awards (2005, 2006).

 

Housing transition and alumni re-organization (2004–2005). In August 2004 the chapter’s long-time houses at 335 and 405 Hillcrest were sold; members relocated temporarily to 526 Sunset while the buyer (CRMC) renovated the Hillcrest properties. This sale catalyzed renewed alumni organizing to influence future housing decisions. The Iota Iota Alumni Association was re-established in November 2004 and began recruiting dues-paying members and planning events. In early 2005, the chapter secured 120 Spartan Ave. for the 2005–06 academic year (exclusive lease starting August 1, 2005) and moved in on July 30, 2005. The Alumni Association simultaneously launched a $50,000 housing fund campaign and drew more than 200 attendees to the 2005 Alumni Banquet at the University Club, where MSU IFC President (and brother) Mahfouz Ackall was recognized.

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301 Charles (2006–present). Following the Hillcrest sale and the interim year at 120 Spartan Ave., the chapter moved into 301 Charles St. in summer 2006; with alumni support, the housing corporation purchased the property in fall 2007. The house anchors Iota Iota in downtown East Lansing (behind the Marriott) and routinely supports a full brotherhood—~11,900 sq ft, 22 bedrooms, up to 42 live-ins, study lounge and chapter room, two kitchens, ample baths, parking for 16 cars and the ’75 fire truck—a modern echo of the chapter’s tailgate-truck tradition.

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