Mirroring national trends, four ISU fraternities are planning to become alcohol-free within the next three years.

The fraternities are Alpha Kappa Lambda, which will go dry by August 2001, Delta Sigma Phi by Dec. 10, Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) by July 2002 and Theta Chi by July 2003.

The ISU fraternities that are currently alcohol-free include Adelante, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, FarmHouse, Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

“It’s been a trend for the last few years,” said Tom Duncan, Interfraternity Council president. “We support the chapters either way.”

Duncan stressed that alcohol abuse has been a major concern in all facets of college life, not just the greek system.

“On a national level, alcohol in the greek system has been an issue; it’s been an issue for colleges in general,” said Duncan, senior in mechanical engineering. “It’s not just a greek problem — it’s a campus and adolescent problem.”

However, not all fraternity members believe that officially going dry is the correct step for them.

“Nationally, it is good for Delta Sigs,” said Ben Weatherman, president of Delta Sigma Phi, 218 Ash Ave., of becoming alcohol-free. “But we’re seventh in grades, in the top four or five in size of our house, and, the way we’re going, we don’t need help from Big Brother to get ourselves turned around.”

Delta Sigma Phi members are involved with “The Challenge,” a house program that focuses on academics, recruitment, community involvement, healthy lifestyles and being alcohol-free.

“Going dry is just one aspect of it. We’re waiting to see how we do and see if other fraternities follow suit,” Weatherman said. “‘Animal House’ weekends are a thing of the past. That’s not what people are looking for anymore; they’re looking for strong friendships.”

Alpha Kappa Lambda, 2635 Knapp St., has no qualms about the decision, said David Cook, fraternity president.

“It’s not a big deal. Everybody is prepared for it overall,” said Cook, junior in history and political science. “Our chapter made the decision and voted on it instead of being forced. When you have the choice, it’s a lot easier.”

The national chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda decided to go dry to promote expansion, to get back to ideals and to be free of liability issues. On a local level, the members of Alpha Kappa Lambda agreed and decided to comply with the decision.

“Every fraternity has ideals, and alcohol kind of undermines those ideals,” Cook said.

However, not all ISU fraternities are following suit. Lambda Chi Alpha, 203 Ash Ave., does not have any immediate future plans to go dry.

“We have the choice, and I believe my chapter feels they can balance social activities and academics without going dry,” said Chris Slania, president of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Lambda Chi Alpha ranked fourth for GPA in the greek system last semester.

“I can see both positive and negative aspects [of going dry],” said Slania, junior in community and regional planning. “Going dry would limit a lot of things, such as interactions with other chapters for house parties and parties on our premises. It tends to be a lot easier and economical at your chapter house than getting a third party or going to a bar.”