By Jillian Hough
Agape, one of Graceland’s remaining original houses, was recently hit with the decision to restructure the house. The restructuring, which included removing house leadership and several Agape members, was the result of multiple violations of the student code of conduct.
Dr. Dave Schaal, Dean of Students, explained, “As a house, they have struggled for a few years [to] keep within the bounds of the code of conduct, especially when it has to do with damages to the [hall]. They have been on probation before….and we had the feeling that they were not making progress.”
The decision to restructure was made when a bowling ball-sized dent was found in the floor of their lounge during fall break. The crater in the concrete was likely caused during house meetings, where members of the Agape threw a bowling ball on the floor to bother Cheville, the house below them.
“At the end of the day it’s unsafe, so we needed to address it,” said Dr. Morgan Bradford, Director of Residence Life.
Although repairs are not finished, the estimated cost is upwards of $6,000 or $7,000.
“Agape is still a really strong house, and we didn’t want to disband it. We know that there are strong roots of brotherhood. We have had a lot of conversations around how we can re-envision that to be a responsible and exciting house that’s inclusive. We’ve kept that in mind when getting new house leadership.” Bradford said while explaining the purpose behind the changes.
Commending members of student life, Bradford thanks Solah for stepping up as Agape’s sister house this semester, as well as the GSG branches for communicating with Agape while they look for new house council members.
Bradford explains, “It’s a work in progress but we’re optimistic.”
As for leadership, Kaeden Monday, a junior from Closson, was recently selected as the new House President of Agape. Residence Life is currently looking to existing Agape members and transfers from other schools and houses for potential members of house council.
Although Residence Life remains optimistic about the change, some former Agape members feel differently.
Brock Dunlap, Graceland senior, said, “I’m saddened that I can’t participate with the guys I’ve become brothers with…but I respect the decision they made to make a change.”
Dunlap has faith in the future of Agape, saying how he hopes, “the new core of Agape continues the winning streak we’ve established and continue the brotherhood we built. I wish them nothing but the best.”
Justin Rombough, senior and former House President of Agape, regrets the university's decision, explaining that transferred Agape members, “aren’t getting the same experience that they were getting when they were on Agape.”
Rombough hopes that Agape, “doesn’t become a hall where no one cares about building a brotherhood.”
Agape alumni were also considered in the restructuring of the house, as the history of the house and brotherhood run deep, and members are often generous in their donations.
Scott Hough, Agape House President from 1988-1989, was informed of the situation and shared his thoughts. He explained how, while Agape put themselves in questionable situations, they never did physical damage.
Hough said, “Obviously, the Agape traditions have gone off track. They’re destroying property and that’s why Graceland is doing what they’re doing. Going to Graceland is an awesome time to experience bonding and brotherhood, but don’t be stupid.”
Although the future of Agape and the legacy of the brotherhood is uncertain, former and current members are passionate about their house and have an unbreakable connection to Agape, the house of unconditional love.