This semester was definitely a turning point for Delta Chi at NMSU. One condition for chartering that was made known to the colony by Delta Chi International Headquarters was that the chapter associate 16 men or more in Fall Rush. 16 men was six more than the colony had been able to recruit at any point since its founding, but the active membership (21 at the time) was confident that it would be able to achieve this goal. Formal Rush began the second week of school, and the colony had received signed bids from eight men before the deadline for "pre-bids." Formal rush also went well. An additional 11 men signed bids on bid day and four more signed before new member presentation, bringing the Iota Class to a total of 23 men, and more than doubling the size of the chapter.

On October 17, 1998, the colony was recognized for its achievements over the course of the previous four years at its chartering banquet, held at the Las Cruces Hilton. The event marked the change in name for the group from the New Mexico State Colony to the New Mexico State Chapter. In attendance for the event were then "CC" Scott Klinefelter, "DD" Bill Humphrey, Region II Regent Michael Woolbright and more than 200 guests including dates, parents, family members, colony alumni and leaders of the NMSU Greek Community. The night was one of joy for the members, bringing virtually all of the alumni and active members to tears. The evening was an eye-opening event for parents in attendance who had not been aware of the importance of Delta Chi in the lives of their sons, and will surely be remembered for a lifetime by all of those in attendance.

As a result of its recent achievements and recognition, morale within the group was at an all-time high. The spirit of the group led to increased success in other areas, as well as improved relations with sororities. One notable mixer with a sorority was an "anything for money" party with Zeta Tau Alpha, preceded by a night of bowling. Since the event, occurrences at the aforementioned party have become of a nearly legendary status. Relations with other sororities had also improved over the semester, allowing for an Iota Class mixer with the Chi Omega pledges. Other social events for the semester included a "1920's Gangster Swing" date party, and Fall Formal. For Homecoming during this semester, the chapter participated independently with the theme "Delta Chi's Day Off." Delta Chi won its division of homecoming, and finished third among Greek organizations overall in homecoming. At the tailgate following the parade, the local band "James and the House Rockers" played, using the float as a stage. Brothers Mike Meyers (Beta Class), Cory Muller (Alpha Class), and Jeremy Rivando (Founding Father) graduated.