The discovery of Meinert's real identity--both his criminal record and his Harvard status--startled the students at the College who considered him a friend.

"It was a complete shock when I found out about it," said Hector G. Bove '00, the president of Sigma Chi.

Posing as a sophomore transfer student living off-campus, Meinert joined Sigma Chi as a pledge.

For the past month, he has attended fraternity activities, and, members say, cultivated several friendships.

"From the first day I met him, he was very gregarious," said Bove, who is also a Crimson executive.

By late Monday, Meinert had been suspended by Sigma Chi for, in Bove's words, "misrepresenting himself and [being] dishonest with us."

Bove declined to elaborate, but said that Meinert would likely be de-pledged this Sunday.

Meinert was also an active member of the International Relations Council (IRC), participating in its Intercollegiate Model United Nations and winning awards for his performance.