October 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Not for College Days Riding for a Cause XH Rivalry Ride Raises $6,000 for Red Cross Alone Story By Brad Stephens (2013) The Brothers of the Chi Eta Chapter stand by the motto that Phi Gamma Delta is not forby college Please Register April days 15th alone. We appreciate all of the support we receive from our Graduates and parents. Stay up to date with news from Chi Eta by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and our website wkufiji. com. If you’re interested in becoming more directly involved, please email us at graduate@wkufiji.com Upcoming Dates Pig Dinner Saturday, April 28, 2012 Holiday Inn More details coming soon Thank you parents! The Chi Eta Chapter would like to thank you for your attendance and support at our Parent’s Day events. Your involvement in our chapter undoubtedly impacts the success that we have had and will continue to have in the future. F or the third consecutive year, a day of Chi Eta sweat has helped the Red Cross save lives. The chapter biked a football from Fort Armstrong in Bowling Green to Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Oct. 2, raising money for the South Central Kentucky Red Cross in the days leading up to the WKU-Middle Tennessee State football game. The event, re-named the "Rivalry Ride" this year after being known as the "Rivalry Run" in years past, raised around $6,000 by incorporating a variety of fundraising measures. The name change was enacted after Chi Eta decided to incorporate cycling into this year's event instead of just running, as in years past. “We chose to ride bikes to pay tribute to the Fiji’s Across America bike ride and get people excited for the Bike for Alzheimer’s ride taking place this summer,” Brentwood, Tenn., brother and philanthropy chairman Jason White said. Some brothers went to local businesses to gather sponsorship commitments. Those companies which participated in the Rivalry Ride saw their company logos on the back of the official event t-shirts. Brentwood, Tenn., brother Dallas 1 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Wilson took advantage of this opportunity, purchasing a sponsorship for his video production company, Dallas Wilson Productions. “I saw the Rivalry Ride as an awesome opportunity to both market my business and raise money for a worthy cause,” Wilson said. The shirts featuring those company logos were sold a $10 apiece. Brothers spoke at sorority meetings to pitch the Rivalry Ride t-shirts to groups that had been helpful throughout past philanthropy events. “Most of our fundraising for this event come from t-shirt sales,” White said. “Sororities are pivotal in those efforts and without them, the event wouldn’t be as successful.” Twenty Chi Etas spent a little less than eight hours biking the 100 miles from Bowling Green to Murfreesboro for the ride. Many of those that rode secured per-mile sponsorships for the ride. Louisville brother Will Owens, who was sponsored by WKU’s Kappa Delta chapter, biked 12 of those 100 miles. “When you get on a bike and are riding through some of those Tennessee hills, it can be tough and challenging,” Owens said. “But doing it for the Red Cross and having a bunch of brothers there motivated me to give it all I had.” Chi Eta section chief Bo Byers even jumped in on the fun, taking the ball 30 whole feet on the way to the stadium. The brothers stood at Floyd Stadium with their bikes, celebrating at the same site the WKU football team would be celebrating four days later after beating MTSU, 36-33. The Rivalry Ride was a success for all who participated, and another example of how Chi Eta has sought to promote service and excellence throughout both the area and the world. “The ride was a great success, a great brotherhood experience and a tradition that will continue to grow throughout the years,” White said. t Adding to the Brotherhood Fall Recruitment Brings 17 New Members Story By Brad Stephens (2013) R eplace yourself. It is a simple motto handed down from international headquarters concerning recruitment in Phi Gamma Delta. However, for the men of Chi Eta, it presents an everincreasing challenge to raise the bar. This fall, the Chi Eta chapter of Phi Gamma Delta is proud to announce the new Eta pledge class will boast 17 strong members. Tyler Jury, chapter president, said that recruitment doesn’t mean finding men to replace current brothers, but rather finding young men that can press forward to even greater accomplishments. “They are a well-seasoned, mature group of young men who will be shining stars of this chapter in no time,” he said. “Our chapter has seen a considerable amount of success over the past three years, but we must keep a level-head and 2 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 The Brothers of Chi Chapter continues the tradition of welcoming its newest members at the Van Meter Overlook at WKU. be thankful for the blessings we've been given — pressing on, especially in recruitment. “That means we’re looking not just to replace ourselves, but find men that can exceed what we envision as possible.” Rush week was shortened and coincided with WKU’s M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, but Fiji still scheduled a variety of events to reach out and find the future members of Chi Eta responsible for taking its name to new heights. Events included soccer, sand volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, a Hot Rods game and a dinner at CiCi’s — all free to recruits. Jury said the chapter exceeded expectations with the short time constraints. “We had a shorter time frame before formal recruitment began, forcing our brothers to hit the ground running,” he said. “Our brothers were hungry for another great recruiting class and went out there and got some amazing young men.” Chi Eta also reached out to potential new members in new ways to accomplish its lofty goal. Brothers gave out business cards with a special phone line that reached each member of the cabinet when dialed to ensure an answer for any interested young man. The cards also listed all the scheduled events and were given to hundreds of young men on campus. Griffin Fruge, recruitment chairman, said these new innovations will continue to bring greater quantities of young men to Fiji’s attention and increase the possibility of finding quality men that may have gone unnoticed or unreached before. “We’re always adapting and changing,” he said. “Each semester is an opportunity to build upon the last. “With the new events and new mediums for reaching guys, I believe we’ve recruited men that will continue to pursue the excellence we’re constantly striving for.” t 3 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Meet the Eta Class A Quick Profile of the Newest Chi Etas Noel Belcher Age: 19 Hometown: Morgantown Parents' Names: Mark and Debra High School (or college) activities: Football Team, Powerlifting Team, FCA, Beta club, Spanish club, Pep club, Church Youth Group. Big brother: Colby Osborne What has been your favorite part of the big brother/little brother relationship so far? My favorite part of my big brother relationship is the relief of having someone to look up to who’s already been through it all before. Being able to look up to somebody and having them be there for you when you need something is something I won’t take for granted. The guidance and knowledge I learn from my big brother will not be forgotten and will be something I can pass on when I am mature in the fraternity as well. Eric Blair Age: 19 Hometown: Crestwood Parents' Names: Mark and Sharon High School (or college) activities: Basketball, FCA Big brother: Sam Knott Why is being part of a brotherhood an important addition to the college life? You can go to anyone in the fraternity for help and advice and they will be there for you every time. It’s great to walk around campus, constantly seeing and having conversations with brothers you know. These men can help guide a person through their college experience. Nate Blankenship Age: 18 Hometown: Bowling Green Parents' Names: Ray and Maire High School (or college) activities: A’ Capella Choir, Musicals , Doow Wop, Varsity Swim Team Big brother: Kent Jones What drew you to Chi Eta? I was drawn to the fraternity’s goals and to its reputation. I loved the fact that Chi Eta was determined to be the best at everything it did, and that it held an outstanding reputation on campus. I knew I wanted to contribute to that success and make it apart of my own. Also the guys in Chi Eta were a lot like me in regards to our beliefs, ideas, and even senses of humor. 4 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Mason Bramer Age:18 Hometown: Crestwood Parents' Names: Darrell and Susan Janice High School (or college) activities: Soccer, Basketball, NHS, Beta, Spanish Honors Society (Treasurer) Spanish Club, FCA (Leadership Team) Big brother:Ben Harris What drew you to Chi Eta? The idea of total support, encouragement, and possibility for growth as a man. What has been your favorite part of the big brother/little brother relationship so far? Just having someone similar to me who I can enjoy relaxed time with but also go to in a time of need. Lane Embry Age: 19 Hometown: Bowling Green Parents' Names: Blane and Debbie High School (or college) activities: Basketball, golf, NHS, Beta, Big brother: Eric Hughes What do you want to accomplish during your time in Chi Eta? My aspirations are starting out simple in that I want to contribute to the chapter anywhere I'm needed. But I always want to be a responsible member who upholds the values of Phi Gamma Delta and represents the meaning of the letters everywhere I go. Matthew Formisano Age: 19 Hometown: Lexington Parents' Names: Erica and Ron High School (or college) activities: Newspaper and yearbook writer, morning announcements, intramural basketball Big brother: Will Garcia Why is being part of a brotherhood an important addition to the college life? It gives me a community I can always turn to and rely upon no matter when or where I am or what I'm going through. Then when I'm older I can pass along that advice. Going through life and college alone is impossible, so having someone there for me and being there for others is important for me. Alex Isbill Age: 20 Hometown: Owensboro Parents' Names: Pat and Jane High School (or college) activities: Brazillian Judo & Jiu-Jitsu, HonorsToppers, American Sign Language Organization, Psychology Club, Research in Psychology Big brother: Damon Parr What has been your favorite part of the big brother/little brother relationship so far? Hanging out with Damon has been awesome. He has a great personality and shares many of my values. I'm very glad we were paired up, and I can't wait to dive into Fiji with him at my side. 5 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Alex Jacobs Age: 19 Hometown: Jeffersonville, Ind. Parents' Names: Matt & Melissa High School (or college) activities: Jeffersonville High School Big brother: Dylan Ward What has been your favorite part of the big brother/little brother relationship so far? Getting to hang out with Dylan and form a bond has been great. We have goofed off, talked about serious things learned more about each other. And as the oldest kid in my family, and it’s nice to have a big brother, even if it’s not necessarily by blood. William Linder Age: 18 Hometown: Louisville Parents' Names: Mark and Beth High School (or college) activities: Chorus, Soccer, Band, Comedy Group, Beta Club, National Honors Society, Redshirts, Opera Theater Big brother: Spencer Wright What do you want to accomplish during your time in Chi Eta? I want to do something great for all those around me. I want to benefit them in some way, whether that be through service, or just how I treat people from day to day. I want to grow into the idea that people on this earth when I leave it, are better because they met me. I think Chi Eta can help me in that. Robert Lucas Age: 19 Hometown: Mount Washington Parents' Names: John and Pennie High School (or college) activities: National Honor Society Big brother: Jordan Kassel Why is being part of a brotherhood an important addition to the college life? It opens opportunities that would never be open to you otherwise. It provides you with a chance to better yourself and people that make that possible. What do you want to accomplish during your time in Chi Eta? Develop my leadership skills, make myself better, and in doing so, find a way to make those around me better. 6 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Blake Neumann Age: 19 Hometown: Richmond Parents' Names: Susan and Chris High School (or college) activities: Club Soccer, Envirothon, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Swimming, Community Problem Solvers, Triathlon Club Big brother: Ben Aroh Why is being part of a brotherhood an important addition to the college life? It enhances the college experience, and adds an important dynamic to an otherwise tedious day-today life. What has been your favorite part of the big brother/little brother relationship so far? I love my big brother, and he is someone that I would hang out with anyway, but this program makes it much more convenient to find the time. Evan Pennington Age: 18 Hometown: Elizabethtown Parents' Names: George and Janie High School (or college) activities: Soccer, Track and Cross Country, Student Council, Y Club, STLP, Beta Club, Big brother: Will Owens What drew you to Chi Eta? I was drawn to Chi Eta by all of the members I talked to during rush. I had met a few of these people previously and had heard of some of the events that Chi Eta had started (Fijis Across America and The Rivalry Run) and I thought that it would be a beneficial organization to participate in. Clay Simpson Age: 21 Hometown: Louisville Parents’ Names: Mark and Susan High School (or college) activities: HonorsToppers, Gordon Ford Ambassadors, Honors Development Board, Club Lacrosse Big brother: Zack Ryle What do you want to accomplish during your time in Chi Eta? During my short—yet hopefully sweet—time involved with Chi Eta as an undergraduate brother, I hope to make friendships that I can proudly carry through a lifetime. I hope to serve as a strong and active voice in recruitment, and to bring more great men into an already great group. I also hope to serve as a mentor to the younger brothers, so that any knowledge I have acquired thus far while at WKU may not go to waste. 7 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Kyle Stewart Age: 18 Hometown: La Grange Parents' Names: Gary and Theresa High School (or college) activities: Golf team, tennis team, School newspaper, CRU, NHS Big brother: Christopher Kinney Why is being part of a brotherhood an important addition to the college life? It helps me understand that as a team everyone can complete exponentially more. Through this fraternity I will be able to have resources and support to change our community for the better. Chase Thomas Age: 18 Hometown: Taylorsville Parents' Names: Kevin and Diana High School (or college) activities: Minton Hall Council, Theatre, Academic team, Governor Scholar Program Big brother: Austin Lanter What do you want to accomplish during your time in Chi Eta? I want to become a brother who will go out and do things that will change my life and others at the university, in the community, and the world. Zack Van Zant Age: 19 Hometown: Crestwood Parent's Names: Kelli and Steve High school (or college) activities: Basketball, student government, FCA, Beta Club, Youth Group Big Brother: Griffin Fruge What drew you to Chi Eta? I was really impressed with the caliber of guys associated with Chi Eta. They seemed to be valuesoriented men, and that made them stand out from the crowd. And I feel like my values aligned with theirs. Ryan White Age: 18 Hometown: Liberty Parent's Names: Shannon & Cheri High School (or college) activities: FFA, Student YMCA, Sr. class president, FBLA, PEP club, Baseball, US trapshooting team Big Brother: Jason White What do you want to accomplish during your time in Chi Eta? I want the fraternity to keep meeting its high standards and continuing to accomplish outstanding things. I want to ensure that Chi Eta remains the world's best Fiji chapter. 8 \r\nOctober 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6 Fijis Abroad: Q&A with Kaleb Moore Story By Brad Stephens (2013) 1. How did you get the opportunity to go? I got opportunity to go to Spain by the Kentucky Institute for International Studies program at WKU. KIIS offers numerous trips that encompass many different fields of study. Luckily when I was looking for a place to study Spanish, they were there to guide my way. I’m a Spanish modeled after it. minor, so gaining real life experience with the language was essential. 3. Was it tough to get used to their culture? 2. How long were you there and what part When I first arrived in of the country were you in? Tell us about Spain, I was so overwhelmed. The the setting. signs were different, the cars were I was in the quaint city of Segovia different, and the air was different. for just over a month. The town was located This being my first time I in the middle of the country, about an hour had ever been out of the country, north of Madrid. The city, bordered by I couldn’t help but force myself to mountains and rolling hills, was definitely fight the jetlag. There was no way a place where I could see myself living. that I was going to sleep through my The temperature never reached the 90s, and first hour of being in Spain. But I fell there seemed to always be a steady breeze. asleep for an hour as we rode a bus Walls of concrete and stone surround the from Madrid to Segovia. city, while the streets were cobblestone. When I woke up, I had no Everything had an ancient look to it. From idea where I was, and it finally hit me every angle of the city you could see its that I was alone. I knew no one, my large gothic cathedral, unique in design and family was thousands of miles away, considered a jewel among cathedrals. The and I was stuck for a month. city even contained one of the world’s most Many of my fears vanished when I well-preserved aqueducts. The sheer size saw the aqueduct. I still had no idea of it was massive. Between walking under what I had truly gotten myself into it every day and occasionally snapping a though, especially when it came to picture, I was in love. If it had fit in my meeting the person I’d live with. backpack, I would have brought it home. Thoughts raced into my head. The city also housed a castle so pretty that What if I don’t know what to say? the Cinderella castle at Disney World was What if I’m the worst one in our group at Spanish? And what if the lady I am to live with for a month doesn’t like me? I let everything soak in, and then my name was called to meet my senora (that’s what she told us to call her). She was a short, red headed elderly lady, and she walked up smoking a hand rolled cigarette, misshapen between her lips. She muttered between her cigarette clenched lips, “Hola, chicos! Come fuimos su viaje?” (“Hello, boys! How was your trip?”) I scrambled for the right answer, and all I seemed to mutter was “bueno” (which means good). She said “vale” (okay), and led us up the street towards a large, worn down Catholic church. We turned down a few more streets and my nerves just seemed to melt. I told myself then, “I can do this!” After that I didn’t feel overwhelmed or have the slightest bit of culture shock. 4. How is everyday life there different than it is here? 9 \r\nOctober 2011 Well for starters, it isn’t that much different than America. They wake up, and they go to work. They only difference that I noticed was that during lunch time everything would close and people would go home to eat lunch and take a siesta (which is a two hour nap, four hour nap for me though). After everyone had their siesta, all the stores would open back up and everything would close around 10 p.m. One of the other differences is that people would stay out really late to go to clubs or bars to hang out with friends. This included people of all ages. There were many occasions that I saw old ladies walking down the street at 1 a.m. coming back from having their fix of tapas and sangria. 5. What were your favorite foods and places to visit? My favorite foods in Spain were everything that my senora cooked for me. She fixed us three meals a day Volume 2 Issue 6 while I was over there. It’s so much more demanding than college you don’t have your parents and friends on which to fall back. When you’re in Spain it’s just you, and people that you have known for just two weeks. But during that month lifelong friendships can be built. You can share memories with them and see things with them that you will probably never see with anyone else. The most valuable thing that I think I gained from Spain is a sense of who I am. It’s funny how being away from everything you know, and being in a strange place can really bring answers to some questions you never thought to ask. This helps you to grow in ways that you’ve never been able to, and above all else it give you a sense of desire. Every single day that I’ve been home I want to go back and see what else Spain or any other countries have to offer. I’d go back in a heartbeat! t and I loved every single meal. I even loved the rice dish that she made for my roommates and me that contained squid tentacles and clams. My favorite place to visit while I was in Spain was the city of Santander. It’s one of the cities that is usually unheard of, and that’s why I liked it so much. It was quaint, and peaceful, unlike the tourist traps of Barcelona or Madrid. Santander was known for its waves and its beaches, and I tried them both while I was there. The water was gorgeous, and watching the sunset was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I also got to surf for the first time. It was great, and definitely something that I will have to do again if I ever go back. 6. What do you feel you gained from taking the trip, and would you go back? I gained a lot of life experience Graduates and Excellence One of Chi Eta's goals is to augment the traditional college experience in shaping undergraduates into future leaders. With that we congratulate some of our graduates on new happenings in their lives. -Founding Father Dean Kahler (WKU Graduate Initiate) and his wife, Michelle, on the birth of their son, Alexander, born in July. -Founding Father Will Stuart (Beta Class, '11) on getting a job with Hertz Rent-A-Car as a manager trainee. -Founding Father Tyler Russell (Beta Class, '11) on getting a job as a new business development manager for the Seaton Corporation. Russell has been relocated to Union City, Tenn., after a stint in Waco, Texas. -Founding Father Chaz Vittitow (Alpha Class, '11) on surviving his first few months at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. -Founding Father John Hellams (Beta Class, '11) on surviving his first two and a half months at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. graduate@wkufiji.com Excellence on Campus 1st Place-Co-Rec Softball with Phi Mu 1st Place-New Member Olympics with Alpha Xi Delta 3rd Place-Shenanigans with Sigma Kappa and Pi Kappa Alpha Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence.