September 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 What’s Inside A Summer to Remember Water for Life Haiti pg. 3 Fall 2012 Recruitment Wrap-up pg. 4 Meet the Iota Class pg. 5 Graduate Spotlight: Jake Ryle pg. 9 Graduate News and Upcoming Events pg. 11 The Bike4Alz team stands at their final destination in Key West, Florida. $65,000. 2,900 miles. Two months. Nine brothers. One cause: Alzheimer’s. This summer nine brothers from the Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta devoted their time and energy to raise money for one of the 10 deadliest diseases in the world. In an effort called “Bike4Alz,” these brothers rode their bikes across country Fighting Alzheimer’s One Mile at a Time. The ride began on May 25, 2012, in International Falls, Minnesota, and concluded in Key West, Florida, on July 22. The brothers traveled through eight states during their two month journey including, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Every time the brothers reached a major city they would have a fundraiser, such as a road block in the city or standing outside of grocery stores. Before they left town again they would donate the money raised in that city to the local Alzheimer’s chapter. “Bike4Alz was an opportunity for us to give back to the community on both a local and a national level,” Louisville junior Will Owens said. “The coolest part was seeing the impact we were making on people.” Not only were the brothers able to make an impact on others, but the people they met made a lasting impact on them as well. 1 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 “One of the things that stuck with me the most from the ride is the immense generosity we were shown in every city we went to,” Louisville junior Will Garcia said. “People would let us shower at their house, having only met us an hour earlier. They would refill our water and take us out to lunch and dinner. “Everywhere we went people cared about us and what we were doing even though they had never met us before.” The brothers were also able to grow a lot closer to each other over the course of two months. After being with each other 24 hours a day, seven days a week for two months, it created a bond between them that none of them will ever forget. Hartford senior Dylan Ward called the event a “life-changing experience” and said he sometimes forgets the ride is over. However, he also said that he will always have those memories. “I will never forget how humbling and exciting of an experience this summer was,” he said. “For years to come, the nine of us will reminisce on the funny memories we made, the emotional stories we heard, the beautiful sights we witnessed, and the new friends we acquired.” Other brothers that participated in Bike4Alz with Owens, Garcia, and Ward include Winchester junior Ben Harris, Paris junior Sam Wells, Owensboro junior Trip Carpenter, and Evansville, Indiana, senior Tyler Wittmer. Also, Jonathan Caron, a junior from Somerset, and Austin Lanter, a junior from Winchester, were both on the ride in the role of drivers of the support vehicles. Many of the brothers on the ride were inspired to participate because of the bike ride two years ago, created by graduate brother Tyler Jury in memory of his late grandfather. In an effort called “Fiji’s Across America,” Jury and six others pedaled from California to Virginia, raising $56,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. There were also several participants of Bike4Alz who have been personally affected by Alzheimer’s. Something they did to honor these family members or friends they knew that suffer from Alzheimer’s is daily dedications. Each day before departing the nine of them would circle up, pray, and dedicate their ride for the day to a particular person. The stories of those affected by Alzheimer’s gave the riders the motivation they needed to press on every day. However, even though the ride is over, the fight is not. “The fight to end Alzheimer’s hasn’t ended because our ride is over,” Wells said. “I am so proud of all our guys and our efforts to bring awareness of this terrible disease. I know we all continue to do our part to end Alzheimers.” You can read more about the ride by going to www.bike4alz.org and reading blogs from this summer posted by the riders themselves. Also, check out Bike4Alz 2012 on YouTube to view the daily dedications and other videos from the ride. By Austin Lanter (2014) 2 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Water for Life Haiti By Robert Lucas (2014) Every 15 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease. This summer, 15 men from the Chi Eta Chapter set out to change that. The team, dubbed WaterForLife, traveled to Haiti this summer from June 1stJune 10th. They visited three Haitian cities where they installed a water purification system in each city. The systems have the capacity to provide water for at least 500 people per day in each city. Junior Cody Hutchins, founder and president of WaterForLife, came up with the idea the previous summer. He presented this idea to the chapter the following fall and immediately found a group of brothers willing to join him. “It started out as my dream and turned into the dream of the whole fraternity,” said Hutchins. “It was awesome to become a part of something bigger than myself.” Senior Chris Kinney went on the Haiti trip to be able to serve with his brothers, somewhere outside the community of Bowling Green. He commented that “…we’ve been blessed with a lot of talents and abilities. I think we have a responsibility to use that to better the world around us, rather than just for our own benefit.” “It was great to experience something out of our comfort zone,” said Senior, Jordan Kassel. “I think it really helped to deepen our Above: Water for Life stands outside of a church community after training on purification systems. Below: Chris Kinney (2013) puts together a purification system before a training session. brotherhood.” The trip undoubtedly had a lasting effect on all the men who were able to go. Although it was somewhat of a culture shock, it humbled them and made them incredibly grateful for what they have. “My favorite thing was realizing how people can be so content with so much less than what I consider to be enough to live on,” said Chris Kinney. The trip, as well as the immense of work that went into planning and raising the money for it proved how strong of an influence that brotherhood can be. “I liked looking back and knowing that this was not ever possible two years ago, before I joined this fraternity,” said Hutchins. 3 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Chi Eta Welcomes the Iota Class By Cody Hutchins (2014), Brian Campbell (2013) The Chi Eta chapter at WKU started the year off strong, pledging in 15 new brothers. Recruitment activities began during Master Plan, the week before classes started, as brothers helped freshmen move-in and held many recruitment events that included a night at a Hot Rods baseball game, playing sports, and enjoying brotherhood in the evenings at Ft. Armstrong. The week was successful for the chapter with the largest turn out to recruitment activities in the chapter’s history. As rush week began, Chi Eta was fortunate to once again have Hilligans sponsor the chapter, providing free pizza for each night of formal recruitment, as well as the musical talents of recent graduate Jordan Minton. While the week proved to be a long one, it facilitated plenty of great brotherhood as the whole chapter spent a week seeking its next group of new The brother of Chi Eta welcome the Iota Pledge class at the Van Meter Overlook. members. The selection process for determining new brothers is always difficult, but the qualities of our new members helped them to stand out amongst the 222 men participating in formal recruitment. Fall Rush concluded with bid day Friday afternoon as the potential new members received their bids in Downing University Center. Together 15 men made the short journey to the Van Meter Overlook to meet chapter president Nick Burnett. Per Chi Eta tradition, the pledge class was then greeted by the entire chapter with celebratory chants and cheers. The evening that followed gave the brothers time to get to know the guys even more, ending a night at the house full of xbox games, foosball, queso, and mafia games. The long week produced great results for our chapter at WKU and we’re excited to see what the future holds. Our new members are extremely involved and already proving to be leaders on this campus in organizations such as SGA and CRU. Fall recruitment once again proved to be a huge success for the Chi Eta chapter. With the new pledge class Phi Gamma Delta at WKU stands as the second largest fraternity on campus. 4 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Meet the Iota Pledge Class Clint Bacon Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Lexington, KY College/high school activities: Football, Younglife Big brother: Jordan Kassel Why did you join?: To get involved on campus, I had heard from others that it was fun. What has been you favorite part so far?: Being able to hang out with all the guys and have fun. Brett Bennett Age: 19 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Louisville, KY College/high school activities: Soccer, Basketball, Baseball. Big brother: Alex Fahnders Why did you join?: Awesome group of guys. What has been you favorite part so far?: Castle. Seth Bland Age: 19 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Whitesville, KY College/high school activities: Member of National Honor Society and Y-Club in High School. Member of Hilltoppers for Life, Catholic Campus Center, and Triathlon Club. Big brother: Micheal Hayden Why did you join?: I joined Fiji to have the brother and accountability I was looking for in college. There are so many opportunities through Fiji and I'm looking forward to taking advantage of all of them. What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part was when all the pledges were told to meet up at Van Meter Hall on Bid Day which was followed by a HUGE celebration with all of the brothers. 5 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Samuel Cherry Age: 19 Grade/class: Sophomore/Class of 2015 Hometown: Louisville, KY College/high school activities: Track & Cross Country all of high school, Eagle Scout Big brother: Kaleb Moore Why did you join?: The Brotherhood and passion towards serving people/water for life What has been you favorite part so far?: Getting to know all of the guys in my pledge class on a very personal level through pledge ed. Austin DeMuth Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Lexington, KY College/high school activities: Swim Team. Peer Ministry. Outdoor Club. Presidential Advisory Committee. Presidential Leadership Forum. Student Government. Big brother: Evan Pennington Why did you join?: My father always told me, "you are who you surround yourself with". And if I am half of what these gentlemen are both he and I will be very proud. What has been you favorite part so far?: Walking around campus and recognizing all the Fijis and being included in such a respected group of people. Seth Haga Age: 19 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Lexington, KY College/high school activities: Football, basketball, guitar, and campus ministry Big brother: Mason Bramer Why did you join?: My older brother Wade has been in the fraternity for several years now and he has loved it. I have gotten to know several of the guys through him before my freshman year at Western and they all seemed like awesome guys to me. What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part has been the weekly bible studies that some of the brothers have been participating in down in the basement of the house. Hayden Hickey Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Louisville, KY College/high school activities: Music and Cross Country Big brother: Robert Lucas Why did you join?: I joined hoping to find a great community and form lifelong friendships. What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part so far is getting to meet all the guys. 6 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Colton Hounshell Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: La Grange, KY College/high school activities: In high school I played tennis, did youth and government programs such as KYA and KUNA, and was also an active member at my church back home, Crestwood Baptist Church. Big brother: George Carpenter III (Trip) Why did you join?: I joined Fiji because I believe that we are a group that has a large positive impact on Western Kentucky's campus, Bowling Green and the world beyond. I believe in surrounding myself with people I want to be like, leaders, servants, and men of God, and that is the largest reason why I joined Fiji. What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part so far has been bonding with my big brother Trip and getting to know everyone in Phi Gam on a personal level. Sean Jacobson Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Louisville, KY College/high school activities: (HS): Student Council, Varsity Tennis, Theater, Beta Club (College): Campus Crusades, Phi Gamma Delta, hopefully more to come! Big brother: Nate Blankenship Why did you join?: I joined Fiji to build a network of deep relationships with a group of solid, incredible role models as well as to grow and mature as a man. What has been you favorite part so far?: I have loved being able to come to the house at any time and hang out and have deep discussions with the guys whenever I want to. Parker Kuhn Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Lexington, KY College/high school activities: Cross Country, Choir, Environmental Club, Retreat leader Big brother: Jonathon Caron Why did you join?: To join a good group of guys who will help me grow and challenge me to be a better man. What has been you favorite part so far?: Right after signing my bid it was really cool to walk out and see Nick and Cody, knowing I was apart of the fraternity. 7 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Bradley Ledford Age: 19 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Louisville, KY College/high school activities: golf, basketball, lacrosse, vice president Big brother: Kyle Stewart Why did you join?: cause I love these freaking guys What has been you favorite part so far?: Getting to know everyone and the bible study. Levi McQueary Age: 20 Grade/class: Junior/Class of 2014 Hometown: Liberty, KY College/high school activities: Baseball, tennis, cross country, volleyball leagues/tournaments, YClub (Student Organization/Community Service Projects), Pep Club, Prom Committee, Yearbook, Student Council, FCA Big brother: Dylan Ward Why did you join?: I joined for the Brotherhood and the Excellence I seen in FIJI. I am so thankful and happy to be a part of this amazing group of guys. What has been you favorite part so far?: I honestly don't know that I could have a "favorite" part because I have had so much fun. From random talks with the guys to the Lock-In at the FIJI house. I will say that Bid day was a lot of fun having all the guys in the fraternity running and screaming at you, knowing that this is going to be a great journey for all of us from that day forward. I enjoy the love that everyone shows one another. Drake Riley Age:19 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Bowling Green, KY College/high school activities: Member of Basketball & Golf Teams, and FBLA in high school Big brother: Matt Purdom Why did you join?: To become a member of a brotherhood larger than myself What has been you favorite part so far?: Getting to know a lot of new people 8 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Taylor Ruby Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Somerset, KY College/high school activities: Varsity Swim Team, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Pep Club, Outreach officer for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), National Honor's Society, Student Council, and Principal's Cabinet. Big brother: The one and only Will Linder Why did you join?: I joined Fiji in order to become a better man for myself, my family, and God. In addition, I wanted to be surrounded by guys who I could look up to and completely be myself around. I wanted to be a part of a group of guys that would shape me into the best man I could possibly be. Lastly, I wanted to have brothers that I could call up one day, 20 years down the road, and carry on a conversation with them as if we hadn't gone a day without seeing each other. What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part has been getting to know each and every brother in Fiji more personally. It's been neat to realize how much we all have in common. I've also enjoyed getting to know my big brother, Will Linder, and his awesome family. Brent Stephens Age: 18 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Winchester, KY College/high school activities: Football, High school Newspaper, FCA, Beta Club, GRC Sports Show, Intramural Softball Big brother: Jacob Hood Why did you join? : I saw the relationships and fun that Brad had, and I wanted to be a part of something amazing, and I’ve found that in Fiji. What has been you favorite part so far? : My favorite part has probably either been Friday afternoon/night, or the bible study we had in the basement on Wednesday night. Founding Father on Top of the World By Bo Armstrong (2013) Jake Ryle (2012) joined the Delta Colony at Western Kentucky in the fall of 2008. As a freshman, he joined the alpha class along with many of his peers in the Honors College, CRU, and his older brother Zack Ryle (2012). Ryle, originally from Burlington, KY outside of Cincinnati, became the Delta Colony’s first philanthropy chair, creating the Rivalry Run, an annual relay race with the game football between Middle Tennessee State University and WKU. Jake also served in various roles on WKU’s Interfraternity Council. He received his bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News with a minor in Geography. After landing a job in 9 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 his field, Jake is on top of the world. Literally. He’s in Alaska. Jake landed a job as a Sports Multimedia Journalist in Anchorage, Alaska at KYUR/KTBY, the ABC and FOX affiliates for the entire state. After applying for sports reporting jobs in all fifty states, Ryle said he never would have thought about getting a call back from the northern most state. “The News Director here said she reviewed my resume reel and was incredibly impressed. I wasn't even interviewed, but was offered a contract,” Jake said. “The first time I talked to the News Director was to negotiate my contract!” The position at KYUR and KTBY has Ryle doing it all and his job varies from day to day. He does everything from interviews and capturing video footage of sporting events to writing the scripts, editing the video, and anchoring his own five-minute sports segment. He also co-anchors an hour-long sports show on Sundays. When asked about how things are going in Alaska, Jake responded that things are pretty well. “We're starting to really develop some viewer loyalty, which is great. I never realized how much free time I'd have when I'm out of school,” Ryle said. “I'm living in a fully furnished apartment close to the TV station. I can walk out my front door and see the mountains. How can I not be doing well up here?” Jake did not get to where he is now on luck or connections. He spent three years reporting and anchoring for “The Extra Point” sports show at WKU and on NewsChannel 12. Ryle also had two sports internships at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. During his second internship, Scripps Howard named Jake one of the top seventy-five college journalists in the country. Ryle also attributes his success to the Fraternity that molded him to aim for excellence. “The Fraternity taught me to take risks, be bold, and be confident in who I am. It taught me to dare to dream because without dreams we only attain mediocrity,” Jake said. “Every day I go to work I strive for excellence.” Jake’s words of wisdom to Fijis both new and old: “It’s never about your plan. God has a grander plan in store if you're willing to open yourself to it. Open yourself up to it.” As for those still in school, Ryle advises to “Go out for GADS at midnight when you have a test in the morning. Take a different way to class every day. When you want to complain about something school or Fraternity related, resist.” He further admonishes to “challenge yourself to not just make new friends inside and out of the Fraternity, but develop bonds like hoops of steel that will never break.” The Chi Eta chapter is very proud of Jake and his accomplishments in his field. He has come a long way since his freshman year in the Fraternity. We know that he will take all future challenges in stride and just “knock it out like that.” Follow Jake’s Alaskan adventures at http://thearu.com/ 10 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Fraternity Awards The Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was recognized for its efforts during 2011 with multiple chapter and individual awards at Phi Gamma Delta’s 164th Ekklesia in New Orleans. The chapter placed first in the Coon Plaque and the third in the Jordan Bowl. The Coon plaque recognize the chapter with the best graduate publications. The Jordan Bowl recognizes the chapter with the highest comparative scholarship. The chapter also received Honorable Mention for the following awards: Brightman Trophy (graduate relations), Baker Cup (community service), and Cheney Cup (greatest overall chapter efficiency.) Tyler Jury (WKU 2012) received the Wilkinson Award, recognizing the outstanding senior in Phi Gamma Delta. Ben Harper (Kentucky 1969, WKU Graduate Affiliate 2011) received the Coulter Cup, recognizing graduate brother who contributed most to a chapter through service in a capacity other than Purple Legionnaire or General Officer. Ben serves on the house corporation and previously served on the board of chapter advisors. Jeff Baynham (WKU Graduate Initiate 2010) received honorable mention for the Durrance Award (most outstanding Purple Legionnaire). Ray Blankenship (Kentucky 84, WKU Graduate Affiliate 2010) received honorable mention for the Crowder Cup (most outstanding faculty advisor). Overall the chapter placed or received recognition in eleven of the twelve awards submitted. Phi Gamma Delta Awards Coon Plaque 1st Place Jordan Bowl 3rd Place Brightman Trophy Honorable Mention Baker Cup Honorable Mention Cheney Cup Honorable Mention Wilkinson Award 1st Place, Tyler Jury Coulter Cup 1st Place, Ben Harper Durrance Award Honorable Mention, Jeff Baynham Crowder Cup Honorable Mention, Ray Blankenship WKU Awards Reed Morgan Best WKU Fraternity Greek Man of the Year Tyler Jury Campus Involvement Award Scholastic Achievement Award Philanthropic Service Award Outstanding New Member Program Greek Involvement Award Chapter Development Award Alumni Development Award 11 \r\nSeptember 2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Graduate News Weddings & Engagements Dates to Remember Fall Break Service Trip October 4-8, 2012 Peter Drance (WKU ‘10) married Elizabeth Grimm on September 2, 2012 and is currently serving in the U.S. Army 40 brothers from the Chi Eta chapter will spend Fall Break outside of New Orleans, partnering with Operation Blessing to provide relief from Hurricane Isaac. Chris Drury (WKU ‘10) is now engaged to Nikki Zalewski and is also serving in the U.S. Army at Eglin Air Force Base Parent & Graduate Events Chaz Vittitow (WKU ‘11) is now engaged to Karinne Marcum and the two will be wed on December 21, 2012 WKU Homecoming October 20, 2012 Kyle Allen (WKU ‘12) is now engaged to Suzanne Deevers Parents and Graduates, the Hilltoppers will play Louisiana-Monroe on October 20th. There will be a gathering for Graduates Friday evening, and tailgating will begin at 11am Saturday before the 3pm kickoff. Graduates, bring a date and join the Chi Eta Chapter on the dance floor following the game at the Homecoming Dance! Check www.wkufiji.com for more details. Buy your tickets here. Luke Gilliam (WKU ‘12) married Katie Hindman in July and is now living in Paducah and working as an Engineer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 4th Annual Chi Eta Frank Norris Pig Dinner April 27, 2013 Mitch White (WKU ‘11) is now engaged to Courtney Yates Tyler Jury (WKU ‘12) married Katie Ferriell in June and is attending Dental School at the University of Louisville Parents and Graduates mark your calendars! Pig Dinner will be held at the Carol Knicely Center on April 27, 2013. More details on registration coming soon. General Updates Ben Harper (WKU Affiliate ‘10) is now the Section Chief over Section XVII for Phi Gamma Delta Ronnie Santanna (WKU ‘10) is studying in Rome to become a priest in the Roman Catholic Church Blaine Routt (WKU ‘11) is serving in the U.S. Army and will soon be deployed to Afghanistan Drew Bennett (WKU ‘12) is now an Associate Producer at WZTV FOX 17 in Nashville, TN Malcolm Lunceford (WKU ‘12) is now a Marketing Graduate Assistant at IM-Rec Sports WKU Jake Ryle (WKU ‘12) is now working as a Sports Multimedia Journalist in Anchorage, Alaska at KYUR/KTBY ABC/FOX affiliate. Josh Wiseman (WKU ‘12) is now a Field Secretary for Phi Gamma Delta in the Mid-Atlantic Region Have graduate news? Send an email to graduate@wkufiji.com! Learn about the WKU Excellence Fund and how you can support Chi Eta at www.wkufiji.com/donate Current Supporters Bob Anderegg (USC `71, WKU GA `10) Jeff Baynham (WKU `10) Ray Blankenship (Kentucky `84, WKU GA `10) Brandon Bowman (WKU `10) Dr. Craig Cobane (WKU Faculty `10) Steve and Anita Caron (Parents) George and Janie Pennington (Parents) Blaine Routt (WKU `11) Chaz Vittitow (WKU `11) Mitchell White (WKU `11) Josh Wiseman (WKU `12) Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence.