Spring 2014 Volume 5 Issue 1 What’s Inside Chi Eta wins Reed Morgan, Scott Taylor Awards at Convocation Chili Cookoff pg. 2 Meet the Mu Class Pg. 3-5 Graduate Spotlight: Josh Amos Pg. 6 Brothers Abroad Pg. 7-9 Graduate News Pg. 10 Mark your Calendars! April 22nd Big Al’s Dinner Night April 26th Pig Dinner November 1st Purple Run Brothers celebrate the winning of the Reed Morgan during Greek Week Convocation on Sunday, April 13. This is the second time in three years that Chi Eta has won WKU fraternity of the year. (Photo by Evan Pennington) By Brent Stephens (2016) For the second time in three years, the Chi Eta chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was awarded the Reed Morgan award, on Sunday, April 13. The Reed Morgan award is given to the WKU fraternity that best represents the university and community through their scholarship, philanthropy, community service, campus involvement, etc. The chapter also won the Scott Taylor award, given only three times before in the history of WKU greek life. The Scott Taylor award is given to the fraternity who wins all eight chapter achievement awards that are calculated into the Reed Morgan award, such as service, scholarship, graduate relations, intramurals, etc. Including the Reed Morgan and the Scott Taylor, Chi Eta sophomore Taylor Bowling was recognized as the 2014 Order of Omega Outstanding New Member of the Year. Bowling (2016) is a Spirit Master and was a member of the Kappa pledge class in the Spring of 2013. Chi Eta also had five brothers nominated and inducted into the WKU Greek Hall of Fame. Seniors Trip Carpenter (2015), Cody Hutchins (2014), Griffin Fruge (2014), Will Garcia (2014) and Spencer Wright (2015) made up part of the newest class of the Hall of Fame. Last day for Pig Dinner registration is Today, sign up now! Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. 1 1 \r\nFIJI, Farmhouse, pair together in cookoff to raise money for Tanzanian Orphanage By Brent Stephens (2016) The young men of Phi Gamma Delta paired up with the gentlemen of FarmHouse to create the first ever “Chili Cook-off for Africa” on Saturday, March 29. The two fraternities combined resources and manpower to hold a three hour long competition where organizations entered their own chili creation that was judged by a panel of guests, with the winner receiving a set of customized WKU corn hole boards. And for $7 people could by a wrist-band that gave them the chance to try every team’s chili, and vote on their favorite as well. The idea for a chili cook-off was first brought up by London sophomore Zach Miller (2016). “I personally wanted to do this fundraiser after the experience I had last summer in Tanzania,” said Miller. “I was able to visit the Kurasini Orphanage through my study abroad program, and was impacted by what I saw there.” “When we arrived, the Orphanage was low on funds and did not have enough money to send every child to school. However, our personal donations made sure that every kid was able to attend school that next year. Immediately after getting to spend a day with the children, I contacted Ryne McMullen to see if there was any way that FIJI could make sure that they never have to worry about having the funding to send their kids to school.” Just from the entry fees and money made from the front gate at the event, over $1,200 was raised and will be able to be donated (not counting money raised from the Griff’s night, and upcoming Big Al’s night). The money raised from the Chili Cook-Off will be sent through Dr. Mkanta, the study abroad trip leader for Tanzania, and will be directly donated to the orphanage. This money will be used to help pay for school and new supplies for the orphanage. With enough money, the orphanage can rebuild their workshop where children were taught useful skills such as sewing. Although the orphanage is government run, they rely heavily on outside donations and will receive a large boost in funding due to the money we could raise. Phi Mu’s entry won first place, while the 2012 Bike4Alz’s pot earned them the fan favorite. “After the success we had with this event in its first year, I would love to make the Chili Cook-Off an annual event,” said Miller. “Doing this event annually would help us to continually donate to an amazing cause, and it would also help to continue our relationship with the fraternity FarmHouse.” Pictured above is Austin Lanter, Will Owens and Sam Wells representing the “fan favorite” 2012 Bike4Alz chili. Pictured below left is Big Al’s owner Mark Sohn, a guest judge for the event along with Zack Van Zant. Pictured below is Braden Proffitt along with Tony Piedmonte representing the Mu pledge Class chili. 2 Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. \r\nChi Eta Welcomes in the Mu Class Jonathan Brennan Brent Harney Age: 20 Grade: Junior Hometown: Louisville, KY Major/Minor: Marketing College/High School activities: Basketball and Football intramurals; Club Ultimate Frisbee; Campus Crusade for Christ Why did you join FIJI? The brothers of FIJI always seemed to be the best guys around campus. Setting the bar high in the classroom, on the playing field/court, and in the community. I want to be apart of a group of guys that isn’t ashamed of eachother and that wants each brother to succeed beyond the original goal. And that is what I find in FIJI. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? Spring sing and all the practices were off the chain yo. We were bringing sexy back each and every practice and when we performed. Age: 18 Grade: Freshman Hometown: Lexington Major/Minor: Biology College/high school activities: Pre dental club, Alpha epsilon delta, H4 counselor, PLD swim team, Wildcat Aquatics Swim Team, Boy Scouts of America Why did you join FIJI? I got to know the guys first semester and they are great men that I want to surround myself with throughout college. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? Spring sing. Vince Lewis Age: 20 Grade: Sophomore Hometown: Louisville, Ky Major/Minor: Sports management College/High School activities: Played football and baseball in high school and no work as a student manager with the wku football team. Why did you join FIJI? I had a whole year to get to know a lot of these guys because I didn’t rush until my sophomore year and I grew very close with several guys during that year and it made me want to come out and see what the rest of the fraternity was like, and it didn’t disappoint me. I love how close everyone is, and how involved FIJI was so involved with the community and school. I had no second guesses of which fraternity I wanted to be in. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? My favorite memory has to be the weekend we had a retreat with all the brothers down in Gatlinburg, TN. It was so great getting to know everyone more than I already did, and I made so many memories that I will never forget. 3 Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. \r\nChris McKenna Age: 19 Grade: Sophomore Hometown: Crestwood, Ky Major/Minor: Political Science and International Affairs Why did you join Fiji? Throughout my personal experience in college I have always been friends with some FIJI’s my age and respected those who are older than me. I decided to join Fiji to grow closer to those people and be a part of a brotherhood that is greater than myself, and so far it has been much more than I expected. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? My favorite moment in FIJI thus far is sitting on top of a mountain with a handful of brothers in Gatlinburg. It was very simple and laid back, but hanging out after we hiked up there together was a really cool experience. It also helped that the weather and view were both really nice. Tony Piedmonte Age: 19 Grade: Freshman Hometown: Goshen, Kentucky Major/Minor: Chemistry Pre-med, double major in Spanish, and a minor in biology. College/High School activities: High School : Speech Team, Drama Club, and Mustang Mentors Leadership Program. College: ACS - WKU Relay for Life, Share a Swipe, Campus Crusaders, and CRU International Bridges Ministry. Why did you join FIJI? Many of the men in FIJI have been such amazing role models to me in the organizations I’m involved in on campus. It has been such a blessing to be taken in as a pledge brother from the people who inspire me to be all that I can be. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? My favorite moment in FIJI was when my pledge brothers and I were greeted on bid day by our new brothers on the top of the hill! Carson Price Age: 19 and 8/12 Grade: Freshman Hometown: Paducah, KY Major/Minor: Double Major in Physics and Math College/High School Activities: Paducah Swim Team Member, Paducah Marlins Summer League Assistant Coach, High School Foreign Language Club, High School Beta Club, Eagle Scout of Troop One Paducah Kentucky, Assistant Scout Leader of Troop One Paducah Kentucky Why did you join FIJI? To experience brotherhood and lifelong friends, to be active in the community and on campus. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? Bid Night, Vanmeter Hill, and the in campus chapel ceremony. 4 Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. \r\nBraden Proffitt Age: 20 Grade: Sophomore Hometown: Vine Grove, KY Major/Minor: Elementary Education College/High School activities: High School- Varsity Tennis Team (5 Years), Varsity Bowling Team (1 Year), National Honor Society (2 Years), Beta Club (2 Years), Future Educators of America (1 Year), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (4 years) College- Honors Club Student Planning Board (2 Years), Honors College Student (2 Years), Member at Living Hope Baptist Church Why did you join FIJI? I’ve had more and more friends join FIJI every semester, and have heard nothing but positive things about it. I envied the brotherhood and fun times that they all talked about, and wanted to be a part of that. It is such a prestigious organization to be a part of, and I am impressed as to how respected FIJI has become in their few years here on campus. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? The night I signed my bid to finally be a FIJI was a great one. Our pledge class was handed a letter from the initiated brothers and told us to wait 10 minutes and head up to the top of the hill towards Van Meter Hall. Once we were there, our president gave us a short speech, and then all of the brothers came out from their hiding spots and swarmed us, singing songs, doing chants, and hugging us all and greeting us into the fraternity. I felt so happy to be there, and am still as confident in my decision to rush FIJI as I was in that awesome moment over a month ago. Brandon Pruitt Age: 19 Grade: Freshman Hometown: Bowling Green, KY Major/Minor: International Affairs, Spanish. Minor in Military Science College/High School activities: Intramural sports, begin ROTC in Fall, Varsity soccer and basketball Why did you join FIJI? to be around a wonderful group of guys that can only make myself better. What has been your favorite moment in FIJI? The awesome reception at the top of Van Meter Hall. 5 Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. \r\nGraduate Spotlight: Joshua Amos After graduating in the spring of 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Chi Eta Founding Father and recent graduate brother Joshua Amos has jumped right into the workforce in the Bluegrass. Amos is now working for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and lives in Bowling Green. Amos has remained active with the chapter since graduation and has participated in events such as Chi Eta’s Purple Run last fall, and the first Bowling Green graduate brothers event earlier in April. Brent Stephens recently caught up with Josh to talk with him about his current endeavors. is the rewarding part. Why did you study civil engineering? Was there anything in particular or anyone that motivated you to do what you’re doing? My older brother is a civil engineer and I enjoyed You recently started working with his passion the Kentucky Transportation Cabi- for his field of net, what is your job and what do you study. It also do? cultivated I’m an Engineer In Training for the that interest Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. I am in myself. currently transitioning into traffic signal operations. I will be responsible for What are some short and long term the phase planning and signal timing goals you have for yourself in your for the district. I feel very blessed for career in Engineering? the opportunity to step in that role. Short term, my goal is to come in everyday, give my best, treat those What have been some of your favor- I work with with respect, and continue ite and also most challenging mo- to learn. I try not to let the long term ments with your current job? aspect affect my career. I enjoy what I Learning the standards and the crit- do, but I don’t want to be absorbed in ical thinking skills necessary to work as my career. a transportation engineer is an awesome challenge. There’s always something What have you learned through your new to learn and there’s always some- time in Chi Eta that has helped you one to learn from. My favorite aspect of in your post-graduate life? the job is that I serve the public. HavThe biggest lessons for me came ing knowledge over a particular field through the actions and personalities of of study is wonderful, but using those my brothers. Guys like Bryan Hartzell skills to help benefit the general public and Dylan Ward teach me that strong people encourage and lift others up to reach their full potential. Guys like Tyler Jury and Cody Hutchins teach me that nothing can beat hard work and persistence. Guys like John Whitaker and Erin Pennington constantly teach me that even on your worst days, you must always be a loving friend to those around you because you never know what burdens people are carrying. The genius behind this fraternity (and what I believe is our greatest secret to success) is accountability. If you open yourself to it, your brothers will teach you so much. Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. 6 \r\nChi Etas Learning, Serving Across the Globe Pictured above is Central City senior Kaleb Moore (2014) during a winter term faculty-led study abroad trip to Kenya. During the two-week long trip, Moore, along with Spencer Wright (2014), helped run three local medical clinics in Kenya. They would triage patients for the doctors. Pictured above is Louisville senior Will Garcia (2014) at the Koko Head peak in O’hua Hawaii during a winter term study abroad trip. During the trip, the group collected various rock, sand and volcano samples for future testing. Pictured left are Glasgow freshman Jaytodd Ritchie (2017) on the left, and Owensboro freshman Austin Richards (2017) on the right, in front a Buddhist Pagoda, in Xi’an Beijing, China during their faculty-led winter term study abroad trip. Pictured right are Louisvile sophmores Sean Jacobson (2016), left, and Hayden Hickey (2016), right in London, England. Hickey and Jacobson are both currently studying in Harlaxton, England for the Spring semester. 7 Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. \r\nPictured above is Elizabethtown junior Evan Pennington (2015) during an Honors English winter term study abroad trip to Cuba. There Pennington studied Havana and Cuban history and problems Cuba is facing today, along with studying Cuban literature. Pictured above is Casey County senior Spencer Wright (2014) in Kenya on his faculty-led study abroad program Partners in Caring: Medicine in Kenya (PiC:MiK). In Kenya, Wright did his Honors research for his thesis along with the work that Moore did through the local clinics and doctors. Pictured right is Oldham County junior Zack Van Zant (2015) imitating a new friend during his three week winter term study abroad trip in Australia. Offered through the WKU Economics department, Van Zant and the group traveled throughout Australia and studied the Australian sports, beer, and wine industries and their impact on their communities. 8 Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. \r\nPictured left is Lexington senior Ryan Demuth (2014) in Australia. Demuth went on a study abroad trip through the WKU communications department where they traveled around Australia studying and seeing Australian culture and lifestyle. Demuth is also the first Chi Eta FIJI to step foot on the island of Fiji in the Pacific Ocean. Pictured below is Winchester senior Ben Harris (2014), along with Kaleb Moore in front of the Rathaus Marienplatz in Munich, Germany. Moore and Wright came through Munich on their way home to the states and got to meet up with Harris. Harris traveled independently and conducted research for his Honors thesis. Harris stayed in and around Munich during his time there. Pictured below is Owensboro senior Griffin Fruge (2014), who also accompanied Van Zant to Australia and was part of the study abroad trip from the WKU Economics department. Fruge has now been on three foreign continents, Asia, Europe and Australia, during his four years at WKU, and will be in South America following graduation in MAy. 9 Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. \r\nGraduate News Trip Carpenter, your 2014 WKU Coming Home King! Mitch White (WKU ‘10) married Courtney Yates on March 22nd in Nashville, TN. Nicholas Serroque (WKU ‘10) got engaged to Ashley Grueter on Dec. 17. Josh Wiseman (WKU ‘12) accepted a job offer in January to become the new Assistant Director of Expansion for Phi Gamma Delta. Wiseman will start in May after finishing two years serving as a Field Secretary for the Fraternity, where he traveled to different chapters across the country to monitor their well-being. Scott Burch (WKU ‘13) accepted a job offer as a Special Education Instructional Assistant at W. R. McNeil Elementary School in January. Corey Johnson (WKU’13) accepted a job offer with Alltech as part of their Job Development Program on January 13. Out of the 15 recent graduates selected for this year’s highly competitive program, Johnson was the only American student selected. Dylan Ward (WKU ‘13) recieved the Ogden Foundation Scholar Award in December at commencement, which is the highest honor given at commencement. Ward also started his new job as the Engineering Assistant for the City of Henderson, KY in January and will be married on July 5th to Hannah Blair. Chi Eta By the Numbers 73 Initiated Brothers 2 Brothers Abroad 63 Graduate Brothers 8 Pledge Brothers 2008 Chi Eta founded at WKU Have any 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) George and Jane Pennington (Parents) Blaine Routt (WKU `11) Josh Wiseman (WKU `12) Brad Stephens (WKU’13) Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence. 10