INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 Officer Reports 3 Alumni Update 4 Philanthropy 5 New Member
Profiles 6 Call to Action
beta theta pi alumni newsletter Virginia Tech Alpha Phi Chapter
Spring 2008
Volume 1
New and Improved Beta Tailgates On the morning of September 1st, 2007 the first of many successful alumni tailgates began at 6:00 am on a grassy knoll behind the south endzone of Lane Stadium. These social gatherings before football games brought crowds that numbered as large as 100, all gathering beneath the Beta flag. The crowd included L to R: Harrison Baker ’09, Keller Hardy ’09, Hec- undergraduates, alumni, sweethearts and guests, and tor Takahashi’10, and Eric Loffredo ’09 during one was the direct result of the energy, resources and exof the Chapter’s many alumni tailgates throughout pertise provided by many individuals. the fall. Doug Stewart ’83 graciously donated one of his premier parking spots in Lot 5. The prime location, which can be seen in the picture to the right, allowed for the tailgate crowd to have a short walk to the stadium entrances after enjoying plenty of food and brotherhood together. The tailgates served as wonderful brotherhood functions where the undergraduates were able to meet and get to know some of the alumni. Food served at these tailgates included grilled chicken, London broil, hamburgers, hotdogs and the crowd-pleasing beef tenderloins. Of course, a tailgate wouldn’t be complete without desserts provided by Charlie Comer ’75. Comer, along with Gary Weddle ’83, Matt Penny ’10 and many oth- Lane Stadium with the Beta flag soaring nearby. The photo was taken from the ers worked diligently behind the scenes to provide a seamless reun- alumni tailgate location. ion experience for each of the many tailgates.
Α Φ
“We just couldn’t have gotten the tailgate done with the success it had if it wasn’t for the alumni,” Penny commented. “Waking up with me at 5:30 am, setting everything up, contacting the alumni, preparing logistics and staying for the entire day proved that Charlie and Gary’s devotion to the Alpha Phi is truly lifelong.” Penny went on to say, “On behalf of the entire Alpha Phi Chapter, I would like to thank everyone who attended and helped support the Beta Theta Pi Tailgates. Definitely look for these tailgates in the future.” - M. Penny
Message from the President Dear Brothers, It has been my pleasure to meet several of you at the football tailgates and other events through my time here. I look forward to more interactions.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Tailgates 3 Alumni Update 4 Philanthropy 5 New Member
Profiles 6 Call to Action
Since being initiated in January 2006, I have served the Chapter in a variety of ways. I served on term as treasurer and took an active role with the Kai Committee. I have also taken it upon myself to gain leadership training and experience through various opportunities offered by the General Fraternity, including: The John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle The Peter F. Greiner Leadership College at the 168th General Convention (Orlando, Fla.) Keystone Regional Leadership Conference The Miller Nichols Chapter President’s Leadership Academy I am involved with Baptist Collegiate Ministries and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In 2010, I will finish with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in business. The State of the Chapter The Alpha Phi has made it a point to come back to the ritual and live by the Three Great Principles and Seven Obligations that separate Beta Theta Pi from any other fraternity. Through this, we hope to continue to excel in academics, establish a well-known philanthropy and work to recruit men of principle that will make our chapter last. I am confident that Beta Theta Pi will continue to make a lasting impression on the Virginia Tech campus. This will happen due to the excellent executive team behind me. On behalf of the undergraduate brothers, it is my hope that you remain in communication with our chapter and its endeavors over this next year, proudly embracing, “Thank God, I’m a Virginia Tech Beta!” Yours in ____kai____, Danny Raynes ’10, #636 draynes@vt.edu
Message from the House Manager Greetings from the Beta Theta Pi House! I am honored to be your new house manager for the upcoming year. Currently, I am a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. I plan to help make some big changes while in my position. We currently have 11 brothers living in the house, most of whom are juniors. New tile was put down on the kitchen floor at the beginning of the semester, and we are very proud at how it looks! Painting was also done throughout the inside of the house by one of our current members. In addition, we were able to power wash the house at the beginning of last year.
Α Φ
New doors and locks for the front and back doors are currently being looked into replacing. We also are considering getting a new washer and dryer. If you have any suggestions or ideas about how we can improve the quality of our house, please feel free to contact me! With your support, we can continue to make this house look like one of the best ones on campus! Yours in _kai_ Kenny Raynes ’10, #637 raynes09@vt.edu
Page 2
Alumni Update Dear Alumni of the Alpha Phi, I would like to formally introduce myself as the newly elected Vice President and Alumni Chair for the upcoming term.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Tailgates 2 Officer Reports 4 Philanthropy 5 New Member
Profiles 6 Call to Action
It is my desired goal to substantially improve the relation between the undergraduates and the alumni of this chapter. In the past we have done a poor job of staying connected with you and showing you how much this chapter can benefit from having everyone of you continue to support and be an active part of this organization. One of my main goals is to provide any means possible to maintain and support a positive connection between the undergrads and the alumni. Since taking the position we have already sent thank you cards to each alumni who attend a Beta Tailgate, sent holiday greeting postcards and have sent invitations for the Inaugural Alumni Banquet. These are only the beginnings of what I hope to be positive initiatives to keep the alumni of this chapter continuously involved. Through attending the Institute for Men of Principle over the summer and just recently returning from the Keystone Regional Leadership Conference I have many ideas that the undergraduates can do to help support and be the backbone for the relationship with the alumni. I ask that if you have any questions, concerns, or comments to please feel free to get in direct contact with me. (mpenny@vt.edu; 804-387-7191) We are always looking for ideas or constructive criticism for anything you may feel needs to be addressed. Once again thank you to every alumni who made an appearance at the tailgates; I look forward to seeing you and many others there again next fall. Yours in __kai__, Matthew Penny ’10, #655 mpenny@vt.edu
Bridge Builder / Silver Seal Banquet Help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the initiation class of 1983 on Sunday, April 20. Please join us for a brunch banquet where they will be recognized for helping to Build the Bridge for today’s successes. In addition to the banquet the Chapter will host a tailgate before the spring game on Saturday, April 19. RSVP to Matt Penny (mpenny@vt.edu) for the banquet by March 30. If attending, please mail a check payable to Beta Theta Pi for the number of plates needed at the celebration brunch. If for some reason you have not received a formal invitation in the mail, please email Matt Penny with your correct address and you will get one immediately.
Banquet
Α Φ
Tailgate
When: Sunday April 20, 2008 @ 10am
When: Saturday April 19, 2008 @ 8am
Where: The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Where: Lot 5 Space 1. Located behind the South End Zone. Look for the Beta Flag
Cost: $25 per plate
Page 3
Beta Bowling
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Tailgates 2 Officer Reports 3 Alumni Update 5 New Member
Profiles 6 Call to Action
The first philanthropy event of the year will the Second Beta Bowling Tournament. The first time this event was done, 12 of the 13 sororities participated and had a wonderful time. Nothing less is expected this year. Teams will be composed of sorority women from each chapter and will be paired with two Beta undergraduates to act as coaches for this event. These women will earn points for their team throughout the week by various activities and individual donations on behalf of their team. Points will also be awarded to the teams with the highest score. All these points will come together to determine the overall Beta Bowling winner. We are planning on holding this event in early April at the bowling lanes in Christiansburg, so this should provide sufficient time for organizations to organize their teams and get ready to have a wonderful time. Not only will Beta Bowling be a great and successful philanthropy but will also serve as a brotherhood activity where all of us can come enjoy ourselves and support a good cause. Any money fundraised will go to the Lupus Foundation of America in supporting one of our brothers, Kenny Raynes, who is currently dealing with the minor stages of Lupus.
Hokie Idol Currently in the initial phases of the creation process, the Alpha Phi Chapter is proud to announce the next big philanthropic endeavor, Hokie Idol. Modeled after the hit television show “American Idol,” this event will be specifically geared towards the Virginia Tech audience/ Potential judging candidates for this competition include a producer for a record company, Roanoke’s Hot 100 FM DJ and an entertainment writer from a local newspaper. This will turn into a big event that is open to everyone to compete and watch the twelve finalist perform for the top spot of Hokie Idol. The winner of this competition will be awarded the opportunity to record a single song with the local record company and have their song be played over the air through Hot 100 radio station. The local entertainment writer will do a write-up in the paper on the event as well as a biography on the winner. All the money raised will be donated to the American Red Cross.
Α Φ Page 4
New Members: Spring 2008
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Tailgates 2 Officer Reports 3 Alumni Update 4 Philanthropy 6 Call to Action
Ryan Jennings Minter ’10 Major: Marketing Hometown: Roanoke, Va. He has been participating in Civil War reenactments for a total of 9 years.
Thomas Lynch Minor ’10 Major: Urban Affairs and Public Planning; Environmental Policy and Planning Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va. He is a member of Pi Alpha Delta, a pre-law society. Enjoys fishing and playing golf.
Alexander William King ’11 Major: Civil Engineering Hometown: Sterling, Va. He enjoys cooking and has lived in France for two years.
Tyler Harrison Welsh ’11 Major: Undecided Hometown: Blacksburg, Va. He is a member of the Triathlon Club and enjoys playing the drums
Armando Trevino Ramos ’11 Major: Psychology Hometown: Westminster, Md. He is a member of the marching Virginians and is in the drum line.
Α Φ Page 5
Call to Action Housing Corporation Initiative
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Tailgates 2 Officer Reports 3 Alumni Update 4 Philanthropy 5 New Member
Profiles
The Beta of Blacksburg Housing Corporation has started an initiative to substantially reduce or eliminate the rest of the outstanding mortgage owed on the current Beta Theta Pi house. It is the goal of the organization to payoff the current house in hopes of moving to a new location and building a new house for the fraternity located in the Oak Lane community where a majority of the other fraternities and sororities currently reside. You may be contacted by a fellow Alumni Brother asking for your assistance in any means you are able to provide.
Pat Green Concert The undergraduate brothers of Beta Theta Pi ask for your support in helping us to bring a major music performer to the Virginia Tech campus. Pat Green is a country music star and brother of Beta Theta Pi from Texas Tech University. This concert will not only help to raise funds for the American Red Cross, but will help to promote the Chapter across campus and the surrounding Southwest Virginia community. This major concert would also greatly assist us in the number of potential members looking to join our fraternity next fall. The concert would be presented by Beta Theta Pi and will cost approximately $40,000. Ticket sales will cover much of the event, but upfront money is required in order to get the concert started. We are asking that you assist us in any possible way you can or be able to give us the name of a company or corporation who might be willing to sponsor this concert. Please feel free to visit www.patgreen.com to learn more about the artist. If you can assist us in anyway, have questions, or have any ideas please contact Matt Penny (mpenny@vt.edu) who is actively heading up task of bringing this performer to campus.
Α Φ
Pat Green: Major Country Artist who sings hit songs such as “Way Back Texas,” “Wave on Wave,” and “Feels Just Like It Should”
Page 6