Summer 2009
Volume 1, Issue 1
The Bridge Builder Connecting with Alumni, Families, & Friends of Beta
Inside this Issue: From the President’s Desk Colony welcomes Gamma Class Spring 2009 News & Accomplishments
The Newsletter of the John Carroll University Colony of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
JCU Colony Sends Off Eight Founding Fathers On Friday, May 1, the John Carroll Colony of Beta Theta Pi gathered at the home of chapter counselor Ric Eickhoff to bid farewell to eight graduating seniors, all founding fathers. In an emotional senior ceremony, each was given the opportunity to address the group and impart his final words of wisdom. A little about each graduate: Ryan Schoonmaker earned his B.S. in Chemistry and is staying at JCU to pursue a Master’s degree; he will be a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Activities. Matt Wooters earned his B.A. in Political Science and will be serving as the Director of Religious Education in Punta Gorda, Belize as part of Jesuit Volunteers International for two years. Peter Niro graduated summa cum laude with a B.S.B.A. in Finance and is entering an analyst rotation program with Progressive Insurance. Tim McCormick Our Eight Brothers from the Class of 2009: Matt Wooters, Christopher DiNapoli, Peter Poznako, Tim McCormick, earned his B.A. in Sociology and will attend the Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, FL. Peter Niro, Ryan Schoonmaker, Doug Gault, Jimmy Treon Christopher DiNapoli earned his B.S. in Psychology, moved to Florida with his family, and was accepted into the Fire Academy. Jimmy Treon, who graduated with a B.A. in Exercise Science, is a dental assistant in his hometown in Arizona. Peter Poznako earned his B.S.E. in Economics and is starting as an operations analyst with Key Bank. Doug Gault graduated with his B.A. in Political Science and will attend Thomas Cooley Law School. Doug was recognized as the first ever “Greek of the Week” this spring, and along with Matt Wooters, was honored with the 2009 Outstanding Student Leader Award.
Beta Claims First Greek Week Title
Beta Theta Pi took first place in the following categories and events of Greek Week 2009:
Lip Sync Variety Show Kickball Water Polo Dodgeball
Human Pyramid Atrium Banner Brotherhood Scholarship Emerging Leader
In just its second year of existence on campus, Beta Theta Pi claimed its first Greek Week title. The colony took first place in ten categories. Ryan Schoonmaker ‘09 served as Greek Week Committee Co-Chairperson and in that role revamped many of the written policies and procedures governing the week’s affairs. Senior Tim McCormick, who was one of Beta’s representatives to the Greek Week Committee with Brian Overberger ‘11, was named the 2009 Greek Week “Most Honorable Man” for his dedication and commitment to ensuring that every last detail of the week went smoothly. He follows in Schoonmaker’s footsteps, who won the inaugural recognition in 2008. Beta Theta Pi successfully defended its coveted title as Lip Sync Champions with this year’s theme, “Betalympics.” The colony also brought the house down during the Variety Show with a combination rap with original lyrics and “Stomp”-like percussion routine. Special thanks for the work on these two performances goes out to Peter Niro ‘09, Peter Poznako ‘09, Doug Gault ‘09, Craig Thomas ‘11, and choreographer/Beta Sweetheart Ciara Mastin. Both performances are available for viewing on YouTube or the colony’s website, www.jcubetas.org. Congrats also go out to Jurell Sison ‘10, named as this year’s interfraternal emerging leader.