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.
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The Bridge Builder: Connecting with Alumni, Families, & Friends of Beta
From the President’s Desk
Colony President J.J. Kuczynski ‘10 (right) pictured with Colony Vice President Andrew Kolupski ‘10
While at Keystone in Philadelphia this February, JCU Betas were presented with: Northeast Leadership Development Award Northeast Outstanding Regional Beta Volunteer Award to Chapter Counselor Ric Eickhoff
It is an exciting and eventful time to be a Beta at John Carroll University. Despite the inevitable stresses and strains that come with college life, the Betas have continued to be shining examples of what it means to be gentlemen, leaders, and scholars. As these pages demonstrate, Beta Theta Pi at JCU has become a symbol for academic excellence, service-oriented commitment, and responsible personal conduct. This past semester saw Beta taking part in its second annual Mothers’ Tea, volunteering for the second year at an American Red Cross blood drive, and successfully planning and enjoying the first ever Beta Formal at Mayfield Country Club. In addition, Beta earned its first ever Greek Week Championship during the fun-filled week of Greek competitions while taking part in the Relay For Life immediately following. Although this past year was full of success, growth, and development, a new school year approaches and will undoubtedly present its share of challenges. However, the men of Beta are more prepared and enthusiastic than ever. The executive committee took part in a day-long planning session at the home of Ric Eickhoff, our chapter counselor. As a result, the semester schedule has been solidified, goals have been made clear, and the “Beta Spirit” is flying high. Also, at this summer’s General Convention in
Phoenix, Arizona, the John Carroll Betas were recognized with three awards: the Virginia Tech Academics Award, the Award for Excellence in Risk Management, and the Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Award. This upcoming year is said to be the “year of the charter” due to the fact the colony is right on pace with the General Fraternity’s recommendation to receive its charter in the summer of 2010 in Washington D.C. at the 171st General Convention to officially become a chapter of Beta Theta Pi. As a preview of what is to come in the approaching semester, the Beta colony has scheduled its annual Carroll’s Got Talent philanthropic event, has compiled a list of incredible service opportunities, has committed to a wide array of campus events, has made plans to travel to Oxford, Ohio to initiate new members at Miami University, and has coordinated with sororities for social mixers. In closing, I would like to personally thank you for taking the time to read and view the John Carroll Betas’ newsletter and I would like to welcome the new group of alumni that we have gained as a result of last year’s graduation. - J.J. Kuczynski ‘10
Colony President
Colony Welcomes Five New Brothers from the Gamma Class
The five newest members of the JCU Colony of Beta Theta Pi, pictured above with Member Educator Jurell Sison, Assistant Member Educator Andy Lane, and Member Education Advisor Joel Mullner.
On Thursday, April 16, five new brothers were initiated into membership of Beta Theta Pi. They had been under the guidance and instruction of Member Educator Jurell Sison ‘10 and Assistant Member Educator Andy Lane ‘12 for a period of eight weeks, which included a weekend brotherhood retreat at nearby Carrollodge. There, they learned about fraternity history, baked cookies for each of the five campus sororities, and participated in trust-building exercises. We offer our sincere congratulations and welcome to the following:
Nick Skiviat ‘12, biology/pre-med major from Steubenville, OH Brian Pestotnik ‘12, accounting major from Highland Heights, OH Chris Shaheen ‘12, business major from Rochester, NY Chris Romeo ‘11, management major from Willoughby, OH Steve Fedyk ‘12, management major from Fairport, NY
Volume 1, Issue 1
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News & Accomplishments Spring 2009 brought with it many phenomenal achievements, both on behalf of the colony and its members. Listed below are news and accomplishments from Beta Theta Pi this semester: Schoonmaker gains international attention
Beta takes 2008 Greek Organization of the Year
Senior Ryan Schoonmaker was highlighted as one of six finalists for the Beta Theta Pi Undergraduate of the Year honor in the Fraternity’s recent Spring 2009 issue of The Beta Theta Pi. Schoonmaker was nominated because of his work with the colony’s founding as vice president, drafting a constitution and much more.
In its first year of eligibility, Beta Theta Pi was recognized in January as the 2008 Greek Organization of the Year. The colony hopes to build on this honor and shoot for Organization of the Year next year!
Niro wins Beaudry Award Peter Niro kept the Beaudry Award in the Beta family for 2009, winning the honor after a vote from his peers. The Beaudry Award, the only award presented at Commencement, recognizes one senior for outstanding leadership, academic achievement, service to the University and/or greater community, and commitment to Christian values. Niro follows in the footsteps of Patrick Carpenter ‘08, who received the award last year. Congratulations also go out to Matt Wooters ‘09, another of this year’s finalists.
Colony keeps title at top of fraternity GPA rankings Beta maintained its position as the fraternity with the highest GPA for the fourth consecutive semester in spring 2009.
Order of Omega welcomes 3 On April 29, three Betas were inducted into membership of Order of Omega, a Greek leadership honorary society — Doug Gault ‘09, Jurell Sison ‘10, and Andrew Vogel ‘11.
Ryan Schoonmaker ‘09
Betas orient freshmen Betas rule the Emerging Leader Program Five brothers were participants in this semester’s Emerging Leader Program. Congrats to Steve Fedyk, Andy Lane, Brian Overberger, Brian Pestotnik, and Nick Skiviat. Andrew Vogel and Craig Thomas, ELP graduates from last year, assisted with some of this semester’s sessions, and senior Ryan Schoonmaker served as a cofacilitator for a session on collaboration.
Committed to Community The Colony continued its commitment to the community, volunteering in February for the area’s largest blood drive with the American Red Cross and in March and April teaching kickball to adults with mental and developmental disabilities. They also acted as campus guides for the Class of 2013 Celebration and raised $1,000 for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.
Craig Thomas ‘11 was selected to serve on this summer’s New Student Orientation staff after a very competitive hiring process. Congrats Craig! We also had 3 brothers—Bill Worms, Vince DeGeorge, and Andrew Vogel—accepted to be Streak Week Assistance Team (SWAT) Leaders, who will help with move-in day and fall orientation for the Class of 2013.
Peter Niro ‘09
Brothers continuing tradition of campus leadership Many thanks go to Andrew Kolupski ‘10 and Peter Poznako ‘09 for their roles on the 2009 Relay For Life leadership team.
Kickball Instruction, April 2009
This fall, Jurell Sison ‘10 and Brian Pestotnik ‘12 will take on major campus leadership roles as resident assistants. Three brothers will also be the face of JCU as tour guides in our Office of Admission. Congrats to Andy Lane ‘12, Nick Skiviat ‘12, and Greg Sloat ‘12.
Betas volunteering at the Class of 2013 Celebration
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The Bridge Builder: Connecting with Alumni, Families, & Friends of Beta
Coming Soon!
Save the Dates!
Starting with the next issue of The Bridge Builder, we will spotlight an alumnus from the colony, informing our readers of what he has been doing since graduation and the impact that Beta has had on his life thus far. Have a suggestion for the first alumnus to highlight? Contact Alumni Relations Chair Jeff Bradish at jbradish10@jcu.edu.
John Carroll University Colony 20700 North Park Boulevard University Heights, OH 44118
Check us out online at:
www.jcubetas.org
Beta Theta Pi will hit the ground running again this fall. Be sure to mark your calendars!
Formal Recruitment Sunday-Thursday, September 13-17, 2009 Carroll’s Got Talent Friday, October 2, 2009 Homecoming & Beta Alumni Reunion Saturday, October 10, 2009 Parents & Family Weekend Beta BBQ Saturday, October 24, 2009 Initiation of the Delta Class in Oxford, OH Saturday, November 22, 2009
Carroll’s Got Talent, the university-wide talent show featuring students, faculty, and staff, will again be presented by the gentlemen of Beta Theta Pi, this year on Friday, October 2, 2009 in Kulas Auditorium. The inaugural event in fall 2008 was wildly successful with 10 acts performing and $700 raised! All proceeds will continue to benefit the colony’s local philanthropy, the Center for Autism at the Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Institute & Children’s Hospital. We hope to see you there!
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