VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
THE BRIDGE BUILDER CONNECTING WITH ALUMNI, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS OF THE ETA EPSILON CHAPTER OF BETA THETA PI AT JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY
The Roll Expands
Chapter initiates 13 new brothers On Friday, November 20, we welcomed 13 new initiates into the lifelong brotherhood of Beta Theta Pi and the Eta Epsilon Chapter. The initiation of the Omicron Class came approximately two months after they were first inducted following a successful recruitment period led by Vice President for Recruitment Richie Jenkins ’18. The highlight of the recruitment period was the annual pasta dinner, when a dozen alumni came back to campus to show their support of the chapter. This class hails from six different states, one of our most geographically diverse classes in our young history. Two of the 13 are sophomores while the rest are freshmen. Most of this class is currently planning to major in one of the business fields. After an education period led by VP for Member Education Brent GibalaBroxholm ’17, they were all judged to be men of high character, and truly exemplify the principles and values we hold dear. Freshman Ryan McGowan was first in his class, earning roll #0137. Learn more about Ryan and the rest of the Omicron Class on pages 4-5.
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Brothers R. Jenkins, A. Friedman, D. Gault, D. Mascio, and R. Del Rosario
Friedman, Gault headline Men of Principle Scholarship Reception The Men of Principle Scholarship is an excellent way to reward incoming freshmen for their stellar performance in high school and their ongoing dedication to the cultivation of intellect. However, the scholarship also has a lot of potential to be a strong recruitment tactic. This was an area of untapped potential for our chapter. In an effort to expand our efforts in recruitment, we held a banquet for every applicant to this scholarship. With the help of our advisor, Dr. Scott Allen, and the hard work of the entire chapter, this event exceeded expectations. We had about 50 applications and nearly 25 of these individuals attended the banquet. Held in our Dolan Science Center Atrium, the event was catered and featured two speakers: one of our founding fathers, Douglas Gault ’09, and a
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT FUNDRAISING UPDATE A SEMESTER OF FUN MEET THE NEW INITIATES
2 3 3 4
CONVENTION RECAP ADVISORY TEAM MAKEOVER SNAPS AND SHOUT-OUTS CATCHING UP WITH BENCE TOTH
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
6 7 7 8
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
A Letter from the President Daniel P. Mascio ’16 Brothers, Alumni, Family, and Friends,
its most successful recruitments in our storied history. This is a direct reflection of our members’ dedication and passion for helping this chapter grow. We have also placed a higher emphasis on fundraising, and have made great strides in improving our methods in that regard. Jacob Bandeen ’16 has played a vital role in providing opportunities for our chapter to sustain financial competency, and has truly dedicated himself to the chapter. We look forward to brainstorming more creative ways in which the chapter can raise funds for the coming year.
As the Fall 2015 semester comes to a close, I address you one last time as President of the Eta Epsilon Chapter. It’s been quite the year for us, and I am extremely excited to share updates with you all! In the past year, Eta Epsilon has made some significant changes to our Chapter. We have focused heavily on education, and have held the honor of highest fraternity GPA for the past two semesters. We look to continue this dedication to intellectual growth through proper utilization of our study lounge and academic assistance plans. We were also honored to award Nick Orlando ’11 with our annual Outstanding Alumnus Award for his hard work and dedication toward the setting up of our new Housing Corp! Congratulations, brother! Lastly, and most importantly, we’ve put an emphasis on brotherhood. Morale has improved drastically within the Chapter, and it’s no surprise to see that morale carry over to everything that we do as a group. It’s been exciting and refreshing to see everyone working toward Chapter goals as a unified front. Over the past summer, Eta Epsilon sent six brothers to the 176th General Convention in Orlando, FL. It was there that we were awarded with our fourth Francis H. Sisson Award for Chapter Excellence and fourth Excellence in Risk Management award. This was an exciting moment for our Chapter, and it was an incredibly profound opportunity for our brothers to see their hard work pay off. I promise you all that Eta Epsilon will strive to do even better in the coming year. Coming off of a Spring semester where we made a return to the annual Greek Week competitions, achieved the highest GPA among fraternities, and dedicated over 800 hours to service, we have only improved ourselves even further. This Fall has been the best semester for Eta Epsilon in a long time. Led by our Vice President for Recruitment, Richard Jenkins ’18, the Chapter had one of
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
2
On a final note, I would like to thank everyone who has supported this chapter over these past years. It has been with the utmost honor and privilege that I have had the opportunity to serve this great group of men for the past 20 months. From where we started, to where we are now, this chapter has blown all expectations out of the water. Words cannot express how proud I am to call Eta Epsilon my home and these members my Brothers. Being President has taught me a lot, and it has given me opportunities that I never thought could come from being in a fraternity. From lifelong friendships to professional development, I owe much of my college successes to Beta Theta Pi, and more specifically to the men who have come through this chapter. I saw Eta Epsilon at some of its worst times, and I have had the unique opportunity to help it grow to its best. Handing over that gavel on December 6 will mark an end to a chapter of my life that has had an enormous impact, but I know that the chapter will be in great hands. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store, and I hope that I can come back to John Carroll in the years to come to see a chapter that is even better than when I left it. Thank you to everyone who has believed in this chapter, and who has pushed us to better ourselves as gentlemen, leaders, and scholars.
SAMUEL J. ALAI ’18
VOLUME VII, ISSUE 1 SUMMER/FALL 2015
VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATION
THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ETA EPSILON CHAPTER OF BETA THETA PI
COMMUNICATION ADVISOR
JOEL W. MULLNER ’07
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
Yours in ___kai___, Daniel Mascio
CONTRIBUTORS:
IMMER S. CHRISWELL ’16 DANIEL P. MASCIO ’16 SAMUEL E. SMITH ’18 PIERCE J. SRAIL ’19
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
Fundraising Update Eta Epsilon finds some new ways to raise money Our new fundraising chair, Jack Bandeen, implemented a number of new tactics to help the Eta Epsilon chapter raise its funds. This year, the Eta Epsilon chapter partnered with Jake’s father’s construction company, Bandeen Building and Restoration, to raise the money needed for our annual initiation trip to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. With BBR, we completed a vinyl siding job in Sylvania, Ohio, and built decks for an apartment complex in
Defiance, Ohio. Similar to previous years, we also did fall yard cleanups for staff and faculty of John Carroll University as well as residents of the University Heights community. This year’s fundraising has been an overall success, earning the brothers of Eta Epsilon nearly $2,000 in donated money. The money raised by the gentlemen, leaders, and scholars of Beta will be put to good use in the coming year. Great job, brothers!
(Above) Brothers Nick Baker and Jake Bandeen hard at work. (Left) Brother Jake Rayl looking the part while working on a vinyl siding project.
$2,000 Raised in Fall 2015
Semester of Fun Mixers, date parties, and more made it an enjoyable semester for all This semester, our Vice President for Programming, Jake Rayl ’18, put on many events for the men of Eta Epsilon to enjoy. With the help of Joe Weber ’17, who served as both our VP for Brotherhood and Social Chair, Brother Rayl planned and put on three mixers, the Father-Son Outing, and our movie-themed Date Dance. Each of the mixers was a success, with each one better than the last; as the semester went on, more brothers came to the events, making them even more fun. Our Father-Son Outing, as always, was an absolute blast; while a few of our culinary brothers manned the grill, the chapter held a cornhole tournament, which ended with Richard Jenkins and his father beating our chapter president (and Richard’s big brother), Dan Mascio. Our Date Dance was a major success; the chapter as a whole had an absolute blast dressing up as their favorite movie pairs with their respective dates. This semester’s programming was absolutely amazing, and we cannot wait to see what is in store for the spring!
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
3
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
Congratulations to the Omicron Class! Initiated on Friday, November 20, 2015
Ryan McGowan ’19
Keegan Kennedy ’19
Pittsburgh, PA Finance
Chicago, IL Management
Involvement: Building
Involvement: Crew Team Biggest Hobby: Rowing Favorite movie:
Hope in the City, IM Sports Biggest Hobby: Golf Favorite movie: The Godfather
Braveheart
Mike Rajka ’18
John Sosnowski ’19
Parma, OH Marketing
Grand Island, NY International Business
Involvement:
Involvement: Student Union, SUPB, Paranormal Society, French Club, Allies Biggest Hobby: Camping Favorite movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Orientation Leader, IM Referee Biggest Hobby: Music Favorite movie: Tommy Boy
Joe Monahan ’19
LJ Spangenburg ’19
Denver, CO Marketing
Falconer, NY Management and Logistics
Involvement: SUPB, Rhapsody Blue
Involvement: Finance
Biggest Hobby: Ukulele Favorite movie: World
Association
War Z
Weightlifting
Biggest Hobby: Favorite movie: We Were Soldiers
4
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
Brenan Betro ’19
Matt Bocketti ’19
Akron, OH Communication
Northville, MI Finance and Economics
Involvement: Carroll News,
Involvement: Club
Club Volleyball, JCTV Biggest Hobby: Following sports Favorite movie: Pursuit of Happiness
Volleyball, Campus Ministry, Investment Club Biggest Hobby: Baseball Favorite movie: Field of Dreams
Zach Chapman ’19
Austin Dunlop ’19
Toledo, OH Economics
Detroit, MI Logistics
Involvement: Pep Band, Carroll Faith Communities Biggest Hobby: Hiking, canoeing Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
Involvement: SUPB Biggest Hobby: Playing FIFA
Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction
Nick Travis ’18
Pierce Srail ’19
Westerville, OH Management
North Olmsted, OH Business
Involvement: Alpha Kappa
Involvement: Pep Band,
Psi
Student Union, CSSA, JCTV
Biggest Hobby: Video
Biggest Hobby:
games
Videography
Favorite movie: Dark Knight
Favorite movie: Track: The Movie
Thomas Tritt ’19 Louisville, OH Accountancy
Involvement: Jazz Band, SUPB, Pep Band Biggest Hobby: Playing trumpet Favorite movie: Star Wars
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
5
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
Hudson elected president Brother Will Hudson ’17 was elected to serve as the president of the Student Union, John Carroll’s student government organization. Will had previously served as a senator and vice president for student organizations. This is the third consecutive year and fourth time in five years that a Beta has been elected to the post, following in the recent footsteps of Greg Petsche ’13, Tim Ficke ’15, and Cole Hassay ’16.
Eta Epsilon brothers at Convention with Sen. Richard Lugar, Denison ’54
Convention Recap Brothers spent time this summer in Orlando During the summer, the chapter sent six brothers to the 176th Convention at the Renaissance Orlando. Brothers Immer Chriswell ’16, Brent GibalaBroxholm ’17, Jake Bandeen ’16, Deane Stillwagon ’17, Richie Jenkins ’18, and Tony Dempsey ’17 were all in attendance alongside District Chief and advisor Joe Chinnici, Ohio State ’64, and JCU professor Scott Allen, Minnesota ’95, who serves on Beta’s Board of Directors. Throughout the weekend, a revised convention format saw four different “tracks” that 350 undergraduates were divided into, as well as an “innovation” track; Brother Richie Jenkins was selected to take part in this new track for up-and-coming leaders. Highlights of the weekend included Eta Epsilon winning two awards, including Excellence in Risk Management, as well as the chapter’s fourth Sisson Award. Following the Sisson Award, the brothers were treated to a speech from the 80th recipient of the Oxford Cup, Brother Geoff Mason, Duke ’63, a 25-time Emmy recipient and senior producer for ESPN. It was a memorable weekend indeed, and we look forward to the 177th Convention in Oklahoma City!
Men of Principle Scholarship Continued from Page 1 Louisville Beta who is currently a CNN Broadcaster, Avery Friedman. They spoke on the incredible opportunities Beta Theta Pi provided them and how this fraternity opened doors they never felt imaginable. The event conveyed how hard work in college can lead to successful lives in the professional world and how Beta can help lay the foundation of excellence both in and out of the classroom. It also allowed our chapter to make connections with freshmen that were entirely new to the concept of fraternities and formerly against Greek Life. The banquet was one of our strongest recruitment events and helped us achieve a pledge class of 13 men, one of the highest our chapter has seen.
10
This year’s recipient of the Men of Principle Scholarship was LJ Spangenburg, pictured center.
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
Advisory Team Makeover A year of transition within the Eta Epsilon advisory team This year was one of transition for the Eta Epsilon Chapter, as several long-time advisors decided to step away, making way for many new advisors to enter the chapter. We want to extend a huge thank you to Brothers Ric Eickhoff, Eric Eickhoff, Dr. Scott Allen, and Matt Crimmins, as well as Friends of Beta Dr. Kathleen Lis Dean and Dr. Andy Welki, who have all had a huge impact on the chapter during their tenures. Both Ric Eickhoff and Kathleen Dean have been recognized as outstanding volunteers within the North Central Region of Beta Theta Pi, so they leave big shoes to fill. We would like to welcome several new advisors that have joined us in the past year or taken on new roles, including new chapter counselor and Friend of Beta Haley Seeley, new risk management advisor LTC Kevin Wallace, fundraising advisor Kate Davis, scholarship advisor Dr. Mark Storz, recruitment advisor Patrick McDermott, and new Leadership Consultant Ryan Del Rosario. We are also happy to welcome back two of our own, Andy Lane ’12 and Mark Ehrbar ’12. Andy advises brotherhood while Mark advises programming. We look forward to working with all of our new advisors to make Eta Epsilon great for years to come!
Snaps and Shout-Outs Celebrating accomplishments and life events of our members Former two-term chapter president John Jackson ’13 returned to the Cleveland area after teaching for two years in Oakland, California. John graduated with his Master’s of Education from the University of Notre Dame and now teaches fifth and sixth grade math at Lakewood Catholic Academy.
John Jackson
Ben Rossi ’13 wed his Beta Sweetheart, Sarah Skiviat, this fall. It was a storybook wedding and over 20 Betas were in attendance. Ben’s best man was John Jackson ’13 and groomsmen included Nick Skiviat ’12, Andy Lane ’12, Bill Worms ’12, Greg Petsche ’13, and Rich Mazzola ’13. May you enjoy many years of wedded bliss! Two other Betas recently tied the knot. Founding Father and former advisor Peter Poznako ’09 wed his Sweetheart, Emily, in October. Another founding father, and #2 on Eta Epsilon’s rolls, Peter Niro ’09, got married late this summer to his Sweetheart, Angela. Congrats to all on your future lives together!
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
Congratulations to Nick Skiviat ’12 and his Beta Sweetheart, Jeanne (pictured left), newly engaged to be married! In other engagement news, Matt Ansec ’15 recently popped the question to his girlfriend, Rachelle. We wish you both the best!
11
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1
Catching Up with Bence Toth ’14 Zeta Class and Former Officer
Bence Toth ’14 holds #63 on the roll of the Eta Epsilon Chapter, and was initiated with the Zeta Class in November 2010. During his time as an undergraduate, Bence served two terms as risk manager before becoming the IFC President. He also attended a number of Beta Theta Pi’s leadership development programs. The Bridge Builder recently had an opportunity to catch up with Bence to learn how Beta has made a difference in his life.
BB: How has Beta affected who you are today? Bence: The values, experiences, and responsibilities that I had during my time in Beta laid groundwork for post-grad adult life. I certainly would not be the same person that I am today had I not joined.
BB: What is your favorite Beta memory? Bence: My favorite Beta memory would be my senior year Beta formal at Landerhaven.
BB: What do you miss most about JCU or Beta? Bence: I missing being able to walk down the hall and talk to anyone at any time. Graduating from college is a great thing, but life gets really
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
lonely really quickly when you’re used to being around your closest friends and brothers for four years and then it just stops suddenly.
BB: What is one piece of advice you would pass on to an undergraduate? Bence: One piece of advice that I would give is to enjoy every single moment of your college career and active membership—good and bad— because once you walk across that stage and get your diploma, that’s it. None of what you experienced in the past four years will ever happen again. Take this as you will, but you’ll understand what I’m talking about when you come back to campus after you’ve graduated; it’s going to feel really weird being there.
INTELLECTUAL GROWTH
TRUST
Bence Toth
RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT
INTEGRITY
Eta Epsilon Chapter John Carroll University 1 John Carroll Boulevard University Heights, Ohio 44118
www.facebook.com/JCUBetas
12
www.twitter.com/JCUBetas
WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG
www.youtube.com/JCUBetas