Spring 09 - Phiota Magazine

PHIOTA! T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F P H I I O T A A L P H A F R A T E R N I T Y, I N C .

SPRING 2009

Distiguish Lecture Series

Phiotas in the Community

with Vicent e Fox

The 9th Annual The One Million

Penny Drive

Kidfest www.phiota.org

Phi Iota IotaAlpha Alpha Fraternity, Fraternity, Inc. Inc. Phi 49 East Street 9322 3rd41st Avenue Suite 412 449 Suite New York,New NewYork York11209 10165 Brooklyn, Spring 2009

Phiota! 1

PHI IOTA ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC CONVENTION BOSTON JULY 23-26

Contents PHIOTA! * Spring 2009 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4

National Management Jason Nicolau Executive Director

Edwin Berroa Director of Operations

2 Phiotas in the Community 3 One Million Penny Drive

Omar Lopez Director of Marketing

4 Northeast Province -The NY State Western and Central Region

6 Southern Province

-Team up with HWOA -Distinguish Lecture Series with Vicent Fox -Greek Mania

Jose Pizarroso Director of Human Resources

8 Midwest Province

Francisco Lugo Director of Undergraduate Affairs

-The 9th Annual KidFest

Alberto Elvira Director of Information Technology

10 Creative Corner

Phiota! Magazine

11 Union Foundation

Steven L. Garza Editor in Chief

Please send all letters, comments, and articles to:

editor@phiota.org Deadline to submit for next issue: July 6, 2009

-Mi Amor

COVER IMAGE:Taken by Steven Garza during BBQ Wednesday at UTSA. Do you want to have an image taken by you as the next cover? Submit your image to editor@phiota.org

The PHIOTA! is a quarterly professional magazine based on the ideals of the pillars of Fi Iota Alfa. It is the official publication of Phi iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the oldest existing latino fraternity, establish in December 26, 1931 at Troy, New York, with its roots beginning at 1898. All articles express the opinions of the authors, and not the fraternity, unless stated otherwise.

Phi iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 9322 3rd Avenue, Suite 412, Brooklyn, New York 11209

Spring 2009

www.phiota.org

Phiota! 1

~Phiotas in the Community~

Through this past year, the In-School Youth Program (ISY) at Children’s Arts & Science Workshops has visited over 20 different colleges and universities throughout the nation providing their students with both the in-state and out-of-state collegiate experience. Jeffrey Avila, Northeastern Province Governor of Phi Iota Alpha, became the program director of the ISY Program during the June 2008 while attending graduate school at New York University. The program’s hopes were to increase the exposure of diverse post secondary educational opportunities to the youth in the Washington Heights and Inwood sections of Manhattan by attending largely populated zones of schools. In addition, an increase amount of collegiate conferences would not only continue to build the participant’s leadership skills but also allow them to witness other students coming from their neighborhoods and similar backgrounds succeed at the next level. During the past year, participating students have visited the following collegiate institutions: Massachusetts Trip Eastern Seaboard Trip Boston University Howard University Northeastern University George Washington University Boston College Georgetown University University of Massachusetts- Amherst Elon University Amherst College University of North Carolina Duke University New York Capital Region Trip Hampton University State University of New York- University at Albany Siena College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Union College New York Long Island Trip Long Island University- C.W. Post State University of New York- Stony Brook Hofstra University State University of New York- Old Westbury Philadelphia Trip Temple University Drexel University Villanova University Pennsylvania State University- Abington University of Pennsylvania

The In-School Youth Program at Children’s Arts & Science Workshops, Inc. serves over 200 student youths in the 11th and 12th grade. This program operates daily after-school on weekdays, occasionally weekends, during the academic year; our program concludes with summer youth employment for our participants. The mission of the program is to empower students to ultimately graduate from high school and enter college, an advanced training program and/or employment. Core services offered include Regents/SAT prep, tutoring, college awareness, leadership development workshops, pre-employment skills training, internships and comprehensive guidance and counseling. More information regarding the program can be found on their agency website www.caswkids.org 2

Phiota!

Spring 2009

THE ONE MIL LION

PENNY DRIVE For the six consecutive year, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) and its affiliate members unite in their “Quest for a Million Pennies” to benefit St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital for a 10 week period. Last year the participating organizations surpassed its goal of $10,000 and almost raised $13,000.

We, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc, have a large fundraising goal for the “Quest for a Million Pennies” this year. The PHIOTA! Magazine would be coordinating the fundraising for the “Quest for a Million Pennies” for the fraternity. Chapters and Colonies whom would like to participate are ask to contact Steven Garza at editor@phiota.org.

If you only want to make a donation?

Please send checks or money orders to the following address:

Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. One UTSA Circle San Antonio, TX 78249

-Thank you for your support-

Spring 2009

Phiota! 3

Northeastern Province Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.... Troy, NY SUNY at Stony Brook................... Stony Brook, NY SUNY at New Paltz....................... New Paltz, NY SUNY at Binghamton................... Binghamton, NY Hofstra University......................... Hempstead, NY Union College............................... Schenectady, NY St. John’s University..................... Queens, NY Syracuse University....................... Syracuse, NY Columbia University..................... New York, NY Boston University.......................... Boston, MA Harvard University........................ Cambridge, MA New York University..................... New York, NY Rochester Institue of Technology.. Rochester, NY Long Island University.................. Brookville, NY U. of Masachusetts at Amherst...... Amherst,MA Villanova University...................... Villanova, PA

The New York State Western & Cental Region By:Yvan “Bengala” Limbal

The New York State Western and Central Region is the home to the Epsilon, Iota, Kappa, Lambda and Pi Chapters. The region is composed by colleges and universities of great caliber. SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Oswego, Syracuse University, Buffalo State College, University at Buffalo, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester and Ithaca College are the institutions moving this region forward.

The Region is more than 19 Years old and has seen different levels of change. Each change makes it stronger and more experienced. We are working on a united front to serve the surrounding community, the colleges and our strong bonds of brotherhood. In addition to various services and programs each chapter does, as a region the following events are currently in progress.

“The Homeless Wears PRADA…. Its bad enough they don’t have a home” is the region’s massive clothes drive which battles the negative view of homelessness in western central region of New York State. The clothes drive is done in conjunction within the participating chapter’s 4

Phiota!

Spring 2009

churches, community service centers, homeless shelters of their choice.

“NICKEL Drive” brings Phi Iota Alpha in Conjunction with NALFO to fundraise funds in the search of a million pennies to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Initiative.

“Words of Wisdom” program brings the pillars out to play as the brothers of the region show case our pillars, one per week, illustrating what these men of Panamerica did to forge our Latin American future.

New York State Western and Central region is making strides to be the best region of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc. This way the quality of our national fraternity will continue to be at the height it enjoys. We welcome any chapter, brother or region to partake on the New York State Western and Region’s events whether by attending, assisting or replicating the events in their respective geographies. For a guide about the specifics of the events please send an email to yvan.limbal@gmail. com and we will gladly share our best practices.

Spring 2009

Phiota! 5

Southern Province

Southern Province University of North Texas.....................Denton, TX Baylor University..................................Waco, TX University of Texas...............................Austin, TX University of Texas at San Antonio......San Antonio, TX Texas A&M...........................................College Station, TX Texas State............................................San Marcos, TX University of Arkansas..........................Fayetteville, AR

University of North Texas: Distinguished Lecture Series with Vicente Fox

Phi Iota Alpha teams up with HWOA By: Oscar Morales

Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc., at the University of Arkansas has partner with the Hispanic Women Organization of Arkansas (HWOA), a nonprofit organization that provides educational and referral opportunities to the Hispanic community in NWA. HWOA offers to its clients, among the different services, basic and advanced computer classes. Phi Iota Alpha works with HWOA in teaching the advanced computer class in Spanish to Hispanic adults. Phi Iota Alpha members teach the class for a complete session which last ten (10) weeks and is taught twice a week with two hours per class.

Phi Iota Alpha has agreed to continue supporting HWOA not only teaching the computer classes but also providing volunteers when needed. The two and a half week advanced computer class provides students with instruction on computer 6

Phiota!

Spring 2009

features and programs. Phi Iota Alpha members teach in deep about programs such Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point, Internet and Email. Two fraternity members are in charge of the class, but receive support from the rest of the members.

By: Oscar Morales

On April 14, 2009 the University of North Texas held its Distinguished Lecture Series highlighted by Former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox. The Brothers at UNT were asked to participate in a private session with Vicente Fox and a few other student organizations. Each student group was allowed to ask a couple of questions to Senor Fox. When we were given our turn, Ruben “Mijado” Garcia, asked “Given that it is Pan American Day, Do you believe that there is going to be greater progress towards Pan Americanism in the near future, beginning this weekend with the Summit of the Americas?”

Greek Mania!

By: Jose Moreno

The University of Texas at Austin Colony participated and helped create “Greek Mania,” a showcase style recruitment event that took place on Thursday January 29th. The event consisted of presentations and performances by the organizations, as well as a Greek scavenger hunt with meet-and-greet time and free food.

What is unique about Greek Mania is that this was the first time this event was hosted. The Greek organizations who participated currently are not represented by a council, which can hinder recruitment. The president of Phi Iota Alpha at UT-

Former President Fox responded with the following comments, the following is a summary of his comments. “The Summit of the Americas are currently unproductive, but hopefully that the new Presidential Administration of Barack Obama would be the beginning of progressive change at the summit meetings and would also signal greater progress toward democracy and trade in the western hemisphere.” He also commented that “Pan Americanism is the dream and we should keep our optimism for it.”

Austin realized this and contacted the presidents of the other organizations to explain to them the idea for this event. These particular fraternities and sororities are fairly new to the University and are working on spreading the name of their organization on campus. Greek Mania did just that, and has set the foundation for forming of a new council at The University of Texas at Austin.

With approximately 37,377 undergraduate students enrolled, hundreds attend information sessions and showcases for Greek lettered organizations in hopes of finding the one that speaks out to them. Greek Mania had a great turnout for the first semester.

Spring 2009

Phiota! 7

Michigan State University................Lansing, MI Lewis University...............................Romeoville, IL Ohio State.........................................Columbus, OH Ball State...........................................Muncie, IN

Phi Chapters 9th Annual Kidsfest

By Deniels Mulrain

As the spring semester draws to a close at Michigan State University (MSU), the brothers of Phi Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha got together for Phi Chapter’s 9th annual Phiota Kids festival program.

This program, which brings kids to MSU for a day of fun and learning activities, is highly anticipated by the students and faculty at Bingham Elementary as well as the brothers of this chapter. For the kids at Bingham, this is one of the only times of the year they get to leave the school for a field trip. For the undergraduate brothers, it is an event that takes a lot

8

Phiota!

Spring 2009

of planning, hard work, and dedication. This year did not disappoint. With over 230 kids and faculty in attendance, this is one of the biggest Kidsfest that we have ever had at MSU. It took months of planning to make all this possible.

The festivities began with the undergraduate brothers painting the rock to help support Kidsfest.

Brothers came out and took pictures along with those that came out to show support. In previous years, after painting the rock, we had to stand guard so it would not be painted over. This year however the rock was left unguarded and it remained painted for more than two days. This is significant, as it shows what an influence this event has had on the school, as others choose to show respect by leaving what we painted on the rock undisturbed. The following day the brothers were up early since 5:30 am to help setup and receive the kids and faculty. Plenty of volunteers were on hand to man the games, paint kid’s faces, and hand out prizes. The fire department put on a great show for the kids, followed by story time, then clowns performing. The kids took a quick lunch and then were off for the

and magnitude. Speaking to one of the brothers, he expressed his admiration of the program and his interest in bringing it to his own chapter. Brothers from Buffalo, Lewis State, University of Michigan and Ohio State were not able to make it to the Kidsfest program, but came out later in the day to show their support for the rest of the weekend’s festivities.

For me, Phi Chapter’s 7th Annual Phiota Kids festival was one of the first programs I helped to organized after I joined the brotherhood.

I remember all the hard work it took to put it all together but also the satisfaction at seeing the finished product. This year, as I walked the floor of the programs venue, I could hear kids talking about how many Kidsfest they had attended and looking forward to attending many more. I spoke

with volunteers who were all happy to take part in the program and had nothing but praise for the brothers that put it together. I was approached by kids that remembered me from previous Kidsfest and Bingham Faculty who were seeing it for the first time. All this made me extremely happy to be a part of it all. Speaking on behalf of Phi Chapter, we want to thank all the brothers who made it out to our Kidsfest weekend, and to all the volunteers.

We could of not have done it without their support.

Kidsfest will continue to be a part of Phi Chapter as next year would be the 10th Annual Kidsfest.

Spring 2009

Phiota! 9

Midwest Province

Midwest Province

highlight of the day: playing the many games, specially the bounce houses. The festivities ended with a large group picture with the brothers, faculty, volunteers and the large group of kids not mentioning the singing of the Bingham school song.

This large undertaking is not an easy one, as funding must be found and brothers have to take time out of their busy schedules to handle all the preparations for this event. Luckily for Phi Chapter, this year marked the second one that finding funding was not a problem. Dr. Larry Sierra, Director of Intramural Sports at MSU, after seeing what a positive and popular event this was, agreed to provide one hundred percent of the funding for the program. In previous years, a lot of time was spent just trying to come up with the money to fund the event. The games the kids played had to be rented, T-shirts had to be made, and food and drinks had to be provided for the kids and volunteers.

All this adds up to quite a large amount and, in previous years, we have had to count on the support of many sponsors.

Although the brotherhood is extremely grateful for 7 years of monetary support from student organizations, hall government, and others, it is a relief that the funding of the program is something we have readily available.

Speaking briefly to Dr. Sierra, he said that the program speaks for itself and that it is a positive step for the school and the community.

This year’s event also marked the return of one of the originators of the program, after years of absence. Although Claudio “Curioso” Juarez has returned to MSU many times since his graduation, this is the first time he had been back for Kidsfest, a program he helped create. The first Kidsfest started with about 87 kids, and Curioso was happy to see how it has grown over the years. Along with him, Curioso brought brothers from Stonybrook, C.W. post, and St John’s to check out the event. Brothers from Villanova were also able to make it out for the event and all were impressed with its success

Mi Amor (Español) por Dimas DeJesus Mi Amor, es como el Sol, Tocando tu piel y se sube su calor; Mi Amor, es como el Viento, Soplando en tu orejas, oyes mi cancion romantico; Mi Amor, es como la Agua, Cuando estas anojada, te doy calma en tu alma; Mi Amor, es como la Tierra, Si te sientes como perdida, en este mundo, repita mi nombre y yo estara caminando ha tu lado, en la iglesia de nuestro matrimonio; Para mi cariñosa Esposa.

Mi Amor (English) By: Dimas DeJesus My Love, is like the Sun, Caressing your skin, arouses your senses and elevates your heart; My Love, is like the Wind, Blowing in your ears, romantically singing ballads to you; My Love, is like the Earth, If you ever feel lost in this vast world, repeat my name, and I will be walking at your side, down the aisle of our matrimony; To my beloved Wife.

10

Phiota!

Spring 2009

More than 75 years ago a remarkable group of university men who shared the ideals of enlightenment and Latino brotherhood established a national organization called Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity. At that time, the fraternity worked to educate and advance their fellow Latinos and countrymen across the country. In recent years the organization felt the need to create a new organization to live the mission that the fraternity espoused and to benefit a much larger scope of the Latino population; Therefore the creation of The Union Foundation.

The foundation is an initiative designed to impact the lives of Latino communities throughout the world in the areas of education, economic development, and social progress. The Union Foundation is a private, charitable non-profit organization. The Foundation was created in order to: *Provide scholarships and grants to Latino youths to enhance their educational and career opportunities. *Support community programs and other 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations that support civic empowerment and educational improvement within the Latino community. *To increase awareness of Latino issues to the greater philanthropic community covering issues such as, but not limited to, educational achievement, civil rights, state of the workforce, and overall community health. *To engage in other activities related to supporting and educating the public concerning Latino issues.

For more information or to donate, visit the following website:

www.ufoundation.org

“In Union our Community has a Future” Spring 2009

Phiota! 11

Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Oldest Existing Latino Fraternity-Est. 1931

THE ONE MIL LION

PENNY DRIVE

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO:

www.phiota.org | www.nalfo.org

-SEE INSIDE FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE-