Transit Club News Connecting Purdue-Chapter Alumni of Triangle Fraternity
October 2023
Chapter House Summer Refresh Initiative Results
Homecoming Alumni BOD Meeting Summary
The Chapter House Summer Refresh Initiative project is almost complete, with only a few items remaining due to scheduling delays with subcontractors. Additionally, we exceeded our fundraising goal, raising $318K! The project provided updates to the public-space interior areas including the entry hall, living room, dining room, and Chapter Room, with new flooring, drywall ceiling, light fixtures, paint and new furniture. The exterior façade was also updated, as the photo above of the “Refreshed” Chapter House illustrates.
The Annual Alumni Association Meeting was held during Homecoming on campus on September 30, 2023. About 50 Brothers attended in person, with another 30 joining online with the live video stream. Presentations were made for the Housing Exploratory Committee findings, Alumni Board projects and results, President’s Report, SRI fundraising results, proposed new legal structure and proposed slate of Board candidates for 2023-2024. Brother Scott Steele, Executive Secretary of the Chapter Alumni Association, chaired the meeting.
During the project, the scope of work was increased to include conversion of the 2nd-floor library to a new social area – at the request of the Active Brothers – which they believe will allow easier housekeeping of the living room.
Key takeaways from the President’s Report were:
The great accomplishments of this project would not have been possible without the tireless work of Brother Rob Searle, who served as general contractor and project manager for the construction phase, and Brother Dave Gary, who served as Team Leader for the fundraising volunteers. Many other Brothers donated their time and helped with renovations. And more than 250 Brothers donated generously to allow completion of the project. Again, a big thanks to all the Brothers who helped make the Summer Refresh Initiative such a tremendous success! A tour of the Chapter House to view the renovations was provided during this year’s Homecoming Weekend celebration. See page 2 of this newsletter for several photos of the Homecoming events that show the completed work of the Summer Refresh Initiative.
1. Alumni participation has significantly increased but needs to continue to grow. 2. The "house was at risk of collapse" (Dean of Greek Life), and the Board believes that we are now moving in the right direction. 3. It will take 3 to 5 years to prove to Alums that there is financial sustainability, improved campus reputation, and cultural sustainability. Therefore, any major house rebuilding project should only be started after we are “further up the curve” (2+ years) but small improvement projects will continue to require funding in the interim period. Proposals and recommendations were presented to essentially split the legal structures for the Alumni Association and the Chapter House ownership and operations, thereby protecting the Chapter Home asset.
(continued on page 2)
Page 2
Dr. Mark Bowman Honored for 40 Years of Service as Chapter Advisor and Alumni Board Member During the 2023 Homecoming Alumni Association Annual Meeting, Dr. Mark Bowman was honored for his more than 40 years of service as Chapter Advisor and Alumni Association Board member. Oak Stevens, Alumni Association VP, presented Dr. Bowman with a commemorative plaque which will be displayed in the Chapter House. Brother Bowman is Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering at Purdue University, where he taught Structural Analysis and Structural Design from 1980 to 2022. Additionally, Dr. Bowman has published numerous articles in professional journals. (Right: Brothers Oak Stevens and Dr. Mark Bowman)
Homecoming Alumni BOD Meeting Summary (continued from page 1) Brothers Brian Jarman and Don Knebel presented the new organizational structures, with in-person and online members voting to approve the resolutions during the meeting. The final agenda item was presenting the new slate of Alumni Association Board Officers and Members for the 2023-2024 term. The Board slate was voted on and approved by members present and online. The new Alumni Association Officers include Rob Searle (President), Oak Stevens (Vice President), Scott Steele (Executive Secretary), and Mike Petit (Acting Treasurer). For meeting presentation downloads and the complete list of Board members, visit the purduetriangle.com website.
Chapter House SRI Project Tour During Homecoming
Page 3
“Big-80s” Alumni Group Golf Weekend at Purdue, October 2023
Transit Club News | October 2023
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70s Group Reunion at Chapter House, September 2023