BRUIN BREWINGS
OUR WAY FORWARD Rebuilding a Stronger Triangle
NOV 19, 2024
Corporation Board Meeting
DEC 8, 2024
Annual Alumni Meeting
We have finally received sanctions from the UCLA conduct office for the Winter 2023 initiation week infraction. The sanctions require a suspension of undergraduate activity through April 5, 2025 While disappointing, it is better than the four-year suspension that was also considered
We will use this year to plan and organize our rebuilding efforts, focusing on three main priorities:
Communicate with and organize alumni: Inform and recruit alumni to fill board and advisory team positions.
Develop a three-year plan to rebuild: Recruit new members, enhance chapter operations, and improve public/campus relations
Housing: Ensure short-term occupancy and income and plan for the chapter’s return.
We have been in communication with Triangle National since the initial incident They have been waiting over a year for these sanctions to be finalized so they can begin leading the support plan for UCLA and increase Triangle’s success at our other three area campuses.
Triangle plans to restore a closed chapter at Cal Poly-Pomona soon, and our chapters at UCI and UCSD need extra attention. A regional effort will include several informal alumni gatherings in Southern California to identify alumni to support all our regional chapters. We’re also discussing the possibility of a live-in advisor at UCLA for one or two terms to help with recruitment efforts.
This formal suspension also suspends our membership in the IFC. We will be required to submit a proposal to the IFC to be recognized once more Former campus chapters have priority, especially those with housing.
519 Landfair
2. 3.
The UCLA Triangle Experience
By Ben Baker ucla07
I believe in the potential of the renewed UCLA chapter to make a significant difference in the lives of future Bruins. Among the many housing options, this fraternity stands out as one of the best opportunities to connect with fellow engineering students and form lifelong bonds. I had the chance to learn from older brothers and mentor younger ones, setting a positive example From the Herbert Scobie Leadership School to a Semester at Sea, I found Triangle connections extending beyond campus.
The leadership development I gained as an internal vice president contributed to my success as a local
leader in the American Society of Civil Engineers. It gave me practice and confidence in speaking up during meetings, running them efficiently, and delivering and receiving feedback It’s inspiring to see other Triangle alumni making an impact in professional careers, such as at NVIDIA and in starting companies.
I fondly remember the liquid nitrogen during pledge week, ice
Thank You, Renovation Supporters
blocking down the hill by Janss Steps, reciting the code of ethics together, Founders’ Day dinners, the pool table, the basketball court, and even house maintenance and cleaning parties The chapter house taught me invaluable social and interpersonal skills that I wouldn’t have learned from textbooks, lectures, or labs. I was fortunate to receive scholarships from the corporation board, and the affordable housing near campus was a significant benefit
I hope the chapter embraces risk management and thrives postCOVID, honoring Triangle’s traditions With a focus on excellence and high moral standards, UCLA students can achieve great things together.
Last four rooms completed this winter, only kitchen remains.
$50,000 or more
Bill Rendahl ucla61*
Donald Royer ucla63*
Scott Bryan ucla65
Greater than $10,000
Tom Bachman ucla66
Patrick Wyatt ucla87*
$10,000 or less
Don Olmsted ucla58
John Beuerman ucla62
Norm Estabrook ucla62*
Gary Schelin ucla62*
Aki Shinoda ucla63
Steve Ratner ucla65
Rick Keller ucla66
Tim Cyr ucla68
Nathan Hackett ucla88
Ben Pagliuso ucla04
*indicates part or all was provided as a donation, the others were 3-to-5 year notes
Open House 2023 (from left to right)
Rick Keller ucla66, Shon Encinas ucla83, Brian Ewing ucla93, Tom Bachman ucla66, Ben Pugliuso ucla04, Tim Cyr ucla67, and Dennis Rooney ucla10
Open House 2023 (from left to right) Theo Slusky ucla22, Ben Baker ucla07, Kyle Martin ucla22, and Tom Hendricks ucla63
UCLA Fundraiser at Lake Arrowhead (from left to right) Tim Cyr ucla67, Tom Bachman ucla66, and Aki Shinoda ucla63
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Tom Bachman ucla66
Asst. Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University
Looking back, I realize that UCLA wasn’t my alma mater; rather, it was Triangle Fraternity My exposure to and interaction with a cadre of brothers was so important to my development While I only made a handful of lifelong friends, the sense of brotherhood still persists.
Pat Wyatt ucla87 CEO, One More Game
My most cherished memories at UCLA stem from Triangle events such as Mardi Gras, broomball, intramural sports, parties, formal gatherings, and daily meals - and maybe some shenanigans better left unmentioned The camaraderie and friendships I forged, along with the experiences I gained as a Triangle brother and officer, shaped me into a better person and set me on a path of personal growth
Billy Welch ucla22 PhD Candidate, Cal Tech
As a first-time generation college student entering UCLA from the community college system, I had little time to get my bearings in the challenging Bruin curriculum. I was incredibly grateful to find a community of upstanding, intelligent, and industrious friends through Triangle. Through my time at UCLA, I can report that my favorite experiences were due to my being a Triangle brother. Here’s to 50 more years of Triangle at UCLA!
SUPPORT UCLA’S LEGACY
Contributing to the Triangle Fraternity UCLA chapter’s endowment fund is a powerful way for alumni to give back and ensure the continued success of future generations. Your support helps provide scholarships, maintain the chapter house, and fund leadership development programs that shape well-rounded engineers and leaders.
By investing in the endowment fund, you are fostering a legacy of excellence and camaraderie, ensuring that the values and traditions of Triangle continue to thrive at UCLA. Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of future Bruins.
HOUSING UPDATES
This spring, the Housing Corporation Board decided to transfer the day-to-day management and accounting of the house to the Triangle Building and Housing Corporation (TBHC) This Triangle National organization has an excellent track record of working with many active chapters and alumni groups.
The transition began on July 1, 2024, and will be completed this fall.
CORPORATE BOARD CORNER
We have much to be proud of. Triangle UCLA boasts a long and storied history filled with accomplished alumni and enduring friendships. However, recent years have presented challenges for our chapter.
Our goal is to renew the Triangle chapter at UCLA, fostering a more active and involved alumni base and strengthening our relationship with the UCLA engineering and STEM community.
In this issue, you’ll find “The Way Forward,” “The Triangle Experience,” a shoutout to those who have supported the Chapter House renovation, and some inspiring alumni spotlights. Thank you in advance for your support and engagement.
TRIANGLE UCLA CORPORATION BOARD
Tom Bachman ucla66
Peter Ballingit ucla91
Tim Cyr ucla67
Shon Encinas ucla83
Brian Ewing ucla93
Rick Keller ucla66
Mike McCartney ucla64
Ben Pagliuso ucla04
Harsha Rao ucla99
Theo Slusky ucla22