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PHI CLASS | BALLOON BATTLE 2018 | AND MORE WKUFIJI.COM
ISSUE 2018.2
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LETTER from the EDITORS HIGHLIGHTS & HEADLINES
Brothers, For our first fall newsletter, we’re happy to highlight so many of the outstanding achievements brothers have accomplished, both on campus and off. 2018 has been an exciting year for many Chi Eta brothers (and graduate brothers), and we’re happy to be shedding some light on the hard work they’ve carried out and the ways they’ve represented our chapter well. Additionally, this first half of the semester saw the introduction of Chi Eta’s newest pledge class, the Phi class, 21 brothers from across the state—and country. You’ll also find a small reflection and conversation on the second annual Bowling Green Balloon Battle with philanthrophy chair Harrison Garden. Finally, we have a number of graduate brothers with some special announcements, and we’ll highlight those in the last few pages of this edition. Thanks again for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy the newsletter! Your editors,
THOMAS DEATON Corresponding Secretary
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KEN BARLOW Publications Chair
LAST-MINUTE RECRUITMENT PLANNING AT FT. ARMSTRONG, AUGUST 30, 2018. 3
CONTENTS in this issue
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BROTHERS WHO WORK HARD & REPRESENT US WELL
6 #COURAGEOUSLEADERS SERIES Celebrating brothers who have taken their hard work beyond WKU 10 HOWDY, PHI CLASS Chi Eta’s newest pledge class takes a minute to introduce themselves.
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20 ON THE COVER: BALLOON BATTLE Checking in on the second iteration of Chi Eta’s newest philanthropy.
WELCOMING THE PHI PLEDGE CLASS TO CHI ETA
26 WHAT’S HAPPENING? Grad highlights from 2018.
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“THE LAST SATURDAY IN APRIL” APRIL 27, 2019
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#CourageousL
Just in time for the start of the fall semester, we took a moment to social media shoutouts to our brothers who’ve accomplished som things, brothers who represent our chapter as leaders across the b Let’s recap our #CourageousLeaders Series.
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We’re filing this under “Majestic.” Brother Will Gray spent his summer working at Lost Creek Ranch, a dude ranch in Moose, Wyoming. When he wasn’t doing maintenance or customer service, he was learning about and riding horses. Outside of work, he was able to hike and explore Grand Teton National Park. What summer job could be cooler than that?
Leaders
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Taking service global. For the second summer in a row, brother Caleb Strunk spent a week and a half of his summer in Romania serving orphans on a mission trip, where he and other members of his church raised the funds to travel and help the children there, some of whom had faced abuse or whose parents were in jail. Despite the language barrier, they connected with the kids by playing soccer and basketball and by doing Bible studies. We applaud Caleb’s commitment to service, even across the globe.
Be all you can be. Brother Trae Cardwell this summer graduated WKU ROTC’s Advanced camp, a milestone in his Army career. Three years of preparation in ROTC prepared him for the 31-day training, which pushed his mental, physical, and emotional strength and evaluated his ability to be an officer. We are proud of Trae’s hard work and his dedication to our country.
Doing diplomacy. Brother Noah A. Stevens spent the summer completing a second posting with the US Department of State at US Embassy Oslo (Norway). The worked alongside diplomats in the PoliticalEconomic Section where his portfolio included issues related to political-military affairs, the 2018 NATO Summit, and foreign terrorist fighters. He regularly prepared briefing materials, remarks, and reports for principals and the US Ambassador and hosted visits from congressional delegations and the Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis. What a summer! 8
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Maintaining tradition. 11 brothers completed a summer-long bike ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic, making the trek across the US as they campaigned to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s research. As the sixth team to do so, they join dozens of WKU FIJI brothers who have completed the #Bike4Alz trip. Proceeds raised across the country will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Healthy leadership. Brother Logan Carroll interned at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, working on clinical effectiveness, infection prevention, and clinical information analysis teams. He’s developed a web app to prevent device-associated, hospital-acquired infections. Each week, Logan met a different Norton executive, giving him exposure to the wide field of healthcare. In addition to work experience, Norton gave him the opportunity to volunteer at nonprofit organizations such as Supplies Over Seas and the Ronald McDonald House. 9
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PHI GAMMA DELTA LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR NEWEST BROTHERS.
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JT STOLL
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Criminology
WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji because of how similar my values are with the fraternity’s. I felt like the people that I met during rush week were guys that I could be friends with for life.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? My proudest accomplishment at this point in my life would be making the decision to attend WKU. FAVORITE ALBUM? Swimming by Mac Miller
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? I would want to be famous for something in the music industry.
JOHN DOWNING
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Biology (Pre-Med)
WHY FIJI? I joined FIJI to be a part of the best brotherhood on campus, and to be able to have brothers there to push me to be a better man.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Being able to win a state football championship with the best school in Kentucky, Bowling Green High. FAVORITE ALBUM? American Teen by Khalid. It kinda slaps.
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Being any kind of professional athlete because everybody looks up to them.
TYLER PETERS
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Biology
WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji to become a more well rounded individual, and to be around a group of likeminded people. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Being awarded the opportunity to play in the Kentucky-Tennessee border bowl. FAVORITE ALBUM? Door Without a Screen by Sundy Best
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? For eating the most Mike and Ike’s in one sitting. 12
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TREVOR WHEEKER
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Criminology
WHY FIJI? I was drawn to Fiji because everyone is super accepting of who you are and want to make you the best version of yourself. They hold each other to a high standard and share values that are important to me. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? I’ve been on mission trips to Honduras and preached there at a local churches. Seeing how far God has brought me brought me and how he’s used my faith journey to influence the lives of others is really cool to me. FAVORITE ALBUM? Good Thing by Leon Bridges
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Famous photographer/videographer.
TREY SIMS
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Mechanical Engineering
WHY FIJI? I joined FIJI because I wanted to be a part of something larger than myself, and the philanthropic aspects allow me to do so. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Making All-State. FAVORITE ALBUM? Red by Taylor Swift
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Teleporting
CADE HARVEY
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Finance
WHY FIJI? The feeling of knowing everyone around you during recruitment wanted to get to know you rather then trying to talk only about the chapter.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Winning the 4-A Football State Championship on UK’s football field last year. FAVORITE ALBUM? This One’s for You by Luke Combs
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Sports in some way, shape, or form. 13
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RYKER BOEHM
TAYSHAUN HASSELL
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Mechanical Engineering
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Graphic Design
WHY FIJI? I originally wasn’t planning on rushing a fraternity at all when I came to school. Trey Sims invited me to come along with him to one of FIJI’s pre-rush events, and I said to myself, “why not?” All in all, after talking to Jonathan Greene and David Weafer, I was set on FIJI. They talked to me mostly about putting scholarship first, the strict no hazing policy, and most importantly the respect between everyone in the fraternity. That took me for a spin because it wasn’t like a stereotypical fraternity. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Creating my high school’s first engineering club that still goes on today even after I graduated. It was a way for me to help my classmates learn about engineering and how each type of engineer is unique in their own way. By creating this I really learned what it meant to help others or to serve others. FAVORITE ALBUM? Testing by A$AP Rocky. WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? If I were famous, I’d want to be known for creating something that helps people on a global level, similar to what Elon Musk is doing right now with electric cars and solar energy. 14
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WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji because it honestly felt like home, as well as the fact that I knew that this fraternity was what I needed in my life: to be surrounded by a great group of guys who push and mold you into the best version of a man you can be, and help you stay focused, striving for excellence and reaching new heights! I wanted to be a part of something great and to help keep this something great going!
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Being able to wake up every morning, and put to feet on the ground because a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do that, and I’m blessed to be one that does! FAVORITE ALBUM? 2014 Forest Hill Drive by J. Cole, that album hits home and has WAY too many bangers to not be considered for this question. #Dreamville WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? If I could be famous for anything I’d want it to be for Peace, Love, and Positivity!
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KENTON BLICK
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Ag Business
WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji to branch out and meet new people and to get involved on campus. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Winning the region title in football. FAVORITE ALBUM? When it’s Dark Out by G-eazy
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? I would want to famous for finding a cure for cancer.
RILEY CRAWFORD
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Biology & Chemistry
WHY FIJI? I saw a group of guys that could keep me accountable and motivate me to excel in/after college. FIJI is a fraternity that unites a group of guys striving for excellence in everyday life.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Being named a National AP Scholar. FAVORITE ALBUM? Air for Free by Relient K
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? For Philanthropic/Scientific Contributions.
BEN BETTS
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Accounting
WHY FIJI? To join the people that I fit in with the most. I wanted to join something larger than myself, and I felt like FIJI’s brotherhood and values is something I would like to attach my name to. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Being a 2017 Kentucky Governor’s Scholar...and having no cavities.
FAVORITE ALBUM? If You’re Reading This it’s Too Late by Drake WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Being a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
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MYLES HAMILL
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Environmental Studies
WHY FIJI? I joined FIJI because it was the fraternity I believed represented my values the best. I liked the guys in the chapter and was inspired by all the chapter has accomplished.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Learning to dunk a basketball. FAVORITE ALBUM? Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Making a monumental impact on helping our environment.
PRESTON PALMER
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Nursing
WHY FIJI? To strive for academic excellence and create lifelong friendships.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Staying motivated to be the best version of myself. FAVORITE ALBUM? The Best of The Monkees
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Finding the cure to cancer.
BRYSON YATES
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? International Business and Spanish WHY FIJI? I joined FIJI because I wanted to be surrounded by people I could look up to as great role models.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Doing community service in Peru and helping those in need. FAVORITE ALBUM? Scorpion by Drake. Huge fan.
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? I would be a professional athlete because I love sports. 16
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WILL THOMPSON
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Mechanical Engineering
WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji because of the great sense of brotherhood I felt during rush week. The members seemed to be outstanding members of the WKU and larger Bowling Green communities and seemed like great influences to surround myself with.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Driving on a road trip to California after my high school graduation with just me and a friend who had also just graduated. FAVORITE ALBUM? Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Making a great advancement in technology for humanity.
JACOB CONGLETON
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Business Administration
WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji because as I was going through rush, this was the most welcoming house and I felt most at home when I was with the Fiji guys.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? My proudest accomplishment is getting baptized and proclaiming Jesus Christ as my Lord. Without him, I would not be who I am today! FAVORITE ALBUM? THERE IS MORE by Hillsong Worship
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? For playing music. I’ve grown up in a very musical family where basically everyone has been in a band at some point in their life!
BILLY HARDISON
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Nursing
WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji because I felt at home while talking to everyone during rush. Also, I chose Fiji because the values of the fraternity closely matched the values I try to live by every day. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Winning the KHSAA bass fishing state championship in 2015. FAVORITE ALBUM? Traveller by Chris Stapleton
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Being a country music singer. 17
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WILL CHANEY
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Business Management
WHY FIJI? Ijoined Fiji because they are known to have the best brothers on campus, and they are going to be there for me and have my back no matter what. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Being certified to be a phlebotomist and EKG technician. FAVORITE ALBUM? Take Care by Drake.
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Being a successful entrepreneur that has changed the world.
KLAY HILTON
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Chemistry
WHY FIJI? I joined Fiji because I saw the fraternity as the group of guys on campus that would support me through my ups and downs of college, as well as the guys I wanted to surround myself with to sharpen me into the man I want to be. PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? My ability to persevere through instability in home life and to pursue my life goals by coming to college. FAVORITE ALBUM? Blonde by Frank Ocean, hands down.
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? For curing a terminal disease like cancer. I want to help people throughout my life, and this would be the dream.
WELCOME, PHI CLASS. 18
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CY WHITLER
GRANT TADE
WHY FIJI? I joined FIJI because from the moment I met some of the FIJI guys, I was drawn to them. These guys made me feel very welcome and comfortable during recruitment, and I felt like they genuinely cared about who I was and what I had to say. I knew that if I had the opportunity to join FIJI, I would have taken it in an instant.
WHY FIJI? I joined FIJI to better myself as an individual and to be a part of something that will allow me to serve the community, my brothers, and strangers alike. The doors that are opened are so valuable and friendships made will last a lifeline.
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Exercise Science
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Making it this far in life while growing up in a singleparent home. I strived in high school to be involved and make the best grades that I could manage so that I could go to college with the least amount of debt possible. I am proud to say that I was able to get my first year at WKU completely paid for. FAVORITE ALBUM? Melophobia by Cage the Elephant. WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? I would like to be famous for making people feel valued. Personally, I like to feel that I’m important to someone else, so I try my best to make others feel like they’re important, too. I would be happy to be world renowned for making people feel good.
WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Chemistry & Biology
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Leading a group of young men at my church in small group. There are other things that I have been apart of which appear better in a trophy case or on paper but the impact on me and those involved are more special and valuable to me than anything. FAVORITE ALBUM? Second Helping by Lynyrd Skynyrd
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Finding the cure to all types of cancers. Cancer impacts everyone in our world today. Pain is tough but builds us as people but I wish I could help alleviate that type of pain.
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“If we put the work in, nothing c stop us from making it the b philanthropy on campu
– Harrison Garden, Chi Eta philanthropy ch
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can best us.”
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BALLOON BATTLE
WORDS BY KEN BARLOW IMAGES BY THOMAS DEATON
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F
or the first two weeks of the semester, brothers worked diligently worked to set up for the fall philanthropy event. The second annual Bowling Green Water Balloon Fight was held Sept. 14 at the WKU Intramural Fields where participants threw 75,000 water balloons.
The fight was created last year by brother Carson Ball. Sophomore philanthropy chair Harrison Garden was determined to continue the fight. “I wanted to make this event something [Carson] would be proud of,” said Harrison Garden. “I understood the potential of this philanthropy and how much it could affect the USO, Fiji, and the Greek community.”
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This year’s fight improved by shattering the previous number of balloons by over 30,000. This effort was due to members of the chapter filling up at least 500 water balloons each and having volunteers stop by Fort Armstrong to fill balloons. The University of Kentucky Christian Student Fellowship donated multiple stations to fill up water balloons. This added to the number of volunteers at once and helped improve the amount of balloons made.
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All of this hard work led to 20 minutes of throwing water balloons and raising over $3,000 for the United Service Organizations, an organization allowing America’s military members to keep in contact with their families and home. “This year’s fight was only possible because of the effort everyone put into it,” Garden said. “I only see this event getting bigger.” He added, “If we put the work in, nothing can stop us from making it the best philanthropy on campus.” • 25
Some highlights from the world of our graduate brothers . . . . . . as told by our graduate brothers*
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* DISCLAIMER: There are some things we can’t publish, nor should we.
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#EndAlz
Support Bike4Alz 2019 this
#GivingTuesday Join us at Donato’s Pizza Tuesday, November 27 ALL DAY Just mention Bike4Alz when you order
bike4alz.org
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