Chi Eta Newsletter 2020.1

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ISSUE 2020.1

LETTER from the EDITOR Brothers,

HIGHLIGHTS & HEADLINES

As the spring 2020 semester comes to an abrupt close (at least in-person) on WKU’s campus and on countless others around the country, we’re tasked with the added brotherly responsibility of checking in on one another in this challenging time. To keep everyone’s spirits high, this newsletter helps us focus on the newness our chapter has experienced this school year.

With this being my first newsletter, I look forward to keeping everyone up to date on these last few months, and I hope everyone enjoys the content we’ve worked to bring you to highlight what Chi Eta has been up to!

In this issue we will look at the last two pledge classes and introduce the new faces to the chapter, including a new Purple Legionnaire. We will also take a look at some of the experiences that our Chi Eta brothers who have studied abroad recently.

And we will close with a uniquely personal piece Ken Barlow has prepared on his experience with Bike4Alz in the summer of 2019.

While I am saddened that our semester and time together ended so quickly, I look forward to what the future holds in the Chi Eta chapter. I pray everyone stays safe and healthy as we adapt to a new normal in 2020.

Your editor, SEAN DILLON Publications Chair P!

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PHOTOGRAPH BY MILES NEWTON

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Publications Chair Sean Dillon | Contributing Editor Ken Barlow Editorial & Design Editor Thomas I. Deaton Special Contributors Myles Newton, Joshua Biggs, Ryan Bilbrey, Spencer Cassady,

Jonathon Caron, Jacob Karaglanis, and Trevor Wheeker

LAST-MINUTE RECRUITMENT PLANNING AT FT. ARMSTRONG, AUGUST 30, 2018.

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CONTENTS in this issue

6 WELCOME JONATHON CARON

14 PLAYING CATCH-UP

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26 IF THESE WHEELS COULD TALK

A few words from Chi Eta’s newest Purple Legionare.

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PHIELD NOTES

Four brothers reflect on studying abroad this academic year

Chi Eta’s last two pledge classes introduce themselves.

Bike4Alz alum Ken Barlow describes the one visible constant of each ride.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN BILBREY

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Across the pond and around the globe

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Meeting the Omega & Psi pledge classes

PHOTOGRAPH BY JACOB KARAGLANIS 5

CHANGING OF THE GUARD A LETTER FROM THE NEW PURPLE LEGIONNAIRE

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JONATHON CARON

Throughout my time as an undergraduate brother in Phi Gamma Delta, I found that serving as a supporter was when I was able to contribute the most. I tried to volunteer for as many service opportunities as I could, stayed up through the night to work on homecoming floats, and shoveled sand out of the back of a truck as we turned a sketchy warehouse into an island paradise. When I couldn’t afford a bike for Bike4Alz in 2012, I served as a driver. That’s why my goal as Purple Legionnaire is to continue doing what I did best: serve as a supporter. These men already have elected leaders within the undergraduate ranks. As an advisor, I’m here to help them navigate their success without becoming complacent as they continue building upon the strong foundation that was laid for Chi Eta. This fraternity will give back what you put into it, and without Phi Gamma Delta I wouldn’t be the man that I am today with lifelong friendships that were born in this fraternity.

Now nearly six years removed from school, I’m happily married and back living in Bowling Green.

My wife Sydney and I just welcomed our first child, Anna Faye, into the world in February. I still keep in touch with many of my closest college friends, and every now and then I’ll get the chance to reunite with them for camping/hiking trips, kayaking trips, or a moment to hang out and catch up on life. If you’re ever in the area or just want to check in on how the chapter is doing, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Four Chi Eta brothers reflect on their (sometimes unconventional) semesters abroad this academic year.

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PHIELD ® N OT E S 4-Brother Memo Book Durable Materials / Made in BG-KY

PHOTO BY MILES NEWTON HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM 9

y e r b l i B n a y R

e, Spring 2020

Harlaxton Colleg

sy to get Green, it’s very ea g lin ow B om n. fr at’s ge in my hometow lle As somebody th co to g in go of unique comfort caught up in the has given me the ge le ol C on xt la ar fort at H tside of this com ou r Studying abroad te es m se re ti end an en can be opportunity to sp y of cultures that et ri va e th to es my ey eaningful it zone. It’s opened rope and how m u E ss ro ac er e to th ge and takes the tim ec found so close to sp re h it w u yo cal treats as tourist. can be when a lo brushing you off an th er th ra om ges ’re fr spect, it encoura re is learn where you th of d en g e in your the receivin When you’re on brushing off thos of d ea st in , ay w rs this of learning you to treat othe different. On top em se ey th se u ca ry manor, y in a 19th centu hometown just be d u st to le ab s en s, I’ve be life long memorie e ak m d major life lesson an n, ai Iceland to Sp travel Europe from along the way.

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Josh Biggs

Prague, Czech Republic, Fall 2019 I decided to study abroad in the fall semester of my junior year in Prague, one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Prague started as just a cool place that I would spend about four months.

I was truly excited but didn’t expect that by the time I left I would see Prague as a second home. The city, the people, the food, and so much more are dear to my heart. I got to study at the University of Economics in Prague during the week and travel to a total of 10 countries on the weekends; while the traveling and the new experiences were amazing, what I miss most about Prague is the church. Amid a very secular city I was able to find a church and worship the Lord and be in community with other believers. It was incredible to see Jesus being magnified throughout the world and be encouraged that His mission to save people from every tribe and nation is alive and well.

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Miles Newton

Semester at Sea, Spring 2020 As a student on the 128th voyage of Semester at Sea, I had the opportunity to experience a multitude of transformative interactions. In reflection on my voyage, one of the most meaningful encounters I experienced occurred in Vietnam, where I was able to immerse myself into the Sapa mountain valley community. For three days I trekked through the stunning steppes of the valley, stayed in a local hostel, prepared and ate lunch at my guide’s home, and spoke with villagers about their daily lives. Each day I would hike approximately five hours through the mud-filled steppes with help from my guide, Chi. As we walked, Chi told me about her family, her history living the mountain valley, and her passion for showing others the beauty of Sapa. We ate lunch in local homes each day, which allowed me to understand what daily life was like. As our time progressed, I became more attuned to the lifestyle and learned so much about myself, the beauty of our world, and the true importance of intentional connection with others.

Although this experience was not externally glamorous, it was absolutely one of the most transformative moments I have ever experienced. It was incredibly eye-opening to witness the simplicity that brought the Sapa people so much joy in comparison to the Western ideals of consumerism and happiness. Another positive highlight that comes to mind encapsulates my time on the ship. In light of our itinerary changes and premature disembarkation, I spent much more time on the ship than originally anticipated.

However, the additional time with my shipmates was a gift that I will always cherish.

From the Sea Olympics to crossing the equator on Neptune Day and from movie nights to pool gatherings, some of my most beloved memories were made aboard the MV World Odyssey. The shipboard community was a constant source of support and impacted my study abroad experience immensely. It is difficult to accurately convey my thoughts and feelings. This experience has truly transformed my understanding of my purpose in life and has broken down every misconception I previously held about the global community. In full transparency, this voyage has not always been easy. Through all of the uncontrollable changes, I have faced the option to either move forward in positivity or let the loss get in the way of my growth. My experiences, however, have taught the power of perspective and urged me to look at life through a lens of opportunity. Regardless of change, I am confident that I maximized my time and will remain positive about the experiences I was blessed with.

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Spencer Cassady Harlaxton College, Fall 2019 I chose to study abroad to get out of my comfort zone. I grew up in Bowling Green and then stayed here for college, so I felt I needed to branch out and experience what the world has to offer—and I was not disappointed. Having the privilege to travel to so many different countries, see all the historical sites, and bask before God’s creation is something I’ll never forget. I also loved experiencing the cultures and hearing the languages of all the different nations that are packed so tightly together on the European continent, not to mention the incredible, authentic foods from every country I visited. The people at Harlaxton knew how to make us feel at home, too, with multiple clubs to join and other programs to get plugged into the surrounding community.

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CAUTION NEW BROTHERS AHEAD

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LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR NEWEST BROTHERS.

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Meet the PSI and OMEGA classes in the following pages

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PSI CLASS Jordan Hitz

WHATS YOUR MAJOR?: Education WHY FIJI? : Fiji is a place where you can better yourself by surrounding yourself with great and successful people TOP 3 FAVORITE MOVIES? Django Unchained, The Dark Knight, Return of the Jedi INTERESTING FACT?: I am double jointed in both thumbs

Jordan Stallings

WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Biology WHY FIJI? I was very unsure about Greek life in my first year as a student; however, my roommate rushed and told me about Fiji and what they stood for. The fall of my sophomore year I decided to rush just to see what all Greek life had to offer. When I got to the Fiji house during rush I instantly felt at home. Everything my roommate told me about this awesome group of guys held true.

TOP 3 FAVORITE MOVIES? I am Legend, Seven Pounds, and The Pursuit of Happiness Interesting Fact: The reason why I am left handed is because I broke my right hand multiple times when I was younger and just learned how to use my left for everything.

Matthew Wininger

MAJOR? General Agriculture & Political Science double major WHY FIJI? I wanted to surround myself with good guys who knew what they wanted out of life. From the outside, I saw a group of guys who kept each other accountable and had an established culture of excellence. Today, as a member of the Chi Eta chapter I am continually inspired by the brothers I am surrounded by.

THREE FAVORITE MOVIES? Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller’s day off, Wedding Crashers

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Cole Shanks

MAJOR? Chemistry WHY FIJI? I rushed FIJI because I felt I had the same values as a lot of the chapter and knew I could help make an impact in Chi Eta. Also, I had no doubt it would also create a profound effect on my life as well.

THREE FAVORITE MOVIES? Goodfellas, Troy, Fever Pitch INTERESTING FACT? Shark Week is my favorite week

Cannon McDaniel

MAJOR? Marketing WHY FIJI? I chose Fiji to become the best version of myself. I believe that with the people I’m surrounded by and the opportunities available to me Phi Gamma Delta is the only place for me.

THREE FAVORITE MOVIES? Batman the Dark Knight, Knives out, Wolf of Wall Street INTERESTING FACT? I have seen 2 out of 7 wonders of the world.

Chaney Ruby

MAJOR? Marketing (Sales) WHY FIJI? Growing up I attended my first Parents Weekend and Pig Dinner at the age of 11 for my brother, Taylor Ruby (Iota).

From those moments I fell in love with Chi Eta’s values and vision as a chapter. I knew when I got to college that these would be the guys I call brothers.

THREE FAVORITE MOVIES? 1. Inglourious Basterds, 2. Interstellar, 3. What We Do in the Shadows INTERESTING FACT? I rowed at a competitive level for 8 years.

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Colin Ohare

MAJOR? Marketing Major WHY FIJI? I chose Fiji because I found a group of guys that I knew would help me grow as a leader, and as a man if I spent time around them. I found that the morals and goals of the guys in the chapter were very similar to mine, which was very important to me when choosing a fraternity.

THREE FAVORITE MOVIES? The big Short, Interstellar, The Wolf of Wallstreet INTERESTING FACT? I rode a bull for 3.4 seconds in high school.

Luke Schryver

MAJOR? Psychology WHY FIJI? I picked fiji because I knew the relationships I formed would last a life time FAVORITE MOVIE? Avengers.

INTERESTING FACT? I have been to Romania 2 times.

Ethan Huff

MAJOR? Biology WHY FIJI? I felt like fiji was where i would have the best opportunity to better myself.

THREE FAVORITE MOVIES? Starwars, Avengers, Indiana Jones.

INTERESTING FACT? Never seen an episode of Game of Thrones.

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OMEGA CLASS

Gavin Spradlin WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Business Finance

WHY FIJI? First impression was great, a phenomenal group of men that have the same values and goals as myself.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? Have not been involved in many college activities yet but look forward to the many opportunities from fiji.

INTERESTING FACT? I can play five instruments.

Dawson Stewart WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Nursing

WHY FIJI? I chose Fiji because their goals and priorities match mine; scholarship, fraternity, and self, being the major concepts that drew me to pursue being a part of them. Also after meeting almost everyone in the chapter, I felt right at home with relating to the family and brotherhood of Phi Gamma Delta.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? I was involved in Track and Field and XC, and also collegiate eSports.

INTERESTING FACT? I have a passion for riding motorcucles in my free time.

Colin Rogers WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Business Finance

WHY FIJI? I really wanted to make the most out of my college experience, and I knew that getting involved would help me grow.

Fiji stood out to me because of how well the brothers represent the values of the fraternity every day! Night one of fall 2019 rush, I knew that Fiji was where I wanted to be!

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? Not much yet, but I’m hoping that changes with FIJI.

INTERESTING FACT? I saved two kids in a runaway wheelchair from hitting a brick wall at Disney World. They were rolling down a hill uncontrollably and their grandma was chasing after them but she wasn’t very fast so I took the full force of the wheelchair with my body to stop them.

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Luke Tuley WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Manufacturing Engineering Technology WHY FIJI? I chose Fiji because from the moment I walked in the door I immediately felt the brotherhood, and that was something I was looking for.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? Not involved in much my first semester, so my goal is to get more involved this semester!

INTERESTING FACT? I chose Fiji because from the moment I walked in the door I immediately felt the brotherhood, and that was something I was looking for.

Sheldon Martin WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Biology Pre Med & Business Management WHY FIJI? It felt like home. Everyone was so welcoming.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? Not much trying to get more involved this semester. Hopefully I’ll do Spring sing!

INTERSTING FACT? I only have one kidney.

Seth Alsup WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Financial planning and Data Analytics

WHY FIJI? Harmonious attraction- when you dive in, you become better.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? Association of Information System, Freshman Guided Pathway, Financial Planning Association, Hilltoppers for Christ.

INTERESTING FACT? I ride motorcycles!

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Mason Quiram

Nicholas Lee

WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Meterology

WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Architectural Science

WHY FIJI? I heard the best things about it in terms of other fraternities from other people I know. I enjoy the academic and social balance, felt I could really get involved and make friends without sacrificing my academics.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? Not many so far, I took the first semester to kind of get used to being in college, make sure my grades were good. I was in the AMS/NWA Meteorology Chapter at WKU, I attended meetings and conferences with regional people in the same field. Also did site based decision making in terms of weather/security for local area high school football games. I’m in the honors program. I ran a mini marathon here in bowling green in November. I was really involved in high school and was hoping hat rush would fill my need for involvement.

WHY FIJI? Fiji was welcoming and I felt like their values lined up wtih mine.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? CSF Community Group.

INTERESTING FACT? I loved watching “Zoboomafoo” as a kid

INTERESTING FACT? I can recite up to 100 digits of Pi.

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Michael Delnay

Jacob Belcher

WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Marketing

WHAT’S YOUR MAJOR? Architectural Science

WHY FIJI? It was a group that I felt I was really comfortable with.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? Fiji F team, deans list at JCTC. INTERESTING FACT? I swim and play soccer.

WHY FIJI? Fiji has one of the best reputations around Western’s campus and I want to be apart of a supportive brotherhood that shares the same ideals and values that I hold.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES? I am a REALTOR in Bowling Green and I look for homes for college students and especially any future FIJI brother

INTERESTING FACT? I got my real estate license when I was 18 years old and I also am a freelance home designer for residential properties!

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XH FROM THE ROAD

IF THESE WHEELS COULD TALK Just under a year after a historic Bike4Alz ride, a rider looks back on the one constant, tangible accompaniment to each cross-country trek.

By Ken Barlow March 22, 2020

T

he stench of sweat and burning rubber is overwhelming.

Nobody in their right mind would walk into this pigsty of jumbled jerseys, popped tubes, and 12 bikes pressed against the wall.

Fourteen men called the inside of the trailer “home” during the day, and at night they clang to church pews or bundled up under tents. The trailer offered each member a locker covered with short scribbled writings of positive passages from previous riders. Fourteen bags guard the side door, each holding a few days’ or so worth of clothes and a couple personal items that remind them of home some 3,000 miles away. Perhaps most importantly, a small cupboard stored with

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snacks, spaghetti sauce stains, and days of peanut butter and bread stands against the back wall.

The trailer has wheeled about 50,000 miles in its lifetime. It has seen blizzards in California, hailstorms deep in the deserts of Nevada, the peaks of Colorado, flooded trails in Missouri, and both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean multiple times.

It knows these men better than anybody. The trailer has heard every crush from high school, political view, childhood hero, argument for greatest NBA player ever, and crude answer to “would you rather” questions the world should never know.

The trailer has witnessed the screams of triumph when the men climbed to the top of 12,000 foot mountains, rolled by the men playing tag on bicycles down mossy riverside paths, shriveled at their shrieking in high-pitched voices through tunnels, and relaxed with them as they sunbathed on the jelly and sunscreen stained floor.

Many greet the men when they arrive home and attempt to understand what it took for them to survive ten long weeks of trekking eleven states, but only the trailer truly understands the physical and emotional endurance it took to press on each day.

It has seen the men tested to their limits when they attempted to pedal up mountains. It will never forget the day it embraced the bruised and shaking riders sprinting into the back desperately clinging to each other and even chuckled when they told jokes only to warm themselves with laughter.

The trailer shed tears alongside them when hearing favorite memories about loved ones who have passed away from disease. Only the trailer knows their pain.

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o any person in passing, it looks to be an old trailer that could use a few hours of scrubbing and multiple cans of Febreze. It’s just another hunk of metal on wheels that smoke about once a month. But to a few, it is a beacon of hope. It is a symbol on the horizon indicating fresh water, some smiley fruit snacks, and an end, for now, to pedaling up many miles in over 100-degree heat. It is a reminder to the men to keep pressing on, that their journey does not stop at the end of a twenty mile stretch of so-called “flat” roads in Kansas or the sands and small gravel of the Kaytee Trail, or even the Atlantic Ocean— but that their fight continues past their country-wide journey.

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The fight ends when families no longer suffer from memory loss, when sons and daughters don’t have to remind their parents their grandchildren’s names, when it no longer must watch men stream tears for miles at the thought of family and friends suffering. It ends when the world has been freed of this wretched disease the trailer is attempting to help end.

The trailer dreams of the day it is no longer needed. It hopes to one day retire to a nice parking lot and reflect on the adventures it shared with many cyclists. It hopes it can one day just be used for previous riders to take trips down memory lane. But for now, it sits on cold, black pavement at a fraternity house waiting for the day it will escort another fourteen men to the other side of the country to have the best summer of their lives. •

Ken Barlow is an alumnus of the 2019 Bike4Alz team, previously served as Chi Eta Historian, and currently serves as the Chi Eta Social Chairman. He is a WKU journalism major from Louisville, Kentucky.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY

“I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life.

Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have— life itself.”

By American painter and writer Walter Inglis Anderson.

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