Chi Eta Newsletter 2021.2

T H E

O F F I C I A L

N E W S L E T T E R

O F

C H I

E T A

RAISING OUR

FLAG

ALPHA GAMMA CLASS | HOMECOMING | PHILANTHROPY WKUFIJI.COM

ISSUE 2021.2

LETTER from the EDITOR Revival & REnewal

Brothers, As the fall semester draws to a close, I have been left thinking about how far we have come as a chapter this semester. After many months of lockdown, during which many events were not possible, our chapter hasn’t missed a beat in returning to business as usual.

We are nothing without our history. Everything is descended from something that came before it, and we are no different. Our existence implies the existence of those who came before us, and to them we owe a great debt. Our chapter has certainly seen great change over the past semesters, but the more things change, the more they stay the same. The more we grow into ourselves in the here and now, the more we reflect the face of our chapter’s heritage.

In this issue of the XH, we meet the Alpha Gamma class, highlight Homecoming here on the Hill, examine our chapter’s first Parent’s Day in four pledge classes, and look at how Chi Eta’s philanthropy week made a splash.

Wishing you a smooth end to the semester, and a restful winter break.

Your editor, KENDALL WHEELER Publications Chair P!

2

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

Photo by Kendall Wheeler

XH

Publications Chair Kendall Wheeler | Graduate Advisor Thomas I. Deaton Publications Committee Preston Romanov, Jack McCoun, & Grant Johnson Cover Photograph by Preston Romanov LAST-MINUTE RECRUITMENT PLANNING AT FT. ARMSTRONG, AUGUST 30, 2018.

3

CONTENTS in this issue

6 A SPLASH FROM THE PAST

A recap of philanthropy week, featuring the return of the Bowling Green Balloon Battle

14 ALPHA GAMMA CLASS PICTURE DAY 4

We meet Chi Eta’s newest pledge class XH NEWSLETTER

11 FAMILY FUNCTION

Our chapter meets the parents of four pledge classes

24 WILD WILD WESTERN

A look at Homecoming here on the Hill VOL 2021.2

Photos by Colin Rogers

5

A SPLASH FROM 6

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

THE PAST

Words & Images by Preston Romanov 7

O

n the week of September 27, Chi Eta held its philanthropy week. The week kicked off with a $5 puppy playpen held on the lawn outside DSU. There were puppies of various breeds to play with and were all provided through the Kentucky Humane Society. The week continued with tabling for sorority bake sales and an outdoor movie night at the Mahurin Honors College featuring a showing of The Conjuring. On Wednesday, September 29, Chi Eta hosted its biggest event for the week, its Water Balloon Battle, dubbed the “largest water balloon battle in Bowling Green”; the event featured 12,000+ water balloons.

8

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

For the brothers, the event was preceeded by a long week of filling water balloons in preparation. Entrance cost $5 to participate, and all proceeds went towards The United Service Organizations.

Originally created in 2017 and held annually, it served as a flagship event of Chi Eta’s philanthropy week.

This instance marks a return to tradition, being the first time our chapter has held the event since 2018, and the first time most actives have participated.

Events for the rest of the week included “Wheel of Misfortune” in which participants spun the wheel to punish their favorite FIJIs, and the FIJI Date Auction, which featured 12 FIJIs who showed off their talents on stage to help raise money for the USO. At the conclusion of philanthopy week, Chi Eta had raised a total of $1,767 for the USO. 9

Photo by Preston Romanov 10

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

Photo by John Calvert

FAMILY FUNCTION

Photo by Sheldon Martin

by Jack McCoun

T

his year has been a first for many. Ever since the pandemic, gathering to see loved ones has been a challenge. In September, however, Chi Eta was able to welcome parents to Fort Armstrong for the first time in over a year. The day began with parents gathering at Downing Student Union for a presentation from cabinet. During this time parents were able to meet cabinet members and ask any questions that they had about the fraternity their sons joined. After this, Fort Armstrong opened to guests for catering on the back patio. Moms were encouraged to bring desserts, and by the end of the meal, there was certainly no lack of them! After lunch concluded, parents and brothers headed down to South Lawn to tailgate in preparation for the big game that day. The Hoosiers were coming to WKU, making everyone eager to see how the Tops would handle this one. By the end of the day, parents were able to establish memories that were full of joy for their sons, and love for Chi Eta.

11

Photos by Ms. Norvell

"All I do is win, win, win, no matter what. Got money on my mind I can never get enough."

-FIJI/AOII when asked for comment on shenanigans perfomance

12

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

What’s

Ne

Scooby

-Doo?

13

ALPHA GAMMA CLASS PICTURE DAY 14

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

Mason Alexander

Year: Freshman Hometown: Pewee Valley, KY Major: Mechanical Engineering So Why FIJI? Because scholarship.. Fraternity.. self Favorite Song: “Take What You Want” by Post Malone because Post Malone and the guitar solo at the end

😩

😩

Andrew Blanford

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Tacoma, WA Major: International Business So Why FIJI? Out of all of the other fraternities, FIJI was the one that lined up with my morals and ethics. It was also the most genuine fraternity that I visited.

Favorite Song? “Help” by Aaron Taylor is mine right now because it is a good song to throw on while doing homework or a chill song in the background.

Kade Boehm

Year: Freshman Hometown: Cary, IL Major: Marketing So Why FIJI? I love the guys in Fiji and what they stand for Favorite Song? “Way 2 Sexy” by Drake. I like Drake and think I’m sexy as well :)

John Calvert

Year: Freshman Hometown: Scottsville, KY Major: Business So Why FIJI? I wanted to be around like minded people who highly value academics, brotherhood, and a good reputation Favorite Song? “Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance. It’s my favorite because it’s the only one I can think of and it’s vibey af 15

ALPHA GAMMA CLASS (cont.)

Zac Colovos

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Bowling Green, KY Major: Mechanical Engineering So Why FIJI? I wanted to become more involved in the university, and FIJI’s values and good reputation on campuse that attracted me.

Favorite Song? “I Will Survive” - Gloria Gaynor

Justin Gilbert

Year: Freshman Hometown: Louisville, KY Major: Business Management So Why FIJI? FIJI stood out because the guys genuinely

seemed interested in me, and they cared about what I wanted. FIJI takes their grades seriously which is important to me, and their five values are virtues I strive for everyday.

Favorite Song? I really like country music so I like “Forever After All” by Luke Combs because I think it tells a great story and it has a good message.

Ben Heger

Year: Freshman Hometown: Simpsonville, KY Major: Health and Human Sciences Favorite Spot on Campus? I choose FIJI because it felt like

home right off the bat. Everyone was so friendly and I had a lot in common with all the brothers. There was just no other fraternity like FIJI Favorite Song? “Heavy Hitter” by Jack Harlow because I’m from the Louisville area and the things he names in his songs I know what he’s talking about and I also love his flow especially in this song 16

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

Elijah Hopkins

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Adairville, KY Major: Journalism and Political Science So Why FIJI? To me, Fiji seemed to be a place full of au-

thentic and excellent men. Every person I’ve met has been a great role model and has so much information and wisdom to provide.

Favorite Song? “Work Song” by Hozier because it’s very down to Earth, and the story and lyrics are very impactful.

Luke Howard

Year: Freshman Hometown: Bowling Green, KY Major: Business Finance So Why FIJI? FIJI had a welcoming feel that no other fraternity did. I instantly felt at home the day I met the guys.

Favorite Song? “Us and Them”- Pink Floyd. I love Pink Floyd’s lyrics because they’re so relatable.

Callan Jones

Year: Freshman Hometown: Spring Hill, TN Major: Construction Management So Why FIJI? FIJI is different than ever other fraternity that I have encountered and they have a meaningful impact on campus. People respect FIJIs. Favorite Song? “Feathered Indians” by Tyler Childers. I love his style and how his lyrics are meaningful

Drew McCord

Year: Freshman Hometown: Winchester, KY Major: Social Work So Why FIJI? The connection you have to others, and all the stuff we do around campus.

Favorite Song? 5 Seconds of Summer - “Lie To Me”. It is just a slow kind of banger. Gets me in the feels.

17

ALPHA GAMMA CLASS (cont.)

Joe Merritt

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Hendersonville, TN Major: Mechanical Engineering So Why FIJI? FIJI was the only fraternity I found that serves

the original purpose of a fraternity: to have a group of men who help each other grow and push each other to be better in every aspect of life Favorite Song? Soldier by Eminem, it was stuck in my head when I hit my first ever home run in high school and it never fails to motivate me

Kyle Nutgrass

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Louisville, KY Major: Business Management So Why FIJI? FIJI made me feel the most at home. The guys in

FIJI really stood apart from the rest of the fraternities on campus, and I saw FIJI as somewhere where I could grow as a man and mold a lifelong brotherhood.

Favorite Song? “RIVER ROAD” by Jack Harlow is a song I can always play and relax to. Also a song I can really identify with in terms of trying to be successful.

Nate Partin

Year: Freshman Hometown: Barbourville, KY Major: Biology So Why FIJI? I chose FIJI because of how genuine the guys were

18

that I met during recruitment. I could tell they were a great group of guys that wanted the best for one another and because of that I was able to see myself growing in this fraternity, so I knew FIJI was the way to go since day one. Since joining FIJI I have been shown true brotherhood and encouraged to be the best version of myself and for this I am proud to be a FIJI. P! Favorite Song? All Too Well (10 minute version) by Taylor Swift XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

Photo by Colton Ping

19

ALPHA GAMMA CLASS (cont.)

Colton Ping

Year: Junior Hometown: Somerset, KY Major: Political Science So Why FIJI? Transferring to WKU as a junior, I had no inten-

tion of joining a fraternity. After meeting some of the guys, I knew FIJI was a place I needed to be. The camaraderie this fraternity shares is like no other and will only better me as an individual.

I’m proud to be FIJI and excited to go through my college career being part of such an amazing organization.

Favorite Song? “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Is my guilty pleasure song. For some reason, every time i hear it i just want to get up and dance. Puts me in a good mood.

Jacob Roberston

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Lebanon, TN Major: Business Administration So Why FIJI? I chose FIJI because they stood out for their char-

acter and morals. They do not pressure me to do things I am not comfortable with or do not want to do. While I have had plenty of fun, they have grown me up as a person.

Favorite Song? My favorite song is “Like This” by NF because it is a song that helps me get away and reflect on my current situations.

Ryan Spychalski

Year: Freshman Hometown: Spring Hill, TN Major: Finance (Personal Financial Planning) So Why FIJI? FIJI felt like a big family that has fun but is also driven and goal oriented.

Favorite Song? “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue”

by Tobey Kieth. I love how this song is about the men and women who served and gave their lives for the USA. 20

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

“For athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their worth.”

-Mary Lou Retton, American gymnast, speaking about the New Member Olympics (obviously)

21

Photo

by Preston Romanov 22

Photo by Bike4Alz Team

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

23

Have you ever seen the rain coming down on South Lawn?

– Creedence Clearwater Revival (Probably)

WILD WILD WESTERN HOMECOMING 2021

24 Photo

by Preston Romanov

WORDS AND IMAGES BY THOMAS I. DEATON

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

25

G

reeted by a tent full of crawfish and good times, Chi Eta hosted graduates and undergraduates alike at WKU’s annual Homecoming Weekend on October 31.

This year’s theme, “Wild Wild Western,” was selected months in advance by WKU’s Alumni Association but proved an ideal title for a game day when all possible weather conditions made an appearance.

26

Though, by 1:00pm, much of South Lawn had been accidentially converted into a makeshift mud pit appropriate for Tug itself, breakthrough sun in the afternoon made for an ideal hour or so for everyone to make their way out of the tents and catch up. From the FIJI world to the 40th Anniversary of WKU Spirit Masters, lots of old and new faces were out to cheer on the Tops. •

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

27

28

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

29

30

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2

31

XH

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“If you don’t know your history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.”

By American author Michael Crichton

32

XH NEWSLETTER

VOL 2021.2