May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
What’s Inside
Chi Eta Holds Annual Frank Norris Pig Dinner
By Matt Lawson (2015)
The culmination of a year of brotherhood, hard work, and accomplishments occurred on the last Advisor Role weekend in April. On this Changes weekend, the tradition of Pg. 2 Phi Gamma Delta was on display through the annual Third Annual history walk, initiation of Bowling Green the Kappa pledge class, and Spring Luau the 4th annual Norris Pig Pg. 3 Dinner. It was a time where Chi Eta Brothers undergraduates, graduates, Abroad and families came together Ben Harper, left, and Zach Miller, right, carry out a pig dinner tradition by kissPG. 4 to celebrate another amazing ing the pig. The oldest member present must kiss the snout while the youngest kisses the rear. (Photo by Brian Campbell) year. Step Show that I decided to join this great The weekend began with the humble beginning we came Pg. 6 from and serves as a reminder to fraternity full of great brothers,” the annual history walk on stay on path with what we truly Burch recalled. Friday. The history walk is a Senior Bios are.” Following initiation, the Chi time in which the chapter Pg. 7 The weekend events continEta chapter welcomed families reviews the history of the Graduate ued the next morning with the and dates to Bowling Green and Chi Eta chapter. The Spotlight: initiation of the Kappa pledge WKU through a family picnic reason for this is to remind Wade Haga class. After many weeks of at the chapter house and the 4th the chapter of its past in Pg. 11 pledge education about the hisAnnual Frank Norris Pig order to continue to uphold tory and traditions of Phi GamDinner at the Knicely the tradition of excellence Intramurals Conference Center. This gave set by those who have gone ma Delta, the Chi Eta chapter Pg. 12 welcomed seven new members families the opportunity to see before use in the future. into its mix to uphold the values the accomplishments the A goal of Chi Eta is not Photo’s from chapter has made as well as Greek Week 2013 to be the best, but instead to of the fraternity and contribute Pg. 13 to this growing brotherhood. make connections within the change what fraternity life These new members were chapter. looks like. The history walk Graduate News & serves as a reminder of how freshmen Drew Tingle, TayThe Pig Dinner was filled Chapter Updates lor Bowling, and Zach Miller, with tradition too. The newly and why we are seeking to Pg. 14 sophomores Wes Trail, Matt initiated Kappa pledge class do so. “We do the history walk Lawson, and Wade Weatherholt, brought in the pig and the Fiji and senior Scott Burch. choir treated families and to remember our roots,” “I remember sitting through brothers to a number of Fiji chapter historian Robert pig dinner, happy and excited tunes. Lucas said. “It shows us Pig Dinner Weekend Pg. 1
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May 2013
While families enjoyed the pig, chicken, and cheese cake, several brothers sang “I’m a Little Teapot” on top of their chairs because they ate the “Delta” of their dessert first. It was a time of laughter and great conversation between parents, dates, and brothers. Upon finishing the meal, chapter president Dylan Ward spoke on the accomplishments of the chapter and gave inspiration for continual growth in the future. The Keynote speaker, Archon President Scott Mikulecky, spoke on the need to keep the chapter’s eyes ahead, not comparing itself to other chapters but continuing to seek excellence, not for the praise of man but for the good of all. The ceremony ended with a surprise announcement from former
president and Chi Eta graduate brother Chaz Vittitow that his wife is pregnant with their first child. For undergraduate and graduate brothers, new initiates, dates, parents and families alike, this weekend was an enjoyable and enriching experience. For new initiates it gave much to look forward to as they joined a group of men dedicated to friendship, knowledge, service, morality, and excellence. For all it was a great weekend in which brothers and families, both young and old, could come together and celebrate a fantastic year and look forward to another great year to come. “This weekend was an excellent depiction of what Chi Eta stands for,” Ward said. “I realize more and more as
Volume 4 Issue 2 I near my own graduation that this experience will influence me well beyond my college years.”
Nashville native and Gamma class member Bryan Hartzell performs the Exile’s toast at Pig Dinner. (Photo by Brian Campbell)
Advisor Role in Chi Eta Changes Hands
By Tyler Lockhart (2014)
The Purple Legionnaire, or PL, is a title given to one graduate brother who serves as the primary advisor to the chapter. The Chi Eta Chapter has had the honor and privilege to have Jeff Baynham serve as our Purple Legionnaire since May 2010.
Jeff has invested countless hours in the chapter to make Chi Eta the best chapter around all of Fiji land. Jeff first heard of Phi Gamma Delta when one of his undergraduate friends said he had joined a fraternity on WKU’s campus. Jeff was not in a fraternity during his undergraduate time at WKU and decided to learn more about Phi Gamma Delta. Eventually he was initiated as a graduate initiate and decided to help lead the chapter to excellence and serve as our PL. Jeff’s willingness to serve doesn’t stop at Chi Eta though. While constantly assisting
the chapter, Jeff also serves WKU by working in the new Augenstein Alumni Center. He is the Director of Advancement services where he keeps track of all alumni donations. Even with all of this, he finds time to serve Chi Eta by giving every pledge class the opportunity to buy commemoration bricks to be placed on campus. These brinks have the brothers’ name, pledge class, date of initiation, and graduation year and on display for every WKU student to see. Jeff keeps track of all this information in his roll on campus.
Recently, Jeff has stepped down as Chi Eta’s PL, a position he has held for over three years. Over these three years, Jeff has touched many lives and been a role model for brothers within Chi Eta. Personally speaking, Jeff has been someone I personally look up to and consider a personal friend. Chi Eta will be a different place without Jeff as our PL. However, Jeff has prepared all the undergrads to be the best men that they can be and that we can succeed no matter what. Jeff is a man that always gives his best effort and encourages all of us to do the same. 2
May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
Brothers Host third Annual BG Luau By Brent Stephens (2016)
The Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta recently hosted its third annual “Super Home Surplus” Bowling Green Luau, a carnival-style philanthropy event held during the spring semester of each academic year. This year the event raised almost $1,000 for the Bowling Green Independent Schools and the Family Foundation of Bowling Green. The event was hosted at the parking lot of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream on April 13 and focused on bringing families from the Bowling Green community in for a day that both parents and children could enjoy. The Luau consisted of all kinds of family fun such as inflatable rides, a dunking booth, a pie-in-the-face table, putt-putt gold, face painting, bean bag toss, and many more. People could
buy an arm band that gave them an all access pass to the tables, games and rides or purchase individual tickets to be used at the booths. Sophomore Philanthropy chair Ryne McMullen (Theta class) set the goal for this year’s event at $1,000, and after all the earnings were totaled, the Luau earnings fell just short of it. However, McMullen still considered the day a success. “We wanted to get a good turnout as far as people in the community,” said McMullen. “I feel as if we achieved that.” As previously mentioned, this year the event was held in the parking lot of Bruster’s Ice Cream as compared to Bowling Green High School where the event was last year. The location of this Luau was something chapter
Sophomore Chase Thomas of Spencer County receives a pie to the face at the Bowling Green Luau. (Photo by Brian Campbell)
saw as advantageous. “Having the Luau at Bruster’s helped significantly,” said McMullen. “People were able to see it from Scottsville Road where there was a lot of traffic throughout the day. It gave us an advantage from last year.” Sophomore Chase Thomas (Eta class) worked both the dunking booth and pie-in-the-face table, and loved his experience. “My favorite part of Luau was seeing all the kids having a good time and enjoying the games,” Thomas said. “I was able to work the dunking booth and pie-in-theface table, and I got to fully experience some of the times these kids were having. Being a part of that was really fulfilling.” Something new that McMullen tried was a sponsor packet, which gave businesses opportunities to put their name in different places at set prices, which McMullen said worked well. “I see this continuing not only in this event, but other events that Fiji puts on as well,” he said. The event was not only fun for the kids, but for the brothers as well. “My favorite part of the event was when all the kids would line up at the dunking booth,” said McMullen. “No matter how many times Chase, Zach Miller or Drake Riley fell in, they still thought it was funny.” 3
May 2013
Fiji’s Around the World
Volume 4 Issue 2
Compiled by Matt Lawson (2015)
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, six current undergraduates brothers are studying abroad and in the March newsletter, we caught up with three of them, Nick Bratcher, Mason Bramer, and Jason White. This issue, we were able to talk to the other three men, Kyle Stewart, Evan Pennington, and Cody Hutchins. Here’s what they said: Where did you all study and what program was it with? Kyle: I am studying in Grantham, England with the Harlaxton program Evan:I am studying at Harlaxton college in Grantham, England. The program is through the University of Evansville. What was the best experience of your trip? Kyle: My favorite experience of the trip has been the everyday life in the manor. With only 150 students taking part in the program, and with the fact that we all live, study, eat and go to class in the same building, you have the chance to get develop relationships quickly and continue to deepen those relationships over the course of the semester. My favorite experience was Venice, Italy. When you step out of the train station, you are swarmed with beauty. Postcards and pictures could never do it justice in any sense. For how popular it is, the city is so quiet as there are no cars or vehicles in the city whatsoever. The canals, the art, the food, the atmosphere, and the people make it the most unique and enjoyable place I have ever been. Evan: The best experience so far has been the ability to experience different countries. I have always dreamed of traveling Europe, and looking back this semester has been too good to be true. The people I have gotten to know here have made the experience one that is unforgettable. What is the most important thing you learned from the trip? Kyle: In my time here, I’ve come to realize that the world is much bigger than I could have ever imagined. I don’t necessarily mean this geographically, I mean it culturally. I’ve learned that everyone around the world lives extremely different lives from me and from everyone else. For example, take the cities of Barcelona and Paris. Geographically, they are relatively close, but the people in both of these cities are incredibly different. Overall, in my four months here I’ve learned how little I actually know about the world, the
cultures in it, and how different other people’s lives are compared to mine. Evan: I have learned that I am a lot smaller than the world around me, and there is so much to know that it is nearly impossible to try to know all of it. I mean, Europe is only a small landmass, yet each place is host to so much history that I am constantly amazed at how all of this came to be. I have also learned that while being in other places is wonderful, it would be nothing if I couldn’t share it with anyone. If I did not travel with a great group of friends or get to share my experiences with my family and friends, this experience wouldn’t be half of what it was. How do you think your experience abroad will help you now that you’re back in the United States? Kyle: When I’m back in America, I think that I will have a much better perspective on everyday situations due to my time here. I’ve learned that the world is much bigger than myself or my situation, and knowing this I’ll have a much better outlook and point of view when it comes to decision making and everyday scenarios. I hate clichés, I really do, but I can honestly say that my experience in Europe has taught me more than I could have ever hoped, whished, or dreamed, and I will return to America a different than I left because of it.
Kyle and Evan in Wales on a weekend trip. (Photo Submitted)
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Volume 4 Issue 2 How do you think your experience abroad will help you now that you’re back in the United States? Evan: I am appreciating the United States more and more every day. I have to come to realize that while the United States is not without its problems, no country is perfect. Other countries have their fair share of problems, some even more than the US, and that there are more differences within countries themselves than between them. The same basic issues persist in most societies, and take away a few cultural nuances and language barriers, everyone is trying to just do their thing and get by. With that bring said, the United States provides many perks. Things are cheaper,
Cody Hutchins: Used by permission from the Honors Headlines blog. Cody Hutchins, a junior Honors Scholar is currently studying abroad on Semester at Sea. Below, Hutchins provides details about his journey so far. What a crazy adventure Semester at Sea has been! Thus far I have traveled to Hawaii, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Burma, India, Mauritius, and in one day I will be cage diving with Great White sharks in South Africa! Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how amazing this trip has been, and I can already say that it has been the most impactful experience of my life. I’ve visited ancient temples in Japan, watched the
there are more personal freedoms, there is warm weather, and more trust is placed in the citizens of the US than many other places. I am not sure how exactly this will help me. I draw comparisons between the UK and the US all the time here, and I’m sure I’ll do the reverse once I’m back. I hope that I can encourage others to get out and go see places, whether it is out of the country or not. Any experience that is different is a learning experience, and the more the better. You don’t have to go to another country to have the same experience I did. Basically I expect that I’ll just do more “stuff” when I’m back.
sunset over 1000s of Burmese pagodas, lived with a family in India, and I even rode an ostrich in Vietnam. Every single country has so many lessons to learn and so much to offer that it is honestly quite hard to take it all in. It seems like yesterday I was sitting in Japan talking with the Japanese ambassador for China, but in reality it was 2 months ago. Nonetheless I would not change a single second of this voyage because there is absolutely no other way to learn so much about the world in a single semester. Whenever I’m not in ports I am on the ship with a community of more than 600 college students as well as world leaders like Nobel Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu. On top of this I have also been fortunate to be able to participate in an entrepreneurship program with mentors such as Tom Chi, Experience Lead at Google X, Kamran Elahian, founder of 4 different billion dollar companies, Daniel Epstein, one of Forbes Magazine’s Top 30 entrepreneurs before age 30, and many more! In fact, last night I actually was able to sit down and meditate alongside Kamran Elahian. Overall Semester at Sea has been nothing short of the experience of a lifetime! Everyday holds new adventures and learning opportunities that simply cannot be found by staying within the borders of the United States. God has definitely blessed me immensely by placing me on this ship, and I will never forget the memories that I have made while circling the globe. Semester at Sea has changed my life forever. 5
May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
Phi Gam’s Take First in Unity Step Show By Bo Armstrong (2013)
For the third straight year, the Chi Eta chapter participated in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Unity Step Show. Our initial interest in 2011 was sparked by none other than our unofficial Diversity Chair, Craig Lonas. He rallied a group of five brothers a week before the show in spring 2011 and pulled a first place fraternity victory over Sigma Nu and Kappa Sigma. Two years later, Craig has passed the torch on to others, who now pass the torch on to the underclassmen. An eclectic group of 10 brothers came together to step this year. Veteran steppers Bryan Hartzell, Bo Armstrong, Damon Parr, Alex Isbill, and Luke Sparks were joined by five new brothers, Erin Pennington, Ryne McMullen, Austin DeMuth, Hayden Hickey, and Colton Hounshell. The brothers gathered before practice to decide on their theme, which would turn out to be Old Men. A YouTube video of a step show championship featuring a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha inspired to brothers to take this theme and make it their own. Brothers Hartzell and Isbill were in charge of creating a storyline and dialogue for the brothers. With help from our coach fraternity, the smooth nupes of Kappa Alpha Psi (Kappas), our brothers constructed a hilarious story of five fraternity brothers wanting to enter a step show. The brothers decide that they need some coaching to learn how to step, so they call up some “step experts.” Little did they know that the experts were ornery old men! What follows is a banter of back and forth of jokes and some good ‘ol fashioned stepping with wooden canes. “Y’all so old...” the youths yelled in unison. “Y’all so old, your last name ends in O’saurus!” brother McMullen finished. The group then performed a quick hand step taught by the Kappas before brother Sparks continued the barrage with, “Y’all so old, you sat behind Moses in the third grade!”
Check out the Step Show Here The hilarity continued, with plenty of old men falling on the ground, courtesy of brothers Hartzell and Isbill. The old men prove themselves to the young steppers, demonstrating that “Maybe we can learn something from you guys after all.” The show then took a sensual turn with brother Pennington announcing that he was “single and ready to mingle.” The brothers then performed a short dance “for the ladies” before strolling off stage to Wiz Khalifa’s “Up In It.” This year the chapter was pitted against one rival fraternity, Kappa Sigma. Kappa Sigma displayed commendable effort, but Phi Gam’s amusing story, endearing characters, and precise stepping triumphed in the end, bringing home the 1st place trophy to Fort Armstrong. With half of the 2013 Chi Eta Step Team graduating, the torch has officially been passed on to the underclassmen. It will be up to them to retain the legacy set forth by the brothers of the past three years. Regardless, brother Lonas’ dream has become a reality: the chapter has broadened its horizons, opening up a new avenue towards Greek unity. The 2013 Step Team would like to thank its coaches: Terrence Drake, Donovan Bailey, and LaNell Logan from Kappa Alpha Psi and Marcus Steele of Alpha Phi Alpha. 6
May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
Graduating Seniors
Joshua Amos
Age: 22 Pledge Class: Gamma Class Major: Civil Engineering Hometown: Bowling Green, KY College Activities: American Society of Civil Engineers (2 yrs as VP) Concrete Canoe (4 years), member of AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) Big/Little brother: Jake Ryle (Big), Tyler Wittmer (Little) Why did you join?: I met guys my age and older who were better men than I was. I wanted to join so that I could call those men my brothers and to emulate their teachings and advice. What will you miss the most?: I’m going to miss seeing the spirit of perseverance in all my brothers. No matter what situation we fell in, we always found a way to rise above. What are your plans for the future?: I will start working as a Civil Engineer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in September. I’m very excited to start my career. I’d also like to help out on the Board of Chapter Advisors.
Bo Armstrong
Age: 22 Pledge Class: Gamma Class Major: Psychology Hometown: Owensboro, KY College Activities: Clinical and Applied Research Group, College of Education and Behavioral Science Student Ambassadors, University Student Complaint Committee, DLI, Bowling Green Christian Church College Ministry Big Bro/Little Bros: Peter Drance (Big), Sam Knott and Jacob Crossno (APSU) (Littles) Why did you join?: I wanted to be a part of an organization that would set its own standards, not conforming to every other group like it on campus or across the nation. I felt like I would have a stake in creating this chapter, helping shape it towards its goals. I joined blindly and almost on a whim, but these were the reasons I gave it a try. Some amazing men made up the organization at the time, and I wanted to join with them in their efforts to create a new kind of fraternity at WKU. What will you miss most?: Talking about life with brothers on long car rides to Gatlinburg, Louisiana, or anywhere. What are your plans for the future?: I will be attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA for graduate school. I will be enrolled in a 5-year, Ph.D. program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Nick Burnett Age: 22 Pledge Class: Delta Class Major: Marketing Hometown: Louisville, KY College Activities: College of Business Ambassadors, Spirit Masters, CRU Big/Little brother: Tyler Jury (Big), Kent Jones (Little) Why did you join?: I joined originally because I wanted a group of like minded men that I could go through college with and get connected to campus. The Fraternity has become so much more to me since then. What will you miss the most?: I have lived in the house for the past 3 years, there is something about being in the house that makes you feel very connected with the brothers. I will miss the constant hustle and always having an opportunity to hang out with a brother that comes with the house. What are your plans for the future?: I plan to move to Nashville, TN, and take a job there.
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Mackenzie Burton
Volume 4 Issue 2
Age: 22 Pledge Class: Epsilon Class Major: Strategic Marketing Hometown: Louisville, KY College Activities: College Heights Herald Account Executive Big/Little brother: Luke Simmons (Big) Why did you join?: Joined for brotherhood, and to to get more involved What will you miss the most?: Going to miss just hanging out with everybody and being able to kick it whenever. What are your plans for the future?: Going to Louisville, working for a year and then going to grad school
Michael Hayden
Age: 23 Pledge Class: Gamma Class Major: International Business Hometown: Oakland City, IN College Activities: Study Abroad exchange student mentor, DLI, intramurals, International Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, BCM, Rugby club team, Well U, Econ book club. Big/Little Brother: Matt Cooke (Big), Seth Bland (Little) Why did you join?: I joined this Fraternity to help create something more of my college experience, to provide me with more opportunities, and to surround myself with quality men who would be able to help challenge myself. What will you miss the most?: What I will miss the most will probably be the brotherhood, but I am not psychic so I will let you know later on down the road. What are your plans for the future?: Plans for the future are currently under construction; however, they probably consist of working towards my career goals. There is not a clear cut path for me on how to get where I would like to be.
Chris Heil
Age: 22 Pledge Class: Delta Class Major: Civil Engineering Hometown: Winchester, KY College Activities: Member of Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, Concrete Canoe the previous three years. Big/Little brother: Nick Serroque (Big), Kaleb Moore (Little) Why did you join?: I wanted to be a part of a brotherhood that built me up allowing me to invest my time and talents in the best way I possibly could. I met many guys that changed my whole outlook on fraternities, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this special brotherhood. What will you miss the most?: I will miss everything about FIJI, this chapter has changed my life in so many ways. But more than anything I will miss late night talks with brothers. Staying up late into the night, learning and sharing life experiences with brothers made for some of the most memorable nights of my college career. What are your plans for the future?: After graduation I will be working for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. I also plan on attending grad school.
Alex Isbill
Age: 22 Pledge Class: Eta Class Major: Psychology Hometown: Owensboro, KY College Activities: Jiu-Jitsu Club, HonorsToppers, Work in Alumni Office. Big/Little brother: Damon Parr (Big), Daniel Brussell (Little) Why did you join?: I joined Fiji because I saw many aspects of myself in the guys in our chapter. And those qualities were the ones I wanted to further develop in myself. What will you miss the most?: I’m going to miss the projects we do together. There’s something special in working together with the guys in the chapter. Everyone’s drive makes our events worth the effort. What are your plans for the future?: To attend graduate school here at WKU for School Psychology.
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Volume 4 Issue 2
Chris Kinney
Age: 22 Pledge Class: Delta Class Major: Entrepreneurship Hometown: Louisville, KY College Activities: Campus Crusade for Christ; College of Business Ambassador; HonorsTopper; Big Brothers Big Sisters Big/Little brother: Blaine Routt (Big), Kyle Stewart (Little) Why did you join?: I joined Fiji because I wanted to grow as a man and I knew that the way to do that was to put better men than myself around me. I wanted to have guys in my life that I could have fun with and yet would push me to be the best I could be. What will you miss the most?: I will miss the community of brothers and getting to be blessed with being involved with everyone’s life on a regular basis. My brothers encourage me as I get to see them achieve and as they invest in my life. I’ll miss big events like Islander and small ones like spring sing practice every night. I’ll miss bible study and late night talks on the back deck. I’ll miss being surrounded by Fijis. What are your plans for the future?: I have accepted a sales job in Nashville with a company named TEKsystems, where I will be doing IT recruiting.
Craig Lonas Age: 23 Pledge Class: Gamma Class Major: Popular Culture Studies Hometown: Scottsville, KY College Activities: Potter College Dean’s Council of Students, Relay For Life, Resident Assistant, Leadershape, Unity Step Show, Student Identity Outreach, DLI Phases I-IV graduate and Phases I and II instructor, Alternative Spring Break, High School Leadership Conference Facilitator, Kentucky Student Leadership Conference Spirit and Philanthropy Facilitator Big/Little brother: Luke Simmons (Big), Fernando Marquez (APSU Colony Little), Alex Fahnders and Will Owens (Adoptive Littles), Becca Todd, Kelsey Beach, Tori Henry (ΑΞΔ Littles) Why did you join?: I joined because I felt as though there was a part of my life missing. As a first generation college student I felt as though I did not have a connection to the thriving spirit of WKU and my experiences at Leadershape with many members of the NPHC community led me to believe that Greek life was a way to discover that connection. When I started my job as a resident assistant in McCormack Hall in the fall of 2009 and met Luke Simmons and grew closer to him I began to realize that there was a place for me in the Greek community. To be among a diverse group of gentlemen seeking a great reputation and striving to grow closer as brothers and become better men was something that I needed greatly in my life at the time. When I began to have personal struggles these people sought not to mock or throw me aside. I have always had amazing friends, but what I needed was strong bonds in brotherhood. That is how I knew that I wanted to join and become a Phi Gamma Delta. What will you miss the most?: The undying kindness of my brothers when I have been at the physically lowest points of my existence.I will miss clarifying facts about the African-American fraternities and sororities and trying effortlessly to make our group more like them. I will miss being invited into the Armstrong abode at any hour of the day to be fed. I will miss driving around and listening to various selections from the Glee playlist with Mr. Bowman and Mr. Fahnders. I will miss making paddles and having “Crafternoons” on “Fraturday” to help the guys make amazing gifts for their family tree. I will miss the way that my hands blister and ankles swell from nights spent stepping in the parking structure. I will miss having a place to rest when I am weary, and having people to wake me up when the struggle is real. I will miss discussions at Cabell Castle, and hearing stories that make me smile with pride. I will miss Moes for Bros, the trashcans I call home, and the overwhelming urge to Stankky Leg to “Party in the USA.” In essence, I will miss the feel of the weight of F-I-J-I on my chest and the weight of each brother’s struggle on my shoulders; I will miss Phi, Gamma, and Delta. What are your plans for the future?: I will be working at The Center for Courageous Kids during the summer and applying for full-time positions at CCK, SKyPAC, and The American Cancer Society. If these don’t pan out the way that I hope I will be moving to Chicago to pursue improv comedy so that I can end up on Saturday Night Live and live the dream. If none of that pans out I will most likely end up working for one of you, so... get ready for the call.
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May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
Erin Pennington
Age: 21 Pledge Class: Gamma Class Major: Television Production and Religious Studies Hometown: Elizabethtown, KY College Activities: Worship Leader at First Baptist Church, goofing around with Bryan Hartzell Big/Little Brother: Malcom Lunceford (Big), Brad Stephens and Jacob Hood (Littles) Why did you join?: I joined because I found a fun group of people who shared in my same values and passions. What will you miss the most?: Mid term grade reports...... Totally kidding. I will miss all the events and trips that we do together as a fraternity. I have the most fun when we are all together. What are your plans for the future?: Land a job in the sweet city of Nashvegas.
Brad Stephens
Age: 22 Pledge Class: Delta Class Major: News Editorial Journalism Hometown: Winchester, KY College Activities: College Heights Herald (various sports staff roles), freelancer at the Bowling Green Daily News and the Associated Press, sports intern at the Oldham Era and Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, Former Interfraternal Council delegate. Big/Little brother: Erin Pennington (Big), Jason White (Little) Why did you join?: I was looking for a group of friends to supplement my college experience and push me to pursue brotherhood. What will you miss the most?: I’ll miss the road trips, intramural games, social events and impromptu singings of “God Bless the USA” after the FBI catches terrorists. What are your plans for the future?: I plan on working for a newspaper to be determined, reporting on high school or college sports.
Austin Wenger
Age: 21 Pledge Class: Gamma Class Major: Broadcast TV/Film Production Hometown: LaGrange, KY College Activities: Amateur Filmmaker Big/Little brother: Brandon Bowman (Big) Why did you join?: I joined Phi Gamma Delta for the sense of brotherhood. I stayed for the opportunities to improve my community, and improve myself. Fiji offered a real motivated group of people who wanted to do big things and I wanted to be a part of this change. What will you miss the most?: I will miss hanging out with everyone. You don’t have the same kind of free time once you graduate and your lives are much different than being in college. I will miss being able to call up people to hang out with and go on midnight GADS run with. What are your plans for the future?: My plans for the future are still unknown. Im looking to move to a bigger city like Nashville, Austin, Chicago, etc. I am looking to find a job in Video Production.
Tyler Wittmer Age: 22 Pledge Class: Delta Class Major: Religious Studies Hometown: Evansville, IN College Activities: CRU, Bike4ALZ, Theta Alpha Kappa, End It Now Movement Big Brother: Josh Amos (Big), Griffin Fruge (Little) Why did you join?: Because it was a group of men that I respected deeply for their faith, morals, and commitment to excellence. I wanted to better myself as a man in college, and knew that I needed better men then myself to do this. What will you miss the most?: Brotherhood, Ft. Armstrong, and Spring Sing. What are your plans for the future?: Seminary, with the end goal of becoming a professor of religion.
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May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
Wade Haga Serves the Dominican By Seth Haga (2016)
The Dominican Republic has enjoyed the presence of Chi Eta brother and Wade Haga for the past three months. Only a few weeks after graduating in December of 2012, Wade departed for the Dominican Republic where he joined a mission team called “Go Ministries” that is a Christian group based out of Louisville, Kentucky. The passion for the Dominican came about last summer whenWade spent a week working with Go Ministries while he was on a mission trip with a team from Revolution Church out of Louisville. Although he physically left the country after a week, his heart and thoughts remained with the people and community in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Throughout his final semester at WKU, Wade exchanged a series of emails with Will Partin, the leader of the Go Ministries team stationed in Santiago, and discussed the possibility of spending a tentative six month period in the Dominican as an intern with the team. Will, ecstatic with the thought of Wade’s help, welcomed him to join his team with open arms. Wade took a week or two to adjust to the community and lifestyle, but since then Go has kept him very busy. Some ways that Wade has been ministering to the people in the Dominican has been through construction work, painting walls, translating between English
and Spanish speakers, working in sports camps, singing and leading worship, helping feed local impoverished communities, and just loving on people who are very broken from a difficult way of life. Although his time there has proven to be exhausting and busy, Wade has thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. As Wade was leaving for his trip, he had a few main goals that he wanted to accomplish while he was staying in the Dominican Republic. He wanted to develop his ability to speak Spanish, develop his leadership abilities, minister to the Dominican people in any way that he could, and most importantly develop his relationship with Christ. After exchanging a few emails with Wade, it is evident to me that Wade has made major strides in accomplishing each of these goals.
Wade has set a tentative date of return to the United States on July 9th. If you are interested in keeping up with Wade and how he is helping to minister to the people in the Dominican, you can follow his blog at: wadehaga.wordpress.com. If you would like to contact Wade to say hello or just to give him some encouragement, his email address is Whaga612@gmail.com. Wade has said that the best way we can support him and help him from here in the United States is to cover him with prayer, specifically for energy to finish out his adventure and energy to demonstrate Christ’s love to the people he is ministering to in the Dominican on a daily basis. I’m proud to call Wade my brother in every sense of the word.
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May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
Chi Eta takes first in WKU intramural standings First Place Men’s Softball Men’s Handball The Bunny Hop 5K
Second Place Men’s Handball Coed Handball with KD The Bunny Hop 5K Men’s Soccer Wiffleball Tournament Battleship Doubles’ Badmitton
Third Place
Coed Handball with Chi-O Doubles’ Badmitton Singles Racquetball With these finishes, the Chi Eta Chapter finsihed the year in first place in the intramural standings for the first time in history.
Bike4Alz 2012 receives Presidential Award Last summer, nine brothers from the chapter biked across the country for Minnesota to Florida to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research. Over the course of the ride, the group raised over $60,000 for the cause. Recently, the brother’s were awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Obama, given out by the WKU Alive Center, a certifying organization. The group was awarded the Gold Award in the group category for their efforts.
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May 2013
Volume 4 Issue 2
Moments captured during Greek Week Photo’s by Brian Campbell (2013)
Chi Eta received first overall for their efforts in Spring Sing.
Click Here to View this years Routine
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May 2013
Graduate News
Dustin Clevidence (WKU ‘10) passed his tests for dental school and is now Dr. Clevidence. Chaz Vittitow (WKU ‘11) and his wife Karinne are expecting a baby. Zack Ryle (WKU ‘12) is now engaged to Marry Katherine Higginson as of March. Also, Zack accepted a new job to be the Coordinator for Communication and Technology in the WKU Center for Gifted Studies. John Whitaker (WKU ‘12) and his wife Hunter Whitaker welcomed a baby girl to the world, Rose Emory Whitaker, on May 17, 2013. Jordan Minton (WKU ‘12) will be releasing his debut album later this year after raising enough money to do so through a Kickstarter campaign.
Volume 4 Issue 2
Convocation Results At the end of every Greek Week, the whole Greek Community gets together to celebrate the week and receive awards. This year, the Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta received the following awards: First Place in Spring Sing First Place in Events Day Third Place in the Banner competition The Alumni Development Award The Campus Involvement and Leadership Award The Outstanding New Member Program Award The Philanthropic Service The Scholastic Achievement The Greek Involvement The Outstanding New Member Program Award Brothers Nick Burnett and Bryan Hartzell were inducted into the Greek Hall of Fame at Convocation as well. The Chapter is also awaiting the results of the awards given by the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta itself. These results should be released in July 2013.
The chapter would like to thank David Aroh and everyone else who contributed to the renovation of the deck at the chapter house. Learn about the WKU Excellence Fund and how you can support Chi Eta at www.wkufiji.com/donate
Current Supporters
Have graduate news? Send an email to graduate@wkufiji.com!
Bob Anderegg (USC `71, WKU GA `10) Jeff Baynham (WKU `10) Ray Blankenship (Kentucky `84, WKU GA `10) Brandon Bowman (WKU `10) Dr. Craig Cobane (WKU Faculty `10) George and Janie Pennington (Parents) Blaine Routt (WKU `11) Chaz Vittitow (WKU `11) Josh Wiseman (WKU `12)
Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence.