Spring 2012 Chi Eta Newsletter

Spring 2012

Volume 3 Issue 1

What’s Inside

Bringing in the Pig

Colonization at Autsin Peay pg. 2

Initiating the Theta Class pg. 3

Bike4Alz 3,000 Mile Ride pg. 5

Water for Life Haiti takes Service Abroad pg. 7

Dr. Cobane Named Chief International Officer pg. 8

Chi Eta’s 2012 Graduates pg. 8

Wilbur III receives his welcome as the guest of honor at the Chi Eta chapter’s Third Annual Frank Norris Pig Dinner

T

he FIJI mantra of “not for college days alone” is embodied most prominently in its oldest of fraternal traditions.

The Chi Eta chapter’s rendition of the Frank Norris Pig Dinner, the oldest annual fraternal graduate tradition in the world, was held April 28 at the Holiday Inn in Bowling Green, Ky.

Will Garcia, the Graduate Relations committee chairman, said Pig Dinner has been planned since before school began last fall.

“This is our prime time to thank our graduate brothers and parents for all they do,” he said. “This is about them and celebrating what their hard work and support has created this past year.”

Over 310 brothers, dates and parents registered for this year’s Pig Dinner, making it the largest graduate event the Chi Eta chapter

has held.

Garcia said the increase in number will only added to the excitement surrounding the event, and the chapter looks forward to that number continuing to grow in the future.

“We want more people to attend each year,” he said. “Every year should be better than the last.”

The chapter has built events around the dinner, creating a full weekend for guests to enjoy. The weekend began Friday evening for brothers and graduates with a History Walk on campus in remembrance of Chi Eta’s journey from colony to chapter.

Early Saturday the brothers welcomed six new men into the Chi Eta chapter, followed by a parent and graduate picnic held at noon on South Lawn to welcome guests of the chapter. An array of burgers, hot dogs and flag

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John Hellams, a 2011 graduate brother currently attending Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, said he bought his plane ticket in March in preparation for the event.

“It feels good,” he said. “It’s definitely a little different, but I’m glad I’m going to get to come to see everyone.”

Chi Eta President Nick Burnett presented a powerful State of the Chapter address followed by Executive Director Bill Martin’s keynote speech praising Chi Eta for its past success while offering words of encouragement for the future.

“Tradition should be the rudder that guides the chapter, not an anchor that holds it back,” Martin said, encouraging the chapter to remain innovative.

The dinner also featured the Fiji Choir singing a variety of hit Phi Gam tunes and a video production from brothers Dallas Wilson and Tyler Lockhart recapping the previous year.

Jeff Baynham, Chi Eta’s purple legionnaire and chapter advisor, said these extra features make this chapter’s dinner so special.

“That’s the highlight of the dinner,” he said. “I’ve heard from many

Photo Credit: Caitlin Herrington

people that Fiji choir was their favorite part of Pig Dinner last year. I’m looking forward to it.”

But this year many may hold another moment as their favorite, especially Dylan Ward. At the end of the evenings events Ward stood in front of the chapter to make a last minute

“Treasurer’s Report” during

which he proposed to his girlfriend of 6 years, Hannah Nicole Blair. The room erupted in applause and cheers as the chapter shared the special moment.

The 4th annual Pig Dinner will be held next spring on April 27 in a location to be determined.

By Nick Bratcher (2014)

Colonization at Austin Peay O

n the evening of February 27th, 2012, 14 men joined the ranks of Phi Gamma Delta as colony brothers at Austin Peay State University.

These men boast a cumulative GPA of just under a 3.1 and are involved in multiple organizations on campus.

While they hold a high GPA for their campus, they are also very diverse, which according to Field Secretary Adam Thomas, is not always an easy thing to find.

From the Chi Eta Chapter of Phi

Gamma Delta, Brothers Jeff Baynham, Zack Ryle, Jason White, Sam Wells helped with the pledging ceremony and attended their "Evening with the Fijis."

This event brought in groups from all over campus, but one sorority stood out, as Alpha Gamma Delta was the overwhelming majority of visitors in attendance.

The Chi Eta Chapter will continue to help the new Delta Colony that is found just over an hour down the road through providing Big Brothers

for the Alpha Class and advisement in various aspects as the colony develops.

The strongest support will come from two Chi Eta brothers on the colony’s BCA, Finance Advisor Jeff Baynham and BCA President Zack Ryle.

The future for the Alpha Class of the Delta Colony at APSU looks to be a bright one, paralleling in many ways the beginnings of the Delta Colony and Alpha Class at WKU.

By Zack Ryle (2012)

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Daniel Brussell

Initiating the Theta Class

Age: 19 Hometown: Bardstown, KY Parent's Names: Glenn and Faye Brussell College Activities: Honors College, Ogden Research Center High School Activities: FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, Football Big Brother: Alex Isbill Why did you join? I joined because I liked what I had heard and seen around campus about Fiji, and I wanted to be surrounded by some genuinely good guys with similar goals and morals as myself.

What has been your favorite part so far? I really enjoyed the pledge retreat and getting introduced into how it will be as a Fiji, but I've also really enjoyed spring sing practice! Its a great way to bond with some of the bros and our dance is sweet!

Robert Trent Martin

Age: 19 Hometown: Crestwood, KY Parent’s names: Ron and Missy Martin College Activities or High school: Play a lot of sports. Played basketball in high school Big Brother: Austin Latner Why did I join? I joined chi eta because I connected with the brothers right away and really like the brotherhood.

What has been my favorite part so far? My favorite part so far has definitely been hanging out with the brothers at the house. I feel that is when we get the closest.

What has been my favorite part of big brother little brother relationship? My favorite part is when we both get to have dinner together. I feel that is the time that when we both open up and talk about things.

Ryne McMullen

Age: 19 Hometown: Mt Washington Parents Names: Gregg and Anna McMullen College Activities: Dodgeball, Intramurals and CRU Big Brother: Nick Bratcher Why did you join? I joined to be a part of something bigger than myself that could help develop me into the man I want to be.

What has been my favorite part so far? My favorite part so far has been hanging out randomly with guys and getting to know everyone.

Joe Starks

Age: 19 Hometown: Lexington, KY Parent’s names: Jeff and Bev College Activities: Campus Crusade for Christ, Share a Swipe, Public Achievement, Dynamic Leadership Insititue Big Brother: Tyler Lockhart Why did you join?: I joined this group of likeminded men in order to serve this campus, this city, and this world. I cannot wait to grow closer to everybody in this fraternity so that we can become better men together.

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Charlie Rhea

Age: 19 Hometown: Louisville, KY Parent’s names: Tim and Laura Rhea College Activities: WKU Honors College, RUF, CRU Big Brother: Sam Wells Why did you join? After spending my first semester at WKU pretty low key and not really involved in anything other than my school work, I decided to become more involved once I got back from winter break.

Joining a fraternity was not on my list of thing to do in college, but after meeting a few of the Fiji guys through things like CRU, and talking to them more about Fiji and Greek life in general, I decided to rush in the spring, just to check it out. After going through rush, Fiji and I just seemed to click. I loved nearly everything about it, and so far it has been everything I have expected and more, and I am very proud to be a Fiji to be.

What has been your favorite part so far? My favorite part has defiantly been the open, welcoming and friendly environment created by all the brothers and the all the brotherhood events and activates we've had already. It's defiantly hard, and sometimes awkward, to come into a new organization like a fraternity and try to fit in with everyone else, who are all so close already. As someone who keeps to myself most of the time, and being as shy and reserved as I am, that can make coming into a new group like this even more challenging. However, I have been able to open with and get to know many of the brothers already, thanks again to their friendly attitudes and welcoming environment. Along with all the different activities and events, like spring sing, that have helped me open up and provided me oppertunities bond with everyone else a little more.

Luke Sparks

Age: 19 Hometown: Crestwood, Ky Parent’s names: David & Dawn College Activities (or highschool)- Basketball, Disc golf, Chillin with my bros, Fifa 12 Pro Big Brother- Cody Hutchins What has been you favorite part so far? One of my favorite things I have done so far is being a part of the Fiji step team. We may not have won the show but we definitely had the most fun. Getting to spend countless hours practicing with them was truly something special. Even though sometimes we all got fed up with each other we all grew closer together every night.

What has been your favorite part of the big brother/little brother relationship? I really didn’t know what to think of my big brother until a few days after we pledged in. He called me on a rainy day and said “ Hey Luke, you want to get in my Jeep and go hit all the puddles around campus and try to get people wet that are walking on the sidewalks?” From that point on I knew it was going to be a great (and dangerous) relationship. Since then we have gone to a rave together, gone searching for a cave together and have found out we are very much alike. I look forward to building that relationship even more this summer as we go to Haiti together and do Gods work.

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Bike4Alz: Taking the Fight Across America

By Austin Lanter (2014)

T

hree thousand miles. Nine states. Nine brothers. One cause.

This summer nine brothers of Phi Gamma Delta from Western Kentucky University will dedicate their time to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association in an effort called Bike4Alz. The men, all college juniors and seniors, will be riding bicycles from International Falls, Minn., to Key West, Fla., a 3,000 mile journey.

Bike4Alz is actually the second ride of its kind. In the summer of 2010, six men rode their bicycles from California to Virginia with the hopes of raising $75,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. This time, however, the stakes are higher. The participants of Bike4Alz hope to raise over $175,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We can’t decide which is more intimidating, almost 3,000 miles or raising $175,000,”

Photo Credit: Shelby Mack

Louisville junior Will Garcia said.

The 2010 ride, known as Fiji’s Across America, was the hopes and dreams of Elizabethtown native Tyler Jury, who lost his grandfather to Alzheimer’s.

“

Their story and their hardships are my motivation for going on this ride.

-Dylan Ward

”

Jury thought of several different things that he could do to honor his grandfather. Then, in 2008 while in Japan, he came up with a bucket list of things he wanted to do before he died. It just so happened that biking across

America was seventh of the list.

The two things then merged into one.

Jury got the support of five other men and was able to complete this dream by biking over 3,200 miles and raising over $56,000.

However, when Jury and the other men finished the 2010 ride, they knew the battle against Alzheimer’s was not over.

“When we put our front wheel in the sand in Yorktown, there wasn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s, so we all said we still weren’t finished,” Jury said.

That is how Bike4Alz came about. In September 2011, brothers of Phi Gamma Delta came together to see who would be interested in having a second ride. Now, almost 9 months later, their dreams are 5

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The route above will take the brothers from International Falls, Minnesota to the Florida Keys, a 3,000 mile journey.

becoming a reality as they embark on their journey May 25.

The participants of this ride decided to change the route and go North to South instead of East to West. This was done so the ride could go through some of the largest cities in America including Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Chicago, and many other. This route will be completed in approximately two months.

Many of the riders have been personally effected by Alzheimer’s, which gives them the motivation to ride. They know that when the going gets tough, they will look to each other and their experiences with Alzheimer’s will keep them going.

Hartford senior Dylan Ward has seen the toll Alzheimer’s takes on someone through his great-

grandmother. Ward said that his Mimi attended the funeral for her husband in the fall and did not realize that it was him that had passed away.

“Their story and their hardships are my motivation for going on this ride,” Ward said.

The men will leave from Bowling Green on May 20 to travel to International Falls, Minn. and will begin the ride on May 25. Along the way, they will be staying in hotels, churches and campgrounds. To date, the brothers have raised over $20,000 and hope to continue this success while on the ride.

You can keep up with their ride at www. bike4alz.org, following them on Twitter @ Bike4Alz and liking their Facebook page.

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Brothers to Bring Water, Life to Haiti

By Brian Campbell (2013)

O

n June1, fifteen brothers in the Chi Eta chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at WKU will embark on a mission trip that seeks to change thousands of lives.

The brothers will head to the island nation of Haiti and will work with native Haitians to provide clean water to some of the areas hardest hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010. As of January 2012 nearly half a million Haitians were homeless, many living under tarps and in tents. Poor living conditions have contributed to the outbreak of dangerous diseases, specifically waterborne illnesses such as Cholera.

With the support of Edge Outreach based in Louisville, Ky, brothers will land in Port-au-Prince and travel to the towns of Mirebalais, Grand Goave, and Cabaret, returning on June 10.

While in Haiti the men will train native Haitians how to set up water purification systems that will provide up to 38,000 liters of clean, safe water per day. To operate, the systems require a mere handful of salt and a car battery, providing a sustainable method of producing clean water. Brothers will also lead educational sessions on basic

Brothers Mason Bramer, Kyle Stewart, and Eric Hughes practice purifying water in preparation for their trip to Haiti. Photo Credit: Brian Campbell

hygiene skills to help prevent the spread of various diseases.

The trip began as an idea in the mind of brother Cody Hutchins who took special interest in the world water crisis in 2009. After learning of the extreme need for clean water in Haiti, Hutchins approached the Chi Eta chapter and sought volunteers to join him in his cause and coordinated the trip with Edge Outreach.

Much of the work in preparation for the trip has been dedicated to training on water purification systems and fundraising to get the team and equipment necessary to Haiti. The team engaged in many fundraising outlets in an effort to raise the nearly $40,000 goal, including calling nearby Phi Gamma Delta graduate brothers, roadblocks in Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville,

support nights at local restaurants, and working at the Kentucky Derby. Thus far the brothers have raised just over $30,000.

Part of the preparation also reminds the men of the dangers of the trip. In order to prevent infection, the brothers are recommended or required to have a number of immunizations including typhoid and malaria.

During the trip the water for life team hopes to deeply impact the lives of many beyond providing clean water. The brothers seek to share the love and message of Christ with the people of Haiti through their efforts.

For more information on the trip or to learn how you can support the Water for Life Haiti team, please visit waterforlifehaiti. org, or contact the team by email at waterforlifehaiti@gmail.com.

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Graduate Brother Named WKU Chief International Officer

O

n January 1, 2012, graduate brother Dr. Craig Cobane was named the Chief International Officer at Western Kentucky University.

This title is in addition to his role as the Executive Director of the WKU Honors College in which he has served for six years.

Cobane possesses a background in international relations and international security. He has worked with the NATO headquarters in Belgium and in the office

Photo Credit: Brian Campbell

of the Secretary of Defense.

In his time at WKU, Cobane has led many study abroad trips at WKU and has solidified relationships with Harlaxton College and the Semester at Sea programs. In the 2010-2011 academic year alone, more than 600 WKU students traveled abroad in 44 countries.

As Chief International Officer, Cobane will continue to make WKU “A Leading American University with International Reach.�

By Austin Lanter (2014)

Congrats, 2011-2012 Chi Eta Graduates!

Photo Credit: Fraternal Composite Service, fraternalcomposite.com

Kyle Allen - - - - -

Founding Father / Alpha Class Intramural Chair and Brotherhood Chair PR Assistant with Tennessee Titans on game day / 1 yr college 3 years working with WKU Athletics Sports Information Director, WKU Athletic Communications/Media Relations

Zack Graupner

- - -

Founding Father / Gamma Class Graduated with degree in Elementary Education Working part-time at Lost River Elementary

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Drew Bennett - - - -

-

Founding Father / Gamma Class Graduating Degree in Broadcast Television Production Managed website, social media, video work, and t-shirts, for Fraternity Helped create WKU’s only student produced sports program, The Extra Point, producing over 60 shows including three live “Game Day” shows.

After graduating drew will continue his career in sports television.

Jared Coomes - - - -

Founding Father / Beta Class (Last Beta) Greek Events Chair – won Homecoming Graphic Design extraordinaire helping design shirts, props etc Pursing career in Advertising and design in Nashville

Luke Gilliam - - - - -

Founding Farther / Alpha Class Greek Events Chair, Social Chair, Brotherhood Chair Degree in Civil Engineering Getting married July 21st to Katie Hindman moving to Paducah, KY Work for State Highway Dept.

Tyler Jury - - - - - - -

Founding Father / Alpha Class Treasurer and Chapter President WKU Greek Man of Year this year Founded Fijis Across America, which raised over $55K for Alzheimer’s Spirit Master 3 years Attending University of Louisville’s Dental School in the fall Getting married June 15th to Katie Ferriell

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Malcolm Lunceford - - - - -

Founding Father/Alpha Class House Manager Greek Events Coordinator Redzone Sports Talk Show and ExtraPoint sports TV show Freshman Family Group Leader BCM

Jordan Minton - - - -

Founding Father / Gamma Class Social Chair WKU Spirit Master Moving to Nashville to pursue music career

Jake Ryle - - - - -

Founding Father/ Alpha Class Philanthropy Chair, created Rivalry Run raising over $15K in 3yrs WKU Greek Hall of Fame Recognized as one of top 75 College Journalists by Scripps Howard Pursing career as Sports Multimedia Journalist

Zack Ryle - - - - - - -

Founding Father / Alpha Class Colony/Chapter Recording Secretary, Cups and Awards, Membership Development WKU Greek Hall of Fame Recently appointed BCA Chair of the Austin Peay Colony Anchor for Campus News Station and Sports Show Former Vice Chair, WKU Spirit Master, Spirit Master of the Year Seeking a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration at WKU

- - - - -

Founding Father / Alpha Class Parent’s Club coordinator for three semesters Participated in Biological Research Dr. Sahi Treasurer for Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society Studying abroad at University of Caen in France

Nick Serroque

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Luke Simmons - - -

Founding Father / Alpha Class Brotherhood and Greek Events committees SGA, College Republicans

Clay Simpson - - -

Colony Alpha Class, initiated Eta Class Ambassador for Honors College and College of Business Account Manager for Industrial Equipment Company in Louisville

Josh Wiseman - - - -

Founding Father / Alpha Class – Received first bid Recruitment Chairman, Historian, Big Brother Coordinator Honors College HonorsTopper 2 years Field Secretary for Phi Gamma Delta

Graduate News Chaz Vittitow (Founding Father, WKU 11’) is now engaged to Karinne Marcum Ray and Nate Blankenship and David and Ben Aroh on participation in Phi Gamma Delta Sires and Sons Ray Blankenship received his Silver Owl recognizing his 25 years as an initiated Brother Zack Ryle (Founding Father, WKU 12’) on accepting a poistion in the WKU Alumni Association as a Video Production/Social Media Specialist Dr. Craig Cobane has been named Chief International Officer at WKU

Donate Now Learn about the 1311 Club and other ways you can support the Chi Eta Chapter.

Visit www.wkufiji.com/ donate

Have graduate news? Send an email to graduate@wkufiji.com!

Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence.

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