Summer 2011 Newsletter

Summer 2011

Volume 2 Issue 5

Fall 2011 The Best in Fijiland Recruitment Chi Eta wins Cheney Cup, Recognized Schedule for 9 other Awards Friday-August 26

Rush begins Please Orientation Register by night April 15th

Saturday-August 27 1st Rotation Parties 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Sunday-August 28

2nd Rotation Parties 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Monday-August 29

First preference night 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Tuesday-August 30

Final night of rush Presentation night 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. For a more detailed schedule visit http://wkufiji.com/recruitment/

Upcoming Dates Parents Weekend September 17, 2011 WKU vs. Indiana State Game Time 6:00 PM

Homecoming Weekend

October 22, 2011 WKU vs.Louisiana-Lafayette Game Time 3:00 PM For game tickets click

here

Story By Brad Stephens (2013)

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ne of Phi Gamma Delta’s youngest chapters has won its greatest award.

The Chi Eta chapter at WKU was selected Monday as the recipient of the 2010-11 Cheney Cup.

Phi Gamma Delta’s most prestigious award is presented to the chapter which exhibits the greatest all-around efficiency in scholarship, fraternity relationships and general collegiate activities.

The Cheney highlighted an awards season that also saw Chi Eta either win or place in nine other awards.

“The Cheney Cup signifies the highest honor our international fraternity can bestow upon a chapter,” President Tyler Jury said. “Our men are extremely humbled to receive this award as a firstyear chapter.”

Phi Gamma Delta, also known as Fiji, arrived at WKU in the fall of 2008, and received its charter May 1, 2010.

In 2010, Chi Eta initiated 31 new brothers, donated over $60,000 in philanthropy money and held the highest cumulative GPA among fraternities at WKU.

Chi Eta has been active on WKU’s campus, with brothers holding leadership roles in a variety of campus organizations, including Spirit Masters, the HonorsToppers, the College Heights Herald, the Hilltopper Battalion ROTC program, and multiple campus ministries.

Its brothers have raised money for the Alzheimer’s Association through the Fijis Across America bike ride, the South Central Kentucky Red Cross through its Rivalry Run, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters through the Bowling Green Spring Luau.

Chi Eta also partnered with Habitat for Humanity and the St. Vincent/St. Paul Society, over WKU’s Fall Break, to do 1

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Volume 2 Issue 5 work in areas of Baton Rouge, La. affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Katrina.

“While it is great to be recognized to for our accomplishments, our men are excited to continue to strive to have a greater impact within WKU’s campus, the Bowling Green community and our international fraternity.”

Chapter advisors Dr. Ray Blankenship, Jeff Baynham and Ben Harper and graduate brother Chaz Vittitow were all honored with individual awards.

Vittitow received an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Graduating Senior.

He graduated from WKU in May and is now studying at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. During his time on campus, he served as chapter president and historian, was a Spirit Master, graduated from the Honors College, and served as a Bible study leader for CRU.

Both Blankenship and Baynham are employed by WKU. Blankenship, who received first place as the Most Outstanding Faculty Advisor, serves as an Associate Professor in the Computer Information Systems program.

Baynham, who was honored as the Most Outstanding Purple Legionnaire (Chapter Advisor), is Director of Advancement Services.

“Having top-caliber advisors and graduates that provide extraordinary support to our chapter has been critical to our success,” said Jury. “They truly exemplify our motto, ‘Not For College Days Alone’.”

The chapter will receive their awards in January at the annual Fiji Academy in St. Louis.

Chi Eta won or placed in the following chapter awards: • 1st, Cheney Cup – Greatest all-around chapter • 1st, Zerman Trophy – Promoting the

involvement of brothers in student

government, the campus newspaper and

extracurricular activities • 1st, Coon Plaque – Best chapter publication • 3rd, Jordan Bowl – Achieving the highest

scholarship among undergraduate chapters • 3rd, Baker Cup – Focusing on religious,

ethical and social service activities • 3rd Brightman Trophy – Improving and

maintaining relations between the chapter and

graduates Representatives of Chi Eta also received these individual awards: • 1st, Crowder Cup – Most outstanding faculty

advisor, Ray Blankenship • 1st, Durrance Award – Most outstanding

Purple Legionnaire (chapter advisor),

Jeff Baynham • Honorable Mention, Wilkinson Award –

Outstanding graduating senior, Chaz Vittitow • Honorable Mention, Coulter Cup - Graduate

brother with greatest contributions to chapter

(other than Purple Legionnaire), Ben Harper A full listing of the 2010-2011 Phi Gamma Delta awards is available here. t

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Summer 2011

Volume 2 Issue 5

From the Eyes of Wilbur II

The 2nd Annual Chi Eta Frank Norris Pig Dinner Story By Wilbur II, Contributions

by Brad Stephens (2013)

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ife for a pig is not real exciting.

We get fed, roll around in the mud and that’s about it.

But one day each year, we get our time to shine at the Frank Norris Pig Dinner. And this year it was time for me, Wilbur II, to be the guest of honor.

Pig Dinner is a unique Phi Gamma Delta event. It is the longest-running tradition in the fraternity world, dating to the late 19th century. Pig Dinner is a time for graduates (and, in the Chi Eta chapter, parents) to catch up, reminisce on fun times and share in fraternal traditions with the current undergraduate chapter.

But the most important tradition of any Pig Dinner is the pig itself, as we get a front row seat for the evening’s activities.

On May 1, 2010, my diminutive father Wilbur was the guest of honor at the Chi Eta Chapter’s Chartering and Inaugural Pig Dinner. I heard many great stories from him about the special night that the Delta Colony at Western Kentucky University became a full chapter on the fraternity’s Founder’s Day.

Wilbur the II enjoys Chi Eta’s second pig dinner from a silver platter. The pig roasted through the previous night as brothers of the chapter kept guard and Ft. Armstrong.

The chapter’s Second Annual Pig Dinner was going to be a grand occasion. The chapter added 28 new members to its ranks since the last May thanks to successful Epsilon and Zeta pledge classes. I was thrilled when the chapter selected me to be present at the ceremony.

I was first introduced to the chapter Friday April 29, the day before Pig Dinner. I was delivered by Sam Knott to Fort Armstrong, home of the Chi Eta chapter. After sitting in a tub of ice, I was ready to warm up a bit.

So the brothers carefully placed me on

a rotisserie that would be my home for the night.

I gracefully rotated over the flames while brothers took turns standing guard in pairs. By 3 a.m., my skin had been bronzed to a golden brown.

Now I had some time to rest at the Fort in preparation for the night.

While I was taking it easy, Chi Eta’s Zeta pledge class was initiated into the chapter. The Zetas, Ben Harris, Eric Hughes, Kaleb Moore, Damon Parr, Sam Wells and Dallas Wilson, became Chi Eta’s sixth fully initiated pledge 3

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Volume 2 Issue 5 class. The brothers and parents then spent the afternoon playing volleyball, knocking around golf balls and grilling outside at Preston Miller Park with a cookout.

The next time I saw everyone was when the newly initiated Zetas carried me into the Sloan Convention Center at 6 p.m. All those in attendance stood and heartily sang “Bringing in the Pig” as I entered.

Before I sat down, I was graced by a kiss on the forehead from Ben Harper and a kiss on the rump from Cody Hutchins as the audience cheered. I felt like a king.

The banquet’s activities provided lots of excitement. I got to listen to Kyle Allen lead the room in “I’m A Little Teapot,” see parents Wayne Jury and Gordon Lunceford get recognized for their hard work on Fort Armstrong, and hear from guest speakers Donald Smith and Brian Douglas.

I was also glad to hear all the good Chi Eta news in President Tyler Jury’s “State of the Chapter.”

Another exciting part of this year’s Pig Dinner was that it marked the inauguration of the 1311 Club. The Club will give Chi Eta graduates the chance to give back to the chapter on a monthly basis. The eight graduating seniors, plus Chi Eta’s prior graduate brothers, were all eager to support the chapter financially.

After the dinner I retired to Fort Armstrong while the rest of the chapter traveled out to the country for its annual formal. There, the welldressed brothers and better-dressed dates got to dance the night away in celebration of another great Chi Eta year.

I’d consider my Pig Dinner one my life’s greatest memories. And since the chapter gave me such a great time, I of course gave them a “thank you” gift the next day before departing for good. I’m excited for the opportunity my son, Wilbur III, will have next year. Chi Eta is a great chapter, and I know they’ll show him the same good time. t

Bryan Hartzell (2013) delivers a flawless rendition of the Exile’s Toast for the Chi Eta Chapter and over 150 guests.

Save the Date!

Next year’s Frank Norris Pig Dinner will be held Saturday April 28, 2012 4

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Volume 2 Issue 5

The Bowling Green Luau A Benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters Story By Austin Lanter (2014)

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nflatable games, whipped cream and Big Red himself were all in attendance at the inaugural Bowling Green Spring Luau, Chi Eta’s first philanthropy event of the spring semester. After months of planning from philanthropic chairman Ben Hussung and co-chairman Jason White, the event took place on April 9 in Bruster’s Real Ice Cream parking lot on Scottsville Road.

The event was held in order to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Kentucky.

After a hot day of fun, the event was concluded with a concert from Chi Eta’s own Jordan Minton, Dallas Wilson and Hussung among others.

All in all, the chapter was able to donate over $2000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, which included sponsorships from Kohl’s, UPS and Bruster’s.

Being the first year for the event, and trying to plan something that the whole community could be apart of, the luau presented many challenges for the philanthropy committee. “Getting sponsors for the event was the most difficult part of planning,” said Hussung. “Because Big Brothers Big Sisters is such a

Austin Lanter (2014) received multiple whip cream pies to the face during the innaugural Bowling Green Luau, and effort by the Chi Eta chapter and other campus organizations to raise funds and support for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

popular organization, many business in Bowling Green already sponsor them for other events.”

Organization and planning both proved to be challenges that had to be overcome for this event. Planning such a big event for the first time is not an easy task and something that the chapter could not do alone. However, with the help of the sororities of Alpha Delta Pi, Sigma Kappa, Delta Sigma Theta, and other volunteers, the event was a huge success. Volunteers and brothers alike work booths that included balloon pop, beanbag toss, duck-o-war, and pie a Fiji as well as food, face painting, and arts and crafts.

Hussung also said that finding a place and time that worked well for both those working the event and those whom we expected to attend was a challenge.

But, Hussung, a Bowling Green native, was able to use connections to get Bruster’s parking lot on Scottsville Road, a very good location. The good location, partnered with the inflatables were a definite success.

“The inflatables were a big hit, so we definitely want to try and have just as many if not more next year,” said Hussung. “Overall, most of the games and activities we had worked quite well.”

As of right now, the plan is to have the event in the same location until the luau outgrows it. Outgrowing the location is bound to happen at some point, maybe sooner rather than later, based on the ideas that the philanthropy committee already have for the future of the event.

“Can you say Ferris wheel?” said 5

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Volume 2 Issue 5 White. “We are already in the process of communicating with Hooks a local carnival rental store to get a few actual rides at our event next year.”

White also thinks that this is an event that could attract thousands of people and become a “must see” event for the city of Bowling Green.

This is highly possible due to the big musical talents that our very own Wilson is capable of bringing to the table. The potential for the event is limitless and it will no doubt grow into something greater.

“I learned that if you don’t dream big then there is no way you will achieve big things,” said White.

There is no doubt that the Bowling Green Spring Luau will achieve big things. The future looks very bright indeed. t

Tyler Wittmer (2013) faces some competition in the blow-up obstacle course at the BG Luau.

Children who came enjoyed a number of other activities, including face painting and the “pie-a-Fiji” booth.

Fijis Serve Across the Globe: Ecuador Nick Bratcher and Wade Haga Abroad in Santa Ana

T

he work of a Phi Gam never ceases.

Sure, classes at WKU wrapped up and brothers parted ways, but opportunities to live our values of friendship, knowledge, service, morality and excellence continued.

Summer’s opportunities brought Brother Wade Haga and me to Ecuador to serve the struggling community of Santa Ana while taking classes through the Kentucky Institute for International Studies.

Over a decade ago, the natural disaster of El Nino broke up a train track that previously allowed Santa Ana to trade with the outside world.

We set off for this small village in the Chota Valley to install computers donated by the city of Bowling Green and instruct Santa Ana residents on how to use them. The Ecuadorean government provided satellite internet.

Brother Haga and I also worked in a four-person group on our own side project to construct a playground in

the community to give younger children a place to play as older children dominate the soccer field.

It was here that I learned many things about myself and this fraternity.

I came to Ecuador an uncaring young man, naive to the world outside America and still struggling to grasp the core values of this fraternity.

At my worst, I viewed the world for what it could give me. At my best, I viewed it for what it could give to those around me— my best attempt at friendship.

But as I reached out to serve Santa Ana, I found something completely unsought.

I found excellence.

It existed in the love and respect of a foreign people, in the smiles of their children, and the joy in knowing I found those things through humbling myself.

As I dug hole after hole, erecting the structure our 6

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Volume 2 Issue 5 group spent months raising money to build, I grew closer and closer to these people on another continent.

I may have given a playground, but I gained compassion and new friends.

And that is what we are here for— to love those around us. There is no greater joy than lifting up others, whether in Ecuador or not.

If there’s one thing I hope you gain from my experience, it’s that my favorite moments in Ecuador came in times when I shared my happiness with those around me.

Before my journey, I would have viewed Santa Ana as an expendable part of a vast world that can’t be changed by one person.

Maybe that’s true. I can’t change the world.

But to the people in that small village, I did.

Now I eagerly await another opportunity to return home to Ecuador because there are so many worlds yet to be changed, and I intend to change them.

Until then, I will continue to supplement my life experience with the values of this fraternity as I continue to grow as a young man. t

Chi Etas Abroad Blog For more stories on the experiences Chi Eta brothers have had abroad, visit the Chi Etas Abroad blog at http://wkufiji.com/about/chietasabroad/

New to the XH Family

The Chapter would like to congratulate the following couples on their recent Engagements Luke Gilliam Katie Hindman Wedding Date July 21, 2012

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Bo Armstrong Beth Truax Wedding Date June 2, 2012

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Tyler Jury Katie Ferriell, Wedding Date June 15, 2012

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Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence.

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