WKU FIJI Winter Newsletter

December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3

What’s Inside Date an Iota PG. 1 Graduate Spotlight Ronnie Santana PG. 2 Hurricane Issaac Relief PG. 4 Homecoming Pg. 6 Parents’ Day Pg. 7 Color Run Pg. 7 Senior Bios Pg. 8 Graduate News & Chapter Updates Pg. 9

Save the Date!

4th Annual frank norris pig dinner April 27, 2013

Auctions, Initation and the Iota’s Austin Lanter (2014)

Each pledge class for the Chi Eta Chapter is given a Greek name. The most recent pledge class is known as the Iota Class. This class is comprised of 15 men from all over Kentucky, ranging from Freshman to Juniors in college.

Another tradition that the Chapter has that binds each pledge class even closer together is the idea of each class completing a pledge The Iota’s perform the Fraternity stroll at Date an Iota. (Photo by class project. These projects Brian Campbell) are intended to form a deeper bond within the class and im- calling it “Date an Iota.” The Stephens went on to say prove something around the event took place December that every member of his chapter house. Past pledge 4 in the DUC Auditorium class was involved and beclass projects have included on campus. The fundraiser cause of the help and support the fence built in the backfeatured 13 Iota’s and seven of the older brothers, it was a yard by the Epsilon Class and other Fiji’s being auctioned fun, successful night. the stairs in the basement by off with Iota’s Taylor Ruby Right now, the Iota’s the Delta Class. and Brent Stephens and Delta plan to renovate one of the Before any project can Nick Burnett playing the role rooms in the basement with be completed, the class must of MC for the evening. the money they were able to find a way to raise the funds Overall, the Iota’s were raise. for it. Both the Delta Class able to raise over $900.

“Date an Iota was a and the Epsilon Class raised “I think Date an Iota blast,” Lexington Iota Clint money by auctioning themwent great,” Stephens said.

Bacon said. “It went much selves off with the highest “We had a good number of better than I think anyone bidder receiving a date with ladies come out and also a anticipated and I can’t wait the brother they purchased. significant number of brothto get started on our pledge The Iota Class, seeing ers which was awesome to class project.” the success that the previous see how supportive they two auctions had, decided to were.”

(See Iota, page 2) do the same fundraiser, 1

December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3

Members of the Iota class, from left to right, Seth Haga, Sam Cherry, Hayden Hickey, and Parker Kuhn examine memorabila while on a tour at Phi Gamma Delta’s International Headquarters in Lexington. (Photo by Brian Campbell)

where we started, how we (Iota Continued) got started and it was very interesting to see that tied That was not the only in with some Hilltopper thing the Iota’s have been history too,” Stephens said. looking forward to for quite Lexington Iota Parker some time. Just a few days Kuhn said that he is blessed prior to Date an Iota, the to have gotten such a great Iota’s became the ninth start with the fraternity pledge class to initiate into through the Pledge Educathe Chi Eta Chapter of Phi tion program.

Gamma Delta.

“Having such a great Stephens said that pledge semester with such initiation was one of the a great class made it pergreatest experiences of his fect,” he said. “It’s always life and really enjoyed the weird to look back and rehistory walk as well. member the day that we all “The history walk was received our bids and look an informative, fun, and re- at how we were as a class ally cool way to show how then compared to what we Fiji’s are involved at WKU, are now.”

Ronnie Santana: A Life of Faith Sam Knott (2014)

Brother Ronnie Santana, a Founding Father of this Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, has devoted the last few years of his life to studying in hopes to one day become a Catholic priest. Great interest in his studies has led him to seek a knowledge that can’t be found in the United States and so it has led him to the epicenter of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican.

Current undergraduate brother and fellow Catholic, Samuel Knott, decided to catch up with Ronnie a little bit through a short Q & A session in order to update the chapter on the great things that this graduate brother is participating in.

So what are you up to now days?

Well, currently I am studying in The Eternal City – Rome, Italy – through the Catholic Studies program located at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. I will be here in Rome until January 23rd, upon which I will be returning to the United States and finishing my last year of philosophical studies. Being a Catholic Seminarian is great but also difficult in Rome because of the nearly limitless possibilities available here.

Life is busy, life is fun!

What is it like to be in the beautiful country of Italy?

Being here in Italy has been a

wonderful and singular experience.

Without a doubt, it will be a part of me for the rest of my life. I have been to many places in Italy including Norcia, Venice, Padoua, Assisi, Siena and Ravenna. What will amaze you as you begin to travel in the country is how different the daily way of life is here.

In the cities you walk by ancient buildings, most of which are older than our country, and immediately get a taste of how life was several hundred years ago. Traveling by train is even more amazing. As you zip through the Italian countryside you see the mountains in the horizon, the flat plains before you, and the majestic medieval towns built upon the tallest hills all in one blink of an eye.

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December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3 Being in Italy is kinda like being Larry Daley from A Night at the Museumeverything I encounter comes to life before my eyes.

As a Catholic, what does it mean to be studying in the Vatican?

As a Catholic Christian nothing makes my faith more real and substantial than the Vatican. Typically when you think of the Vatican you immediately imagine St. Peter’s Basilica, and this is not far off from reality! St. Peter’s Basilica is a very real testimony to the unbroken faith of the Christian people in both the Eastern and the Western worlds throughout the centuries. This can be very difficult for many Americans to grasp, including myself, since our history and our culture is barely over two centuries young. Being able to study at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas solidifies my connection to the faith of my forefathers and brings to my life an entirely new dimension of faith and love.

What exactly is your main goal in becoming a priest?

There is a beautiful poem written by a French Dominican priest named Fr. Henri Dominique Lacordaire, O.P. titled The Priest which, in my opinion grasps, really attains a great answer to this question.

I love this poem but the best answer to this question is found in the scriptures. If I had to use the words of our Lord Himself to describe what the main goal of my priesthood would be, it would be summed up by the passages from St. Luke 4:18-19 and St. Matthew 9:10-

Graduate Brother Ronnie Santana with Monsignor Guido Marini.

(Photo submitted)

13. The example set by Christ in these scripture passages is, among many, the example a priest must follow in virtue of his ordination. The priest must be, in a very real sense, Christ to all people – in and out of season. As I am sure you can conclude, this means that the priest is called to fully conform himself to the model of Christ, the supreme and eternal priest from whom his very priesthood is derived.

As a graduate brother of Phi Gamma Delta, was there anything within your undergrad years in the brotherhood that led you to pursue a life of priesthood?

Yes. The brotherhood itself!

While at that time I was not to familiar with Blessed John Paul II and his writings, he describes my experience at that time the best. Blessed John Paul

II said, “Man, who is the only creature on earth which God willed for himself, cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of self.” In other words we are meant for communion – for brotherhood – and it was my first experience of community with Phi Gamma Delta that helped pave my way to enter seminary and perhaps one day become a priest of the Church. Without the brotherhood found in Phi Gamma Delta, which challenged me but also helped me become a better man, I more than probably would not be where I am now. My family and friends had much to contribute to my formation as well, but the benefit of brotherhood received during my undergraduate times with Phi Gamma Delta is very significant nonetheless!

What is one piece of advice you could give to the Chapter at this point in time?

Memory. Do not forget your roots especially the history of how our local Chapter came to be! While there are universal aspects of Phi Gamma Delta that transcend into every chapter, there must exist a preservation of those certain particular qualities which make every chapter what they are. The local customs and traits enrich the overall experience which is Phi Gamma Delta and in order to remember what these customs and traits are you must continue to keep in touch with the founding classes and the classes which come thereafter. Engage us, pursue us, and you will begin to find a new life and purpose within the local chapter that could become lost.

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December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3

Tearing down Walls, Rebuilding Hope

Liberty Junior Levi McQueary shovels debris and sludge from a house in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Brian Campbell) Austin Lanter (2014)

For the third consecutive year, brothers of the Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta packed up and headed down to the state of Louisiana for their annual Fall Break Service Trip. The past two years featured brothers staying in Baton Rouge at Louisiana State University with the Fiji Chapter there.

However, this year would hold something new and exciting for the brothers.

The brothers decided to go where there was the most need and where they could make the biggest difference within the community. It was because

of this that the chapter ended up in After work, the brothers returned New Orleans helping a Christian relief to the bunk house that Operation Blessorganization called Operation Blessing ing had provided and were able to get by serving victims effected by Hurriin some much needed rest and relaxcane Isaac. ation. Some brothers opted to explore Nearly half of the chapter packed the New Orleans area and went down up and headed down to New Orleans to the French Quarter, a big tourist aton Wednesday, October 3. Some broth- traction in the city. ers had to drive through the night and While everyone went so that they did not arrive until 4 a.m. may serve those in need, the brothers Thursday morning the brothers were able to grow closer to each other were greeted by members of the Opera- in the process. For the most recent tion Blessing team, who had prepared pledge class of the fraternity, the Iota’s, a warm, home-cooked meal for them. this was their first big experience and After breakfast, the brothers headed out opportunity for brotherhood. to the worksite and it was not until they were there that they learned what they would be doing for the next two days.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday, the Chi Eta Chapter assisted those effected by the Hurricane by demolishing several homes that had been ruined by water.

The area the brothers were serving in was located outside of the levees and had flooded for the first time in almost 100 years. The young men came together to bust down drywall, completely gut houses, clean sludge, and move garbage to the street all while getting to know the homeowners of the houses which they were destroying.

“We were able to form bonds with the residents by praying for them,” Owensboro Senior Bo Armstrong said. “It’s wild to think that destroying someone’s house can actually help Louisville Senior Chris Kinney removes someone start on the road to rebuilding debris from a house in New Orleans, his or her home and life.”

Louisiana. (Photo by Brian Campbell) 4

December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3

Brothers pose for a picture with members of the Operation Blessing team before heading to work.

(Photo taken by Operation Blessing) For Taylor Ruby, a Somerset Freshman and member of the Iota class, it was an opportunity he could not pass up.

“I went on the trip because I wanted to make an impact in someones life,” Ruby said. “I hadn’t been in the Fraternity for that long at the time and it was a great opportunity to grow closer to some of the brothers that I didn’t know as well. Overall, the trip was a great way to provide a service for

a community in need while also bonding with my brothers.”

After two long days of manual labor, the brothers once again loaded into the cars to head back to Bowling Green, completely exhausted.

Some chose to make a pit stop at Auburn University to see an SEC football game while others returned to Bowling Green to relax before having to go back to class.

“Even though we did a lot of good work and saw some cool stuff,

my favorite part was the car rides down and back with the same group of brothers,” Armstrong said. “We had a hilarious trip, blasting Gangnam Style and Taylor Swift at every state border and live-tweeting our shenanigans.

Throughout the weekend, I stuck close to these brothers, and formed new bonds as well as strengthened old bonds, grappling them as with hoops of steel. I made memories that I won’t soon forget.”

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December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3

Phi Gams Have Successful Homecoming Week

Brent Stephens (2016)

as people lined the streets to watch.

Overall Chi Eta’s group finished fourth This years homecoming gave in Homecoming week. the men of Chi Eta an excellent Spending several nights that seemed opportunity to show off their talents endless, and with the complete help to the Bowling Green and WKU and cooperation of OPA and Iota Phi communities, and the Phi Gams did not Theta, the parade float was finished just disappoint. hours before it traveled to Avenue of Chi Eta and its partners, the ladies Champions for the start of the parade. of Omega Phi Alpha and the men of The trio of organizations worked for a Iota Phi Theta, embraced this year’s little over six days on the float, starting theme of “Red, White and WKU,” in on Sunday Oct. 14 at noon, and finally producing a patriotic float that finished wrapping up around 2 p.m. that Friday. second overall. The group also finished Throughout the week Chi Eta second in a new category, Parade participated in several events with the Spirit, which was judged on a basis of OPA’s and Theta’s. The men started overall enthusiasm, school spirit and the week off with a dinner at Fort crowd interaction. Each group showed Armstrong, and then later that night their float off to the community, pulling had an impromptu step show on the it with a truck from campus to the back deck. square in downtown Bowling Green Chi Eta also hosted an ice cream

social that week, with an ice cream bar set up in the kitchen with movies playing on the first floor and a dance party going on in the basement.

Throughout the week Chi Eta participated in other events that counted towards the overall standings for the week. Fiji participated in Greek Games, nominated OPA president Tessa Duvall for Homecoming Queen, and had their float for the parade.

Greek Events Chair and Owensboro Junior Sam Knott said the week was a great success.

“We became closer with two other organizations we hadn’t been with before,” Knott said. “Anytime you can get to know other organizations and start or improve those relationships, it’s always a good thing.”

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December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3

Parents’ Day 2012 Evan Pennington (2015)

Parents’ day is a chance for the parents of the newest pledge class to come and meet other brothers and their parents. It is really the first chance that parents of the pledge class have to interact with the fraternity and see that chapter house. This year, parents’ day took place on Saturday, September 22nd, and was a huge success.

Lunch was complemented by speeches from parents Anita Caron, Amy Haga, and George Pennington as well

as Chapter President Nick Burnett and Purple Legionnaire Jeff Baynham. The parents’ day festivities continued later with tailgating at the alumni house on campus.

After tailgating, the parents were invited to come and cheer on the Hilltopper football team against Southern Mississippi. In the end, WKU was victorious against the Golden Eagles 42-17. The chapter will be holding another Parents’ day in the spring as well with the date to be determined.

Throwing Paint, Fighting Alzheimers Kyle Stewart (2015) On November 3, 2012, the Chi Eta chapter of Phi Gamma Delta hosted the inaugural "Color Run to Remember" at Kereiakes Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Color Run to Remember is based off the popular 5K race known as the Color Run. Both 5K events have a unique twist in that every runner is hit with colored powder during the race to create a vibrant and fun atmosphere for participants of all ages.

The Color Run’s that take place throughout the country, however, benefit a different organization each time. The Brothers, on the other hand, wanted something that would be long term and be a cause that they were passionate about. Thus, the benefactor for the the Color Run to Remember became the Alzheimer’s Association.

The event raised $3,400 to assist in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.

For its first year in production, the event ran smoothly and has the

potential growth in future years. A color run had never been done in Bowling Green before, and therefore the event had a lot of community involvement in addition to the support from the greek system at WKU. All in all, there were over 120 runners at the 5K. This philanthropy event provided brothers the chance to either

volunteer or participate in the event.

Many brothers were able to run the race and others volunteered to help with the event by throwing the "powder" at the runners.

Overall, the event went extremely well for its first year and the brothers are extremely excited for the potential success of the event in years to come.

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December 2012

Graduating Seniors

Volume 3 Issue 3

Wade Haga

Age: 22 Pledge Class: Senior/Fall 2012, Alpha Class Major: Double major Finance and Spanish Hometown: Lexington, KY College Activities: Spirit Masters, Fiji Big brother: No big brother, Alpha Class Why did you join: I joined Fiji because I liked the idea of helping to form the organization. I wanted to be Greek to be able to participate in the fun and beneficial experiences that come with it, but I wasn't excited to join a stereotypical fraternity.

What will you miss the most?: Fiji turned out to have an incredible influence on my life. I'll miss how present it is in my life now.

I'll always have Fiji, but the fraternity house won't always be a two minute drive away, and there won't always be brothers around on campus to grab lunch and dinner with.

What are your plans for the future: I plan on living in the Dominican Republic for about six months starting in January as a long-term intern with G.O. Ministries.

John R. Whitaker

Age: 21 Pledge Class: Gamma Major: Biochemistry (Pre-Med) Hometown: London, KY College Activities: AED Pre-Professional Honors Society, Honors College Student, 2012 Partners in Caring Kenya Trip, WKU Up 'til Dawn (2009-2011), Big Brother: Josh Wiseman; Little Brothers: Jonathan Caron and Ben Harris Why did you join?: I joined this group of men because I was captivated by the fact that these were such men of character that had the highest goals possible. I really wanted to be a part of something big in my collegiate experience, and Phi Gamma Delta gave me that opportunity. I also wanted to be surrounded by a group of men that I knew would challenge me, sharpen me, teach me, and force me to grow into a man. I wanted to find role models and guys that genuinely cared about me for who I was, and what I stood and believed in.

What will you miss the most?: I will definitely miss the brotherhood the most. From fall break and Gatlinburg trips to a fifteen minute walk across campus with a brother that impacts me in a huge way. I will miss having such an awesome group of men surrounding me every day and always encouraging me to press on!

What are your plans for the future?: I will be marrying Hunter Stevens within the next few months, we will be moving to Lexington, KY where I will be attending the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and she will be attending the University of Kentucky College of Law. We will also be raising our newborn child, and making frequent trips to WKU to support our Hilltoppers and Fiji!

Eric Hughes

Age: 22 Pledge Class: Zeta Class Major: Business Informatics Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama College Activities: Intramural sports Big brother: Mitch White Why did you join?: I joined this fraternity in order to become a better man than when I entered college. I knew that this group of guys would push me to be the absolute best that I could be while also keeping me accountable for my actions. My goals and aspirations would not have been possible by myself, but having this brotherhood made all the difference.

What will you miss the most: I will miss the friendship and the memories the most. Above anything else we conduct in this fraternity, friendship must always stay at the top.

What are your plans for the future?: I plan to go to work for the next 7 months before returning to WKU in August to pursue my MBA. After I have completed that, I plan on getting a full time job.

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December 2012

Volume 3 Issue 3

Graduate News Weddings & Engagements Chris Drury (WKU ‘10) married Nikki Zalewski on November 24.

Intramural Success The Chi Eta Chapter has experienced a lot of success in Intramurals the past few semesters at WKU. This semester alone, the chapter has been able to achieve the following:

Chaz Vittitow (WKU ‘11) married Karinne Marcum on December 21, 2012

• 2nd and 3rd place in Fraternity league Flag Football

John Whitaker (WKU ‘12) is now engaged to Hunter Stevens and the two will be wed in mid-to-late January. They are also expecting a baby girl on May 16, 2013.

• Sam Knott got 2nd in the Turkey Trot 5K

• Dallas Wilson placed 1st in the Football Skills Com petition

• 2nd in Men’s and Co-Ed Volleyball

• 1st in the Kickball Tournament

• 2nd in 3-on-3 Basketball

General Updates Brandon Bowman (WKU ‘10) is now serving as the Purple Legionaire for the University of Cincinatti Fiji Chapter.

Dean Kahler (WKU Affiliate ‘10) was hired as the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock in October.

Luke Gilliam (WKU ‘12) is now working for the Kentucky Transporation Cabinet in Paducah.

Clint Conrad (WKU Affiliate ‘10) is now an insurance agent for State Farm in Lexington. Clint can be contacted at (859) 276-4366 or you may visit his website at http://clintconrad.com.

The Fraternity is currently 2nd in the Intramural standings as well and will be looking to defend their Basketball league championship this spring.

Parent & Graduate Events 4th Annual Chi Eta Frank Norris Pig Dinner April 27, 2013

Parents and Graduates mark your calendars! Pig Dinner will be held at the Carol Knicely Center on April 27, 2013. More details on registration coming soon.

2013 Cabinet Members President- Dylan Ward Treasurer- Griffin Fruge Recording Secretary- Tyler Lockhart Corresponding Secretary- Will Garcia Historian- Robert Lucas Have graduate news? Send an email to graduate@wkufiji.com!

Learn about the WKU Excellence Fund and how you can support Chi Eta at www.wkufiji.com/donate

Current Supporters

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) Steve and Anita Caron (Parents) George and Janie Pennington (Parents) Blaine Routt (WKU `11) Chaz Vittitow (WKU `11) Mitchell White (WKU `11) Josh Wiseman (WKU `12)

Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence.