WKU FIJI Spring 2013 Newsletter

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

What’s Inside

Chi Eta takes to the Mountains

Chi Eta goes Abroad pg. 2 Spring 2013 Recruitment Wrap-up pg. 4 Graduate Spotlight: Tyler Jury pg. 9

Each year, the Chi Eta Chapter takes a pilgrammage to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they rent a cabin for the weekend and enjoy the company of their fellow brothers. Weekend activities include hiking, putt-putt golf, and the like. This year, over 60 brothers were in attendance. (Photos by Brian Campbell)

Frank Norris Pig Dinner Information pg. 11 Graduate News and Upcoming Events pg. 13

1

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Chi Eta Goes International Compiled By Austin Lanter (2013)

This semester the Chi Eta chapter has six brothers studying abroad, three at Harlaxton College in England, one in Spain, one in Japan, and one participating in the Semester at Sea program. In this newsletter, we caught up with Nick Bratcher, Jason White, and Mason Bramer.

Where are you guys now and what program are you with?

Jason: I’m in Hirikatashi, Japan, in Osaka Prefecture which is sandwiched between the port city of Kobe and Historical districs of Kyoto and Nara. I’m on a student exchange program with Kansai Gaidai University, a partner school with WKU. Nick: I am in Segovia, Spain (about one hour north of Madrid) with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies.

Mason: I am spending this semester studying abroad at Harlaxton College, in Grantham, England, about an hour and a half north of London. I study for 4 days a week here at the Manor, a Victorian country home that is much too magnificent and elaborate for words. The other 3 days are my long weekends that I receive to travel, I have been here 7 weeks and have already visited 4 different European countries.

Brother Jason White

What has been the coolest part of your trip thus far?

Jason: Coolest thing so far has been my trip to Nara. Nara is known for its wild deer historic monuments and landmarks. While in Nara I was able to feed wild deer, visit a buddhist temple from the Magi period and be apart of a Lights festival celebrating the blooming of the plum trees.

Nick: The coolest thing about the trip so far has been speaking another language and meeting a whole world of people that without these skills, I never could have known. I love chatting with my host-mom and host-brother about everything, and I honestly couldn’t count the number of conversations I’ve had with random stingers in cafes and bars.

Walking under a 2,000-year-old, 100-feet-tall, 8-mile-long aqueduct on my way to class each day is pretty neat too.

Mason: My favorite part so far has been the elaborate travel that I have been so blessed to participate in! From climbing Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland to walking the many canals of Venice, I have seen more than I could ever imagine.

Brother Nick Bratcher

2

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1 What are you most looking forward to?

Jason: In March I am taking a weekend trip to Hiroshima where the university has a nuclear bomb survivor lined up to speak to us. I’m really looking forward to that.

Nick: I’m really looking forward to backpacking through Italy for Spring Break. I’ll be in Milan, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome. Then I’ll catch a plane to Prague, Czech Republic for the weekend. It should be an incredible adventure.

Mason: I am headed to Paris, France this weekend so as you can imagine there is much excitement towards this, but what I’m most looking to this semester is my last 12 days in Europe. Classes will end on April 17th, my flight home does not return until the 29th, leaving a great deal of time to travel independently with no classes to go back to! Our route is beginning in Switzerland followed by Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium; totaling 13 countries visited in my time abroad!

Any funny stories?

Jason: I’m like 2 feet taller than everyone here so I’ll be walking around and little kids will just stare occasionally when I’m waiting in line for the train or to see a shrine a little Asian kid will grab my arm point at me and kinda make an “OHHH” sound - really funny. Second, I play club basketball here with a team called “maximum.” Little did I know the team was mostly girls with two semi athletic Asian guys, thus making me two feet taller than everyone. Needless to say it’s not much competition and due to my size I have earned the respectable nickname of Michael Jordan. HAHAHA. Nick: During my first day of class for my Spanish Civilization and Culture Course, my teacher, Marion, asked for a volunteer and I, being an outgoing young lad, decided I was up for a challenge. Then I realized I would be kissing my teacher in front of a class of college kids as we demonstrated a cultural Spanish

greeting. Sure, she repeated over and over again that it didn’t mean anything and laughed along with the class at the awkwardness we should not have felt.

But the fact remains, for us, it does mean something.

However, before I could really size up the situation, Marion had given me my instructions to make sure I actually pressed my lips against her cheek (only women air kiss because they have lipstick), had grabbed my arm, and had placed my hand on her waist. With a tug on my shoulder and two swift motions, it was over. Of course, hilarity ensued. She had us pair up with others in the class to practice and become adjusted to the greeting.

Everyone was laughing and doing their best not to feel as extremely awkward as the situation actually was.

But honestly, somewhere in the middle of it all, I realized that I kind of like the whole kiss-greeting thing.

After all, once you’ve kissed someone, you immediately feel closer to them. A kiss, when you really think about it, is

Brother Mason Bramer

about as vulnerable of a position as one can find himself/ herself. It says, “Hey, I know we just met, but we should have already been friends. Let’s just skip the whole acquaintance thing.”

So yeah, I kissed my professor.

And I liked it.

Mason: My best stories in my time here are all derived of the many people I have met! I truly have created genuine friendships that will last, and many of them are Phi Gams from other universities. The University of Evansville chapter of Phi Gamma Delta has sent 4 brilliant and fun young fellows to Harlaxton as well this semester! No surprise, they have become some of my better friends here and we are spending vast amounts of time together. What a fantastic thing brotherhood is, and to see it work between different chapters has been one of the cooler parts of my experience in England!

3

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Chi Eta Welcomes the Kappa Class

Brothers rush towards the Kappa Class at Van Meter overlook after the seven men accepted their bids to become a pledge member in Phi Gamma Delta.

(Photo by Brian Campbell)

By Taylor Ruby (2016)

This spring proved to be another successful recruitment for the Chi Eta chapter at WKU with the addition of seven new pledge brothers.

There was no hesitation to get started with our recruitment events, as they began the same week as classes.

These activities included a night at Cici’s pizza, dodge ball, a service trip to the humane society, and other brotherhood events at the Fiji house.

We were all very pleased with the amount of guys that expressed interest in our Fraternity throughout recruitment week.

As a newly initiated brother and member of the most recent pledge class, I was eager to be a part of the other side of recruitment. Little did I know, however, how much effort is actually put into the whole process.

Recruitment as whole is one of the most important aspects of a Fraternity, for this is our way of ensuring that we’re replacing ourselves with men of outstanding quality that will lead this chapter in the future. As rush week was rapidly approaching, we began to realize how tough the next several days would soon be.

While this was one of the longest weeks I’ve experienced so far in college, it definitely proved to be a

rewarding one. As rush week began, Chi Eta was privileged to have Hilligan’s sponsor the chapter by providing free pizza and chicken wings each night of formal recruitment.

The selection process for our new members was again extremely difficult, but the character of each individual allowed them to set their selves a part from the rest.

Finally, bid day arrived. The level of excitement that each brother had to welcome their new brothers into the chapter was through the roof. I can honestly say that I was probably more excited than each of the new guys were. After the potential new members received their bids, the seven men together, made their trek up to the Van Meter Overlook to meet chapter president Dylan Ward.

After a few inspiring words from Dylan, the Kappa pledge class was then swarmed and greeted by the entire chapter with triumphant chants and cheers.

Later that evening, the brothers were given time to get to know the guys even more with a night full of snacks, foosball, billiards, and mafia games.

The Chi Eta chapter could not have asked for a better group of men than what the week gave us. We are thrilled to have seven fine, new additions to our chapter, and we are so excited to see what the future holds for each of them. Our new members are actively involved and are already demonstrating leadership on this campus in organizations such as the Honors College, CRU, and intramurals.

Spring recruitment turned out to be a great success for the Chi Eta chapter. With the addition of the new Kappa pledge class, Phi Gamma Delta at WKU remains as one of the larger Fraternities on campus. We are looking forward to how our new brothers will impact not only our chapter, but the campus and the community as well.

4

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Meet the Kappa Pledge Class Taylor Bowling

Age: 19 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: London, KY College/high school activities: President of Beta Club, Vice President of National Honor Society, Student Council, Senior Class Vice President, School Liaison for Laurel County Youth Leadership Council, Varsity Baseball, Varsity Basketball, WKU Cru, WKU College Republicans Big brother: Eric Blair Why did you join?: I joined Fiji to improve myself all around including in my faith, my education, or my ability to be a better citizen in my community. With a group of people as accomplished as the Fiji members, not only is it an honor to say I’m associated with them, but it’s an even bigger honor to call them my brothers. There are already many members that I can say will be a mentor to me and if I can turn out like them, I’ll know I’ve achieved success as a person.

What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part so far has been being able to meet each brother. The conversations we have had and the relationships I have already built with my brothers makes me so excited to be able to share these bonds with my brothers for the rest of my life.

Scott Burch Age: 22 Grade/class: Senior/Class of 2013 Hometown: Fancy Farm, KY College/high school activities: Graves County Coed cheerleading squad, FBLA, FCA, GCTV, National Honors Society Big brother: Brian Campbell Why did you join?: I knew so many FIJI’s beforehand and realized I wanted to be apart of something greater than myself, a brotherhood where its more than just wearing the letters. I wanted to surround myself with like minded guys who understand me and would always be there for me for anything. The values in this fraternity are what I strive for each day.

What has been you favorite part so far?: Building the relationships with the brothers I was not well acquainted with. Having those conversations with any brother and get to know them.

Getting to talk with each guy and see that we all have similar interests and goals in life it was really sets it apart from anything else.

5

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Matt Lawson Age: 19 Grade/class: Sophomore/Class of 2015 Hometown: La Grange, KY College/high school activities: Treasurer of Share A Swipe at WKU, HonorsTopper, Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), Bridges International Ministry leader, Administrative Student Assistant at the Honors College, High School Varsity Cross Country Big brother: Charlie Rhea Why did you join?: FIJI was a great opportunity to glorify God and love people. Through my friends, I got to see how this group of guys seeks to encourage and help each other. At the same time they keep each other accountable to a standard of morality and excellence. For me, the possibility to love, encourage and spur on a group of brothers was worth joining.

What has been you favorite part so far?: FIJI hasn’t been so much about what I get to do, but more about who I get to do stuff with. Being able to start developing meaningful relationships with these guys has been my favorite part so far.

Zach Miller

Age: 18.

Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: London, KY College/high school activities: Varsity Soccer, Beta Club Big brother: Chase Thomas Why did you join?: I joined Fiji to participate in the brotherhood and service that this fraternity stands for. Since the first time I met a member of this fraternity I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of.

What has been you favorite part so far?: Bid night.

Drew Tingle

Age: 19 Grade/class: Freshman/Class of 2016 Hometown: Franklin, KY College/high school activities: BETA Club, Mu Alpha Theta club, International club, Treasurer for the Student Council, Co-Captain of varsity basketball team, church youth group, Piggly Wiggly employee Big brother: Luke Sparks Why did you join?: From the beginning, I knew the brotherhood within this fraternity was something special. The quality of its members, and the work they produced, were definitely aspects I was looking for in a fraternity going into rush week. The guys of Phi Gamma Delta were more than welcoming, and I am now proud to call them my brothers!

What has been your favorite part so far?: My favorite part so far has definitely been getting to know all my new bros! I couldn’t have picked a better group of guys.

6

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Wesley Trail Age: 20 Grade/class: Sophomore/Class of 2015 Hometown: Leitchfield, KY College/high school activities: Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country, DECA club, Art club, National Honors Society, Senior Council, WKU Honors College Big brother: Will Garcia Why did you join?: I joined Fiji because I wanted to be a part of something much greater than myself. As I began to associate myself with fellow Fiji’s, I realized that they were men of character who represented themselves as upstanding citizens with the utmost integrity. I joined Fiji in order to be a part of that demeanor and grow as a man with integrity like my brothers.

What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part has been getting to know and developing a bond with my brothers; simply surrounding myself with other men who share the same values as myself has already been incredibly rewarding. I look forward to strengthening these bonds, especially with my big brother, Will Garcia.

Wade Weatherholt Age: 20 Grade/class: Sophomore/Class of 2015 Hometown: Cloverport, KY College/high school activities: Exercise Science Club, Research Group for Psychology Department Big brother: Ryne McMullen Why did you join?: I joined FIJI in order to become an overall better man. I know that in this Fraternity I will surround myself with 80 other men that will bring the best out of me and help me strive to meet my maximal potential in life. I feel as if this is an opportunity of a lifetime to be in this Brotherhood. I now know I will have numerous brother’s to have my back no matter the situation and ones that I can count on for the rest of my life. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity for remainder of my college career.

What has been you favorite part so far?: My favorite part so far has been meeting my new brothers and getting to know them on a more personal level. It’s been awesome seeing how much I have in common with all of the guys in FIJI. Graduate Brother and former Chi Eta president Tyler Jury’s advice to the Kappa’s: The things that tend to be most valuable in life are those that you pour your heart and soul into with no expectation of return. But when you dedicate time to this fraternity and the well-being of your brothers, that is when you will find the most joy and happiness. Serving others through self-sacrifice of your time, money, and skills is such a gratifying experience. Take something you are passionate about and dedicate yourself to that. Set goals: both short- and long-term, to hold you accountable. Pursue relationships with people who will sharpen you, and spend time on the things that matter. Never be satisfied with where you are at- always push for something bigger and better.

And most importantly, always remember to say a prayer for guidance, strength and wisdom.

7

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Brothers Attend Annual Academy

By Charlie Rhea (2015)

Over the winter break, Phi Gamma Delta hosted the 38th annual Fiji Academy in St. Louis, Missouri. For the 2013 Academy, our chapter had six undergraduate brothers in attendance, Dylan Ward, Griffin Fruge and Robert Lucas representing as our cabinet members, Taylor Ruby as our recruitment chairman with Drake Riley and myself with emerging leadership.

Fiji Academy is a weekend long leadership summit consisting of undergraduate brothers from every Fiji chapter, staff from the International Headquarters and graduate brothers. The main goal of academy is to promote excellence and brotherhood, not just chapter by chapter, but also as an international fraternity. This is achieved through various sessions

and educational tracks that each brother participates in.

The sessions at academy focused on anything from philanthropy events, resume building and even Pig Dinner with educational tracks for each cabinet member, the recruitment chairman, pledge educators and emerging leaders within the chapter. These sessions were led by professionals as well as graduates bothers who were experts on whatever topic it might be.

However, we did not just learn from the people hosting our sessions, but from our brothers whom we brainstormed and discussed ideas with.

This helped create a sense of unity and brotherhood that was focusing on one goal; excellence for Phi Gamma Delta.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the weekend was the keynote address we heard at the second day’s luncheon that was delivered by Chi Eta’s own Tyler Jury. As the winner of the international fraternity’s Wilkinson Award, Tyler gave an address titled Lessons in Leadership.

The address was filled with his experiences, including stories of success and struggle, which he went though as an undergrad in our chapter. He discussed everything from Fiji’s Across America, Bike4Alz and Haiti 2012 to things like the Gatlinburg retreat and the fall break service trips.

His speech wrapped up with a quote from Bill Martin’s address at our 2012 Pig Dinner that continues to drive our chapter today. He quoted that, “tradition should be the rudder that moves you forward, not the anchor that holds you back.”

After Academy, I believe that those of us in attendance now have a better idea of what our fraternity is all about and how we can make our chapter great. Through our sessions, while we met brothers with success stories from their chapters that provided us with ideas for our own, we also heard stories of struggle and mistakes which brothers shared so that we can learn from their experiences. We all have come back from Fiji Academy with new goals and exciting ideas of where we can take Chi Eta next.

8

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Jury wins top senior in Fiji Land Compiled By Brent Stephens (2016)

Upon graduating in the spring of 2012, a Chi Eta founding father and graduate brother Tyler Jury ventured on to the University of Louisville. Jury was accepted into the Louisville school of dentistry and began in the fall of 2012, and is set to graduate in the spring of 2016. Jury was the latest recipient of the Wilkinson award, given to the brother who is considered to be the most outstanding graduating senior in the Fraternity. Tyler was also a speaker at the Fiji leadership academy this January. Iota Brent Stephens recently caught up with Tyler and talked with him about his Jury addresses Phi Gams from all over at Fiji Academy in January. (Photo Submitted) current endeavors.

Recently winning the Wilkinson remarkable environment our various groups, I had the opportunity award, what has that achievement Founding Fathers established for our to speak in front of a lot of people at meant to you? chapter and incredible graduate WKU recruitment events, Alzheimer’s Winning the Wilkinson Award was support, I was transformed into a man rallies and associations, several Pig extremely flattering. I had seen our who was much more capable than I Dinners, etc....but Academy was first two presidents, Chaz Vittitow and was when I entered the fraternity. I can different. What was so special about Matt Cooke, both place in the Award look back at my experience and see speaking there was this: I am so during their senior year, so to even how each and every brother built me passionate about our fraternity and be considered on the level with men up and challenged me to be a better what it can for young men who desire like that is humbling. Those guys, in person. If all of our men were to to make a difference in this world. addition to the brothers across North pursue meaningful, intentional Very rarely do you get to speak to America that applied last year, have relationships with every brother in the people about something like that- most all had a significant influence on their chapter and pour into causes bigger people tune you out as soon as they chapters and our international than themselves, we would have a hear the word “fraternity”. But at fraternity. To me, winning the Wilkin- chapter full of Wilkinson Award Academy, I felt like everyone son Award was not a personal candidates. understood. I could share my fraternity achievement, but rather a testament experience in an environment where to the caliber of men in Chi Eta and You spoke at the Fiji Leadership people knew where I was coming how we can encourage and sharpen Academy in January, was that a from. And to walk away from the one another through the fraternity nerve-wracking experience? What podium and speak to young Phi Gams experience. I can tell you this much- I did it feel like to be invited to speak from across the nation who seemed to did not pledge our fraternity with the there? get a hint of inspiration from what I capability of winning the Wilkinson You know, during my time at had to say, that was really special.

Award. But because of the WKU and through my involvement in 9

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1 Attending the University of Louisville how has your first year of Dental School gone?

Ha. Dental school is rough. I don’t want to add any fluff and make it seem super glorious or fun, because its not.

98% of my time isn’t spent doing dentistry and half the time I wonder if I am in the right place. But every now and then I get to shadow in the clinic and work with patients or witness procedures, and when I’m doing that I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be. I don’t think you could ask any dentist in the world about dental school and they would tell you “Yeah man, it was AWESOME!!!”

So I just have to keep my eyes on the prize and keep working toward the goal that I have to serve others in the field of healthcare. I am in constant contact with peers and dentists in the field to help keep me encouraged and motivated. But I am so excited to be able to use dentistry as a way to serve others one of these days. For now, I’ll stick with Chi Eta Intramurals Motto: “Rise ‘til ya grind, Grind ‘til ya Shine!”

Even though it’s a little down the road, do you have any idea of where you would like to work, and what kind of environment you would like to work in?

I know that long term I would love to own my own practice and practice dentistry in the Louisville/ Oldham County area. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love business and the idea of spurring our economy through job creation rather than government spending and taxes. But what our path looks like in the short term?

Tyler and Katie Jury at their wedding this past July. (Photo by Brian Campbell)

I’m not exactly sure. Most likely, I will have to work for someonefor 2-3 years to get my feet wet and gain some understanding of what it takes (or doesn’t take) to run my own dental office. Once I have some of my loans paid off and feel experienced enough to take on the risk of starting my own place, I’d love to do that. And Katie and I are open to moving somewhere different after dental school for a few years to gain a new experience and just be adventurous as a couple.

Being married to Katie for the last 8 months, how has that impacted your life? Do you all have any short-term plans together?

Marriage is so special and incredible. It is so nice to just live our lives together as one. We’ve grown a lot in the past 8 months, but we got married young and still have a lot to

figure out! Louisville is a great city and has a ton of things going on, so we have really tried to experience some new things and see what the world has to offer. We both love to travel, so we are always talking about the next place we want to go visit. But currently, Katie has been working on starting her own business, Oh So Lovely Creative Studio. She has been doing photography, fine art, wedding invitations/coordinating, etc. so it has been cool to work together on a project like that and use both of our skill sets to make something great. I’m excited for her future with that! Also, we bought a condominium when we moved to Louisville so we have a list of home improvement things we would like to do around here to improve the value of our place....you know....old, middle-aged married couple stuff!

Haha.

10

March 2013

1

Volume 4 Issue 1

Archon President to Speak at Pig Dinner The Chi Eta Chapter will be celebrating it’s 4th Annual Frank Norris Pig Dinner on April 27, 2013.

The Chapter is honored to have Phi Gamma Delta’s current Arcon President, Scott J. Mikulecky ( Colorado State 1982), as its keynote speaker.

Scott Mikulecky was elected to lead the Fraternity as Archon President by the 164th Ekklesia in New Orleans. He was previously elected Vice President at the 162nd (2010) Ekklesia in Phoenix. In 1982, Scott received the Wilkinson Award as Phi Gamma Delta’s most outstanding senior. He served as a Field Secretary from 1982 to 1983 and then entered Duke University School of Law. He has been practicing law in the state

of Colorado since receiving his law degree and currently is a partner in the firm of Sherman & Howard. From 1996 to 2008 he served the Fraternity as General Counsel. He was previously elected Archon Councilor in 2008. Scott and his wife, Susan, are the parents of four sons and live in Colorado Springs.

Schedule of Events, April 26-27: FRIDAY 7:00 PM – Graduate Social Get to Bowling Green early for the Graduate Brother social and reconnect and reminisce with your brothers. This is a free event. Snacks will be provided, bring your own beverage.

7:00 PM - Women of Fiji Social Micki’s On Main / 440 Restaurant

Click here to Register

While the brothers are bonding, wives, fiances, and girlfriends of graduates will be socializing as well.

Meet at Micki’s on Main (the bar adjacent to 440 Restaurant). For more information, contact Beth Armstrong (wife of Bo Armstrong) at (502) 7441855.

SATURDAY 9:00 AM – Initiation of Kappa Class. Graduates, check your email for more information.

11:30 AM – WKU Fiji, Inc. House Corporation Meeting. Fort Armstrong, 1311 College Street 12:00 PM – Fiji Family Picnic.

Preston Miller Park, 2303 Tomblinson Way. Graduates, undergraduates, dates, parents, and family are all invited to the Fiji Family Picnic. We will grill food and enjoy football and volleyball. Food is provided by chapter.

5:30 PM – Reception Knicely Conference Center, 654 Campbell Lane.

6:00 PM – Frank Norris Pig Dinner.

Knicely Conference Center 8:00 PM – Post Dinner Reception (Graduates/Parents) Knicely Conference Center Stay after dinner and mingle with other parents and graduates. The cash bar will remain open and snacks will be provided.

Directions available at www.wkufiji.com 11

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Chi Eta’s First Bowl Trip

By Brent Stephens (2016)

Unlike many Phi Gamma Delta chapters at other big schools, especially in the south, Chi Eta was part of a small group that had never experienced a football bowl game.

Brothers could root for their other teams all bowl season, but could never root for the Toppers past November.

That all changed on a snowy, icy, cold December night in Detroit, when Fiji was represented with almost 20 brothers that traveled in blizzard conditions to watch the Hilltoppers play in its first bowl game in school history at the Little Caesar’s Bowl.

On the morning of December 26, buses departed from WKU carrying Phi Gams that traveled through a historic blizzard that iced over the Midwest, and turned what would normally be about a seven hour trip into a 12-13 hour nightmare.

“It was really nerve-racking,” Gamma Bryan Hartzell said. “Trucks were jackknifed, cars had spun off, but our buses went about 35-40 mph and our drivers knew what they were doing.”

Epsilon Will Garcia talked about the bus ride and how interesting his experience was like.

“Half of our bus was alumni, half were students,” Garcia said. “It was a really good trip because I got to ride there with some of my brothers and although it was kind of scary sometimes it was pretty fun.”

The buses arrived right before game time and Fiji’s were able to secure the first several rows right off of the field. WKU, coming off its second straight winning season, was matched against Central Michigan, and fought until the very end, but fell 24-21 to the Chippewa’s in front of a strong following for WKU. Although the Tops lost, it was still the trip of a lifetime, according to Hartzell. He also mentioned how he and Delta Alex Fahnders talked about how incredible it was to go to the bowl game.

“It made my year so much sweeter,” Hartzell said. “We could not miss that inaugural bowl game. I was there when they (WKU) were 0-12, and the transformation they made is incredible.”

Garcia said it was nice to add

another first to his list of WKU football achievements.

“I was at the first home game as a D-1 school,” Garcia said. “I was at the first win, the first home win, when I rushed the field with a lot of Fiji’s and it was awesome to be able to go to the first bowl game.”

One thing that certainly wasn’t missing was the Brotherhood aspect of it.

“I felt like half our fraternity went up there,” said Hartzell. “One thing we do is inspire school spirit.”

Although the Tops lost, it was still an amazing trip for the Phi Gams of Chi Eta. “To be able to look back in 30 years and know that I went to WKU’s first bowl game, with my closest friends, is just awesome,” Hartzell said.

12

March 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1

Graduate News Weddings & Engagements

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

John Whitaker (WKU ‘12) married Hunter Stephens on January 26, 2013 and the two are expecting a baby girl on May 16 and she will be named Reagan Emory.

John Hellams (WKU ‘11) is now engaged to Jessica Paulsen and the two will be wed on July 27, 2013.

General Updates Clint Conrad (WKU GI ‘10) opened up a State Farm Agency in Lexington on January 1.

Blaine Routt (WKU ‘11) is now stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, as a 1st Lieutient in the U.S Army.

Tyler Russell (WKU ‘11) is now a Human Resources manger at Akebono.

Chi Eta Recognized at WKU Banquet

The Chi Eta Chapter was recently recognized at the Western Kentucky University Scholarship banquet, which is meant for all Greek organizations. The brothers received the following awards, both chapter-wide and individual: • 1st place - New Member GPA, Spring 2012 • 1st place - Active Member GPA, Spring 2012 • 1st place - Combined Member GPA, Spring 2012 • 1st place - New Member GPA, Spring 2012 • 1st place - Active Member GPA, Spring 2012 • 1st place - Combined Member GPA, Spring 2012 • Highest Overall Fraternity GPA, 2012 • Taylor Ruby, Highest Freshman Fraternity GPA • Dylan Ward, Highest Senior Fraternity GPA

Mitch White (WKU ‘11) is an Account Executive with the Tennessee Titans now.

Jared Coomes (WKU ‘11) is now a Designer at Advent in Nashville.

Drew Bennett (WKU ‘12) Accepted a job at WDRB in Louisville as the Morning Show Producer Eric Hughes (WKU ‘12) is a business analyst specialist at Fruit of the Loom.

Wade Haga (WKU ‘12) is working for GO ministries in the Dominican Republic. So far he has done construction work, helped feed communities, been involved in a sports ministry, and built relationships with the people there.

Chi Eta by the Numbers

2008 40 83 Six

Chi Eta was founded at WKU Graduate brothers

Undergraduates brothers Studying abroad

Seven pledge brothers

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) George and Janie Pennington (Parents) Blaine Routt (WKU `11) Chaz Vittitow (WKU `11) Josh Wiseman (WKU `12) Because of the support of these donors, the chapter was able to send two additional undergraduates to Fiji Academy this year. Learn about Fiji Academy of page 8.

Friendship. Knowledge. Service. Morality. Excellence.