January 2011

Getting Connected

Volume 2 Issue 3

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Service is one of Phi Gamma Delta’s five values, and one the Chi Eta chapter holds dear.

The chapter’s desire to serve the Bowling Green area was evidenced by its Second Annual Rivalry Run, held Nov. 19. Chi Eta brothers joined forces with the Sigma Pi fraternity from Middle Tennessee State University to run the WKU-MTSU game ball 90 miles from Murfreesboro, Tenn. to Bowling Green. Money raised from sponsorships and t-shirt sales went to the chapter’s philanthropy organization, the South Central KY American Red Cross. Burlington, Ky. junior brother Jake Ryle, Chi Eta philanthropy chairman, said the idea of two rival schools tying a philanthropy event with a yearly football matchup has been an

effective formula for several Fiji chapters. Notable examples include the run between the Rho Alpha chapter at Virginia Tech and the Omicron chapter at Virginia, and between the Omicron Deuteron chapter at Ohio State and Alpha Phi chapter at Michigan. Ryle said the American Red Cross was selected because of the work it does locally. “We wanted to give our philanthropy a local flair,” he said. “By giving to the South Central KY chapter, which is located here in Bowling Green, we get a hands-on look at where our money goes.” Ryle set a goal for total amount raised at $7,500. After paying off expenses, Chi Eta was able to write a check to the Red Cross for just under $5,000. In the weeks leading up to the run, brothers

Chi Eta Runs for the Red CrossHosting the 2nd Annual Rivalry Run

The Brothers of the Chi Eta Chapter stand

by the motto that Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone. We appreciate all of the support we receive from our parents and Graduates. Stay up to date with news from Chi Eta by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and our website at wkufiji.com. If you’re interested in becoming more directly involved, please email us at graduate@wkufiji.com

Next IssueFighting Alzheimers at the Capitol

Bringing in the Zetas

Chi Eta’s Weekend in the Mountains

The 2nd Annual Rivalry Run was a huge success, bringing Chi Eta together and raising over $5,000.

January 2011

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went to different local businesses with sponsorship information booklets. The majority of funds were raised through sponsorships. “The worst a potential sponsor can say is no,” Ryle said. “Corporate sponsors made it a community-driven event, and were definitely the way to go.” One new sponsor this year was Jason White Productions, a video-production company owned and operated by Brentwood, Tenn. freshman brother Jason White. White said that having his company sponsor his fraternity’s philanthropy was a win-win situation. “The sponsorship was definitely good publicity for JWP, because people saw our logo and were able to associate it with the Rivalry Run, a great cause,” White said. “This is a partnership I’ll look to continue.” While brothers competed to raise the most money, they also physically challenged themselves to see who could run the most miles.

Some brothers spent weeks and months in advance training for the 90 mile run. “The first year when we did this, it was a new concept and brothers didn’t anticipate the level of fitness they would need,” Ryle said. “This year, the guys understood that to have fun, you needed to get in shape. One such Chi Eta was junior brother Micheal Hayden, who ran nine miles throughout the night. “The brotherhood during the Rivalry Run is a huge motivation,” Hayden said. “As the night wears on and fatigue sets in we all look to each other for encouragement.” Because Chi Eta is such a young chapter, Ryle said the rapid success of the Rivalry Run is a little unusual in the Greek world. “I think the run shows that even though we’ve only been around for two years,” he said, “we’re capable of creating a thriving event for years to come.”

Welcoming the Epsilon ClassStarting a Tradition

Story By Brad Stephens (2013)

The first weekend of December was a proud one for the brothers of Chi Eta as they welcomed in the Epsilon pledge class into the chapter. The tradition of a weekend of events accompanying initiation is on of many that Chi Eta has embraced in its first year as a chapter. Initiation weekend began Friday

Jake Ryle, the Chi Eta Philanthropy chairmen, runs in the 1st Rivalry Run.

The brothers of Chi Eta cheer after announcing to its Epsilon class that they would soon all be initiated members of Phi Gamma Delta.

January 2011

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evening with a History Walk, serving as a reminder to the founding fathers and teaching the Epsilon class the story of the chapter’s foundation. Stops along the walk included Diddle Arena, L.T. Smith Stadium, and the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority house where the chapter held its first recruitment week. The History Walk concluded at Centennial Walk, a commemorative sidewalk on campus formed by the

bricks of campus organizations. Standing over Chi Eta’s section, chapter President Chaz Vittitow informed the Epsilons that they would soon become initiated members of Phi Gamma Delta. After experiencing Fiji’s history at WKU, the brothers traveled to Lexington, Ky Saturday to visit International Headquarters and discover the rich history of the international fraternity.

The brothers were welcomed by staff members and given a tour of the facility. Brothers were especially drawn to the museum portion and the various pieces of Fiji history that had been accumulated. The weekend was the first of its kind, but certainly won’t be the last. It was one of brotherhood and celebration that has found its place in the traditions of the Chi Eta chapter.

Story By Brian Campbell (2013)

Sam Knott views the offices of International Headquarters, taking in the history of Phi Gamma Delta.

January 2011

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In the fall of 2008, graduating senior Brandon Bowman put his faith in a Greek organization dreaming of something greater than himself, envisioning something

much different than what he could currently see on WKU’s campus. “WKU's fraternities didn't suit me or what I was looking for in a fraternity,” Bowman said. “I wanted to join a group of guys who shared both similar values and goals.” “I joined Phi Gamma Delta because I knew it had the potential to fit me.” For anyone that has spent five minutes with Bowman, this statement is not a light one. “Everyone knows Brandon dreams big. He doesn’t see a ceiling to what we could accomplish through our brotherhood,” freshman Sam Knott said. “His goals are always a little bit higher than what I think is possible, but that’s what makes him a great brother. He pushes us.” That forward vision and maximizing personality have benefitted the Chi Eta chapter since before he became a part of it. “Before I even pledged, I had high hopes for our group-to-be. I was just so amazed by the quality of men I kept meeting while we were being recruited for the Alpha Class.” As Bowman graduates this fall, the question becomes if his expectations have been met. As always, he’s not resting on Chi Eta’s laurels. “I'm so proud of my brothers and our chapter. They amaze me,” he said. “But more than anything, I hope that our successes are merely just scratching the surface of what we can do and what we will do.” Though Bowman has influenced the chapter greatly, he says that street has gone both ways. For Bowman, friendship has truly been the sweetest influence. “Our chapter has developed every part of me in some way. Each brother was a model for some trait in my life that I could improve— humility, scholarship, discipline—everything,” he said. But there is more to a fraternity than the friendships

and bonds that hold it together. Events like chartering weekend and positions ranging from Cups and Awards Chair to Corresponding Secretary have had a profound impact as well. “Each project or issue provided me the opportunity to lead, follow, or serve,” he said. “Brothers always sharpened me by encouraging my successes and reflecting with me on my mistakes and failures.” As Bowman moves forward in life, he sees himself in business, education, or non-profits and possibly living abroad, but says he is waiting to make a rigid career plan. “No matter where my path takes me, though, I always hope it intersects often with our chapter,” Bowman said. “That, I never want to change.”Phi Gamma Delta... not for college days alone.

Graduate SpotlightChi Eta Alpha Brandon Bowman

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Story By Nick Bratcher (2014)