Alpha Sigma Phi - University of Washington

Summer 2019 Newsletter

Mu Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi at the University of Washington

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16 Mu Chapter at the University of Washington has been actively engaged in enhancing the rich philanthropic efforts in our Greek community. The most notable of these was our first-place win in Alpha Chi Omega's "Walk A Mile" week, in which we raised $1,163 for the WAVE Foundation. Proceeds of this endeavor benefit the Women Against Violence Everywhere, working to promote consensual and healthy rela- tionships, as well as support for victims of abuse. After a series of events and competition against other fraternities in our community, the week cumulated with the "Walk A Mile" event in which participants walked a mile in high heels to raise awareness for domestic violence. This event not only strengthened our relationship with Alpha Chi Omega, but raised awareness of healthy relationships within our Chapter. Additionally, we participated in Delta Zeta "Duke Out," raising money for the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Alongside volunteering for speech and hearing organizations, the fundraising we did contributes to providing equipment, devices, and programs for those with challenged hearing. Aside from football competitions and a talent show, Mu Chapter was challenged to fundraise in a variety of different methods. These phil- anthropic events have allowed members to practice community outreach while raising funds for important causes with fun incentives. The third philanthropy of our fall/winter quarters was Chi Omega's philanthropy for the Make A Wish Foundation. Our men participated in basketball tournaments and talent shows strengthening our ties within the Greek community. Alongside volunteering for Make A Wish, fundraising efforts were compiled to grant wishes to kids with cancer. Last year, the money raised helped fund the creation of care packages for girls, including items like face masks, movies, and other things to brighten their mood. The philanthropic efforts of our Chapter extend beyond involve- ment with Greek organizations. Mu Chapter encourages volunteering efforts within its members and takes great pride in the strides that are being accomplished. For example, Joseph St. George '16 builds circuits to monitor tiny cars for children with disabilities to help them gain increased mobility and eventually drive. Paari Gopal '18 volun- teers weekly in the CSE marketability lab, building software to provide better touring for people in wheelchairs. Campbell Addington '15 is one of several volunteers at the local Seattle Children's Hospital Child Life Program. Henk Ufkes '15 is an intern in South Africa with Biome International Solutions, integrating his environmental engineering skills to improve groundwater recharge in Bangalore, India. Eric White '17 is working in a large predator ecology lab. These are just a few of our many brothers that are actively working to contribute to the community and global world that we give in. Living in a brotherhood comes not only with the great opportunity for fun and socially stimulating activities. It also provides a platform to bring change. The actions of our members act as a domino effect—as one begins to pursue a philanthropic cause, the inspiration ripples and impacts the brotherhood as a whole. Mu's Philanthropic Outreaches Impact Thousands by Jack Deane '18 – Philanthropy Chairman Mu Chapter Membership is Bigger Than Ever 2019 is a great year to be an Alpha Sig at the University of Washington. This school year the brothers have achieved success academically, socially, and philanthropically. Mu Chapter finished the quarter with an all-house GPA of 3.4. This outstanding GPA puts Alpha Sigs near the top of the grade list for UW fraternities. The Chapter is very excited about the 3.4 GPA and hopes to keep improving and reach the goal of a 3.5 house GPA. Also, many of the brothers are studying abroad. Will Wilson '16 and Anuraag Sanga '17 are studying in Spain, and Henk Ufkes '15 is studying in India. In addition to excellent grades, Mu Chapter is doing great socially. Sorority Relations Chairman Ethan Finkel has done an excellent job reaching out to sororities and building our rela- tionship with other Greek houses. Over the past few quarters the house has gotten much closer to the Alpha Xi Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma houses, on top of having good relation- ships with all the other sororities. Also, Mu Chapter has had a great year contributing to Greek philanthropy. The brothers, led by current Philanthropy Chairman Jack Deane '18, won Alpha Chi Omega's philanthropy this fall raising over $1,000 for The WAVE (Women Against Violence Everywhere) Foundation. This is the first philanthropy Alpha Sig has won in seven years and the brothers could not be prouder of their good work. One of the most exciting things that happened this year was the acquisition of the former Delta Chi house, which we now call the Jackson House, or "JH" for short. The Jackson House is for brothers living out during school year and holds 25 upper- classmen, who all have their own separate rooms. Since the Jackson House is directly across the street from the main house, it is very convenient for the older brothers who live there to stop by the old gal for meals or to hangout. In addition, the Jackson House is a great space for summer live-in and summer rush due to the pool and outdoor grilling area. The Alpha Sig rush chairs have done a fantastic job this past year. The pledge class of 2018 is the biggest class since post- WWII with a total of 42 men between the fall, winter and spring pledge classes. The summer rush chairs as well as the rush chairs for 2019 have done an amazing job recruiting new members. With the addition of so many new members this year, the Chapter is getting closer to its goal of a 140-man Chapter, which would make it the largest fraternity on the UW campus. Finally, but most importantly, the brotherhood of Mu Chapter is incred- ibly strong and active. Brotherhood Chairman Dane Hall 'YR has done a truly outstanding job this year. Brotherhoods are held at least once every two weeks, with a brotherhood happening every week for the first four weeks of each quarter as part of the new member process. Some of the favorites from this year are the broomball brotherhood and paintball brotherhood. By Connor Kardokus '18 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM THE PHILANTHROPY CHAIR

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