Theta Xi - Bradley University

L ast year when I wrote to you, I stated the chapter has not been stronger in recent memory. I am pleased to say that after the passing of another year we are even stronger. Instead of providing you with a snapshot of the year, I'd like to share the exciting long-term trends we've seen. Grades and Scholarships In the spring of 2013, our chapter's GPA was 2.64, ranking us dead last. Through hard work, they raised it to 3.33 by fall 2018, putting Alpha Sigma Chapter in first place. In 2005, Craig Janus '00 started building a scholarship fund. By 2010, he raised $20,000 to endow it and make its first payout of $800. This year, our students will be receiving more than $20,000 in scholarships, and Craig is still focused on building it even larger. Membership Heading into the fall of 2016, the chapter had nine members and engaged headquarters to help. Through discipline and hard work, they have raised that to 27 members today—the highest we've seen in at least seven years. Property Improvements With the alumni board managing the rental income and expenses since 2013, we've been able to focus on getting much needed improvements to the house. These include repairing the front foyer doorframe, windows, doors, AC units, furnace flue, and alarm panel. THE TAXI NEWS ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER OF THETA XI • BRADLEY UNIVERSITY FALL 2019 n What motivated you to join Theta Xi? It was a medium-sized fraternity and I felt it was an opportunity to join with friends and make an immediate impact in leadership roles. It also had a good balance of sports, social activities, and academics. n How did being a member of Alpha Sigma help shape you as a person? When you're leading groups of other men who aren't being paid to be directed by you, you learn a lot about individuals and various messages to lead and motivate people. n What positions did you hold in Alpha Sigma? Social chairman, vice president, and president. But I'm not a big title person. If you truly care and want to make a difference, you act as a leader regardless. n Why is it important to you to stay connected with Alpha Sigma? When you join a fraternity, you create a lifetime commitment to join a brotherhood. I think everyone who participates in the organization where you have similar bonds, values, and Alumni Support Enables Undergraduates to Thrive at Bradley University ALPHA SIGMA CONTINUES CLIMBING IN ACADEMICS AND MEMBERSHIP Financial Despite the $60,000 we spent on capital improvements over the last five years, not having a mortgage payment allowed us to pay for them all in cash. We still have a $31,000 cash balance today, which is an all-time high. With the higher member occupancy, we've budgeted another $21,000 this year. Alumni Communication and Involvement In the fall of 2014, we decided to start investing in our alumni by outsourcing communication to a firm providing us the quality and consistency needed to be a success. We knew that without investing in our alumni, we could not expect the same in return. Alumni leadership is evaluating the long-term needs of Alpha Sigma and the chapter house to ensure our recent progress continues for years to come. As our plans take shape, we look forward to sharing further details with you all. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as alumni association president and having a great group of active and alumni volunteers has truly made it a pleasure. I look forward to seeing all of you at our next Alumni Reunion the weekend of May 2, 2020. YITB, Andrew Potter '15 President, Alumni Association (309) 825-4640 / awpotter926@gmail.com Life of Leadership Tim Bender '82 Reflects on Fraternity Membership and Career (Continued on page 4)

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