Alpha Gamma Rho - Penn State University

2 Gamma Crescent VNR Alumni Relations Recaps Events T his past year, the brotherhood was paired with the Phi Sigma Rho sorority for the Homecoming parade. The Homecoming committee chose farm as the theme for this year's float. Thanks to the committee of both the brotherhood and Phi Sigma Rho, we had one of the best looking displays on College Ave. The Gamma Chapter tailgate was held three weeks prior when Penn State faced off against Pitt. Thanks to all those who contributed that weekend and set up an awesome tailgate in a great spot behind the Pennsylvania State University sign in front of Beaver Stadium. Looking forward to the fall. Founder's Day was done a little bit different this year. The event was split into two pieces: one being a teleconference to provide updates on the state of the chapter, and the other being the Blue and White Game tailgate in the spring. The teleconference took place on February 8 and was open to any undergraduates or alumni that wanted to dial in. The call primarily discussed the state of the house, finances, and the planning of future events. Unfortunately, the Blue and White Game was canceled due to the coronavirus, but a virtual tailgate was held on Zoom for those who wanted to join. Fraternally, Carson Lortz '19 (Γ1824) VNR Alumni Relations Hard work pays off for the best looking Homecoming float. Chapter Finances F inances for the semester were solid considering the effects of the pandem- ic. We decided to do partial refunds to brothers on their rent and dues. Although it is hard to part with money that could have otherwise been saved, we wanted to keep their families in mind and give as much back as we could. Fortunately, our alumni board has prepared us well for emergencies such as this, and we will be coming into next semes- ter strong. Next semester we have 29 brothers living in-house. Our rent prices are tiered based on grade, with seniors paying $3,100 per semes- ter, juniors $3,300, and sophomores $3,500. This compares favorably to the costs of liv- ing in the dorms at school. The average two- person, renovated dorm is $3,828 per semester. Fraternally, Ben Hankey '19 (Γ1821) VNR Finance T his year the brotherhood had 44 members living in our house during the fall semes- ter, with slightly lower numbers for the spring term after many brothers decided to spend a semester abroad. The house is in good condi- tion and currently still improving as the under- graduates have completed some projects and are still working on many others. First, due to the increased number of brothers in the house, new benches were constructed for all the tables in the dining room so all brothers could sit and eat at dinner. We hired our new cook, Chef Chad, to cook these dinners as well, and most brothers agree his talent in the kitchen has been one of this year's most welcomed addi- tions to the house. Great hall saw the rebuilding of the crescent this semester, along with the repair of some older composites, allowing them to be displayed for the first time in years. Second floor was home to well over 20 brothers this year, many of whom worked to completely refurbish and update our social room, known to many as gamer, which has hosted many brotherhood events and birth- days since its completion. Third floor housed over 20 brothers for most of the year as well and saw its own improvements. Brothers worked to patch and sand any holes and dents in the hall- way, then repainted the entire floor. Professional help was also brought in to repair the bathroom, which required attention due to a design flaw that pitched any water from the showers in the wrong direction. The brotherhood also has be- gun to construct a new group of brothers who will work under the VNR M&O and other ex- ecutive members to increase accountability and appreciation toward our valued house. The brotherhood is working on many projects as well, although the pandemic has caused a halt in most of them. The rack is currently having all plaster repaired and the entire floor repainted, as is the second floor hallway. Once these are completed, the same will be done for great hall and dining room walls over the summer. A small group of brothers and the current Vice Noble Ruler Maintenance & Operations plan to return to the house as soon and as safely possible to complete the work. Over the summer we also plan to work to refinish the house's hardwood floors and repair some ce- ment work outside. The M&O and VNR Alumni Relations plan to create another house tour vid- eo prior to move in this summer, to follow up the one created in February and showcase the new improvements. Fraternally, Camerin Gallagher '19 (Γ1834) VNR M&O HOUSE PROJECTS FORGE ONWARD VNR M&O REPORT

• Cover