Theta Xi - Bradley University

THE TAXI NEWS PAGE 3 Luke Hensley '23 and Sam Welling '21 build a table during work week. Luke Hensley '23 and Jeremy Oliphant '23 build an outdoor shed during work week. Brothers volunteer at a local park, cleaning up the area for a new disc golf course. Brothers spend the afternoon rebuilding the firepit to enjoy brotherhood events and cookouts. T he past year has been difficult for all of us at Alpha Sigma, but nevertheless, we have been weathering the storm together and growing closer as a brotherhood. Although COVID-19 has resulted in many restrictions, we have been working hard to improve our chapter in all aspects, including scholarship, philanthropy, community relations, and brotherhood. While some philanthropy events had to be held virtually, such as the Bingo Board and Pie a Xi events, we were still successful in raising $437 during the fall semester. These funds were raised in addition to our $1,000 donation to Alpha Sigma's capital campaign, and our $18.64 per member donation to the Theta Xi Foundation, roughly $350. Our collective giving spirit has also resulted in nearly half of the chapter working with the community to clean up a local park and help build a frisbee golf course that is open for public and professional use. During these times, it has been hard to stay connected with those living outside the chapter house since Bradley has been under several campus-wide quarantines that do not allow any non-resident to be in the chapter house. These restrictions also have prevented any kind of gathering, including even going out to eat at restaurants. Regardless, we have made an effort to unite with the rest of the Greek community through events such as a shirt exchange with Kappa Delta and a brotherhood event in which our members carved pumpkins and gifted them to all of our campus' sororities. Even as we've been socially distanced, our brotherly bonds have never been closer. There's no doubt that one of the biggest challenges of the semester for all Bradley fraternities was conducting a virtual recruitment. While it was disappointing to not meet with potential new members in person, we were overjoyed to welcome Brendan Klepitsch '24 to Theta Xi as Alpha Sigma's 1,000th member. Brendan has made an immediate impact at Alpha Sigma. He joined Charlie Avendano '23 and Luke Hensley '23 in receiving the Blue Iris Scholarship. We concluded the fall semester with a virtual Christmas gift exchange. The highlight of the event was when Trevor Smith '21 jokingly gifted a large piece of coal that his grandmother had given him years ago. Upon further investigation, the large lump of coal turned out to be worth more than $100, far exceeding the $20 budget. As we navigate the spring semester, we are hopeful and eager to recruit new members to join our brotherhood. While last semester caught us off guard, we've become stronger through these difficult times and are excited to finish off this school year strong with another great semester. Yours in the Bonds, Allen McLean '22 Chapter President amcclean@mail.bradley.edu | (309) 340-6695 BUILDING BROTHERLY BONDS IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC Generous Collegians Embrace Alpha Sigma's Giving Spirit Brothers remove the posts from our old benches in preparation for the Alex Williams memorial benches. Over the course of two days, the old benches were removed and the new benches were installed with concrete pads.

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