Theta Chi - Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Epsilon Echo THE NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF EPSILON CHAPTER OF THETA CHI AT WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE SPRING 2021 Golf for a Good Cause Brothers Raise over $2,500 at 2020 Golf Tournament alumni.oxepsilon.org T his past summer, the 2020 EBA Open Golf Tournament was held at the Holden Hills Country Club in Holden, Massachusetts, on July 25. There was great turnout from active members and alumni to compete and enjoy themselves on a stunning summer day. In the final count, there were 61 members who played in the best-ball scramble event. Afterward, Brothers enjoyed catching up with new friends and old buddies. Brothers from all ages got to know each other over ping pong, air hockey, shuffleboard, cornhole, and many more games and TV screens in the new recreation center. Of course, congratulations go out to the winning team, who easily bested the tournament field with a 9 under par. Team Lean Mean Wrecking Machine consisted of players Rich Wholey '88, Dave Liles '87, Tom McMorrow '89, and Derk Rodgers '89. Thanks to all who attended, and a special thanks to Dave Polcari '88 from Team Civilized and Nicholas Pitti '21, who put the event together amidst the pandemic, ensuring special precautions to provide a safe and fun environment. Typically, excess proceeds from the event are used to fund prizes and swag for the participating members. However, after the recent, tragic death of Grace Rett, daughter of Chris Rett '90, we decided to donate the surplus funds to the Grace Fund, focused on building a gym in her honor: the G.R.A.C.E. Center. A total of $1,300 in surplus funds and direct donations was contributed from the Brothers in attendance. A generous donor even matched that amount, resulting in a final total of $2,600. It was incredible to see the strong bond and unity of the Brothers of Epsilon Chapter coming together for such a great cause. Fraternally, Connor Buek '21 Pete White '86 and Derk Rogers '89 prepare to tee off. I am excited to share that the Epsilon Chapter of Theta Chi has continued to grow, prosper, and succeed despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Our beloved Theta Chi is going through one of the toughest points in its history, but we have done a fantastic job in multiple areas nonetheless. At the start of the school year, the Greek Alumni Council Awards were announced and Theta Chi was awarded Fraternity of the Year and Outstanding Fiscal Management; we also made the Honor Roll in Alumni Programming. This is all thanks to the excellent work done by past President Daniel Pelaez '20, past Treasurer Vinay Nair '21, past Alumni Chairman Michael Connor '21, and the rest of their executive board. The health, safety, and well-being of our Brothers was the number one priority last semester, and thanks to the safe guidelines implemented within the Chapter House, we had zero positive COVID-19 cases during the fall semester. We also conducted a successful recruitment period despite the restrictions and guidelines imposed by WPI. With the hybrid of both in-person and online recruitment events, our Brotherhood managed a safe and enjoyable recruitment. Thank you to Recruitment Chairmen Vinay Nair '21 and Dennis Leary '21 for all your hard work. Despite not hosting in-person events, our Chapter was still able to give back through philanthropy. Our philanthropy chairman, Mazen Yatim '22, focused on utilizing social media to raise money. In September, in honor of National Suicide Prevention Week, Brothers posted a Venmo card on their Instagram stories, encouraging their friends and families to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We successfully raised over $1,100, which will aid in providing educational courses and resources about suicide prevention. At the end of last semester, the Interfraternity Council held its executive elections, and we were honored to see one of our own Brothers elected. Congratulations to Ardavasd Ardhaldjian '22 on becoming the next IFC president! I am confident that Ardavasd will represent Theta Chi well to the rest of campus while improving Greek life throughout his tenure. This spring semester, we are prioritizing new member education. I have full confidence that Marshal Parker Simpson '21 and Chaplain Antonio Jeanlys '21 will make this their utmost priority to ensure the longevity of our Chapter. Their leadership combined with the efforts of every Brother will be absolutely necessary to achieve our goal. I would like to thank all of the Brothers who have helped me throughout the years, as well as the efforts of the previous president, Jaden Chin '21, and his executive board. My executives and I will strive to uphold the success and growth of Theta Chi created by all of the Brothers who came before us. Fraternally, Bryan Pereira Lima '22 Chapter President STATE OF THE CHAPTER: 2021

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