Theta Xi - Bradley University

THE TAXI NEWS PAGE 3 D uring his first semester at Bradley, Joe Ferrick '79 went through recruitment and visited 16 fraternities in a few days. His journey ended without a desire to pledge anywhere—but that wouldn't remain the case. Throughout his first semester, Joe enjoyed socializing with the men in his dorm but also became friendly with guys in several fraternities outside of those he visited during recruitment. By the start of his second semester, Joe knew that he wanted to be a part of Alpha Sigma. "Theta Xi had a diverse group of guys from all over the country with different educational goals and a wide range of personalities and athletic abilities," Joe said. "This all appealed to me." Soon after pledging, he was encouraged by senior brothers to run for an officer position. Joe hadn't given any consideration to it before; his brothers saw something in him, though, so he went for it. "I was elected as scholarship chairman in the fall of my sophomore year," Joe said. "I subsequently served as treasurer, where I instituted new bookkeeping and accounting procedures, and in my senior year, I served as president." Each of these positions gave Joe opportunities to develop his communication, reasoning, and critical thinking skills—especially during his time as president, where he interacted with presidents of other fraternities and sororities and, occasionally, with the Dean of the University. Since graduating, Joe worked his way up to his most recent position as Area Counsel in the in- house legal department for the IRS. "This is a Senior Executive Service position in the federal government, which only a small percentage of federal workers ever attain," Joe said. "I oversaw the efforts of groups of attorneys in Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Indianapolis." Aside from work, Joe has also kept up with the chapter's efforts in respect to the house and community improvement matters. Joe noticed the attempts of some alumni to provide scholarships to active brothers. His curiosity was peaked, and after receiving a solicitation, Joe made the decision to help. "You don't have to be a big hitter to make a difference," Joe said. "Any contribution helps this great cause. By giving something, it will help a young Theta Xi finish their education and assist them on their way to reaching their life's goals; I consider that a worthy cause." Joe not only gives back to Theta Xi, but also other organizations like the alumni association at Brother Rice High School. Joe also serves as president of the American Blind Skiing Foundation, an all-volunteer non-profit that provides downhill skiing experiences to blind and visually impaired children and adults. "We have guides and skiers in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area with a few others scattered around," Joe said. "I generally guide every weekend during the ski season, and I also handle a lot of the training for new guides." Since his retirement, he and his better half, Marjy, have enjoyed traveling by RV, especially during the spring and summer when they try to travel for a couple of months at a time. You can connect with Joe at joeyxboat1@gmail.com. SUPPORTING THE LEGACY Why Joe Ferrick '79 Gives Back to the Organization That Provided the Best Four Years of His Life Alumni relax on the Fourth of July. From bottom: Dave Jarvas '01, Doug Patchin '01, Craig Janus '00, and Derek Hupfer '99. Alumni spend the day on a boat wakeboarding, surfing, and tubing. From bottom left, clockwise, Stephen Petrany '04, Molly Heyen, Tim Heyen '03, Mike Maida '05, Craig Janus '00, and James Jarvis '05. Surf's up! Alumni members get together and wake surf! From top left, clockwise: Chris Leonard '19, Craig Janus '00, James Jarvis '05, Tim Heyen '03, Stephen Petrany '04, and Nathan Wagner '21. Staying Connected

• Cover