Sigma Chi - University of Virginia

Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Virginia • Winter 2023 BOD MEETING RECAP The Psi of Sigma Chi House Corporation held its annual Board of Directors meeting on October 8. At the meeting, we covered the standard list of agenda items, which included an update from the undergraduates (see their article on page 3 for details), a status report from our House maintenance contractor, notes from the UVA Foundation's Historic Renovation Corporation, discussions on future Alumni communications (including this newsletter), and a presentation of current finances by Treasurer Scott Waskey '88. Some key things to pass along: ▶ There are 56 active Brothers, and 608 is fully occupied. ▶ 608 is in solid physical condition. ▶ On June 6, the Constantine Housing Initiative, affiliated with Sigma Chi Headquarters and its Risk Management Foundation, inspected 608. Our property is insured by RMF, and these inspections of all Sigma Chi properties help keep everyone's insurance costs down. ▶ The inspection, checking the interior and exterior to identify safety, security, fire hazard, and mechanical issues, was helpful and thorough. Of the inspection team's 60 findings, 52 were resolved before the undergraduates moved in for the fall semester, seven were be completed over winter break, and one (non-safety) issue has been deferred for funding reasons. HRC continues to do an outstanding job maintaining the House. ▶ Our financial condition remains strong with almost $150,000 in operating cash, about $200,000 in remaining pledges, and $650,000 in long-term debt. CHANGING OF THE GUARD We also held BOD officer elections, added some new directors, and said farewell to several long-serving individuals, including Tom Washburn '70 and Bret Holden '83. These two individuals have contributed to the BOD's and Chapter's status as one of UVA's premier fraternities as much as, if not more than, any other Psis; they are highlighted to the right. The new directors, unanimously elected, are Dave Holmes '84, Todd West '84, and Dave Helfgott '85. Many thanks to them for volunteering to serve. Lastly, we voted on the Board officer slate: Mark Senell '87 was elected as the new president, while Chris Komelasky '00 will continue to serve as VP, Scott Waskey as treasurer, and Kurt Rupprecht '04 as secretary. As I sign off on my last update, I want to thank all who made my job easier, including the BOD, HRC, and undergraduate officers. I am grateful for your commitment to Psi and 608, and I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know you and work with you to ensure Psi remains a wonderful place to be a Brother. To Mark—thanks for agreeing to take on this role. I know I leave the House Corporation in great hands! In Hoc, Jim Mallon '81 President, Psi of Sigma Chi House Corporation TOM WASHBURN '70 Tom served on the Board since 2007 and assumed responsibilities as treasurer in 2014. (I view the treasurer as the most important position on the BOD, and Tom excelled in his duties!) Consider all that transpired during his tenure: the initiation of the capital campaign, identifying funding organizations for donations, tracking those donations, identifying construction and long- term financing options for the two separate phases of this $2.5 million construction (the Chapter House addition and the renovation), and coordinating annual House rental income and donations with House maintenance and mortgage payments. This was all a herculean effort that he made seem easy. Tom leaves the House Corporation's finances far better than he found them. PSI IN SECURE HANDS Jim's Final Presidential Update BRET HOLDEN '83 Bret joined the BOD in 2014, but his contributions to Psi go well beyond that. He and Steve Herbert '68 served as capital campaign co-chairmen from 2014-21. They both worked tirelessly to raise more than $2 million—and Bret's personal contribution alone amounted to more than 10% of our total donations. He also volunteered to supervise the construction of the new wing, and he and his general contractor helped reduce construction costs significantly. Bret's on-site presence on an almost daily basis ensured a result that most groups can only dream of—a quality, beautiful, under-budget project. His generosity, time, expertise, and practicality were indispensable in this endeavor. Read About the New President on Page 2!

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