Sigma Pi - Missouri University of Science & Technology

Fall 2015 THE CROSSING A. I. SP S I G M A P I • A L P H A I O T A C H A P T E R The CROSSING AlphA IotA SetS plAnS In MotIon to Fund property IMproveMentS Alumni, We Need Your Help in Turning the Concept into Completion D uring the 2014 Homecoming, Alpha Iota Building Association (AIBA) unveiled a preliminary design to expand, renovate, and improve our properties. We had three goals in mind: expand our housing to 80 beds, significantly improve our 12th Street curb appeal, and consolidate the properties into a campus-like feel. This year, AIBA unveiled a potential path to fund these improvements. The financial model includes comparable MS&T student housing room and board rates, the success rates of our fundraising partner, Pennington & Company, yearly cash flow of AIBA and the chapter based on various occupancy and house bill scenarios, and a construction budget provided by a St. Louis-based general contractor. The model includes several funding vehicles, including a capital campaign, construction loan, and cash on hand. Several of our key alumni have been involved in developing this model, providing guidance, and recommending potential banking partners. While we maintain an ambitious mindset with these upcoming projects, we believe this goal is achievable with significant financial commitment from our alumni. The Chapter's response was positive and they appear to be ready to do their part to increase membership as required for this plan, as well as absorb increases in their house bills. With the completion of another fraternity house project on campus this fall and the demolition of Quad resident hall, it is yet another reminder that students are looking for newer housing. The six fraternities that have completed their new housing projects have seen significant spikes in membership compared to other fraternities on campus. With increased campus enrollment and student housing as an attractive project to lenders, we believe the time for Sigma Pi to act is now. The chapter continues to excel in scholarship with a 3.12 GPA and ranks fourth place overall in grades. With no members graduating this fall, the chapter is poised to increase membership size with an anticipated pledge class of 15 members. Our collaboration with AIEF to further promote the fraternity and recruit top-notch members by issuing a freshman scholarship has paid dividends with over 40 applicants and two scholarships awarded. We were pleased to have an excellent turnout of alumni who attended the Orchid Ball and Homecoming festivities, and we look forward to building on this momentum for years to come. As always, thank you to our alumni for your continued financial support of our annual fundraising campaign. Please join us in our efforts to provide an attractive and sustainable home for future generations. Fraternally, Kurt W. Steinmann '97 Alpha Iota Building Association President (314) 409-6773 ksteinmann73@gmail.com Alumni enjoy bonding over baseball during their ballpark club trip to San Diego.

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