Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

W ith the holiday season quickly approaching, we're reminded that it's more important to give than receive. Our time living together in our beloved chapter house provided by alumni gave us all invaluable life lessons, irreplaceable memories, and brothers who will always be there. Now, as alumni, these roles are reversed. It's our turn to give back to Alpha and today's actives what previous alumni provided us: the opportunity to live and grow together as brothers. I t's been a busy decade at our Alpha Chapter. You've helped us rebuild our alumni association and active chapter, and together celebrate the 150th anniversary of our founding. In addition, we have launched and nearly completed a truly transformative capital campaign and chapter house renovation. As we approach the successful conclusion of our current plan, it's natural for us to reflect upon what our ensuing goals and vision should be. It seems intuitive to return our attention to where we began our journey together almost 156 years ago: strengthening our brotherhood and focusing on guiding our younger brothers along the path we've already traveled. Luckily, our chapter is at Rensselaer. We all know RPI stands ready to present a challenge to any student (or alumnus) seeking one (and even those not necessarily looking). Rensselaer implementing its Arch program offers us such an opportunity. We can simultaneously (a) reconnect with our active and alumni brothers, (b) encourage and aid our actives in their journey from student to professional, and (c) advance the prosperity of Alpha Chapter by providing a valuable and differentiated offering to potential members. RPI's Arch requires students to study on campus the summer between their sophomore and junior years and secure a job during one of their junior semesters. Unfortunately, the launch of the Arch program has been less than optimal for some of the earliest students participating. The support system to help guide, develop skills, and transition young students to employable professionals has not been established. This is where we, Theta Xi alumni, can make an immediate and meaningful impact by providing our brothers the guidance, coaching, and support they need to develop the skills to become attractive to employers and then helping them find that first great opportunity. We often find Alphas willing to step into a seemingly difficult situation and take the challenge head on. Rich Lotti '78 (A1170) saw an opening, raised his hand, and volunteered to fill a void by organizing the Rensselaer Silicon Valley Arch effort. Rich chairs Rensselaer's mission to recruit alumni and employers to secure opportunities for students in the region. He's simultaneously making sure our Alpha brothers are supported, both in his region and across the country. He's working directly with multiple active brothers looking for opportunities and in September met with our brothers in our Formal Room at 1490 Sage Avenue. In conjunction with Rich, recent Alumni Association President Graham Cabrey '12 (A1617) volunteered to coordinate the support and coaching that our six Alpha brothers seeking an immediate spring Arch placement needed. Graham organized a targeted group of alumni in fields of interest and/or appropriate majors chosen specifically for each active Arch brother to provide tailored informational interviews, resume help, job search tips and leads, and career mentoring and is laying the groundwork to continue this effort for all of our active brothers. Efforts that Rich, Graham, and dozens of other alumni volunteers are making are having a direct, immediate, and meaningful impact on our active brothers. Rich and Graham's work is an effort that can help our youngest brothers embark upon their professional journey, facilitate meaningful alumni engagement, and provide Alpha a differentiated advantage in both recruitment and continued successful operations. Our Theta Xi alumni network is far stronger than the Rensselaer alumni network. We should ensure that we achieve 100% successful placement of our juniors and market this to our potential members as a unique feature of our fraternity by guaranteeing an Arch placement. Please let us know if and how you're interested in participating and if you plan to return to or near campus any time soon. Yours in the Bonds, Rich Lotti '78 (A1170) Graham Cabrey '12 (A1617) rlotti@cranialwavesmed.com cabreyg@gmail.com ALPHA CHAPTER OF THETA XI FALL 2019 ALPHABET ALPHA ALUMNI HELP OUR BROTHERS GRASP A WORLD AWAY Finishing What We Started Help Alpha Chapter Fulfill Our Chapter Transformation Will you answer the call? Join our challenge today! (Continued on page 3) Rich Lotti '78 (A1170) speaks with students about the Arch program.

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