Theta Chi - Worcester Polytechnic Institute

alumni.oxepsilon.org D isplayed on the walls throughout our Chapter House you'll find dozens of class composites. These composites immortalize each alumnus and member so that their memory shall not be forgotten. Epsilon Chapter of Theta Chi is the oldest continuously operating Chapter in the fraternity. Over the years, some of the older composites have gotten lost, water damaged, or compromised in some way. The Composite Project was launched to restore composites that can be replaced or refurbished. We're asking alumni for small donations that will go toward their class' composite restoration. If enough alumni can contribute, the composites will be restored and displayed once again. More information about our project and how to donate can be found on our website, oxepsilon.org. The website was made by our own Theta Chi members to stay connected with alumni and create opportunities for current members and alumni to come together for the betterment of the Chapter. Thanks in advance for any donations to the Composite Project! Announcing the Composite Project LIFE AT EPSILON UNDER COVID-19 A responsible Brother wakes up early in the morning, ready to get the day started. He starts up the hill to receive one of his weekly COVID tests administered by WPI. He then returns to Theta Chi, responsibly wearing his mask the whole time in the kitchen to make breakfast. The majority of Brothers attend virtual classes via Zoom. Our senior Brothers working on MQP are also mostly online with their partners and advisors, as it is difficult to meet in person in the Chapter House or on campus. No visitors are allowed, which includes girlfriends, members of the WPI community for philanthropy events, and even alumni who might want to stop by. The Brother confides on his respective floor and wears his mask at all times when not in his own room. After attending classes, he awaits lunch to be served by the "waiters" for that meal in a safe manner. He eats lunch with his floor "pod" and is sometimes delivered food in circumstances of higher precaution. Unfortunately, the Brothers are prohibited from large gatherings for meals. In addition, all house and committee meetings are held in the basement. Brothers use this extra time to study, either in the house or on the hill, or maybe work out alone in the basement with the newly added gym equipment. The Brother is also conscious to disinfect any surfaces that he may touch throughout the day with the abundance of cleaning supplies found on each floor. After finishing up any remaining schoolwork or studying after dinner, he typically has a scheduled cleaning on his floor. If any Brothers come into contact with other students with positive COVID test results, those affected Brothers will be confined to their rooms in "quarantine" all day except for the bathroom and showers. Although they hopefully do not have the virus, they quarantine as a precaution. Meals will be delivered to their rooms as they eat there. This has happened to four Brothers at once, specifically around Thanksgiving of 2020. The undergraduates still have a knack for playing foosball or table tennis in their spare time, or spending time with other Brothers in their respective floor common space. Many Brothers who hold house positions have needed to adapt to this unique year. For example, potential new members were prohibited from entering the house for house tours. To compromise, the recruitment chairman made a house tour video that was posted on the Theta Chi Epsilon Instagram. The video showcased all parts of the house, was edited well, and received a good amount of publicity on the site. (See the video at https://www.instagram. com/p/CGx0rvDnd74.) Other house events, such as philanthropy, alumni, and social events have mostly been adapted to a COVID-safe standard, although some had to be canceled entirely. Despite the obstacles set by the pandemic, we are grateful for what we have, are making the most of our college experience, and enjoy living with some of our closest friends. Fraternally, Evan Andrzejewski '22 Asa Cooper '23 T his fall, Epsilon held an online tournament for the video game Call of Duty: Warzone. Many active members and several alumni participated in this event on September 26. Since it was necessary to limit our in-person events, the Chapter decided this would be a fun way for actives and alumni to connect virtually. We also took advantage of it as a networking/mixer event by arranging teams of two alumni and two undergraduates. This event provided a good setting that could interest the younger alumni and undergraduates as well as offer the undergraduates an opportunity to hear some old stories about the Chapter. It also served as a fundraiser to update house appliances and purchase new kitchen supplies. We raised a total of $245 and had more than 15 active brothers and five alumni participate in the tournament. The team of Jacob Jurcak '22, Ben Watkins '23, Matt Fredo '23, and Carter Bullock '23 placed first overall. Zach Shaffer '20 had the highest number of kills throughout the five matches, with 28 in total. Brothers Connect and Raise Funds in Online Gaming Tournament Dinner at O'Connors in West Boylston on March 5, 2020. Pictured are John Marczewski '85, Joe Gugliemino '83, Andrew Pluta '98, Alan Belniak '97, Adam Gross '96, Jason King '20, Kevin Barrett '83, Daniel Pelaez '20, Neil Lettenberger '07, James Melvin '85, Kevin Sifuentes '20, and Nicholas Pitti '21.

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