Theta Chi - Drake University

PAGE 4 Theta Chi BROTHERHOOD During a tough spring recruitment period in which only seven bids were given out amongst all fraternities, Theta Chi received four signed bids, thanks to the efforts of VP of Recruitment Connor Spencer '26. These quality pledges were guided under the leadership of our marshal, Magnus Keswani '26, and initiated on April 20. Looking to the fall, our goals are to recruit 20 pledges, which will bring our total membership close to 60 brothers. And with around 200 Greek Life members on campus, this will keep us near the top in membership along with SigEp and SAE. INVOLVEMENT Our members were involved in every intramural sport available this past semester. We had multiple basketball, soccer, and tennis teams, and even a water polo team. This was not only a great bonding experience for our members but also a fun way for us to increase our on-campus presence. Additionally, more than half of our brothers were able to attend the annual Colorado ski trip, where they enjoyed a week full of hiking, skiing, and NHL games. COMMUNITY SERVICE One of our goals this year was to create more opportunities for community service. One way we did this was through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Des Moines, where two groups totaling 18 brothers constructed and painted homes for people in need. We also had brothers volunteer for local fish fries, childcare services, violence prevention organizations, and trash cleanups. Next, we plan to "adopt a stream" with Delta Gamma, which will involve cleaning up trash around a local waterway. PHILANTHROPY This spring, we participated in a fundraising effort for the James Arthur Albert Foundation, which included a Belize Dance Marathon held on March 22. During this event, we hosted various games where people could compete with brothers using purchased tickets. We also held a silent auction that contained gift baskets and items donated by local businesses. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT During winter break, five of our council members—me, JJ Bauer '25, Dean Andrews '25, Connor Spencer '26, and Magnus Keswani '26—attended the annual Theta Chi leadership conferences. We connected with brothers from all over the country and returned to the chapter with phenomenal ideas for improvement. One initiative this semester was to increase academic and professional development efforts. We successfully ran study tables every week, which proved helpful for weekly assignments and collaboration on study efforts. We also offered opportunities that we hoped would translate into business savvy and leadership experience. The first occurred on March 1, when we hosted Scott Miller, senior manager of marketing and residential sales for Crystal Flash. Mr. Miller sat down with our marketing, social media, and PR chairmen and held a workshop where we applied business marketing techniques to our fraternity's efforts. The chapter has since initiated projects that stemmed from ideas generated in this workshop, and the members are eager to apply their newly acquired professional knowledge to their future careers. ALUMNI CONNECTIONS At the end of the fall semester, the new Executive Council met with the Chapter Advisory Board to transition into our new roles and discuss strategies for the next year. After a lot of brainstorming, we attended a Drake basketball game and ate at Big Grove Brewery and Peggy's Tavern. For Gamma Tau's 75th anniversary, Michael Cummings '24 and Jack Bell '85 planned an eventful weekend open to all alumni. The first night featured drinks, food, and reconnection at Jasper Winery. Next, we enjoyed a formal event at Mainframe Studios with a meal and more networking. Tom Thompson, Illinois '98, a member of the Grand Chapter of Theta Chi, ended the weekend by speaking at our house. Thank you to everyone who joined us! LOOKING FORWARD With our increased involvement in community service, campus activities, intramurals, and philanthropy, we are exemplifying the values of our fraternity. Since I joined Theta Chi, I can confidently say we have never had an environment where all brothers are working to help each other grow and celebrate achievements of all kinds. With great leadership, brotherhood, philanthropy, and involvement, there is a lot to look forward to for the rest of 2024 at Theta Chi Gamma Tau! Love and Respect, Griffin Kohl '25 Chapter President UNDERGRADUATES STRIVE TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY SERVICE

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