Alpha Chapter of Theta Xi at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1536282
www.alpha6294.com Theta xi T his past spring semester marked the continuation of a strong year for our chapter. Throughout academic, philanthropic, educational, and social endeavours, brothers have worked hard to positively represent Theta Xi and build upon the strong foundation laid by our alumni. ■ Chapter House Updates While campus-wide recruitment was down this year, our chapter successfully initiated eight members this semester and 12 over the course of the year. These new members worked with House Manager Torin Schraven '27 (A1836) to contribute to efforts to improve the day-to-day experience of living in our house. This semester, Torin led efforts to install a new formal room sound system, a dishwasher, and a hot tub. The new members are building a custom frame for the hot tub, which will serve as the finishing touch on a much-enjoyed project. This work will continue into the summer, during which we plan to repaint the wood on the front of the house and install a new ceiling in the second-floor bathroom. Social Chairmen Anton Safonov '25 (A1796) and Brendan Ma '26 (A1814) worked hard to plan events that strengthened our brotherhood and brought us closer together. One of these was our Spring Formal, held in Montreal. Brothers and their dates enjoyed a weekend of sightseeing, socializing, and making memories. ■ Making a Meaningful Difference Our philanthropic and community service efforts took us all around Troy, where brothers had a positive impact on the local community. They played sports with individuals with disabilities through Hi-5 Sports, monitored RPI crosswalks, picked up trash in downtown Troy, and worked with the Frear Park Conservancy and Professor Bram to clear dead trees and vines from one of the park's walking trails. We also continued to host our annual Dog Days event with Pi Beta Phi and raised $960 in support of Habitat for Humanity and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Thank you to Community Relations Chairman Justin Isaac '26 (A1840) for organizing these events. ■ Recognition and Awards This semester, the chapter handed out its annual awards. Anton Safonov '25 (A1796) received the George M. Baker Memorial Award as our "Brother of the Year," recognizing his outstanding service to our chapter as president and social chairman. David Fowkes '89 (A1275) received the Jim Lichtenberg Alumni Award in recognition of his dedication and support to our chapter, earning him the title of "Alumnus of the Year." Our brothers are proud of what we have accomplished this year and look forward to upholding the values and excellence of Theta Xi. Yours in the Bonds, Joe Celtruda '26 (A1820) Chapter President Thomas P. Masters '62 (A978) Raymond J. Rettberg '63 (A983) Roderic P. Quirk '63 (A985) J. Richard Gordon '65 (A1024) William P. Vrooman '66 (A1029) James Lyons '69 (A1074) Jose T. Alvarez '73 (A1135) Kevin Ellis '74 (A1143) Kevin Bodine '80 (A1191) David F. Carlson '80 (A1196) David Fowkes '89 (A1275) Jeffrey D. Lamoree '89 (A1285) Matt Glaccum '92 (A1324) Demetrius Mossaidis '96 (A1391) Chris Blanc '96 (A1404) Kenyon W. Thayer '96 (A1405) David Halsey '99 (A1447) Alex Donnel '00 (A1467) Jason T. Virgil '03 (A1508) Kenneth W. Dias '03 (A1509) Eugene J. Tawiah '03 (A1510) Paul W. Dalton '04 (A1512) Michael J. Champagne '03 (A1514) David R. Eggleston '07 (A1566) Michael A. Martin '10 (A1586) Anthony Campos Jr. '09 (A1595) Will Smythe '16 (A1646) Thank you also to these brothers, who helped us close out the 2024 annual campaign (these gifts were recorded after our fall newsletter was published November 16, 2024). Gary F. Peterson '62 (A964) Richard M. Kelton '65 (A1023) Arthur J. Katz '71 (A1115) Rear Adm. Michael J. Lyden USN (Ret.) '78 (A1173) Kenyon W. Thayer '96 (A1405) Jason T. Virgil '03 (A1508) Kenneth W. Dias '03 (A1509) David R. Eggleston '07 (A1566) Brothers celebrate completing the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon. Theta Xis, Pi Beta Phi sisters, and dog handlers at the house during Dog Days. Thank You, Annual Campaign Donors Thank you to the following brothers who have donated to our 2025 annual giving campaign. We thank you for your interest and ongoing support of Alpha! Gifts recorded are as of June 10, 2025. If you have submitted a direct donation to one of our tax-deductible accounts at SPGH, RPI, or now, the Theta Xi Foundation, we thank you for your support! We also thank you for your patience and understanding that there may be a delay in recognizing these direct transactions, resulting in omissions from our donor list. Please rest assured your donation is appreciated and will be recorded. Checks that are directed to our payment processing address in Columbus, GA, should not see a delay in recognition. ALPHA STAYS ACTIVE House Projects and Spring Activities