Sigma Chi - University of Michigan

T he spring semester has been a very successful one for the Theta Theta Chapter so far. Not even halfway through the semester, we have seen the Sigma Chi influence on and representation in the Michigan Greek life com- munity expand rapidly, organized a future philanthropic event, and taken in a fantastic new class of seven. In addition, we have started to take initiative on more expansive communication with recent alumni. CHAPTER GPA RANKS IN TOP FIVE In fall 2013, Sigma Chi earned one of the top five GPAs on campus with a 3.4. To further improve the Chapter's academics, the executive committee decided that in addition to a scholarship chairman, who oversees the aca- demics of the Chapter, we will have one member serve as a professional development chairman, who will help with cover letter and resume writing for members. "We have been making great efforts to help the academic component of our brother- hood, including a new online forum for brothers to share study materials through the university page," Scholarship Chairman Will Zech '15 said. HIGH GOALS FOR PHILANTHROPY EVENTS In February, a local philanthropic group named FeelGood cooked grilled cheese sandwiches in our University of Michigan page 3 Preserving Our Past, Securing Our Future payback for the memories that I have or the friendships that I've made as a result of my affiliation with Sigma Chi and Theta Theta. I only wish the scope of the project was more far reaching. Sigma Chi at the University of Michigan should be the first and only place that the strongest fraternity candidates consider joining. We can help today by giving back to the physical plant that is the outward symbol of all of the great things that happen inside those walls. How do you think your campaign contribution will positively affect the future of the Chapter? When we were about 10 years removed from our undergraduate years, David Geracioti '85 sat next to me at a Michigan football game and joked, "Kuch, we can't take this for granted. We can't just assume that someone else is going to carry the ball, preserve a great legacy, and ensure that others can always enjoy it the way we have." That comment never left me. It's now up to us to step up on behalf of the brothers that helped pave our way and those who've yet to arrive. Tell us about your family. My wife, Cindy, and I have three children. She grew up as the best friend of another woman who would later marry Gibby (Greg Gibson '87) and that's how the two of us met. Our eldest child, Emily, is a freshman at the University of Michigan, where she's a member of Alpha Chi Omega. Her roommate is Catherine Yardley, who is the daughter of Tom Yardley '86, one of my little brothers at Sigma Chi. It's nearly impossible to believe that our two daughters, some 30 years after Tom and I met one another, would be such good friends, rooming with one another, and embarking on their own collegiate experience together. We have two younger sons, Taylor and Connor, who are 16 and 11, respectively. We live in Lake Forest, Illinois, about 30 miles north of Chicago. E-mail Jeff at jkuchman@midamericagrp.com Consistent Improvement Theta Theta Shows Strength in Academics, Philanthropy, and Recruitment kitchen, which they sold to benefit the World Hunger Foundation. This event raised over $1,000 in one night. COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT YIELDS RESULTS This winter was one of our most successful recruiting terms since our rechartering. Using an approach that heavily utilized social media as a recruiting tool, including a Facebook group that included most poten- tial candidates, we were able to attract over 70 candidates through our doors—the most ever for a winter semester. Out of these 70, we ended up with a pledge class of seven gentlemen who exude the qualities we look for in Sigma Chis. We are extremely excited to welcome them into our brotherhood in April. "We had one of the most competitive recruiting processes in our Chapter's history, extending bids to less than 15% of all those who rushed, and we feel that the utilization of social media in this process was crucial," said Andrew Polkowitz '16, recruitment chairman. THETA THETAS SHOW LEADERSHIP ON CAMPUS AND BEYOND Brother Matt Goldstein '14 was in Australia for the entire fall 2013 semester as the chief strategist for the University of Michigan Solar Car team, which finished ninth in the World Solar Challenge in November. Brother Connor Toohey '15 is the president of Wolverine Capital Investments, a club devoted to learning about the stock market. Brother Danny Hecker '16 is the director of external affairs for the Michigan Journal of International Affairs, an undergraduate periodical that publishes opinion-based pieces on international politics, econom- ics and culture. We are always trying to improve our Chapter. This semester, we feel that our goals of greater campus influence and sustained success in the fields of academics and recruiting are finally coming to fruition. The Chapter is becoming stronger by the month, and we encourage all alumni to come to the house when they please. We will always wel- come you with open arms. After all, without you, nothing that we do would be possible, so we want to thank you for all that you contribute. Fraternally, Nick Reade '16 Consul njreade@umich.edu (917) 526-0069 Brother Brian Koffler '16 on the field at the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. The Kappa pledge class.

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