Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Campaign Provides Opportunity to Make a Difference in Alpha Alumnus Spotlight: Elwood "Woody" Phares '51 (A753) J oining a fraternity provides members the opportunity to meet men from all walks of life. For Alpha alumnus Elwood "Woody" Phares '51 (A753), the opportunity to be associated with such an exceptional group of men sealed the deal to join Theta Xi. When Woody arrived in Troy, he already knew a little about the fraternity due to his uncle, Stanley Phares, who was a member of Theta Xi at Lehigh University in the late '30s. After learning of Alpha Chapter's involvement in sports at RPI and seeing the "best looking fraternity house on campus," Woody knew it was where he wanted to call home. Woody, who led RPI's 1951 lacrosse team as co-captain and was selected as an All-American, recalls football and lacrosse game weekends as being some of his favorite memories. "We would move out and let our dates stay in the house for the weekend," he says. "Then we would charge the guys $10 a step to get upstairs." The fraternity also provided Woody with the opportunity to learn how to work and relate with all different types of people and assume responsibility. But even past his personal memories of Theta Xi, Woody sees the importance of providing the same opportunity for future members. "It is our duty to ensure the chapter house stays in great shape—not only for the fraternity but for the men who live there." Woody urges alumni to remember their time as undergraduates and give back to the chapter that supported them while at RPI. "We all have a responsibility to pay the fraternity back for what it did for us." He adds, "Think of it this way: if we don't support the campaign we will be negatively affecting the chapter." Woody and his wife, Jacquie, reside in Princeton, New Jersey, where he is the president of his family's chemical company, Penetone/Petron Corporation. The couple has two children and five grandchildren, who are fortunate to live nearby. In his free time, Woody enjoys playing tennis and squash. To contact Woody, e-mail him at ewphares@westchemicalproducts.com. ALPHA CHAPTER OF THETA XI SUMMER 2014 ALPHABET ALPHA ANNOUNCES $750,000 CAMPAIGN TO RENOVATE CHAPTER HOUSE S ince our founding in 1864, Theta Xi has represented the standard of excellence within the Greek community at RPI. Today, Theta Xi still makes a difference in the lives of our undergraduate and alumni brothers. Through years of careful study, assessment, and planning, the Alpha Alumni Association has developed exciting plans to conduct a major renovation of our chapter house. In all areas, the architects have been instructed to address mandatory building and fire code requirements. Initial commitments from dedicated alumni and active members total more than $433,500. This early support solidifies the lifelong importance of our experience as Theta Xis and adds to the reason we are honored to announce our campaign, 150 Years of Theta Xi: Building Alpha's Future Together. To reach our goal of $750,000 and make this project a reality, the generous and significant support of every alumnus is needed. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015, and thanks to our partnership with the Society for the Preservation of Greek Housing, a 501(c)(3) foundation, the largest contributions to the campaign are eligible to be made on a tax-deductible basis. In the coming weeks, you will receive additional information detailing the house project and the ways in which you can help us reach the goal. As we have all benefited from the generosity of alumni who came before us, I hope that you feel it is now time to extend that legacy. Join our growing list of loyal supporters to ensure the lasting impact of the Theta Xi experience on the lives of future brothers. See list of donors on page 2. Yours in the Bonds, David Fowkes '89 (A1275) Campaign Chairman $433,575 Raised in Early Commitments from Loyal Brothers

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