Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Theta xi 3 www.alpha6294.com J ust because our 150th anniversary is over does not mean the Alpha Chapter has slowed down its efforts. The goals of this semester largely concentrated on self-improvement. The semester began with a strong recruitment and a brand new system to help improve the chapter GPA. However, the focus is not strictly internal as philanthropy remains a priority. NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED The GPA last term was a 3.14, placing us in the top half of Greek GPAs for fraternities on campus. This semester marks the beginning of a new mentoring program for brothers who are struggling with schoolwork. These brothers are paired with senior brothers who monitor and help with the mentee's academic progress. This brother provides the mentee with assistance in a variety of ways. That assistance could come in the form of helping them out with their homework, going over concepts with them to prepare for an upcoming exam, or improving general study habits. This new program is a result of the persistence of Scholarship Chairman David McWilliams '14 (A1650), who has been working with the mentors and mentees to improve the academic standing of the chapter. ON-CAMPUS PRESENCE GROWS Community Relations Chairman Nick Ziter '17 (A1680) organized several philanthropic events throughout the semester. The most recent was a fundraising event for multiple sclerosis research, which was co-sponsored by the women of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Together we tabled to sell candy- grams, messages attached with candy, that we delivered on Halloween. In addition, the associate members have been collaborating with non-profit organization Hi5 Sports. Every Saturday morning, a group of brothers and associate members volunteer with this organization at a bowling alley to help out special needs children. Membership is continuing its upward trajectory from previous semesters. Our biggest event, Car Bash, has continued to pull in hordes of prospective members to the house. This was followed up with events like steak dinner and broomball, finishing off with a high ropes course and lazy river tubing. The culmination of these events and the effort of the brothers led to a total of 13 associate members for the fall. Even with 10 brothers graduating next spring, the size of the chapter will still increase. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of former Recruitment Chairman Jon Burke '14 (A1645). ALPHA CHAPTER EXCELS THANKS TO ALUMNI SUPPORT Rather than taking a break after the 150th anniversary, the brothers of the Alpha Chapter saw fit to use it as a stepping stone. We will improve our academic standing, as well as maintain high numbers for recruitment. The chapter will also continue our numerous philanthropic events. Evidence of our hard work was shown when the Alpha Chapter received a Benchmark Chapter award at the 150th anniversary convention. However, there was a much more meaningful testimony to the efforts of not just the actives, but the alumni of the Alpha Chapter. The awe and the appreciation for the chapter was evident in the faces of all that attended the convention. That experience truly humbled me. None of this would have been possible without you, the brothers of the Alpha Chapter. On behalf of the actives, I truly thank you for the effort you have put into making this chapter what it is today. I look forward to visits from you in the coming months! Yours in the Bonds, Alex Pentland '15 (A1661) Chapter President president@alphaofthetaxi.com (732) 614-7436 Theta Xi Excels in Recruitment, Academics, Philanthropy Alumni Support Boosts Chapter Morale Nickolas Ziter '17 (A1680), Alex Pawlak '17 (A1679), Conor Wood '17 (A1684), and Chris Flood '16 (A1664) manned a food and water distribution site for bikers during the Bike for Multiple Sclerosis event this fall, where they got to talk to the bikers and learn their motivations for volunteering.

• Cover