Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Theta xi 3 www.alpha6294.com loan from Theta Xi's Unicorn fund will allow us to front-load our construction and invest approxi- mately $250,000 into renovations this summer. If pledges and donations continue to arrive at the current rate, we may be in a position to continue with substantial projects over winter break that would allow us to fully renovate all public spaces before we meet again for our 152nd anniversary celebration. Please consider joining us at 1490 Sage Avenue to enjoy the first phase of renovations and discuss the state of our chapter, alumni association, and our plans for completing the renovation. I'll be back for RPI's reunion weekend scheduled for October 3 and for our 152nd 6294 celebration the weekend of April 30, 2016. I hope to see you at one or both. Thank you, again, for your support as we work together to restore our chapter house to the con- dition you remember and that it deserves. Yours in the Bonds, David Fowkes '89 (A1275) Campaign Chairman ALUMNI STEP UP (Continued from page 1) This plaque recognizes our Founders' election into the Order of the Unicorn. "The Alpha Chapter has contin- ued to grow from the recovery period of the early 1980s, so there are no limits to where the house can continue to grow over the next 50 years. As the Alpha Chapter, we can take a stronger leadership role nationally while staying committed to a house that also leads the RPI campus in aca- demics and other activities," says Tom White '79 (A1180). Tom is committed to the campaign for Theta Xi because he says being a member of the fraternity prepared him for life after college more than he ever thought possible. It showed him the importance of balancing academics, work, relaxation, and friends. "At the house, we took advantage of weekend free time for sports and parties, but the brothers also sup- ported a common value of being successful in our courses and helping each other do well in classes and tests." As part of a strong frater- nity culture, such a direction can allow Alpha Chapter to recruit the best members possible and maintain a brotherhood of well-rounded young men. "The funding campaign for the house has had my attention since it first was suggested. Keeping the house well maintained and look- ing good creates a positive impression on new pledges and keeps the level of alumni pride high. This will continue to build alumni in- volvement and keep chapter ranks strong. It was encouraging to come back to the house and find many improvements that had already taken place, knowing that there will be many more under the campaign." As an alumnus, Tom has stayed connected of late by visiting 1490 Sage Avenue whenever he gets the chance. "I've been able to make the 150th for Alpha Chapter and other 6294s in re- cent years. The turnout for these events has been fantastic and it's easy to reconnect after not seeing some broth- ers for decades. Many brothers have gone on to very successful careers, which are great to hear about at the 6294s." Tom says that since the 150th he has stayed in contact with sev- eral brothers from the '70s and they're making plans to get together again. As the design engineering manager at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Mass., since 1987, Tom has the privilege of working with an excellent group of engineers to keep the plant operating safely. He says it's great to watch young, driven RPI graduates and Theta Xi brothers get their start as nuclear engineers within his company. When he's not hard at work, Tom spends time golfing, reading, wine tasting, and in the summer, four-wheeling and having cookouts on the beach. Above all, Tom prides himself on being a family man and en- joys sharing his hobbies in the company of his wife, Patty, and their children, Katie and Tom. To contact Tom, send him an e-mail at nukietom@comcast.net. A group of 1970s alumni gather on the front steps of 1490 Sage Avenue with a photo of them as actives. Fraternity Experience Creates Enduring Friendships, Tools for Success Spotlight on Tom White '79 (A1180)

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