FarmHouse - University of Nebraska

FARMHOUSE FRATERNITY 4 T he last 12 months have been as challenging a period for the Nebraska Chapter of FarmHouse as it has ever faced. The tragic death of an undergraduate new member in September 2014 and the resulting suspension by the University cast a dark cloud on our proud 100+ year history. Through my interactions with the active members, I have seen how the loss of a brother has significantly impacted their lives, college experience, and future decision making. The past year has not been enjoyable for the members; however, the chapter's leadership accepted the responsibility and challenge that was before them. I am proud of the members' character, their resolve to improve their Fraternity, and the leadership they are providing to UNL to improve the campus culture and social norms. Chapter Reinstated at UNL In August, FarmHouse was reinstated as a University-approved living unit at UNL and subsequently recognized by the InterFraternity Council. As anticipated, the chapter will remain on probation with the UNL administration for a period of two years and will continue to adhere to the International Fraternity's terms of discipline through at least the fall 2015 semester. FarmHouse Leads the Way for Change Through this process, the chapter has partnered with the International Fraternity and the University with educational training programs (including alcohol skills training and Title IX issues surrounding sexual assault prevention), cultural practice changes, and leadership initiatives on campus. Specifically, the University has asked FarmHouse to be a voice of change to social norms at UNL. As examples, FarmHouse leaders have facilitated alcohol awareness training with many fraternities and sororities and a Greek roundtable was organized with campus leaders and UNL administrators discussing the cultural challenges around alcohol. The chapter has partnered with four other Fraternities to create a coalition to FARMHOUSE FRATERNITY IS STRONG AND MOVING FORWARD Below: FarmHouse welcomes 30 new members into the Fraternity. Tanner Hannappel '13, Brennan Costello '12, Tanner Gosda '13, Ryan Drvol '13, and Chase Gorham '13 (center) were initiated into the 2015 class of the Black Masque Chapter of Mortar Board on Ivy Day. They are joined by outgoing Mortar Board member Brian Richard '13 (left) and Jon Freese '15 (right), who received the Freshman Mortar Board Honorable Scholar and Freshman Innocents Honorable Scholar awards. change social norms and a social media campaign has been created promoting positive decision making among Greek students. In addition, the association organized a roundtable discussion for Fraternity volunteers in coordination with the Greek Affairs office. The bar has been raised relative to expectations for Fraternity and Sorority members' behavior, and FarmHouse aims to be a leader in this positive change. Chapter Thrives on Campus As the chapter's operations are gaining some normalcy, the men have not let up on their pursuit of excellence. The chapter achieved an incredible 3.544 GPA in the spring, which was the highest among Fraternities. Five members were selected into Mortar Board Senior Honor Society. A freshman was selected as the Freshman Mortar Board Honorable Scholar and Freshman Innocents Honorable Scholar. Two seniors have been selected to Homecoming court and five of 16 semifinalists were FarmHouse men. Two members are serving as ASUN senators for their respective colleges. Senior member Nick Devine '14 was very influential in writing and passing the Good Samaritan bill (LB439). Philanthropy Events Planned, Recruitment Success The second annual Totally BALDacious philanthropy event is scheduled for October 10 before the Wisconsin game. Last year nearly $9,000 was raised and approximately 30 members shaved their heads to raise support and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And very importantly, the chapter had a successful summer recruitment and has welcomed 30 new members. Therefore, the chapter is near capacity with 89 total members and 84 living in the house. I want to express my gratitude and thanks to the many men who have made sacrifices during the last year for the betterment of our beloved Fraternity, including Chapter President Ryan Drvol '13 and the chapter executive team, Greg Ibach '81 and the association board, chapter advisors, and international leaders Chad Harris, Iowa State University'98 and Shawn Eagleburger, Iowa State University'02. Sincerely, Steven Gangwish '01 President, FarmHouse Alumni Association sjgangwish@gmail.com / (402) 480-4520

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