Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Theta xi 3 www.alpha6294.com Building Alpha's Future Together Father and Son Share Brotherhood Bill Flood '97 (A1418) and Chris Flood '16 (A1664) Value Alpha Chapter B efore he went through recruitment, Chris Flood '16 (A1664) wasn't sure he wanted to become a Theta Xi member. He and his father, Bill Flood '97 (A1418), had many similarities: both at- tended RPI and were Air Force ROTC members. Bill encouraged Chris to keep his options open and Chris thought he would go in a different direction. "I figured it couldn't hurt to at least check out the house regardless of my preconceived notions," Chris says. "What really sold Theta Xi was the genuineness of all the brothers both to themselves and others." When Bill heard Chris joined Theta Xi, he was not only thrilled that Chris found a home in Alpha Chapter, but was happy be- cause the choice was made by Chris. Some of Bill's favorite memories with the fraternity were simply the camaraderie with brothers. One of the most special moments for Bill was at the 150th celebration—as he was spending time with brothers from his pledge class, he was able to look over and see Chris doing the same. "I loved seeing Chris as an integrated member; how committed and active he is in the fraternity," Bill says. A distinctive moment for Chris was when Bill surprised him at his initia- tion. "As soon as I was initiated, I looked to my left, and there was my father," Chris recalls. "You put so much work into the process, you're stressed and you're tired, but the feeling of relief that I made it and the fact that my dad was there to witness it was extremely special." Both agree that Theta Xi was the perfect place to wind down away from the stressors of school. Even while serving in leadership roles, Chris says, "the work was always fun." Bill served as the treasurer and Chris served as alumni relations chairman, sec- retary, treasurer, new member educator, and presi- dent. Recently, Chris was accepted into Phalanx, which is RPI's top honor society. Bill is a firm believer that the campaign has strengthened ties between alumni and undergraduates. "I think the renova- tions have been the most important thing that's happened to the house in 50 years," he says. "We were lacking an element—staying connected. This has helped the chapter by keeping up the foundation and making it better for the future." Bill and his wife, Lori, have four children: Chris, Adam, Nick, and Ellie. Bill is employed at Procter & Gamble and Chris has gotten a few job offers, but is keeping his options open. The family will be relocating to Cincinnati, Ohio, in July. E ven before Barret Soisson '18 (A1697) be- came a member of Theta Xi, James Soisson '94 (A1366) has always felt a deep association with Alpha Chapter. "The bonds you develop don't go away. Even if you become discon- nected, those bonds are still there," James says. "All you have to do is stop by the chapter house or talk to some of your classmates. You quickly become reconnected." For Barret, he instantly felt a connection during Theta Xi recruitment events. But the most mean- ingful moment was during initiation. "My dad surprised me by being present at my initiation," Barret says. "It meant a lot to me and was com- pletely unexpected. When I realized that I share my brother bond with not only the actives, but also my father, it really strengthened our relationship." Alpha Chapter gave James skills that have proven to be necessary in his career. "Theta Xi helped me develop leadership skills and gave me confidence to succeed in a group environment," James says. "It also helped me to respect other's personalities. That's definitely been a skill that I've taken advantage of." Barret has already seen the positive impact the fraternity has had on his college life and academic development so far. "I cannot imagine what it would be like to go to RPI without having over 50 best friends that I see every day," Barret says. From a father's standpoint, James is given peace of mind from the renova- tions, as the chapter house is made a safer place. He has even taken a role in the renovations—he coordinated the artistic ideas and facilitated the manufacturing of the tile and wooden mosaic. "It's great to see the moderniza- tion of the chapter house," James says. "It makes it more appealing to recruitment and shows a commitment the alumni have to the actives. The fraternity experience is a lifelong commitment." James keeps in contact with his brothers via so- cial media, e-mail, and phone calls. As an un- dergraduate and the alumni relations chairman, Barret understands the importance of learning from brothers before him. "It's great to hear their stories and a lot of the men can provide valuable insight on current issues that the actives are facing," Barret says. "When we are together, we all build a bond of brotherhood that would be a waste to throw away later in life." James and his wife, Julie, have four children: Kaili, Barret, Nathan, and Gabrielle. He works at the Naval Surface Warfare Center and Barret is majoring in electrical engineering. The family resides in West Lawn, Pennsylvania. Alpha Chapter Strengthens Family Ties Theta Xi Benefits James Soisson '94 (A1366) and Barret Soisson '18 (A1697)

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