Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Theta xi 3 www.alpha6294.com Building Alpha's Future Together Alpha Alumni Association Stabilization—A Decade of Progress W hile you've been reading about the excit- ing renovations completed, your associa- tion leadership has been quietly shoring up our financial position to ensure long-term success and viability. Along with the $425,000 in reno- vations that have been completed, thanks to your efforts through the fundraising campaign, we've focused on four core issues: controls, financial security, revenues, and expenses. We have built on what our previous treasurer, David Halsey '99 (A1447), began and modern- ized our operations by converting our Excel- based accounting files into QuickBooks Online, which allows us to more easily produce revenue and expense reports for our alumni. The online accounting software allows for multiple-user access so as to create transparency within our finances, as well as your board-appointed audit chairman, Barry Fortuna '13 (A1628), to per- form audits as a control mechanism. From a financial security perspective, your alumni association passed a resolution requiring an emergency fund to hold at least one full year of operational expenses. We currently have over $50,000 in this interest- bearing emergency fund, earning a competitive market rate. We have focused on improving our cash flow by augmenting revenues and manag- ing costs. Our previous treasurer, Paul Dalton '04 (A1512), was instrumental in lowering our property and school taxes by $10,000 per year through an assessment hearing with the City of Troy. We've also agreed to a short-term program to raise rent annually over the next few years to bring it in line with other Greek houses and com- parable RPI off-campus housing. All of these initiatives will help the actives main- tain a vibrant, sustainable chapter. The house is full this year with 37 live-in brothers and they had a successful fall recruitment. Our alumni as- sociation finances and balance sheet are as strong as they have been in decades, and we are effec- tively positioned to continue our recent success well into the future. Yours in the Bonds, Brad Spencer '07 (A1517) Alumni Association Treasurer bspencer1517@gmail.com A d a m B e r m a n ' 9 6 (A1392) thinks about Alpha Chapter and his brothers often. If he could go back in time, he would put on a flannel and a black t-shirt and enjoy the fall cider party. Then, he'd want to attend a Sunday after- noon chapter meeting. While those moments have turned into memories, he will forever treasure them. "Theta Xi has always been a diverse group of guys I could look up to—they work hard, they're fun to be around, and overall are just good people," Adam says. As an undergraduate, he was the social chairman and the vice president. Although it was a lot of work, it was worth it. "Team dynamics are a big part of the world after college and I think my Theta Xi and RPI experiences were good prepa- ration for that," Adam says. Although RPI can be difficult, Adam encourages all brothers to stick with it. "Use the challenges you experience to your advantage when you graduate," Adam says. "You don't get many chances in life to make true friends," he further reflected. Adam is the CEO for a small medical device company called TVA Medical. They are developing a therapy for patients with kidney failure. "I think about how my career was influenced by many Zoo brothers and friends, includ- ing Andrew Frazier '96 (A 1411), who introduced me to medical devices, and my roommate, Jeff Gratz '96 (A1394), who was a smart but most impor- tantly hard-working guy," Adam says. He still keeps in contact with Andrew and Chris Blanc '96 (A1404) but would love to get in contact with other brothers. He enjoys spending time with his family: his wife, Susannah, and their two daughters, Ella (7) and Marlo (3). They live in Austin, Texas. In Adam's spare time, he enjoys doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. E-mail: adamlberman@gmail.com Alumnus Grateful for eta Xi Connections Adam Berman '96 Reminisces on Alpha Chapter Memories Brothers Impacted by the 1490 Sage Avenue Transformations "My favorite part about the renovations is the new floors, along with the built-in crest in the foyer. I feel a lot more pride walking some- body into the house for a tour with the new floors and staircases directly in view, as well as the large crest built right into the floor." —Alexander Pawlak '17 (A1679) "The renovations will enhance living in the chapter house by providing the actives with a safe place to live and grow as brothers. Since the major renovations of our chapter house have begun, there has been a significant in- crease in the quality of work party duties. The renovations encourage the actives to not only treat the house with a greater level of respect, but also to reach out to alumni to strengthen and create additional bonds." —John Wilt '18 (A1698)

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