Sigma Chi - Kansas State University

SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY AT KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Fall 2016 A s students become ever-more reliant on technology and accustomed to amenities unheard of in years past, it is clear who is keeping up with the pace and who is being left in the dust. Within the past four years, Manhattan has seen an upswing in luxury student housing, both on and off campus. These new accommodations are a far cry from the bare-bones brick walls and metal bunk beds most of us lived in as undergraduates. Before the internet, cell phones, Netflix, and video games, students spent little recreation time in their rooms; there just was not much to do there. Socializing took place outside of their dorm or fraternity room. Times have changed. These Generation Z undergrads connect to each other through their mobile devices from anywhere, and they expect comfortable surroundings and a supporting technology infrastructure to do it. If you did a Google search of "Manhattan student housing," the first three results tell us where these students are looking. The top result: a luxury apartment complex boasting a 24-hour fitness center, resort-style swimming pool with VIP-style cabanas, spacious closets, and a game room. Couple this with the number of new fraternity and sorority houses being built or renovated on campus (several fraternities have undergone major renovation or construction over the last few years), and it is easy to see that competition for the student dollar is intense. Within the last 10-15 years, the campus climate has changed with regard to housing. More students are looking at their off-campus options, and are evaluating the pros and cons of each. Students now balance their privacy against the ease of getting to campus and life in a group environment. Many view apartments as a more enticing option; though admittedly less social than living in the dorms or fraternities, off-campus housing offers less- stringent rules, more privacy, and often better amenities. Regardless of their reasons, students are seeking more comfortable and desirable locations to live. As I see the changes made around campus and Manhattan, I find myself stepping back to evaluate how Delta Upsilon Chapter will meet these changes. In the meantime, our undergraduate brothers maintain their tradition of excellence on campus, ensuring the student population knows the men of Sigma Chi are of true merit. In Hoc, Michael Carson '95 House Corporation President (785) 776-4912 mpc@bbnarchitects.com CHANGE ABOUNDS ON KSU CAMPUS Improved Housing Options Bring Competition to Fraternity Kyle Romick '18, Ryder Chaffee '18, Logan Bird '18, Matt Wiese '19, Brian Conrow '19, and Jake Krska '19 volunteer at the Manhattan Recycle Center after the first home football game. Blakelund Moroney '12 looks to sustain sigMa Chi suCCess Alumni Group Will Support Undergraduate Members D uring his time in Sigma Chi, Blakelund Moroney '12 saw the chapter grow from 30 guys, with barely enough members to fill its leadership positions, to a thriving chapter at the 60-member mark. Of course, it wasn't an overnight transformation; however, Blake saw an opportunity to immediately engage in the chapter when he joined. From the start, there was a need for someone who could recruit a strong new member class. Even as a freshman, Blake leaned into this role, holding the official recruitment chairman position for several years. He hand selected classes of men, getting to know each individual and seeking out those high minded men to become Brothers. As president his senior year, Blake pushed through the ups and downs to continue growing the chapter. He lived in the house his fifth year as well, as he finished dual studies in horticulture and entrepreneurship. When Blake left K-State to pursue his career, his commitment to Sigma Chi continued to grow and evolve. He knew that to continue the strength of the chapter, the consistent guidance, encouragement, and brotherhood of the Sigma Chi alumni would create the consistent backbone that was needed. He remained an active face and voice in the house, maintaining relationships and building new ones while serving as a mentor and sounding board for the actives. "We built the house up as best we could as undergraduates, but the turnover of members is so fast in those four college years. They need a core group of alumni to come alongside and make this success sustainable." This recognition has driven Blake, alongside alumni from five decades, to restart the Kansas City Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter, with a primary purpose to guide and support the active chapter. He and alumni from several (Continued on page 2)

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