Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Theta xi 3 www.alpha6294.com Building Alpha's Future Together Gary Garofalo '62 Makes Plans to Return for 55-Year Reunion I t's been more than 50 years since Gary Garofalo '62 (A960) graduated from RPI— 55 years to be exact, and a perfect moment to celebrate. This fall, the class of 1962 will return to campus to reconnect and renew their bonds formed at Theta Xi. "Our class was a close- knit group and I expect the reunion will generate a good turnout," said Gary. "When we were in school, the men at Theta Xi were a diverse group who were pleas- ant to get along with. I've kept in touch with those men through reunions, by phone, in person, and even through travel with a few to China and Puerto Rico." Gary has also remained connected with Theta Xi through the chapter's campaign, watching the renovation of the chapter house. "An ideal physical location and the qual- ity of housing are important to the success of a fraternity. This renovation project has been successful and that is very important to Alpha Chapter." "My reason for giving to this effort stems from the thought that if you can give back—do it. I enjoyed my years in the house and would like others to have the same opportunity. However, the house must be livable, which requires maintenance, which in turn requires donations." In his professional life, Gary took his aeronautical engi- neering degree from RPI and paired it with a law degree from the University of Virginia. He is now the managing partner of a boutique law firm in Washington, D.C., spe- cializing in aviation. The firm advises on the buying and selling of aircraft, as well as contracts, negotiations, and financing. Gary himself has his pilot's license and flies his own single-engine plane. Gary and his wife, Jeanne, enjoy living in D.C. as well as in their home in Nantucket. They have two sons who live in California and a daughter and grandson in D.C. For more information on this fall's reunion, contact Gary at ggarofalo@ggh-airlaw.com or Bob Nilsson '63 (A984) at robertn802@mac.com. RECOGNIZING DEDICATED EFFORTS OF OUR BROTHERS Alpha Chapter Members Contribute Time, Dollars for Local Organizations T hanks to the hard work of many of Alpha's most dedicated members, our chapter has made significant strides in improving programming, strengthening our foundation, and inspiring future leadership. Philanthropic efforts were at the forefront of our mission in the 2016-17 academic year as the chapter raised more than $3,000 for a number of organizations. In particular, both St. Baldrick's Foundation and Joseph's House and Shelter in Troy, N.Y., benefitted from the philanthropic dedication of Alpha Chapter. Amid these pursuits, we successfully completed the academic year with a 3.08 GPA and recruited eight associate members during the spring semester. Efforts to maintain and improve the chapter house continued with the addition of a mural to the first-floor bathroom. I greatly appreciate your interest in the happenings of our chapter. I invite you to get involved and make a difference in the many lives of men who are united in service to Theta Xi. Yours in the Bonds, John Wilt '18 (A1698) Chapter President wiltj2@rpi.edu (518) 986-3357 Led by coach and MVP nominee Nickolas Ziter '17 (A1680), the chapter's hockey team took home the championship title in the Intramural Division I Engineering Open. Barret Soisson '18 (A1697), Austin Egri '18 (A1696), David Meliek '20 (A1722), and Daniel Haynes '17 (A1682) prepare to shave their heads in support of St. Baldrick's Foundation. Austin Egri '18 (A1696) raised more than $1,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

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