The
Eta Observer ~ Volume 1, Issue 1 ~
Little Pi Kapp Day a Success
PUSH America receives recognition from JPC for philanthropic event Games and activities were accompanied by smiles and laughter, as the brothers of Eta Omicron held their bi-annual Little Pi Kapp Day at the Janet Pomeroy Center. Along with a barbeque, brothers played whiffle ball, soccer, and ping-pong with children participating in the Center’s after-school program. “I think the event went great. The kids had a great time and really enjoyed themselves,” said Lucas Cummings #259, the Fraternity’s current PUSH chairman responsible for coordinating the event, which emphasizes disability awareness and community service. The event marked an ongoing joint relationship between Eta Omicron, PUSH America, and the Janet Pomeroy Center (JPC) that dates back to 1991. The JPC’s Fall 2008 newsletter recognized that relationship, commending the positive effects that PUSH has had on the center and its facilities. According to the newsletter, throughout the 1990’s, Pi Kappa Phi played an active role as volunteers, building the Center’s amphitheater, greenhouse, garden areas, and select wheelchair ramps. “I think we have formed a great relationship with the JPC that
Brothers pose for a photo-op during Little Pi Kapp Day
will last for a long time,” Cummings noted. While Eta Omicron’s volunteer work has yielded lasting effects for the JPC, the relationship has also contributed to the Fraternity as well. “Interacting with the children not only improves our image on campus and in the community, but also changes the way that Brothers view the disabled.” said Chris Garretty #249, “It builds empathy among brothers because they gain a connection with the children.”
After Hiccup, Eta Omicron Crosses Alpha Epsilon Class Delay in the crossing of pins 269-282 has effects for all involved
Following an unexpected turn of events, Eta Omicron initiated its newest class into the house during the first week of February. The Ritual took place at a date much later than anticipated, due to fiscal complications from the fall semester. Heading into winter break, the Brothers expected to hold the Ritual upon their return to school in the last week of January. A surprise outcome at Oral Boards however, further delayed the crossing. Delaying the Ritual over winter break had quite an effect on the members of Alpha Epsilon class. “I felt like we were in limbo,” said Alec Baer #281. The Brothers felt the effects of the postponement as well, as it resulted in a turbulent start to the spring semester. “We
had to scramble to make things work, but in the end we pulled through as a house,” said Andrew Dinh #252. When the Ritual finally did take place, it proved to be a just finale for everyone involved, especially Alpha Epsilon. “The Ritual had a pretty profound effect on me,” noted Baer. Many of Baer’s newly crossed brothers shared similar thoughts, and for some, crossing over had an effect that extended beyond the eve of the Ritual. “For the first couple weeks, it was really surreal,” noted Serge Krasilovskiy #271. As for life as a newly crossed Brother, Krasilovskiy added, “I really enjoy being involved and seeing the other side of everything that the house does.”
Trevor Lillis – 269 Matt Lauderdale – 270 Serge Krasilovskiy – 271 Scott Sims – 272 Blake Porter – 273 Tom Maendle – 274 Eric Bigornia – 275 Frank Passantino – 276 Parul Gujral – 277 Tim Moyer – 278 Tommy Chavez – 279 Steven Werner – 280 Alec Baer – 281 Dillon Ashley – 282