FEBRUARY 24, 2009
The 19th Hole Eta Sigma Hits 300!
Past Warden Adam Villaroya
Past Chaplain Joey Indiviglia
By Mike Borger MwBorger@ucla.edu After a long pledge quarter, on November 24, 2008, Pi Kappa Phi Eta Sigma Chapter initiated its 300th brother. Of the sixteen initiates of Alpha Zeta, the most notable are Brian Borneman (#285), who was initiated first in his class, Rob Ludgate (#292), Eta Sigma’s second British brother, and Nate Weissman, number 300,. The pledge quarter itself was a grueling challenge. Between the weekly quizzes and I-week, some members of Alpha Zeta found themselves struggling to keep up. However, everyone pulled through and made it to initiation in one piece. After a ridiculously busy quarter filled with sub-rituals, brotherhood events, parties, row walks, more parties, a trip to USC that they’ll never forget, and an epic quarterly party
that left the class in a euphoric haze, the members of Alpha Zeta had arrived at the most important moment of their life as they were initiated as brothers of Pi Kappa Phi. The future of this most recent class looks bright. Although Alpha Zeta’s class project didn’t exactly work out as planned, the class has quickly worked to compensate by becoming involved within the house. The positions of Social Chair, Scholarship Chair, Ritual Chair, Intramural Chair, and Standards of Excellence Chair have all been locked down by Alpha Zetas. Also, eight members of Alpha Zeta, including myself, will embark upon the yearlong journey that is living in the house. The class looks forward to further growing the chapter and to doing their share.
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FEBRUARY 24, 2009
PUSH REPORT By Jacob Quan jqgarfield@gmail.com Eta Sigma has always had a tradition of deep involvement in PUSH America related activities. This year is no exception, and with the help of our newsletter, our chapter would like to keep you abreast on all our current and planned activities. The first issue of the day is the sad cancellation of Eta Sigma’s traditional “Battle of the Bands” charity concert. As one of the largest community service events held by a fraternity on the UCLA campus, it was not an easy call to make, but in the end, the decision was borne in light of budget cuts the UC System suffered from. The decrease in funding affected many organizations and projects, Battle of the Bands and other community service projects were no exception. With this severely decreased financial capability, Battle of the Bands was just not feasible for our chapter to hold this year. With that in mind, be assured that the cancellation of Battle of the Bands would not be the death knell in our chapter’s commitment to the tenet of service. Meetings have been held to determine an alternative project that would allow us to continue raising funds for PUSH and
By Josh Walker Aebricaj@gmail.com
awareness for disabilities: the culmination of these meetings has led to the agreement that our large PUSH Project of the year will be a “Pi Kapp Coffee House” event. This coffee house event will be a concert that showcases UCLA student’s acoustic musical talent. Those who donate to PUSH America for an entrance ticket will be treated to pastries and drinks, feeding their stomachs as they feed their souls grooving to the rhythms of the heart. Auditions for acts, specific dates, and organizational committees for the event are still being finalized, but with our course set, the preparations will come together at a rapid pace. The road of life takes many turns. Some in directions we’d wish it would rather not go. But in the end, these turns are but detours on the path to our destination. This chapter has encountered its share of detours, and the journey seems longer because of those detours, but this chapter will always fight hard to get back on track. I look forward to future updates as this project comes closer to fruition. Yours in Pi Kappa Phi,
SPRING SING 3 PEAT?
As reigning champs, we hope to hold down a 3rd consecutive victory this year at UCLAs Annual Spring Sing, assisted once again by the lovely ladies of Delta Gamma. While we have been selected to perform this year, things are somewhat up in the air, as Spring Sing Committee granted us admission only on the grounds that we change our theme (nightmare before christmas SC style) because it was to similar to that of another groups. But, fear not, as Eta Sigmas mastermind Dean Otsuka is on it and will be pulling through with an entirely new theme that will most certainly be epic, just as his others have been. Wish us Luck! Spring Sing 2009 May 2nd 8:00 LATC
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FEBRUARY 24, 2009
ARCHONS REPORT By Rick Server Aserver@ucla.edu As this is the christening of the Archon Report, I thought I would start off by introducing myself. My name is Rick Server, and I am the newest Archon of the Eta Sigma chapter of Pi Kappa Phi here at UCLA. I was initiated #273 in Spring of 2008 with the Alpha Epsilon class and have enjoyed every minute since. I wasn’t given a whole lot of space so I’ll leave the introduction at that...on to what you came to read. Just last week, the house went through the Executive Council transition and the house, including myself, couldn’t be more optimistic about the upcoming year. The 7 of us attended the Mid-Year Leadership Conference in St. Louis in the beginning of January and had the time of our lives while meeting many Pi Kapps from around the country. Needless to say, it was a once-in-alifetime opportunity and we took full advantage of
it. We are inheriting a great group of brothers: we ranked 3rd among all fraternities in GPA (1st among non-religious affiliated houses), we are raising more money for PUSH each meeting than many chapters do in their entire year, and we, once again, passed the audition phase for Spring Sing 2009, continuing our run for a three-peat. And more importantly, if any of you are in the LA area, please do not hesitate to stop by the house. Guys are more than eager to get in touch with our alumni and I’m sure many of you haven’t seen the house in a very long time (spoiler: we don’t have a pool anymore). That being said, I look forward to continuing the Archon Report into the future so stay tuned for all of the great things I expect will happen to the Eta Sigma chapter this year. Yours in Pi Kappa Phi, Honorable Archon
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BEN HOFILENA By Cully Handel Cully.Handel@gmail.com
Ben Hofilena (B.S. ’98) continues to be one of Eta Sigma’s most active alumni. In addition to being a Founding Father and past chapter Archon, Ben Hofilena recently served a 6 year term as chapter advisor. Ben says that “Pi Kappa Phi has been, and will always be an important part of [his] life.” After graduating from UCLA in 1998, Ben taught English in Tokyo for two years through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. After returning to the states, Ben attended Loyola Marymount Law School where he received his J.D. in 2003. Ben currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at the LMU Law School, where he teaches patent moot court. Currently, Ben lives in Culver City and works as an intellectual property attorney for the firm Orrick, Herrington, & Sutcliffe. Ben
also served as the president of the Phillipino American BAR association. Ben is the founding father of the Aristocracy family, and was proud to learn that it continues to be the largest family in the house. In the spirit of this first alumni newsletter, and the third decision of Pi Kappa Phi, Ben encourages all alumni “to reach out to undergraduates.”
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FEBRUARY 24, 2009
SENIOR OF THE MONTH: DEAN OTSUKA Dean has been a key coordinator in our chapter’s success at spring sing. Thanks to his choreography and the lovely and extremely talented ladies of Delta Gamma, we have won 1st place for the past two years, If any one brother exemplifies Pi Kapp’s and he is back in action this year going for the commitment to service and on campus involvement, it threepeat. would be Dean Otsuka #222. As Push Chair for the When I asked this uniquely enthusiastic past two years he has been able to keep Eta Sigma individual what he plans to do when he Graduates among the top ten chapter fundraisers. But his from UCLA, Dean replied in his usual humble and commitment to community service doesn't end there. homely manner, “Oh please, I’m just gonna keep He has participated in Dance Marathon committee dancing” for two years, and kept a Pi Kapp tradition by becoming a campus tour guide. Pound for pound, Dean is one of the strongest powerlifters the Wooden Gym has ever seen. Last year he won a powerlifting competition at Venice Beach setting a state record in bench press.
By Max Jordan Tmaxjordan@ucla.edu
Just last quarter, Dean had just gotten back from the gym and was shaving his head in the bathroom, when his pledge brother from Alpha Beta, Stephen Fuller slipped in the shower and got a concussion. Dean quickly helped his delirious brother out by treating for shock applying minor first aid to his cranium. In honor of Stephen’s life debt, he has started the Otsuka First Aid Awareness fund. Dean grew up on his families’ Strawberry Farm in Santa Ana. His agrarian roots run deep, and he has brought his love for food and life to the chapter house.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR By Josh Walker Aebricaj@gmail.com Hello and welcome back to the loop... It seems since I joined in Fall of 2006 (alpha beta) that Eta Sigmas line of communication with alumni has been less than favorable. Because of this, I have decided to to run for Historian, and with the support of the house, will be doing my best to create an open line of communication between active brothers and you, our alumni. With that being said I am sending out the first monthly edition of “The 19th Hole.” Chuckle if you will, but we thought it was fitting. My newly formed Alumni Relations Committee and I aim to keep you informed on the chapters status, notable accomplishments, upcoming dates, and most
importantly create a general open dialogue. With that being said I have created a Pi Kapp YouTube page titled PiKappEtaSigma as well as a Gmail Account: PiKappEtaSigma@gmail.com. The Youtube channel will be used to showcase any videos related to Eta Sigma and will “favorite” videos made by or including brothers (please send me links to any videos of you/made by you). I encourage you all to subscribe! The Gmail Account will be used for all alumni responses, questions, etc.. This account will be checked daily by me and will be passed on to future Historians. I encourage you all to use this email openly and regularly. I hope you enjoy the 1st edition of “The 19th Hole” and I look forward to your feedback.
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FEBRUARY 24, 2009
FIRST ANNUAL PI KAPPA PHI ALUMNI ROSEBALL By Greg Bauer
WHERE: The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas WHEN: Friday, February 27th to Sunday, March 1st (w/ formal dinner Saturday evening) WHY: Because the Big Mexican said so. This coming Spring marks the beginning of what will hopefully become the cornerstone of yearly Pi Kappa Phi alumni events: The Annual Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Roseball. For the first time ever, the distinguished alumni of UCLA Eta Sigma will descend upon Las Vegas for a weekend of fun, debauchery, reminiscing and renewed brotherhood. In keeping with the traditions of Roseballs past, the event will be hosting a formal dinner Saturday night. A date is highly recommended, and of course, what would Roseball be without tuxedos and silly suits. The brilliant idea for an Alumni Roseball was the brain child of Brother Raymond Alcarez, aka "The Big Mexican," who felt the time had come to reconnect the alumni of Eta Sigma in an event that could transcend the generations of brothers who have passed through the hallowed halls of 626 Landfair Avenue. "College was such a fleeting moment in time," says Brother Alcarez, "but there's no reason to leave behind the camaraderie of those years just because we've graduated." Brother Sam Hon, who currently resides in Las Vegas and runs his own photography studio, is helping to organize the formal dinner and subsequent festivities. Brother Hon noted that, "We have always held Roseball in Rosarito to account for the younger members, but with alumni this is no longer an issue. Plus, Las Vegas is so centralized between Southern and Northern
California that it makes it makes it an accessible weekend trip for a large portion of the alumni." The formal dinner will feature good food, drinks, music, dancing, and more.There might even be a surprise pinning, so brothers are encouraged to flex their vocal chords and brush up on the lyrics to "The Rose." Brother Greg Bauer is hopeful that the event will be a success and establish a solid meeting place for brothers to convene on a yearly basis. "It's sort of silly that no one has ever thought of this before," says Brother Bauer, "Maybe not everyone will be able make it this year, or maybe they will be able to make it this year and not the next. The important thing is that the Alumni Roseball will continue to exist and continue to grow as our base of graduated Eta Sigma almuni gets larger and larger over the years." Efforts are being made to reach out to all generations of alumni. "Everyone had their own circle of friends within the house," notes Brother Bauer, "So I'm hoping that gravity will coalesce and that brothers will encourage their closest friends from the house to make the trip out as well. " Discounted hotel arrangements have been made at the MGM Grand Hotel, so please inquire for more details. There is more information to come. Anyone with RSVPs and questions are encouraged to contact Greg Bauer at gregorywbauer@gmail.com. "
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FEBRUARY 24, 2009
Calendar February 27th, 2009 First Annual Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Roseball April 5th, 2009 5pm-7pm Alumni Day: Spring Rush Please be here! We would love to see you all May 15th-17th, 2009 Pi Kapp Phi Annual Roseball
PI KAPP DOMINATION ★ 4 Pi Kapps make Campus Tours Cully Handel
Zak Stevens Scott Huffman Josh Walker
Pi Kapp and Delta Gamma to perform at Spring Sing 2009
Historian JOSH WALKER
★
Eta Sigma #226 Major: Design Home Town: Boulder City, NV
★ Pi Kapp ranked 3rd amongst Fraternity GPA’s at 3.33
more info to come!
★ 3 Pi Kapps serve on Dance Marathon Committee, 15 Dance, and a handful Moral earning us 2nd place in Greek fundraising at a total of $7,344.oo... just under Chi O.
2009-2010 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Alumni Relations Committee JACOB QUAN Eta Sigma #230 Major: Poli Sci Home Town: Huntsville, AL
CULLY HANDEL Eta Sigma #286 Major: Econ/IDS Home Town: Stanford, CA
MIKE BORGER Eta Sigma #288 Major: Math Home Town: Simi Valley, CA
Well if we don’t end up being the best exec Eta Sigmas ever seen, we can definitely claim sexiest boy band to tour St. Louis, Missouri. Yes gentlemen this is your fine looking exec in St. Louis this past month at the annual Mid-Year Conference. From left to right we have (Tommy Guinane: Chaplain, Jeff Looby: Treasurer, Shawn Hansen: Warden, Ricky Server: Archon, Josh Walker: Historian, Scott Huffman: Secretary) behind the camera, Kyle Suen: Vice Archon.
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FEBRUARY 24, 2009
ALUMNI WHO ARE NOT ON THE LIST SERVE : ( So you’re all asking yourselves, what can I do to help Eta Sigma... right? Well we can start by completing our alumni list serve. As of now, we have Email addresses for approximately 50 percent of our alumni. Please help us complete this list and take a second to scan these names and email me any addresses you have for these brothers. Remember to use PiKappEtaSigma@gmail.com. Also please forward this newsletter to any addresses you send me as I would love for all of our alumni to see it. Thanks for reading this all the way through and I look forward to hearing from you! Mr. Christopher Michael Brown Mr. John Wilfred Cronin Mr. Matthew Steven Quadro Mr. Mark Edward Liu Mr. Christopher L Exberger Mr. Matthew Ryan Pirnazar Mr. Ian Douglas Runciman Mr. Herman Leung Mr. Nathan Edward Buscher Mr. Jonathan Duke Seiter Mr. Ryan Chhang Ing Mr. Edward Duane Hansen Mr. Scott Chuong Au Mr. Noel Christian Houck Mr. Omar Ignacio Poma Acevedo Mr. Kenneth Michael Chong Mr. Ryan Alexander King Mr. Lyman Lum Jung Mr. Edmond Kwan Ng Mr. Kenneth James Lynes Michael Matsurra Mr. Ryan Shinhuan Hung Mr. Zhenyu Ji Mr. Mark Jay Sullano Mr. Christpher Brenton Leake Mr. Jerry Soo Mr. Tom Yama Gulham Mr. Paul V. Liu Mr. Dean Ho Mr. Kevin Keyan Kan Mr. Kevin Steven-Creagh Buford Mr. David Everett Lindberg Mr. Matthew Simon O'Loughlin
Mr. Eric Cook Chih-Ming Ho Mr. Ramon Gerald Lacson Mr. Jeffrey Chiang Mr. Franz M Villa Mr. Muizz Mehdi Kheraj Mr. Nye T Liu Mr. Paul R Bailey Mr. Haroon Osmaan Saleem Mr. Michael Lee Mr. Andre Rivas Mr. Grigor Greg Arutunian Mr. Scott Edward James Mr. Avery Tam Mr. Frank Chong Mr. Ryan Christopher Crow Mr. Michael Fleischman Mr. Brian Saekwang Hah Mr. Andrew Lee Hahn Mr. Horng-Tsang Rex Liu Mr. Paul Christopher Celestre Mr. Cesar Cortez Mr. Justin Michael Betance Mr. Jon Bruce Delfatti Mr. Stephen Jonathan Feinberg Mr. Arvind Raj Ramamoorthy Mr. Ranojoy Guha Mr. Dominique D. Bartolome Mr. Michael H. Schneider Mr. Brian Hanjun Lee Mr. Matthew Jon Ouwerkerk Mr. Jason W. Kim Mr. Timothy Clayton Long Mr. Mark Douglas Adamson
Mr. Michael Louis Anderson Mr. Henry Watanabe Harris Mr. Steven Joseph Cortez Mr. Gabriel Guevara Mr. Yinon Bar-Shir Mr. Yinon Bar-Shir Mr. Bryan Lawrence King Mr. Andrew Joseph Kalangie Mr. Keith Christopher Mackenzie Mr. Ty Robert Alyea Mr. Alexander Peter Davis Mr. Samuel Jeffrey Fox Mr. Jeffrey Scott Andrews Mr. Chad Dana Goffstein Mr. Aravindhan I. Abraham Mr. Arbi Pedrossian Mr. Eden Ma Mr. Raul Brianes Panzar Mr. Kevin Luke Tsai Mr. John Rino DelRosario Mr. Scott Brown Mr. James Eugene Hahn Mr. Armen Ross Hoonanian
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