Theta Epsilon (Kansas) Winter 2013

Winter Newsletter Pi Kappa Phi, Theta Epsilon

12/30/2013

Volume 1

The Brothers of Pi Kappa Phi

Semester Report Dear Parents, This is the first issue of the semi-annual newsletter that will be issued once in the winter and once in the summer outlining the accomplishments and future plans of the chapter.

Fall Semester:

The beginning of the semester started out great. Move-­‐‑in went smoothly and all the associate members seem to have made the transition from high school to college just fine. We had a bid day party with the Delta Delta Delta sorority, where our new members had the opportunity to meet the new members of the sorority. We were partners with Kappa Kappa Gamma for homecoming this year and everyone involved enjoyed the experience. We won Delta Gamma’s anchor splash event, and speaking of Delta Gamma, they became our new Rock Chalk Revue partners. Through long hours and a couple of months of planning and preparation, our Rock Chalk directors made it through oral boards and earned us a spot in the Rock Chalk show once again! We were able to raise money for PUSH America, our national philanthropy, before one of the tailgates at our senior house.

Dad’s day got a little wild, but as usual everyone was safe and responsible and was another success. Collectively, our chapter earned a 2.93 semester GPA, and is in the process of creating new programs to improve this. Our chapter also earned a Master Chapter Award in the field of Community Service and Philanthropy. As pointed out to the right, we had turnover elections in November. Thank you to the old executive council for all their sacrifice, hard work, and dedication to this house, and congratulations to their successors. We will strive to add more of the success the past committees have had. Finally, I want to congratulate the associate members for their success this semester as their initiation is quickly approaching.

New EC: • • • Blake Sevart, Archon Sophomore, Wichita, KS BlakeSevart@ku.edu

Ryan Trollope, Vice Archon Sophomore, Wichita, KS R079T833@ku.edu

Chris Grossardt, Treasurer Sophomore, Wichita, KS cgrossardt@ku.edu

Jake Libeer, Secretary Sophomore, Prairie Village, KS jakelibeer@gmail.com

Dalton Mellies, Warden Sophomore, Basehor, KS DaltonMellies@gmail.com

Gabriel Baki, Historian Junior, Overland Park, KS gabygbaki@yahoo.com

Jon Gepner, Chaplain Sophomore, Wichita, KS

Alborz Ataollahi, Risk Manager Junior, Overland Park, KS Alborz.ataollahi@gmail.com

Spring Semester:

As the new executive committee begins to settle in and become familiar with their new roles, we would like to express some of our concerns and the things we would like to see improve. First, we would like to see an improvement in our house GPA. We have been around the same spot for the past couple of years now, and I know we can achieve better. A greater focus will be shifted towards those struggling with academics, so each individual can receive the attention and resources needed to succeed. Next, we will aim to further the already improved communication between our executive council and parents club. Also, we would like to see an increased involvement between the members, the university, and the community of Lawrence. Increased involvement can place our chapter one step higher in community service and enhance the college experience for each member. Over winter break, the new EC will attend the Mid-­‐‑Year Leadership conference so we may become better leaders and get organized as we head into next semester.

Overall, each of our members will be held to a higher standard from this point forward, and there has been very clear expectations outlined in terms of community service, academics, involvement, philanthropy, intramurals, and personal responsibility for the property.

For next semester, some of upcoming events will feature the Alumni Golf Event, Spring Formal, an Accessibility Service Project for PUSH America, our Annual PUSH Week, Spring Break trip, Mom’s Weekend, and many more. A rough schedule will be made at the Mid-­‐‑Year Leadership Conference in mid-­‐‑January and sent via the parents email for your convenience. For any questions that I might be able to answer or if anyone needs to get a hold of me, you may email me at g938b186@ku.edu. Hopefully I will be able to help!

I hope everyone and their families had a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Sincerely, Gabriel Baki Historian