Issue 1 • May 2009 • www.illinois-pikapps.com
Housing
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Giannotta (Y1030), and Andrew Ostendorf (Y1068) were elected to the board, while Mike Nolte was appointed as the Undergraduate representative. Members are elected to at-large positions and the board itself appoints members to offices. Returning members James Nelson (Y1005) and John Hankus (Y1009) take over as president and vice-president. “Since the house has been completed, HC has been a very lopsided organization – the president did most of the work, and took most of the blame from the undergraduate chapter,” Nelson said. “The VP now acts as the sounding board to the chapter or undergraduate liaison, and is also in charge of handling all of the repairs needed in the house. By the end of Jeff (McMahon)’s term (as President), we had some structure to all of the positions on HC.” For the newly-defined vice-president position Hankus seemed to be the perfect fit. As a former house manager himself, he knows what it takes. “Since the primary function of VP was to communicate with the House Manager and coordinate house repairs, I figured this would be a natural role for me,” Hankus said. “I also have a good background of
Pi Kappa Phi, Upsilon Chapter, University of Illinois • Est. 1921
maintenance with plumbing, electrical work, and construction so I figured I could help out with repairs and can help diagnose problems over the phone or give preventative maintenance advice.” It’s communication that the Housing Corp. has identified as their biggest problem. With a knowledgeable alumni in the vice-president position, the organization hopes to streamline how the undergrad chapter asks for house repairs, and to prioritize in order to get these repairs completed. Improving the quality of the house will help the undergrads recruit better. Better recruitment will help the finances improve. And with a budget earning a surplus, the Housing Corp. hopes to soon own the house - they the possibilities will be limitless. “Finances are looking good and so are house numbers - a great basis to start on. Now we need to work on improvements to make housing corps more active in day to day operations of the house,” Hankus said. Nelson has the same plan, but with the formation of the alumni chapter, he sees things differently. “This might sound unusual, but my main goals for HC in the future are about reducing responsibility,” he said. “The chapter wants greater ownership of the house’s costs and repairs,
The Upsilon Ups Issue 1 • May 2009 • www.illinois-pikapps.com
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alumni exist for more than donating money. It is no secret that undergrads hope to get donations from alumni. Although fundraising may become an aspect of the alumni chapter, the networking benefits alone will help the chapter during recruitment. “We already have about 30 alumni since the chapter was re-founded, as well as over 600 living alumni across the country that I’d like to reach out to. So, I see no reason why we can’t have 50-75 members at least by the time we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Upsilon in 2011,” Giannotta said. He and the others starting the organization are already eying key alumni recruitment dates. The first, to be celebrated at the next Homecoming, is the fifth anniversary of the chapter’s refounding. By this
New Web site includes community
Alumni Chapter News
The Housing Corporation Board President – James Nelson (Y1005) Vice-President – John Hankus (Y1009) Treasurer – Jim McMahon (Y965) At-Large – Gene Giannotta (Y1030)
and we hope to work out a solution to give it to them. The chapter is already streamlining rent payments for the first semester ever. Instead of us collecting rent from each individual in the house, the chapter will collect rent from everybody, and the chapter will be responsible for paying HC. We’re hoping to work out a way where we can allow the chapter to make house repairs faster, without having to go through 3-5 different people just to get something done.” By giving more responsibility to the undergrads and sharing goals with the Alumni Chapter, he sees the Housing Corp. becoming a smaller group in the future. The
Forum, calendar, maps keep alumni up to date
At-Large – Eric Chen (Y1008) Undergrad – Andrew Ostendorf Undergrad – Mike Nolte * Elections held at Homecoming
idea is not to burden one individual or one alumni body too much. The Housing Corp’s sole focus on house operations will allow it’s members to specialize better. Hankus wants to take that focus to the next level, though. “Hopefully we can pay off the mortgage to the house as soon as possible in order to create a house where expenses are low and provide a cheaper alternative to dorms and some apartments. This will help to keep a flourishing undergraduate chapter at U of I. Having a place to call home on visits to Champaign is something every alumni would appreciate,” he said. n
Upsilon alumni return to Champaign – regardless of age – for Homecoming each year. With the house more successful than it has been in a long time there is more reason than ever to become active again.
Pi Kapps for Life
Alumni Chapter strengthens ideal of lifelong brotherhood By Adam Nekola
Alumni
Pi Kappa Phi, Upsilon Chapter, University of Illinois • Est. 1921
Alumni Chapter Vice-President
The Upsilon Alumni Chapter Board President – Gene Giannotta (Y1030) Vice-President – Adam Nekola (Y1007) Treasurer – Nick Stoczanyn (Y1011)
Secretary – Kevin Spitz (Y1020) Chaplain – Joe Themig (Y1028) * Elections held at General Meetings
• Anyone interesting in serving as a chairperson or volunteering should contact Gene
point, Giannotta hopes to have all of the alumni since refounding as part of the alumni chapter. His goal for 2011 is much more grand. “I see 2011 as the goal line for our efforts and I want to do whatever we can to build enthusiasm and excitement across the greater Upsilon brotherhood so we cross a threshold that will ensure many, many years of success as a fraternity of leaders and men of CLASS, from freshman year into the golden years,” he said. With a functioning alumni chapter, brothers can look forward to events like Founders’ Day dinners, bar trips, golf outings, an alumni football block for Fighting Illini
games, the Rose Ball, and, of course, Homecoming. Events will be located across Illinois. “As time goes on we will expand our programming calendar and the range of benefits for alumni brothers who are active members,” Giannotta said. Right now the possibilities are endless for Upsilon. Pi Kappa Phi itself started with three men and their dream, while the recolonization at the University of Illinois began nearly the same way. For Giannotta and others, the Alumni Chapter is the final step to ensure that Pi Kappa Phi’s strength will endure forever. n
For the refounding fathers, brotherhood was a certainty. But then graduation came – the real world beckoned. Suddenly the youngest alumni of the Upsilon Chapter began to feel disconnected. From the chapter, from each other. Only a small group of alumni were still involved. Some served on the Housing Corporation, while others were on the Board of Alumni Advisors - but in these facilities they were there to serve the chapter. There was no group, or position, that could adequately strengthen the alumni base. That’s when the advisors began looking into the formation of an alumni chapter. “We felt that a third alumni group was the strongest options,” said Gene Giannotta (Y1030), a 2007 Illinois graduate and recently elected Alumni Chapter President.
A third group seemed right for support for the chapter which it Upsilon for several reasons. can count on for years to come,” The first is to maintain the Giannotta said. “Hopefully, that brotherhood that is developed dur- will be a great resource for them.” ing a brother’s undergrad years. It The alumni chapter could help solves the disconnect that recent al- with homecoming – both with ums are beginning to feel. planning and attendence Moreover, starting the orand could take over the I want to do –newsletter ganization now will preprogram. The vent that from happening whatever we intent is to help encouras brothers continue to can to build age older alumni to bereach alumni status. enthusiasm come involved. The Housing CorporaWith greater attenacross the dence and participation tion had been inadequate in this facility since the brotherhood by alumni, Giannotta new house was construct- Gene Giannotta hopes they would serve as ed. The bills were a heavy an example to the underAC President burden and required grads. much effort. The Alumni Advi“Alumni involvement is imporsors did not exist to be a proactive tant because it shows how seriously group – they were appointed by those who have come before take the undergrads. Another reason is the concept of a lifelong committo help the chapter. ment, and so it serves as a model “It will help to coordinate bet- for them through college and after with the undergrads on their ter,” he said. alumni relations efforts and hopeAdditionally, it will show that fully build a strong foundation of See ‘AC’ • Page 4
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Instant messenger, G-chat, Facebook. There are countless ways to get in touch with someone over the internet these days. Introducing one more - except this one is for alumni of Upsilon only. The new Upsilon Alumni Web site (www.illinois-pikapps.com) is more advanced than ever. Anyone can visit the page and learn about Upsilon news and events, but only alumni can log in to a members-only section and have access to numerous resources. “Registering for the site is not only easy, but only possible for Upsilon alumni,” said Adam Nekola, the developer of the site. All it takes is your last name and See ‘Web site’ • Page 3
New Housing officers have grand vision By Adam Nekola Alumni Chapter Vice-President
Homecoming is usually about meeting old friends and seeing campus again, but for the Upsilon Housing Corporation, it serves another purpose. For what has been the largest annual gathering of Upsilon Alumni for some time, the Housing Corp. has used the occasion to elect new members. This fall was no different as four members joined the eightmember board. Jim McMahon (Y965), Eric Chen (Y1008), Gene See ‘Housing’ • Page 4
Issue 1 • May 2009 • www.illinois-pikapps.com
Pi Kappa Phi, Upsilon Chapter, University of Illinois • Est. 1921
Undergrad excellence
Help our philanthropy during a week-long trip
Chapter excelling in all areas We have also committed ourselves to participating in every sorority philanthropy event on campus to help improve our social relations and participation in the university and Greek communities. Another exciting announcement is that the chapter capped off an exciting intramural season with a soccer championship. On behalf of the undergraduate chapter I’d like to thank all of our alumni for your continuing support. We look forward to ushering in a new era of alumni relations for the Upsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. In Pi Kappa Phi, Tommy Carrato Y1056
Upsilon alumni Eric Chen, Elliott Tagtmeier, Mark Peluse, Sam Oehlert (undergrad) and Adam Nekola catch up in the chapter room at the house (306 E. Gregory) during the 2008 Homecoming. Below, other alumni attending the afternoon enjoy the weather on the chapter’s lawn.
Planning underway for Homecoming 2009 reunion will be the fifth anniversary of recolonization Mark your calenders, make your reservations. Homecoming is set for Oct. 10 this year. It’s the 25th anniversary for 1984 graduates, 20th for 1989 grads and 15th for the class of ’94. Talk to your brothers and make your plans to come down as soon as possible. More information regarding specific Upsilon plans will be sent out in the coming months, but rest assured this will be the largest gathering of alumni in many years. Hopefully all the alumni in attendence will get to see an Illini win over Michigan State as they make their way to the Rose Bowl! n
Upsilon alumni and a day at the track – sounds like a plan. The Alumni Chapter will be renting the Miller Lite Party Deck at Arlington Park race track Saturday, July 11. It’s a family event, so alumni should feel free to bring their significant others – even your kids. The day is Ladie’s Day at the park. “Ladies pull out your fashion hats, slip on a summer dress, and spend the day at elegant Arlington Park for Million Pre-
view Day,” the park says. The event will cost $50 for adults and $25 for kids. Included in the price is a three-hour beer and wine bar, snacks including bratwurst and chicken wings, and our own personal wagering host. The room opens at noon, and the event lasts until 4 p.m., with the races continuing until 6 p.m. RSVP with the Alumni Chapter today! We need 40 people to get the room and we only have room for 80!
June 6 General Chapter Meeting
Location is still being worked on, but if you’d like to attend please let us know. We’ll try to make it a conveinient location.
June 14 White Sox @ Brewers
Several brothers are planning on attending the Father’s Day game. Bring your son or your dad and let us know you’re coming, we’ll arrange a tailgate. Afterwards will have dinner.
July 11 Arlington Park (See at left)
Push America is pleased to announce that it has named Bicycle Illinois as one of the Push America Challenge 2009 events. Held from July 11-18, Bicycle Illinois is a six-day bicycle tour across the state of Illinois from Cairo, at Illinois’ southernmost tip, to downtown Chicago. Bicycle Illinois is owned and operated by former Journey of Hope cyclist Rob Layton (‘98 North), who credits his experience participating in the Journey of Hope to create the event. Bicycle Illinois covers at least 500 miles, an average of 85 miles per day, with century options available every day, as well. Registration includes everything you need such as nightly lodging, food, vehicle support, baggage transportation and
Web site
Remainder of 2009 will have big events Pi Kapps at Arlington
Pi Kappa Phi, Upsilon Chapter, University of Illinois • Est. 1921
Bike Illinois for Push America
Archon’s report
This year has marked great strides for Upsilon chapter. It is a great pleasure to bring back “Upsilon Ups” as our alumni newsletter. It is just one of the ways we hope our forming Alumni Chapter will help keep strong that special type of brotherhood that connects us undergrads with our esteemed alumni. For those of you who haven’t kept up to date with all that is going on at the house, we currently have 62 active brothers and an associate class of five more. Upsilon is currently ranked fourth on campus in GPA, third in total money raised for Push America out of all Pi Kapp chapters – not including our newest fundraiser, the Greek Marathon Challenge.
Issue 1 • May 2009 • www.illinois-pikapps.com
September 6 Illinois @ Mizzou
It’s becoming an annual event. We’ll tailgate, we’ll go to eat after the game. Hopefully it’ll be the start of a Big 10 championship!
October 10 Homecoming (See above) Impromptu Events These events won’t be the only ones the Alumni Chapter will be organizing throughout the year. There will be bar nights, sporting events, etc. Get involved today and stay in touch!
some very nice extras are available including transportation to Cairo from Chicago and hotel options. Getting to and from the event is easy from wherever you’ll be coming as the event starts and ends in Chicago. If a week is too long, partial tours are also available. If you are interested in participating, Push America recommends you register as early as possible. The earlier you register, the easier it will be to plan around the dates and avoid unexpected work/family conflicts. It will also give you more time to convince your friends and riding partners to participate with you. You’ll also assure yourself a spot when the
registration limits are reached and have a set, motivating fitness goal toward which you can work. Most importantly, however, is the time you will allow yourself to raise valuable funds and awareness on behalf of people with disabilities. While the registration fee is your own expense, participating as part of Push America Challenge requires fundraising to meet your goal. Money raised will go to further the number of grants given to organizations that serve people with disabilities. For more information on how to participate please visit www.bicycleillinois.com or the Push America Challenge Web site. n
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initiation number to register. The site’s database will find your record and allow you to update your information on file. From there an alum will create a username and password. “Many features on the site are still evolving. We want everything to be user-friendly and helpful,” Nekola said. When logged-in, alumni are able to RSVP for events on the calendar. As this feature becomes more advanced, it will be the primary way to announce your attendence. A Google map shows you the alumni nearest to you, and an additional map allows you to find alumni anywhere in the country. But the most advanced feature of the site is the Upsilon forum. “The potential of this board is endless, but it’s main goal is to get alumni from many different classes talking and building brotherhood,” Nekola said. “Alumni should be excited to use this feature to reconnect with others from their time as undergrads.” Registering on the Web site, updating your information, and expressing your intent to be an active part of the Alumni Chapter are easy steps to help make Pi Kappa Phi a strong force. n
Announcements • Mark Reinersman (Y1012) was married to his college sweetheart, Chelsea, on XXXX xxxxxx. • Adam Rosenberger (Y1004) and his college sweetheart, Pamela, were married on June 23, 2007. • Chris Britt (Y1001) became engaged to Kristen Miller in February. Britt is in graduate school at Saint Louis University. • Brandon Maslov (Y1019) graduated from Harvard Law School this May. He will begin work in Washington D.C. this summer.
Contact information Your Alumni Chapter officers are here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact them. President Gene Giannotta (630) 329-7516 chc1060@gmail.com Vice-President Adam Nekola (630) 479-6975 anekola@gmail.com Treasurer Nick Stoczanyn (847) 840-9722 stoczanyn@gmail.com
How to register 1. Visit www.illinois-pikapps.com and click on the “Register” link in the navigation 2. Enter your initiation number and last name in the appropriate fields to find your record 3. Update your information and set your username and password. Declare if you’d like to be a duespaying member of the Alumni Chapter 4. Explore the site and make a post on the forum!
Secretary Kevin Spitz (847) 989-5463 kspitz2@gmail.com Chaplain Joe Themig (757) 650-5889 themig@illinoisalumni.org Housing Corp. President James Nelson (630) 334-0177 james.nelson.ii@gmail.com Undergraduate Archon Tommy Carrato tcarrato@gmail.com
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