Fall 2015 by Western District Publisher

Fall 2015

Sec-Treas Updates..................................2

SD4........................................................3 Washington Weekend............................5 NatCon201 Memories...........................7

Hello WestSide! Now that school has started for all of us, I hope that it is going well for all of you. Inside this issue, you will take a trip down memory lane as brothers and sisters share their memories from traveling this summer to Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma Events. From SD4 to Washington Weekend to NatCon2015, collectively our district made some great memories and have wonderful times together. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this issue of The Accent. As always, the best are truely in the West. M<3ITB, Hannah Giardina Western District Publisher Kappa Kappa Psi | Mu Pi chapter University of Oregon

Hey Everyone, I, like a majority of the West, but unlike the majority of the Joint District Council, did not attend NatCon (insert sad face here). I can say that I am extremely jealous of everyone who did attend and I lived vicariously through them. This includes the sleep deprivation and copious amounts of coffee, but because of work, rather than an amazing time with brothers and sisters. But despite the fact that I was unable to attend NatCon, I am still working on being the best Sec-Treas that I can be! If you stay on top of all of the posts on the West Facebook Group, you have probably seen multiple posts from me about the Merchandise Survey! Tom and I are trying to get the Western District Swag that you all want and we truly appreciate the hundred of you who taken the survey so far. The next thing we are thinking of doing is having a design contest for all that swag that you want. So in the upcoming months, keep your eyes peeled for the opportunity to have your creativity plastered on every single brother and sister in the West.

Hello Western District! I am quite excited to be serving another year on District Council! Over the summer I have been looking at this past year as Secretary-Treasurer and plan-

If you have an questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to anyone on the District Council. MLITB Emily Strode Tau Beta Sigma Western District Secretary-Treasurer Theta Delta, Washington State University

ning how to proceed for this upcoming term. Pretty soon I will have a completed roster of chapter officers as well as active members of the District. Also, in the coming weeks I will have met with all secretaries and treasurers and will help them as they transition. These meetings are also an opportunity for me to learn how to improve the office. Jointly, Emily and myself have been brainstorming on how to improve our fundraising efforts. Fall semester will be fairly slow on a District level but once January hits we will put our plans into action! Until then, I can’t wait to see all of the exciting things that will be happening around the district. AEA, Tom “URKel®” Watterson

The Details: Where: San Diego, California When: Week surrounding the 4th of July Host: Zeta Xi

Hey everyone! It’s been quite an eventful summer for me and your other District Officers. Whether it be San Diego, Lexington, or online, we have been an active bunch. I know there is a lot I can say, but to keep it shortish, I will tell you a little(lot) about SD4. As I was driving down to San Diego for SD4, I had no idea what to expect. This was my first one and I’m not very good with checking itineraries besides to know when to show up. So, after a half day at work, I left San Jose to pick up AJ Gagaza in Fresno so we could head down for the rest of our 8 hour drive. We arrived close to midnight on Wednesday night and did the exact thing we shouldn’t have and that was not sleep. Natalie Kimura was also dragged into our shenanigans. After chatting all night, we grabbed bagels, checked out SDSU’s cam-

been its own adventure, we quickly got off that freeway and found our way north back to the house. Most of Friday and Saturday had more sightseeing or we spent it at the beach so that is all stuff I hope you experience on day. However, one of the most important things we did all weekend was go and visit William A. Scroggs gravesite. That was the most impactful things to happen all weekend for me. To realize that because of this one person, whose grave I was in front of, is the sole reason that I, and everyone else, are there at that moment pus a bit, and prepared for a full sent chills, shivers, and all the feels day… after a quick power nap. We up and down my body. And when left the house and eventually found we sang, wow, that feeling is very ourselves at seaport village. We hard to describe. checked out a lot of the shops and Overall, I really liked this district walked down the pier to check out event. Up until then, the only disthe ships. Afterwards we found our trict event I have ever gone to was way to Coronado Beach where we WDC. I’ve always seen WDC as spent a lot of time chatting and the “important” event to go to since relaxing and even seeing a brother, that’s what seemed to make sense Dale Ramirez from BO, on vacawith all the business that happens tion with his family. After leaving at it. Even if that is somewhat true, the beach the next thing on the I have now learned that events like agenda was bowling in Chula Vista. SD4 and Washington Weekend We all had our fair share of gutter (sorry I didn’t make it) are just balls and laughs, especially when as important for the district. The Taylor Pace from Omicron would go by dropping her ball at the line and it eventually finding its way to the pins. After we left, my carpool found out pretty quickly that Chula Vista is SOUTH of San Diego. We should have just googled it, but we thought we knew which way to go. After almost driving across the border into Mexico, which would have Photo by: AJ Gagaza

fact that there is no business to worry about or strict itineraries to be followed allow for bonding between brothers and sisters that can’t really be found at a WDC. The barriers of our schools and states go away and we all get to hang out like we do as if we did go to school together. I know this past summer was a NatCon summer so attendance was low, but I strongly recommend everyone who can go, does go to SD4 or WW to experience a different kind of bonding found at these kind of district events. Now, for some WDVP stuff. I am working on activities or examples, mostly tangible, to better demonstrate some of the values and principles that we have. They will hopefully be doable for both candidates and members for continuing membership education. Maybe it’s the future teacher in me, but I know we all learn differently so I want to provide as many tools and approaches to things to better educate everyone. That’s all I have for now! I hope you’re all getting back into the groove of things with school and/or band camps and I hope you have a good semester/ quarter!

AEA & MLITB, Nick Chik Western District Vice President Kappa Kappa Psi, Lambda Psi San Jose State University

Photos by Andrea Hollopeter, Theta

Photo by Grey Larson, Gamma

n July 10-12, the Gamma chapter hosted Washington Weekend in Seattle, Washington. What seemed like three entirely too short days were filled with discovering and roaming around Seattle, getting to know brothers and sisters, and playing Werewolf. On the first night, we celebrated Gamma’s 22nd birthday with a barbeque at Gas Works Park on Lake Union. Once the sun set, we had fun playing with floating lanterns made from lit balloons. The next morning we met up for a group picture at the Olympic Sculpture Park, most of us with Starbucks coffee in our hands. From there we took to walking down the waterfront towards the docks and Pike Place Market. Along the short walk we ran into two separate wedding parties. Once in Pike Place, groups broke off to explore the area. Some heading to grab lunch, others deciding to go to the beach. Later that evening, a group of brothers went to

Golden Gardens and had a barbeque while others went to cheer the Seattle Reign to victory at a National Women’s Soccer League game at Memorial Stadium in Seattle Center. And of course, the day ended with everyone meeting back at HQ for many rounds of the West’s favorite game, Werewolf. On Sunday, the sun decided to disappear and instead a typical Seattle day greeted us with some rain. To avoid boating in rain, we headed back to HQ for many more games of Werewolf and doughnuts. Sadly as the day went on, brothers and sisters departed to head home after a wonderful weekend already excited for next year’s event. A huge shoutout and thanks to the Gamma Chapter for hosting this great event every year. If you haven’t gotten a chance to go, definitely try and make it to next year’s Washington Weekend. By: Hannah Giardina, Mu Pi

orking at a boy scout all summer, I couldn’t wait to leave for National Convention. I had been to SD4 a couple weeks before and met amazing people who were going to be in Lexington with me! The closer it got to me leaving, the longer the days got and the more stressful work became. I’ll admit it; I was anxious, but oddly enough not nervous. This was going to be my second National Convention, as I had attended in 2013 in Springfield, MA. I knew what to expect, especially when it came to the seating of delegates. I brought snacks and prepared myself for a long session. Even though I shared with other people around me, I kept up the chapter quota of #foreverfat. While they were seating the delegates, I talked to those around me and we talked about chapter operations and shared fundraisers, service projects, and brotherhood bonding. It is something that I know that I will always remember. I had the pleasure of attending with another member from my chapter who also happens to be my roommate. We traveled

Photo by: TBS Omicron

together and the entire time we traveled, I answered his questions and regarding National Convention and I could see the passion for Kappa Kappa Psi growing within him. It’s amazing to me to see such enthusiasm for something that is unknown. So there we are, walking into the lobby on day 1 and seeing so many faces, both familiar and new. Seeing the rest of the council show up brought a smile to my face, as I had missed them, even though WDC was three months prior. We talked and planned and got to know each other. We walked to the opening session together and talked about the upcoming week. We picked up where we had left of months prior and it felt like home. Being half way across the country with people so close to home made the uncertainty of Lexington seem friendly and welcoming. I was able to sit on the Student Advisory Committee with all the Kappa Kappa Psi district officers from the entire district. It was amazing to see what the other districts were up to. I talked to the other MAL’s and we discussed ideas regarding service, leadership, music, and brotherhood. We shared stories and plans for the upcoming year. Although I was not able to sit on another committee, I still gained a wealth of knowledge by sitting with my peers. Planning. Planning. Planning. That’s what happened, whether it was with my separate council, or with my amazing district counterpart. The officers were able to plan and make videos on what we were up to

at Convention. We used what we learned in the workshops to further our education within these amazing organizations. Throughout the rest of the week, I attended workshops and talked to many people, both in the Western District, and from other districts. I had a chance to catch up with members, who I had met in Springfield, and we talked about what had happened personally and chapter related over the course of the previous biennium. It was amazing to continue our conversations where we left them and reconnect with each other. National President Jack Lee said something that resonated within me. He said, “KKPsi Matters.” That short phrase opened up my eyes to what this brotherhood is and what it can be. I took this back to my chapter and we talked about what matters. I was talking to my little brother, who just became active, this past May and told him what was going on and I could see the excitement in his face and hear the passion in his voice. He, along with the rest of the members in his candidate class are going to do amazing things both within and out of my chapter. I wish I had the chance to attend National Convention in 2011, or had someone who had shown me exactly how big Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are, because if they had, I can guarantee that my passion and love for these groups would have grown massively by now. I am however, extremely happy and appreciative of the options that I have been given thus far.

I learned so much at this convention about Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and even myself. Aside from he educational information I learned, I learned personal things about the rest of the council members. I realized exactly how far I can push my body with no sleep. I realized that Kamari loves copious garlic sauce on pizza and how Kate talks with her hands all the time. I learned exactly how Tom likes his coffee, exactly how much sleep Nick needs, and how much Tau Beta Sigma means to Catalina. I learned what makes the best counterpart ever (Natalie) happy and her passion for both of these organizations. It still blows me away at how talented, special, and amazing individuals the rest of the WD council members are. I am excited for this year. I know that the district is going to grow, whether it is in membership or personal growth, I can promise you

growth nonetheless. Natalie and I have great ideas for the MAC and other programs. DLC and WDC will definitely be amazing, because of the knowledge that we as leaders, both district officers and actives who attended, gained at National Convention. To the people who attended: I hope you take what you learned back to your chapters. Share your experiences, share your passion for your organization, but most importantly, share the memories you had this past summer. Inspire someone from your chapter to attend in 2017. And now for my own post NatCon experience. This past weekend the brothers of Iota Alpha had our annual summer retreat with Eta Omega, and I can comfortably say that these two chapters are going to be going far. This is extremely satisfying to me, because I will be an alumnus next year, and won’t have an active say. Sharing what

I have learned from everything I have attended with the new actives in our chapter, from DLC’s to WDC’s, and all the way to National Convention, is something that I love to do. I love Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, and attending this past National Convention in Lexington, KY has only solidified my feelings towards these organizations and the people within them. I am extremely proud of the Western District and how we represented at National Convention. It just goes to show that the BEST truly are in the West. AEA & MLiTB, AJ “HANUMAN” Gagaza Western District Member-atLarge Kappa Kappa Psi | Iota Alpha Chapter California State University, Fresno Go ‘Dogs!

National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky 2015

Another wonderful thing about National Convention was the fact we had an actual voice to take action. n July 29th, 2015, I embarked on an amazing It was the first time I spoke to National Officers contrek to Lexington, Kentucky for the National fidently and critically to follow back with the Western Convention for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau District. Along with this, I think we had the chance Beta Sigma. With great pride, I want to admit that I to think as an individual sorority in the most respecthad no idea what was coming. I have the utmost reful way. Because we are twenty something chapters spect for our District and a lot of pride to share. Over total, we forget that Tau Beta Sigma can be its own several instances, National Convention became the being and function with its unique ideas and purposes. event of the year that brought us all together and be We have a foundation and own unique perspective united on issues that affect all of us. that brings us all together as sisters. It was a sad case For instance, for Tau Beta Sigma, we were repreto see that the schedule was meant to be split where sentatives who discussed critically on candidates for brothers and sisters were separated for the entire week. National Officer Elections, and on Chapter Visitation I observed that yes we had to work with being the Assistants, a new position in which people would be opposite places at most times. However, the Western hired to help the District. I know this was an issue sev- District proved again for this District Officer that it eral people have spoken about because some districts has strengthened us even with these circumstances. It are bigger and need more help with visiting chapters. also makes me proud to witness that it never stop us. In our case, with only eight TBS chapters, we would We are the strongest District with Joint Relations and get the hire of either another counselor or a CVA to continue to serve for Greater Bands and strive for the help our district with the large distances between us. highest. In any case, it would benefit us to have either or and Also, I have the most utmost respect for Meghan see our District will have the help it needs for chapters Fay Oslwanger. I videotaped her workshop in order to and individuals of the West. continue the amazing legacy of her workshop making.

I am a proud district officer with the honor of working with the Western District when I say that in Boise, Idaho, she put on an amazing workshop on how to run an effective meeting. If someone can make you more motivated to bring back information on a simple procedure such as running a meeting, then that person is doing a fantastic job. For National Convention, Meghan did not disappoint with the information and advice with how to represent a virtual you with your sorority/fraternity and how you post online. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know at month five what I was getting into. But Noms Committees, I have to say you are doing your job. This has been the most thrilling experience with seven other people. Being together at Natcon was an uplifting experience, jointly or separately, ideas were shared, bounced off of, taken to the next level, and it makes me very excited to represent the District with people who are witty and maybe way too sassy to handle when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a few hours of sleep. But I know that for this Convention, it was an honor to realize that the ties between us are tighter than I could ever imagine. Maybe being in hotel rooms together can do that to you but this group managed to pull together so many ideas and were willing to cooperate with the directions of footage for the future of the District. I am proud to say that for National Convention 2017, we are thrilled with the next adventure to Orlando, Florida. There is the chance for Disney World, Harry Potter World, Universal Studios, everything you

can think of. It is the furthest South of a state to be. But there are the costs for us. We are far away. We are the District with twelve hour drives to eventually reach other states. Imagine making attempts to finally arrive to THE Orlando city. So, I charge you with all of this. Start saving money now. I advise all of you to attend National Convention. Save a dollar a day and make a separate account to get the funds. You will not regret it. I charge all of you to ask questions even in the face of fear and realize there are no reasons to say no to attending a workshop or event that is organized by the National Council because there are memories that will stay with you forever. You will be thankful you took the time and efforts to go to a place where you could never imagine how big our organizations come to be and continue to grow. It makes you motivated to pursue goals and find yourself in times of struggle. Natalie Kimura Western District Vice President of Special Projects Tau Beta Sigma, Omicron University of Utah, Salt Lake City

efore I knew it, it was the end of July and I was heading off to the airport to fly across the country to Lexington for DLC and National Convention. It was one of those experiences that even when I was there, it still seemed surreal. The amount of people that came from all around the country, care so much about these organizations, and are so dedicated and passionate was just amazing, and I learned so much throughout that entire week. The first few days I was in Kentucky were dedicated to National DLC, which was just for the six district presidents. I think all of us were a little nervous going into DLC, but once we got started, we all got along so well and realized that in every district -- in every chapter even -- there are similarities and common things that every leader can learn from. We brainstormed a lot about how to make our districts better and had great

conversations about the future of Kappa Kappa Psi. And in addition to all of these important things, one of the best things I got out of spending those days with the other presidents, is five new friends and an amazing support system. Even a month after NatCon has ended, we are still chatting on our group message, asking each other questions about how each district does things, and helping each other to be successful. Another big thing that we did at DLC was begin planning our district conventions. Before I got involved on a district level, I had no idea that district convention planning began so early. I’m so glad though for that opportunity to sit down and brainstorm with the other district presidents and national leadership and then work things out with our awesome governors and create a vision not only for our convention, but for the year. Even so early, I am so excited by all the possibilities for Western District Convention this year and am so excited to put on an awesome weekend for everyone in our district. The rest of the week was filled with workshops, speakers, business sessions, and a lot of fun activities and time to hang out as a district. One of my favorite parts about National Convention was getting so much closer to a lot of people from the Western District. It was so much fun to spend time together for much longer than just a weekend,

and not only did we get to hang out and get to know each other, but we also were able to share ideas and learn from each other! It is truly inspiring to sit down and talk with passionate Brothers and Sisters; the people in your chapters are filled with amazing ideas and motivation to help wherever they can. National Convention really is an experience like no other. There were so many informational and educational resources given to us throughout the weekend, but even more than that, the resources gained from meeting people from around the country and from our own district are incredible. Everyone has an insight and a different perspective that can help you with your chapter or your projects. Having those people throughout the nation who have had similar experiences and hold the same values is something that you won’t discover anywhere else and can give a whole new meaning to all of the things we do. As you will probably hear from anyone who went to National Convention this year, start saving now and join us in Orlando for NatCon 2017. As much as we try, it’s seriously an indescribable experience and so so so worth it. AEA & MLITB, Kate Rohrich Western District President Kappa Kappa Psi, Mu Pi University of Oregon

ational Convention this year was awesome! Having been one of the few District Officers/Western District Members to have been to a NatCon before, the intensity was no surprise. But the biggest difference between NatCon 2011 and NatCon 2015 for me was going from being a newly initiated member to representing the Western District of Tau Beta Sigma as District President. This was an experience that I can never forget! As District President on a NatCon year, you get to attend National District Leadership Conference the three days before Convention actually starts. So Kate and I got to enjoy a full week of staying up late, not sleeping, coffee (lots of it), and bonding with our brothers and sisters from across the Nation. I especially got to bond with the other five District Presidents. We still chat in our GroupMe, and share information back and forth even though we’re not together. This just shows me that no matter where I am, I have so many resources to go to for anything at any time in my life. “Once a brother/sister, always a brother/sister, and we’ll have each other’s backs no matter what!” That’s my new motto. You all should try your best to make it to a National Convention. We’re all college students, we’re at that prime age where it’s important to make lifelong friends and gain personal resources that we can look to when we have problems later in life. NatCon is one of the best ways to do this. If you don’t believe me, ask anyone who has been. I know of several brothers and sisters from the West that are moving all over the country pretty soon, and I’m sure they’re all glad that they’ve made those connections. So start saving up for NatCon 2017 in Orlando! I know it’s far away, and it will cost a chunk of money, but the experience is indescribable and well worth it. National Convention gave Kate and I a lot of ideas for our upcoming district events and time to start planning Western District Convention. Let’s just say… You should

all be very excited for what we have in store for you. I look forward to seeing all of you at Western District Leadership Conference and Western District Convention! MLITB & MOTS of Love, Kamari Hale Western District President Tau Beta Sigma, Theta Eta Utah State University