Brothers,
With the spring semester finals completed and commencement festivities
over, we focus on the fun summer activities – barbeques, vacations,
and hopefully time away from work. This summer, Alpha Psi alumni
leaders will be focusing on coordinating a chapter house move, navigating
the construction process, and of course, preparing for Crab Feast. It
is an exciting time for Alpha Psi so plan to attend one of the upcoming
events detailed below.
The website is now a source of up-to-date information. We’ve
added a section for the renovation project and upcoming events and announcements
are always posted. Take a look and direct brothers there: www.thetachialphapsi.org
Newsletter highlights…Get your bib-on for crabs…In search
of a builder...New alumni leadership…Coping with a tragic loss…
Events
Crab Feast – Saturday, August 4th 11AM – Location
TBD
By now, you know the drill. With the final construction schedule
still to be determined, we will let everyone know as to the location of
Crab Feast soon. It will be in College Park, and we will make every
effort to create a family friendly environment. Plan to attend with
your significant other, immediate family, extended family, friends, etc – just
be there! It is always a great time!
Homecoming Golf Tournament – Friday, October 19th 8AM – UMD
Golf Course
We are back at UMD’s course and Chris ‘Nut Grant has a great
day planned for us. Stay tuned for more information.
Homecoming vs. UVA Tailgate – Saturday, October 20th – On the “hill”
We’ll return to the grassy knoll along President’s Drive adjacent
to Ludwig Soccer field. More details as we get closer.
1st Annual Doug Higgs Memorial Golf Tournament – Friday, November
16th – Bear Trap Dunes, Bethany Beach, DE
In memory of brother Doug Higgs who tragically passed away last year, this
event will raise money for Doug’s 18-month-old son, Henry. More
details to come. Please contact Dave Bahlman at bearbahlman@msn.com with
questions.
Founder’s Day Celebration Dinner Wrap-up
Thank you to those brothers and their wives who made this year’s
Founder’s Day dinner a real success. About 40 of us dined together
at La Miche and brother Tepper created a wonderful meal and atmosphere. Many
alumni cheered the Founder’s Day celebration event return so look
out for it again next year.
Theta Chi Hot Topics
Renovation Project Update
The Renovation Committee has received the final commitment letter from
Sovereign Bank. We will work with Sovereign and other stakeholders – including
Norwich Housing Corporation and our to-be selected design/build contractor – over
the next several weeks to finalize and close the loan. A special
thanks to Lance Schwarz and Greg Derby for establishing a great working
relationship with Sovereign Bank.
A Request for Proposal solicitation was distributed to area construction
firms in May. Several brothers responded to our request for “casting
a larger net” – thank you for your participation! The
Renovation Committee “walked-down” the house with nine firms
providing each with an opportunity to see the building and its condition
first hand. Committee members shared the project vision, desired
project outcomes, and answered questions. The Renovation Committee
will review the responses and hope to make a final selection by mid-June. A
special thanks to Pat ‘Saad’ Saba, Greg Derby, Albie Esposito,
and Kevin Brown for their efforts in developing and managing the RFP process.
Chapter Relocation
The Alumni Corporation officially inked a one-year lease for the former
TEP/SAM property adjacent to our parking lot at 4607 Knox Road. This
location and the lease terms provided a best-case scenario for the chapter – both
in the short-term and for its long-term health. With our house vacant
this summer, the Alumni Corporation will coordinate the moving process
for our fraternity property as well as our undergraduate brothers’ belongings. A
special thanks to Dennis Menis, Doug Lunenfeld, and Brad Fowler for working
with the property owner to develop a solid working relationship.
Alumni Corporation News
Nominations to the Board
At our annual summer Crab Feast, brothers will have the opportunity to
nominate their peers to the Alumni Corporation Board. We’ve
had great success over the last several years adding new leadership while
maintaining a consistent core. This year should be no different. Our
success as a chapter within the University and Theta Chi communities is
directly affected by our alumni leadership. Join me and the others
below as we execute our vision for a renovated chapter house and a reinvigorated
chapter experience.
Undergrad News
Passing of Matt Watson
As you may have heard, the chapter lost a member in May. A native
of Ellicott City, Maryland, Matt Watson was a great friend and fraternity
brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Watson family. Many
of you asked how you can help. Please consider a donation to Matt’s
Memorial Scholarship fund created by his parents. This scholarship
will recognize students who excel in both music and sports – two
of Matt’s passions. Please see www.mattwatsonfund.org for
donation information. Thank you for your generosity.
Semester Wrap-up (from Josh Flyer, undergraduate President)
We started this semester winning an award for the chapter with the most
improved GPA – our fall pledge class had an average GPA around
a 3.5. In the winter we adopted a family for the holidays,
as well as participating in many other service activities such as Clean-up
College Park and running a booth for kids at Maryland Day. While
we didn’t win any sports this semester, we reach the semifinals
in basketball and both soccer leagues. For Greek Week, we were
paired with Delta Phi Epsilon and placed in the top three in both Olympics
and Skit events. Individually, many of us took Matt’s death
very hard, but it was amazing how the chapter came together when we were
all in a time of need. Nobody could have asked for more in the
support we all received from each other and we are continuing to help
us through this tough time. To close the semester we hosted a fundraiser
at Santa Fe and the proceeds went to the Matt Watson Memorial.
I hope you enjoyed this latest installment!
Fraternally,
Sean
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