The National Eagle

Blue Scholarships Available

2009-12-18T22:54:00.003-06:00

The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity has announced that applications for the Sherwood and Janet Roberts Blue Memorial Scholarships for 2010/2011 are now available online at www.ThetaChi.org under the "Blue Scholarship" section.

Applications must be submitted electronically no later than February 28th, 2008.

These scholarships are named in memory of Brother Sherwood Blue, Alpha Iota/Indiana University '26 and his wife Janet Roberts Blue, and in recognition of their substantial estate gift, which funds the scholarships. (Photo on left.)

Brother Blue founded the Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc. in 1953; serving as President from 1953 to 1993 and Chairman Emeritus until his passing in February of 1999. Brother Blue also served as National President of Theta Chi Fraternity (1952-1954), National Vice President (1950-1952), and National Secretary (1946-1950). He was the recipient of the “Distinguished Service Award” in 1953 and the “Earl D. ‘Dusty’ Rhodes Theta Chi for Life Award” in 1978. Brother Blue had a distinguished legal career, including service as the Marion County (Indianapolis) Prosecutor.

Janet and Sherwood married in 1961 and she also had a distinguished legal career, which included several years as Clerk of the Appellate Court of Indiana followed by several more as Commissioner of the same Court. In 1992, she was named Sagamore of the Wabash by the Governor. She is the recipient of Theta Chi's Appreciation Award and accompanied Sherwood to many Theta Chi events.

Blue Memorial Scholarships are given to graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrate scholastic aptitude and financial need. Recipients are selected by a committee of the Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.

Last year the Foundation Chapter granted over $150,000 in scholarships to members of Theta Chi Fraternity.

For more information, contact Vicki Wilson at Vicki@ThetaChi.org

National VP Plays Santa for Special Needs Kids

2009-12-18T22:43:00.002-06:00

National Vice President Tom ‘Bo’ Tinnin, Epsilon Phi/Central Missouri State ‘84 has been playing Santa Claus for over 22 years.

On December 14th the Tahlequah (Oklahoma) Middle School, National Junior Honor Society" hosted a winter carnival for special needs students that included a visit from the "jolly old elf." "

"Everyone in attendance has a blast and it is truly a high light of both the NJHS leaders, teachers and the kids attending," said Brother Tinnin.

Brothers in "Straight No Chaser" Hit it Big This Christmas

2009-12-04T19:58:00.006-06:00

The a capella sensation "Straight No Chaser" is back this Christmas and even bigger than last year.

Theta Chi brother Ryan Ahlwardt, Delta Kappa/Ball State University wrote and sings the lead on the tune "Who Spiked the Eggnog" from their new album "Christmas Cheers."

Brother Jerome Collins, Alpha Iota/Indiana University is also a member of the group.

You can learn more about "Straight No Chaser" at their new website.

The new CD is available at all Barnes & Noble and most Target stores as well as online in MP3 format at Amazon.com

If you're having or going to any holiday parties this year you need to have this CD!

A Brother Requests a Helping Hand for his Little Girl

2009-11-25T15:46:00.004-06:00

Brother Sam Chamberlin, Gamma Phi/Nebraska Wesley ’94 has reached out to his Theta Chi brothers with a special appeal. He writes,

Now more than ever, I need the Helping Hand of Theta Chi.

Maya is our beautiful, smart, loving and wonderful 4 year old daughter who has become gravely ill with a disease called Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH. Before she got sick, Maya loved to dance, sing, and bake with her grandmothers. She constantly read books, drew and painted pictures and, of course, put up with her little brother.

Now, Maya can’t sing or play. She needs donated bone marrow that very closely matches her own, for a transplant. The best chances of matching are with a sibling, but Maya’s brother is not a match. The next best chance is with a parent. But we are not a match. So, we need your help. Maya needs your help.

We need as many people as possible to quickly join the National Marrow Donor Registry. Every new donor will give Maya and other people in our dire situation another breath of hope.

Think of it: You could hold the key to curing Maya’s disease, or the disease of another sick child or adult, inside you right now. Please join the registry. Please spread the word. We appreciate your help in creating a tsunami of marrow registrations.

That's where Theta Chi comes in. We need to spread the word as much as possible to drive a wave of new registrations into the National Marrow Donor Registration. We have not found a matching donor yet.

TO REGISTER ONLINE:
http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now/join_now.html
enter promo code: marrow4maya

Marrow registration is PAINLESS: 4 cheek swabs and you've taken the first step to being someone's hero.

You can follow Maya’s story at www.caringbridge.org/visit/concentrate

More Theta Chi's Serving As IFC Presidents

2009-11-22T22:20:00.008-06:00

The National Eagle congratulates these Theta Chi brothers who have recently been elected as the IFC President at their university.

Allen Goebl, Gamma Upsilon/Bradley University

Jeffery Dralick, Epsilon Zeta/University of Tampa

John Parro, Zeta Delta/St. Cloud State University

Stepheno Zollos, Zeta Pi/Old Dominion University

Joe Macko, Zeta Tau/University of Michigan-Flint

Evan Massengill, Eta Chi/George Mason University

Michael Rosen, Theta Epsilon/Kennesaw State University

Theta Chi Re-Colonizing Eta Alpha Chapter at Clemson University

2009-10-16T14:55:00.006-05:00

The Colonization Ceremony for the Eta Alpha Interest Group will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 9:30 AM in the Student Sentate Chambers on the Clemson University campus. The Eta Alpha Chapter was active at Clemson from 1970 until 2001.

Past National President Jim McEachern will be conducting the ceremony. There will also be representatives from International Headquarters of Theta Chi in attendance along with Eta Alpha alumnus members and members from other chapters.

Following the ceremony, members enjoy tailgating on the Greek Quad. The Clemson Tigers will be taking on the Wake Forest Deamon Deacons--will any brothers from Gamma Omicron be making the trip down to "Death Valley?"

If you would like to attend, please email Dan Lepper, the graduate advisor at Lepper@Clemson.edu .

Theta Chi is IU's BMOC--Again!

2009-10-15T17:03:00.003-05:00

For the second year in a row, a brother from the Alpha Iota chapter at Indiana University is the winner of the Zeta Tau Alpha's "Big Man On Campus" philanthropy event.

Brother Tyler Webb, pictured at left, raised $18,000 in the fight against breast cancer.

The "BMOC" event raises more money that any other event by a single Greek chapter in the United States.

You can read full coverage of the event at the Indiana Daily Student website.

The National Eagle thanks Peter Stevenson of the IDS for the use of his photo above.

Brother Chad Ellsworth Elected President of HazingPrevention.org

2009-10-07T21:52:00.004-05:00

Brother Chad Ellsworth, Alpha Upsilon/University of Nebraska-Lincoln ’01 has been elected President of the Board of Directors of HazingPrevention.org

"I'm humbled to be the president of the board of directors for HazingPrevention.Org, a group that includes representatives from fraternities and sororities, including three current or past fraternity and sorority international presidents, athletics, marching bands, renowned experts and speakers, and of course our very own brother Dave Westol," said Brother Ellsworth.

"In addition to its Web resources, HazingPrevention.org sponsors the Interdisciplinary Institute for Hazing Intervention, a training opportunity for administrators, coaches, educators, law enforcement personnel, and others; as well as the National Hazing Symposium, which brings practitioners and researchers together to develop a national agenda for hazing prevention," added Ellsworth.

Brother Ellsworth own experience in taking a stand against hazing is actually what led him to Theta Chi.

"Theta Chi brothers extended a helping hand to me - even though I was a member of a different fraternity at the time. Brothers Chris Wegener, Joe Kopp, and Trevor Johnson moved me out of another chapter house in the middle of the night after I stood up against hazing in that organization. They demonstrated true brotherhood, and inspired me to become involved in the anti-hazing movement, said Brother Ellsworth."

Professionally, Brother Ellsworth is the Coordinator of the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Minnesota. In 2007 he was name an "Anti-Hazing Hero" by HazingPrevention.org

Theta Chi Fraternity has long taken a stance against hazing. The Fraternity's policy on hazing states:

Theta Chi is based on the belief that true fraternalism is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority, and loyalty to the principles and values of higher education.

Theta Chi is also based on the understanding that while social behavior cannot be legislated, a fraternity without morally sound precepts and practices is not a constructive influence upon college men.

Theta Chi is further based on the belief that a fraternity has a solemn obligation to develop its new members, initiates and alumni, and that this responsibility extends alike to the institutions where the Fraternity is represented. This obligation also extends to parents and others who make possible the education of new members and initiates as well as the communities where chapters are accountable for good citizenship. Finally this obligation is also owed to the college fraternity system of which Theta Chi is a part.

Theta Chi is also based on the firm conviction that one of the most damaging instruments to the fraternity system is the employment of a new member education program which includes hazing, and that this unproductive, ridiculous, and hazardous custom has no place in the fraternity system.

Furthermore, hazing is expressly prohibited by the Constitution & Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity, which states:

ARTICLE V, SECTION 11. HAZING PROHIBITED.

The Fraternity prohibits absolutely all physical hazing, paddling, uncalled-for humiliation, and public display in connection with pledging and pre-initiatory activities, and subscribes to the National Interfraternity Conference resolutions and the Fraternity Executives Association’s “Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-initiatory Activities” which condemn all forms of hazing in connection with pledge/New Member education and pre-initiatory activities. The active chapters shall carry out the Fraternity’s policy and conform strictly to this policy, not only to escape the danger of bringing discredit to the Fraternity and injuring the entire fraternity cause, but also to build higher respect for the chapters and the Fraternity in the minds of pledges/New Members and to instill a finer type of loyalty thereby. The Fraternity prohibits all forms of public initiation, and pre-initiatory and initiation activities shall not be permitted to interfere in any way with the scholastic obligations or class attendance of those involved.

Theta Chi Fraternity is a Gold level sponsor of HazingPrevention.org.

Theta Chi's Growing List of IFC Presidents

2009-09-26T21:57:00.019-05:00

These Theta Chi brothers currently serve as the Inter-Fraternity Council President at their respective colleges and universities.

Axel Brandt, Ohio Northern University

Dean Caruvana, Wagner University

Anthony Clowe, North Dakota State University

A.J. Dance, Newberry College

Ryan Debock, University of Tampa

Ben Esner, Adrian College

Daniel Gonzalez, Old Dominion University

Chris Hollowell, George Mason University

Anthony LoVullo, University of Akron

Joe Macko, University of Michigan - Flint

Brad Martin, Presbyterian College

Taylor Pearson, Birmingham-Southern College

Ryan Post, Nebraska Wesleyan University

Tyler Samples, Auburn University

Steven Sandlin, Oakland University

Andrew Schussler, Missouri State University

Brandon Steinbrook, Ball State University

Ricky Tessaro, Florida Southern College

Erik Wood, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Some of the name listed are taken from a list provided by the North American Interfraternity Conference; if you see any errors or omissions please report them to the National Eagle NationalEagle@gmail.com. Future National Eagle posts will list student government officers so please send in those names and term dates as well!

NIC Updates Website & Adds Blog

2009-09-25T22:41:00.003-05:00

The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) has upgraded its website and added a blog feature.

Check it out at www.NICIndy.org.

Founded in 1909, the North-American Interfraternity Conference is the trade association representing 73 International and National Men’s Fraternities including Theta Chi.

The NIC serves to advocate the needs of its member fraternities through enrichment of the fraternity experience; advancement and growth of the fraternity community; and enhancement of the educational mission of the host institutions. The NIC is also committed to enhancing the benefits of fraternity membership. Today, the NIC has 73 member organizations with approximately 5,500 chapters located on 800+ campuses in the United States and Canada with approximately 350,000 undergraduate members. The NIC is led by a Board of Directors comprised of nine volunteers from member fraternities. The headquarters and professional staff are located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Gamma Zeta Chapter Returning to Oklahoma State

2009-09-23T16:52:00.002-05:00

The alumnus members of the Gamma Zeta chapter at Oklahoma State University have launched a sweeping campaign to bring Theta Chi back to campus. Alumnus members labored for nearly two years to coordinate their efforts, began work with the IFC and now have officially brought a group to campus. With the assistance of Thomas "Bo" Tinnin, National Vice President and Andrew Curtis, Regional Counselor, the alumni of this great chapter have swept back onto campus in impressive fashion.

During new student move-in weekend in August, local alumni, along with Andrew Curtis made contact with nearly 30 potential new members. By the following week, with the help of even more alumni, membership in the soon-to-be interest group stands at 23 and growing in numbers. With a recruitment philosophy of quality over quantity, the buzz on campus this fall is deafening. The theme of this recruitment blitz is; "The Legend Returns."

After over two years of planning, the dream is being realized. Recently, the news of the inspired re-colonization attempt has reached all corners of the International Fraternity and IHQ just sent down Corey Fischer as the LEC to continue to help with recruiting and organizing the group this fall for 3 weeks.

An alumni-based effort is an extraordinarily difficult expansion strategy but it has paid off in a big way for this group, no doubt as a result of their passion for Theta Chi. The alumni welcome the support from IHQ and the 2009-2010 school year promises to be a banner year for Theta Chi and Gamma Zeta.

Daniel R. Bays, Esq.

Head of U.S. Coast Guard Academy is a Theta Chi

2009-09-22T15:30:00.004-05:00

Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe, Eta Lambda/Virginia Tech '73 is the current Superintendent of the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.

Brother Burhoe assumed the duties of Superintendent of on January 5, 2007. He reported to the Academy after serving as the Assistant Commandant for Governmental and Public Affairs at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He earned his commission after graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1977.

His first assignment out of OCS was to lead the USCG Ceremonial Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. In his 30 years of public service, he has served in a variety of operational and staff assignments including Executive Officer and Alternate Captain of the Port, Coast Guard Station New London, Connecticut, Commanding Officer, Station Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Group Commander, Group Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

Rear Admiral Burhoe’s staff assignments have been focused primarily in the human resource specialty at Training Center Cape May, the USCG Academy with the Leadership Development Center, Training Center Yorktown, Virginia, Coast Guard Headquarters, and as the Chief of the Officer Personnel Management Division at the Coast Guard Personnel Command.

He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, earned a Master of Public Administration from The American University in Washington, D.C., and his awards include the Legion of Merit, three Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, and three Coast Guard Commendation Medals.

National Hazing Prevention Week is September 21-25, 2009

2009-09-21T22:36:00.004-05:00

National Hazing Prevention Week is observed on campuses and within organizations each year during the last week of September (or another time that is more convenient). Activities range from brown bag lunch discussions among faculty to movie or book discussions with students; training for organizational and team leaders, to the signing of anti-hazing pledges. Some plan an entire week of activities and programs and some simply plan one or two meaningful programs. Whatever you do, the important thing is to DO SOMETHING!

You can learn more about National Hazing Prevention Week at HazingPrevention.org.

Hazing is expressly prohibited by Article V, Section 11 of the Constitution and Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity:

The Fraternity prohibits absolutely all physical hazing, paddling, uncalled-for humiliation, and public display in connection with New Member education and pre-initiatory activities, and subscribes to the National Interfraternity Conference resolutions and the Fraternity Executives Association’s “Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-Initiatory Activities” which condemn all forms of hazing in connection with New Member education and pre-initiatory activities. The active chapters shall carry out the Fraternity’s policy and conform strictly to this policy, not only to escape the danger of bringing discredit to the Fraternity and injuring the entire fraternity cause, but also to build higher respect for the chapters and the Fraternity in the minds of New Members and to instill a finer type of loyalty thereby. The Fraternity prohibits all forms of public initiation, and pre-initiatory and initiation activities shall not be permitted to interfere in any way with the scholastic obligations or class attendance of those involved.

Remembering The Brothers of 9/11/01

2009-09-11T09:21:00.000-05:00

Theta Chi's YouTube Channel

2009-09-10T22:31:00.004-05:00

Theta Chi Fraternity now has its own YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/ThetaChiFraternity .

The channel will feature information on upcoming Theta Chi activities and video from past leadership events.

You can also find the 3 part "Early History of Theta Chi Fraternity" videos in a new higher resolution format.

Theta Chi's Inducted Into The Order of Omega

2009-09-04T22:44:00.004-05:00

2009 marks a milestone for the National Order of Omega. The organization is celebrating its 50th year as a leadership honor society for fraternity and sorority members.

Order of Omega was founded at the University of Miami in 1959 by a group of outstanding fraternity men who felt that individuals in the Greek community should be recognized for their service to the fraternity system and the university.

Order of Omega’s purpose is to recognize fraternity men and women who have attained a high standard of scholarship and leadership in interfraternal activities, to encourage them to continue along this line, and inspire others to strive for similar conspicuous attainment. It unites outstanding fraternity men and women to help create an atmosphere where ideas and issues can be discussed openly across Greek lines and to help work out solutions.

Since its humble beginnings, Order of Omega has chartered over 500 Chapters throughout the United States and Canada; initiated over 200,000 members; and awarded over $800,000 through its Scholarship, Fellowship, and Outstanding Chapter Award Programs.

Congratulations to the following Theta Chi members were initiated into the Order of Omega during the 2008-2009 academic year:

Riley Adams, Centenary College of Louisiana
Corey Allard, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Marlon Alvarado, Florida State University
Demar Amacker, Ball State University
Jay Anderson, Ohio Northern University
Ryan Andrews, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michael Arguello, University of Wisconsin, River Falls
Dustin Baker, Drake University
Stephan Bandini, University of Virginia
Ryan Becker, Florida State University
Justen Beffa, University of The Pacific
Mike Bell, Susquehanna University
Daniel Berson, University of California, Berkeley
Vincent Biancamano, East Stroudsburg University
Ryan Bishop, Ball State University
Andrew Bizub, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Brad Boccaccio, University of North Texas
Sam Bone, University of Alabama
Kyle Borkowski, Illinois Wesleyan University
William Bradford, University of Central Florida
Joseph A. Brown, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Spencer Cameron, East Stroudsburg University
Rustin Dakota Carter, University of North Texas
Adam Cooper, Ball State University
Aaron Crespin, University of Florida
James Kenny Crow III, University of Alabama
Taylor Donner, Wake Forest University
Bradley S. Dupay, Valparaiso University
Zachary Enos, Ball State University
Timothy Hartzog, University of Central Florida
Will Hermens, Linfield College
Christopher Hewitt, University of The Pacific
Eddie Higginbotham IV, Northwestern State University
Daniel R. Hightower, University of Alabama
Robbie Hinz, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
Colin Hutchison, Susquehanna University
Warren Jackson, University of Central Florida
Naveen Jayaraman, University of California, Berkeley
Jason Joerling, Drake University
Ben Jones, Birmingham-Southern College
John Klebba, Drake University
Jeff Kline, University of North Texas
Gerald Latasa, University of The Pacific
Andrew Learned, University of Tampa
Clay Looney, University of Alabama
Anthony LoVullo, University of Akron
Troy Magrini, Youngstown State University
Michael Marks, Wake Forest University
Timothy Mason, University of Central Florida
Tom McArdle, Longwood University
Ryan McCarthy, University of Florida
Sterling McLean, University of Tampa
Brendan McNickle, Wake Forest University
Mark Moehle, Centenary College of Louisiana
Steven Mote, University of Alabama
Alex Ochoa, University of California, Berkeley
Nick Olm, Northern Arizona University
Joseph Olympio, University of Central Florida
James Park, University of Central Florida
Spenser Peterson, University of Maryland, College Park
Jason Ram, California State University, Long Beach
John Ramsey, Centenary College of Louisiana
Shawn Rigger, Missouri State University
Ben Roberts, Birmingham-Southern College
Adam Rosenfield, University of North Texas
Devin Salinas, Linfield College
Brian Smith, Birmingham-Southern College
Zach Smith, Missouri State University
Marc Sohayda, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Joseph Styers, University of The Pacific
Richard Thompson, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Vincent Turregano, Centenary College of Louisiana
Cory Vaughn, University of Alabama
Garrett Vick, Centenary College of Louisiana
Benjamin Wallinger, University of Central Florida
Macklin Warrington, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Blake Weihs, Drake University
Brandon White, University of Florida
Philip Yeung, University of Virginia
Joseph Zieman, University of Alabama
Stepheno Zollos, Old Dominion University

Theta Chi Fraternity Health Advisory for H1N1 Influenza Virus

2009-09-02T22:58:00.000-05:00

Many colleges and universities across the United States are already reporting cases of the H1N1 virus, formerly known as the swine flu. It is likely that some of our members and others in our Greek community will become ill with the H1N1 virus during the fall semester. For this reason, we want to let you know what you do as returning members arrive on all our campuses and/or our chapter house and we been are recruitment season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes our undergraduate (ages 19 through 24) population as a high risk group. Many if not all of our colleges and universities have been preparing for an increase in the H1N1 flu virus as well as the seasonal (common) flu. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with your institutions H1N1 guidelines.

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment and will fully recover after a brief period, according to the CDC. However, students may wish to call student health services at their campus for further assistance if they develop flu-like symptoms.

A vaccine to immunize against the H1N1 virus has been developed and is in production. Current information suggests that the vaccine will be available for distribution in late October. When your college, university or state receives the vaccine, they will most likely initiate a vaccination program for college students. In most cases, the vaccine will be distributed free of charge. The vaccine will be administered by two injections 21 days apart.

We must do our best to prevent and minimize the virus’s impact to our fraternal community and assist our host institutions.

Prevention:

Several steps can be taken to keep from getting sick and spreading this virus:

Members should be encouraged to practice good hand hygiene. They should wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Members should practice good respiratory etiquette. The main way flu spreads is from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it is important they cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not handy, they should cough into their shoulder or elbow, not their hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs are spread in this way.
Members who are ill should restrain from shaking hands. If you believe someone is ill be polite and avoid contact if possible or wash your hands immediately after contact.
Avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils. Sharing cups and glasses is never a good idea, especially during flu season.
Members also should be encouraged to get vaccinated for seasonal flu.

To help reduce the chance of spreading the H1N1 influenza virus, the CDC recommends frequent cleaning of commonly touched surfaces in your shared rooms (i.e. keyboards, remotes, counters, bathrooms, desk, utensils, micro-fridges, etc). The chapters can also take precautions to prevent members and their guest from becoming ill. Some of these steps include:

Provide soap, paper towels, and alcohol-based hand cleaners and making them readily available.
Provide tissues and no-touch wastebaskets and making them readily available.
Establish schedules for frequent cleaning of commonly touched surfaces, including: Doorknobs, handrails, tables, telephones, chairs, sofas, bathroom surfaces, and providing disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces can be wiped down prior to each use.

Many commercially available household cleaning and disinfecting products are adequate to kill bacteria and viruses, like the H1N1 or other influenza viruses. Products include, but are not limited to, Lysol, Mr. Clean, Pine Sol, Windex, or Clorox cleaners and disinfectants

Other cleaning recommendations:

Wash sheets, towels, and other linens using household laundry detergent and dry on a hot setting.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with soap and water.
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those with flu-like illness do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
All cleaning and disinfecting products must be utilized according to directions on the product label.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

A fever is a temperature that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when taken with a thermometer. Look for these possible signs of fever: if he feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.

Fever-reducing medications are medicines that contain acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin). These medicines can be given to people who are sick with flu to help bring their fever down and relieve their pain.

It will be very hard to tell if someone who is sick has 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu. Public health officials and medical authorities will not be recommending laboratory tests. Anyone who has the symptoms of flu-like illness should stay home and contact their student health services.

Care:

The CDC recommends self-isolation for individuals with flu-like illness, those with flu-like illness should stay away in their room and limit interactions with other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Some people with influenza will not have fever; therefore, absence of fever does not mean absence of infection. They should stay away from others during this time period even if they are taking antiviral drugs for treatment of the flu.

If possible, members with flu-like illness who live relatively close to the campus should return to their parent’s home to keep from making others sick. These members should be instructed to do so in a way that limits contact with others as much as possible. For example, travel by private car or taxi would be preferable over use of public transportation.
Members with a private room should remain in their room and receive care and meals from a single person. Students can establish a "flu buddy scheme" in which students pair up to care for each other if one or the other becomes ill. If possible, healthy roommates should be provided alternative accommodations.
If close contact with others cannot be avoided, the ill members should be asked to wear a surgical mask during the period of contact. Examples of close contact include sharing eating or drinking utensils, or having any other contact between persons likely to result in exposure to respiratory droplets.
Instruct members with flu-like illness to promptly seek medical attention if they have a medical condition that puts them at increased risk of severe illness from flu, are concerned about their illness, or develop severe symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or rapid breathing.
Promote self-isolation at home for not living in the chapter house. Non-resident members with illness should be asked to self-isolate at home or a family member’s home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

For more information, please go to www.flu.gov, a website created by the Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Brother Evan Wecksell's Comedy Tour

2009-08-28T21:50:00.003-05:00

Comedian Evan Wecksell Announces College Tour to Coincide with Marathon Training, Fundraising

Great Neck, NY -- Maybe feverishly touring colleges and living out of a suitcase was not enough of a challenge for Comedian Evan Wecksell. Well, he is about to find out how challenging it is touring a country while training for a marathon.

Beginning Sunday, August 23, the guitar-playing comedian who most recently performed on "America's Got Talent" in front of David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan, will embark on his 2009 Run Evan Run Tour.

At press time, the tour takes Wecksell through 15 states, which includes a stretch from September 9-12 where he will perform four shows in four states over four days. He will be taking the stage in a variety of capacities.

He will once again be supporting his Theta Chi Fraternity's recruitment efforts with an August 25 show at Nebraska Wesleyan University and a September 19 show at Westminster College. On September 17 at Alma College, he will promote Greek Life during the school's Greek Carnival.

"All of us at Alma are really excited to have Evan," says Breann White, Panhellenic Council Special Events Chair. "It will be a fun addition to our Carnival."

Still supporting Jewish organizations, Wecksell will head down to Gainesville, Florida on September 7 to be a part of the Jewish Student Union's Welcome Week at University of Florida.

A majority of Evan's shows will be for the general student body, which will play a big part in welcoming them back to campus.

"We can engage our students early and get them excited about the new year," explains Tegan Viggers, Coordinator of Student Activities and Intramurals at Culver-Stockton College.

A new addition to Evan's performance schedule is that he will join wife and actress Kelly Meyersfield on stage for performances of "College The Musical: A Musical About College."

Written by Meyersfield and Wecksell, the two-person show features their original songs performed around the story of a freshman girl who goes off to college and experiences the drama of college life. The musical comedy touches on such issues as casual sex, alcoholism and sexually-transmitted diseases.

"College" debuts at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio on August 23. However, due to Evan's tour kickoff at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee that same day, Meyersfield casted Actor Will McFadden for the show's debut performance.

What makes this tour different from past ones is that Evan will also dedicate time to training for the ING New York City Marathon which takes place on November 1.

"I hadn't been running that much, because I didn't have something to train for," explains Wecksell. "This is a big something."

Long-distance running is no stranger to Wecksell who ran varsity track and cross-country at Great Neck South High School and later on at Tufts University. He also trained extensively for his 2008 appearance on the Sci-Fi reality game show "CHA$E."

Wecksell also will take his marathon experience to the next level by fundraising concurrently for "Fight for Kids," a campaign launched by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a non-profit public benefit organization. The campaign combats the psychiatric over-drugging and labeling of children while educating and offering alternatives for concerned parents.

The fundraising campaign has already garnered support from Evan's family, friends and fellow artists.

"This is such an important cause," affirms Anthony d'Mattia, also known as Long Island singer/songwriter fIZ. "It is so rewarding to give back and help children."

To take his cause online, Evan set up www.funnyevanmarathon.com. He will also be selling "College The Musical: A Musical About College" soundtracks at all his shows to benefit "Fight for Kids."

2009 Run Evan Run Tour [confirmed dates]

Sunday, August 23 - Martin Methodist College, Pulaski, TN
Tuesday, August 25 - Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE*
Friday, August 28 - Washington University, St Louis, MO
Saturday, August 29 - Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO
Tuesday, September 1 - East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA
Thursday, September 3 - Husson College, Bangor, ME
Monday, September 7 - University of Florida, Gainesville, FL***
Wednesday, September 9 - Becker College, Worcester, MA
Thursday, September 10 - Thomas College, Waterville, ME
Friday, September 11 - Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA
Saturday, September 12 - SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Wednesday, September 16 - Loyola University, Chicago, IL****
Thursday, September 17 - Alma College, Alma, MI**
Saturday, September 19 - Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA*
Wednesday, September 23 - WPI, Worcester, MA**
Friday, September 25 - Goucher College, Baltimore, MD
Friday, October 2 - Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Thursday, October 8 - University of Maine, Presque Isle, ME****
Wednesday, October 14 - University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburgh, TX

Friday, November 20 - Mercer County Community College, Princeton, NJ****

* Theta Chi Event
** Greek Life Event
*** Jewish Student Union Event
**** College The Musical: A Musical About College (w/ Kelly Meyersfield)

About Evan Wecksell:
Comedian and Singer-Songwriter Evan Wecksell is one of the funniest and most energetic performers to emerge from New York's comedy clubs and musical venues. Often compared to comedic superstars Adam Sandler and Stephen Lynch, Evan's act is a blend of comedy and music that celebrates the college experience, makes fun of relationships, and pays tribute to Miley Cyrus. Recently signed to National Lampoon Records, his comedy has been played on radio stations all over the world including the nationally syndicated Dr. Demento Radio Show. Evan has also appeared on such pop-culture shows as VH1's "I Love the 80s" and E! Television's "30 Most Outrageous Celebrity Feuds." He is represented by DCA Productions at www.dcaproductions.com. For complete tour information, visit www.EvanWecksell.com.

About Fight for Kids:
"Fight For Kids" is a campaign launched by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a non-profit public benefit organization that has been the most effective international group to help achieve legislative protections against abusive psychiatric treatment and drugging of children. For more information on Fight for Kids, visit www.fightforkids.org, and to assist Evan in his fundraising, visit www.funnyevanmarathon.com.

Golf Tournament Continues to Build Schoarship Fund to Honor Brother Killed on 9-11-01

2009-08-11T10:33:00.005-05:00

The Craig Blass Memorial Scholarship was founded in November 2001 to remember Craig Blass, graduate of James Madison University and member of Theta Chi Fraternity, who was lost at The World Trade Center on September 11th. Through this annual tournament and other activities, $175,000 has been raised to date to provide scholarship funds to worthy students at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Each year the tournament provides an incredible day while supporting a worthy cause. Last year well over 100 golfers participated. This year there are a variety of contests, performance & raffle prizes to make the event a great time no matter your skill set!

The tournament will be held at South Riding Golfer’s Club in South Riding, VA on Saturday, September 12th, 2009. Sign-In begins at 11am with a shotgun start at 1pm. Please visit the website for more information (http://blassmemorial.org/golf.aspx). The tournament is always looking for more players, sponsors, and volunteers. Come join in Extending the Helping Hand in memory of our brother.

If you are interested in more information or wish to register for the tournament, please contact Jason Sfaelos via the information below.

Jason Sfaelos
Craig Blass Memorial Tournament Director
Sfaelos@BlassMemorial.Org
Mobile: (202) 270-2809

General Shalikashvili Featured in MSNBC Story

2009-08-01T20:30:00.001-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Thanks to Brother Chris White, Gamma Upsilon/Bradley University '97 for sending this in. Chris notes that you should pay particular attention to the last line of the story!

Brother Cole Bixenman Named to NIC's All Fraternity All Amerian Baseball Team

2009-07-25T08:52:00.005-05:00

Cole Bixenman, Delta Alpha/Linfield has been named to the North American Interfraternity Conference's 2009 All Fraternity All American first baseball team.

Brother Bixenman, is a catcher for the Linfield Wildcats. For the 2009 season his batting average was .383 with 36 runs, 9 home runs and 53 RBI's. Cole played on the junior varsity team as a freshman in 2008

Off the field, Brother Cole is a business major. He also plays football at Linfield.

Cole attended Todd Beamer High School were he earned 12 varsity letters in football, wrestling and baseball and was team captain in all three sports. He is a two-time all-South Puget Sound League quarterback and threw for 3,800 yards and 25 touchdowns. Additionally he was a regional champion and four-year state wrestling tournament participant.

Nominations were provided by various fraternity headquarters, Greek advisors, sports information directors, individuals via the NIC website and through research by Jay Langhammer. A total of 18 NIC member fraternities are represented from 42 colleges and universities.

Recruitment Workshop Schedule

2009-07-13T13:25:00.005-05:00

Theta Chi Will Be Hosting FREE Regional Recruitment Workshops in Your Area!

These workshops are designed to aid your chapter in increasing your recruitment numbers. Contact the person in your region to sign your chapter up!

Stephen F. Austin State University

Saturday, August 15 @ 10 AM

Contact: Corey Fischer

corey@thetachi.org

University of Findlay

Friday, August 28 @ 5:30 PM

Contact: Brit Rowe

w-rowe@onu.edu

University of Michigan-Flint

TBA

Contact: Brit Rowe

w-rowe@onu.edu

University of Missouri

Saturday, August 22 @ 10 AM

Contact: Bart Zino

bart@thetachi.org

Rutgers University

Friday, August 28 @ 9 AM

Contact: Phillip Burns

phillip@thetachi.org

University of Southern California

Saturday, August 22 @ 10 AM

Contact: Jason Handberg

jhandberg@thetachi.org

Randolph Macon College

Saturday, August 22 @ 9 AM

Contact Jimmy Cox

jcox@thetachi.org

University of California-Davis

Saturday, August 15 @ 10 AM

Contact: Tim Uhrich

tuhrich@thetachi.org

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Sunday, August 30 @ 10 AM

Contact: Dan Reilly and Kyle Weaver

dan@agwireless.net, swsman28@yahoo.com

Additional Workshops may be scheduled in the coming weeks. Go to www.thetachi.org for more information.

Brother Iacocca Introduces New Limited Edition Mustang

2009-06-24T15:01:00.002-05:00

Forty-five years after he introduced the original Ford Mustang, launched at a dramatic press conference at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, auto industry visionary Lee Iacocca today announced a new version of the famous muscle car – the Iacocca Silver 45^th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang – a breathtaking vehicle that utilizes the latest in Ford performance technology with a style and panache that screams, Mustang fastback. Only 45 “2009½” Iacocca Silver Edition Mustangs – all painted a special “Iacocca” chosen silver hue – will be built.

Nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, the world-class coachbuilding and Design Company in Fountain Valley, Calif. The new business venture is called I Legacy, and it will be in concert with Galpin Ford, the exclusive Ford dealership to offer these Iacocca Silver 45^th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs to the public.

In a word, the new Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is stunning. The lines flow organically from front to rear. The hand-crafted piece of rolling art, with its innovations and impact of the fastback design is truly exceptional in every way. With its sunken headlights, slanted grill and low stance, the car gives you “street attitude.”

“Once in a while a car comes along that changes everything, and that was the original Mustang,” said Iacocca.

The Silver Edition Mustang perpetuates the Iacocca mystique.

The car begins life on a 2009 Mustang platform, which is then uniquely modified and coachbuilt. While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. Two power plant options will be offered, a normally-aspirated 4.6-liter Ford V8 rated at 320 horsepower and an optional supercharged version that delivers a head-snapping 400-horsepower. Both engines are covered by a factory Ford warranty. Drivers will harness the power through a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

The car's suspension has been upgraded to keep pace with the power delivery. A Ford Racing Handling Package adds firmer springs and re-valved shock absorbers. A 14-inch Ford Racing Braking Package is optional. All suspension components will be covered under a factory Ford warranty, as well.

Inside the Iacocca Silver Mustang, the interior is resplendent with luxurious touches that highlight the car's special heritage, including Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats with embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with “I” badge, and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

The cars will initially be revealed and then available at a reception in late July, at Southern California’s Galpin Ford dealership, the world's largest volume Ford dealer for 19 years, as well as an innovator in the promotion and retail of specialty automobiles. The price is yet to be announced.

The “Father of the Mustang” returns to the legend that started it all.

For more photos, videos and/or information about the Iacocca Silver 45^th Anniversary Edition Mustang and I Legacy, please log onto www.ilegacy.com.

For sales inquiries please call Galpin Ford’s Iacocca Mustang specialist, Brandon Boeckmann at 1-800-829-0744.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5991334&lang=en

UT Fraternity Gives Hospital an Assisting Hand

2009-05-26T16:32:00.010-05:00

The Epsilon Zeta Chapter at the University of Tampa has been doing some great work at Shriner's Orthopedic Hospital for Children.

They even received some good press about their work on the University's website:

They live by the motto, “the assisting hand.” And every Friday, that is what they offer.

For more than six years, members of The University of Tampa’s Theta Chi fraternity have gathered on Fridays at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa to play games and visit with the children who are patients in the hospital’s Child Life Therapy Department.

You can read the rest of the story here.

The photo is from the annual "Prom" held for the kids at Shriners. This year, due to budget constraints, the Prom event was nearly cut; but the brothers from Epsilon Zeta saved the event. the chapter was responsible for all fund raising and planning for the event. The prom featured games, food and dancing for the children.

Of the prom, Brother Sterling McLean said:

"As soon as we heard about Shriners Prom getting cut from the budget we knew we had to step up and do something about it. All the children that attended last year had such a good time that we didn't want that taken from them, especially because of something like budget cuts. We attend Shriners every Friday and know that each and every one of the children that are there deserved the prom.

We, as Theta Chi's, live by the motto "extend the helping hand" and we certainly do not draw a line any where. Everyone attended this year had a blast, even better of a time then last year I was told. One girl even told me that it was the best time she ever had, and that's the kind of reactions we love to hear.

Above all, we all love going to Shriners. We've even built some pretty good bonds with a lot of the kids. Throwing the Prom was a way to show that we appreciate them just as much as they appreciate us."

Thougths from a New Brother at Epsilon Iota/East Carolina

2009-05-26T13:06:00.005-05:00

I recently made one of the wisest decisions of my life and became a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Recently, I along with ten others were initiated to the Epsilon Iota Chapter at East Carolina University.

I am writing this letter to share with you a document I sent to the current President of my chapter, Chase Tobin near the end of my New
Member Process.

Being apart of an organization gives one the opportunity to become included on the greater good, if they choose to embrace it. In the same regard, a person could be ignorant to the history and accomplishments of the organization, lacking the needed respect for the institution.

Over the past few weeks the, “Tradition and Ideals” of Theta Chi has become clear to me as I have spent time around the house, spoke to brothers about the history of the fraternity, and have delved into thought about why I decided to become apart of its history.

I have improved as a person since the pledging process began, for one my confidence has risen immensely, which I attribute to the brothers seeing me as I truly am and pushing me to see the same qualities in myself. Along with confidence, I have an increased sense of responsibility. As a new brother of Theta Chi I become a bearer of what all the brothers before me have created.

The past week has shown me what every brother has seen me for, which I have taken to heart. For the first time in my life, I feel that I have a real, “family.” My parents and my late Grandmother were the only form of true family I ever had. Theta Chi has forever changed my opinion of fraternities.

Family is a group of individuals that are there for each other when it truly accounts for something. Being tied together by a certain DNA strand has no involvement in the factors that create a bond that lasts past death. Theta Chi is a real family, a family of , “Fraternity Men.”

A Theta Chi brother is, “Ennobled By High And Sacred Purpose” which means we stand for integrity and live to be upstanding gentlemen. My personal purpose as being a Theta Chi brother is to show Sororities, non Greek women, and those with a negative perception of Fraternities, that a Theta Chi is held to a higher standard, and we strive to be better than any other Fraternity in existence.

Being initiated to Theta Chi will be an honor, as I want to be held to such a high standard, as the discipline needed will help me achieve lifelong goals. It is hard to describe what Theta Chi is in words, yet I shall do the best of my abilities to do so. Theta Chi is an organization of upstanding gentleman that strive for pure excellence in every facet of life, a group of proven men that will not allow themselves to dishonor the Tradition and Ideals of the Fraternity. To make it simple, Theta Chi is an organization of Fraternity Gentleman and not, “Frat Boys.”

In the upcoming years I hope to help the Epsilon Iota Chapter, become one of the best chapters of Theta Chi.

Personally, I will do everything in order to be an upstanding brother worthy of being called a Theta Chi.

Sincerely,

Walter Yeates
WLY1022@ecu.edu