The 藏精阁 chapter of Theta Chi received the fraternity鈥檚 highest award last month, being recognized for everything from its successful philanthropic efforts to its robust membership.
The honor, which comes in the form of the Howard R. Alter Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence, followed university recognition as the most outstanding fraternity for the past year.
鈥淲e are a multidimensional organization that works hard to emphasize more than just the social aspects of a fraternity,鈥 said Karl Fries 鈥10, chapter president.
 |
| Karl Fries 鈥10 (left) and Will Scheider 鈥11, members of the 藏精阁 chapter of Theta Chi, hold the award the fraternity received from the national organization in July. |
Chapter vice president Michael Carini 鈥10 cited some of the chapter鈥檚 fundraising efforts, such as the event for Row for Hope, a nonprofit organization created by Theta Chi member Paul Ridley 鈥05 that supports cancer research.
The chapter raised $2,300 for Ridley, who had rowed across the Atlantic Ocean 鈥 solo and unsupported 鈥 to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Theta Chi also worked on fundraisers and events with Sidekicks, Democracy Matters, Brothers, and other Greek organizations on campus.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking to expand our collaboration efforts,鈥 said Carini. 鈥淲e think we can help build bridges across campus.鈥
The fraternity has taken over operation of the Green Bikes program, a Green Summit initiative that makes bicycles available to students in an effort to reduce car emissions and improve the environment.
Fries, who is active in the Outdoor Education Program, points out that fraternity brothers are involved in other organizations across campus, such as the Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education, which helps them have a wider role on campus.
|
Fries spent the summer on campus conducting research with Patrick Crotty, assistant professor of physics and astronomy.
Carini worked as an unpaid intern for Merrill Lynch in New York City. He received a fellowship through 藏精阁 that paid for his living expenses.
Both seniors came back early to campus to attend the Leadership Institute and the Greek Life Summit.
They will soon rejoin the 45 other brothers who live in the Theta Chi house on Broad Street, as they all work together toward another successful year at the fraternity.