Category: Actives

Alumni Newsletter 2012

  1. Message from the Alumni Predient
  2. Message from the Chapter President
  3. The State of the House
  4. Fundraising: “Your Money or Your Time”
  5. Upcoming Regional and National Events
  6. Upcoming Eta Omega Events
  7. Bro News
  8. Your Alumni Board: Present and Future
  9. Keep in Touch

Message from the Alumni President

Tom Hyat at an important speaking engagement (aka: karaoke)

Brothers,

It’s been another great year for Theta Chi, Eta Omega. The Chapter has continued to thrive in Chico and we are still the Top Fraternity on the Chico State Campus. For the last two years, the Chapter fulfilled their commitment to “fill” the house with 18 paying tenants. As a little incentive and reward, we installed a little “upgrade” in the house. You’ll have to go visit to see what it was.

The Alumni Board of Directors has also continued to gain ground and build upon the prior years’ successes. We do have board positions that need to be filled by motivated brothers (See Below). Our financial foundation is solid and we are in the process of evaluating the feasibility of the Phase 2 house remodel. In fact, our newest appraisal values the property and houses at $950,000; even in today’s economy. Fortunately, Chico remains semi-isolated from the housing debacle and has not been hit as hard as other areas in California. It just goes to show you, Chico is a great town with a sturdy economy.

The Alumni Board of Directors is always looking for volunteers and there are many ways you can help without leaving your home. We also need donations and you can do this simply by joining the 1981 Club Monthly Donation Plan (more info below). Get involved and remember, Theta Chi for Life!

[Tom wrote this before he announced he was stepping down from hist position as Alumni Board president. See below for details.]

Fraternally,

Brother Tom Hyatt, F’93
Alumni President

Message from the Chapter President

Brothers,

This year has been a great year for the Eta Omega Chapter here at Chico State. Theta Chi continues to have a strong presence on campus with 70 active members. This semester we took in a pledge class of 12 freshman. We have built great relationships on campus with the Community Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE) and the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center (CADEC) to help promote good relationships with our University. We have held multiple events with CADEC including a Halloween weekend water handout to help keep students safe and hydrated. Also, our chapter has held Friday cleanups as a part of Community Service to clean up the streets around us.

The past two years we have won the “Greek Cup” which goes to the Chico Fraternity that performs the best in all sports. I’m happy to say that we are currently in first place with a returning Championship basketball and softball team to still play this semester. Finally, this year Theta Chi National has awarded our Chapter with the Phil S. Randall Success in Recruitment Award which is presented to chapters that initiate 25 or more new members during the previous academic year.

Our Chapter is as strong as ever and motivated to continue to carry on the traditions of Eta Omega and continue to be an example of excellence among the community and university. A few choice recent events:

  • Halloween grab a date “Monster Mash” – The Chapter used our fraternity house as a Venue with tight security to manage risk and used hosted an awesome social with Alpha Delta Pi.
  • Theta Chi had another successful “My tie” theme where every brother put a tie in a box and brought it to the sorority house where every girl grabbed a tie and found their date for a memorable social.
  • Last semester the active Chapter sold “We Love College” shirts with an OX incorporated into the word College. They sold these T-Shirts and Theta Chi “livestrong” style bracelets to all sororities and was a huge hit.

Fraternally,

Sam Runco
Chapter President

The State of the House

The House, Spring 2012

Our House at 630 w 5th St is in much better shape now than it was just a few years ago (see 1st floor remodel photos from 2009), but it’s still only half remodeled. Our major goal continues to be to raise funds to pay for the 2nd phase remodel – which could potentially happen in 2013 or 2014 if undergrads keep fill the house with renters each year and if collections rates of rent/dues remain high. The next remodel phase will include a total overhaul of the interior of the 2nd floor and attic – including the addition of a 2nd floor living room and commercial quality bathrooms. An exterior renovation would be nice, too, and if we can raise enough funds we will include that in Phase 2 as well – but our top priority is improving the interior living conditions, energy efficiency, and safety of the House.

This year the House is full of rent-paying brothers, which keeps cash flow positive, and allows us to stay focused on this remodel plan. Another lease year is starting soon, though (June, 2011), which means we have to get another 18 guys to sign leases ASAP, and stay in the black into 2012/2013. The undergraduate brothers have a number of options when it comes to living near campus, and that’s one big reason we’re working to make the Fraternity House nicer – to make it a more appealing option. In addition to making it a more desirable place to live, renovations will make the House a place that Alumni want to visit, a place that all Brothers want to hang out in, and maybe even someday a place that doesn’t make parents cringe.

Early estimates of the total cost of the 2nd phase remodel are between $200k and $400k. The more we can put down on a loan the better, but we’ll definitely need at least 20%. The 1856 Club monthly donation plan alone has gotten us $12,000 closer to a down payment on that loan, and if you sign up we’ll get there even faster.

Jeremy Reither, F’95
Alumni Treasurer

Fundraising: “Your money or your time”

This is what Eta Omega needs from you. Plain and simple.

We need your help.

We have completed the first phase of the house renovation and are gearing up for the second phase. This will complete the house renovation and make 630 West 5th Street the only house on campus specifically designed for the needs of a fraternity. The first ever on the Chico State campus. This will further ensure that Theta Chi is a permanent fixture on campus for generations to come.

This future is not certain.

If you cannot give time to the chapter then you have the option to donate money . Help secure your legacy at Chico. Here are your options:

  1. Join the “1981 CLUB” by pledging a recurring donation of $19.81 per month (in honor of the founding of the chapter in 1981):
    http://etaomega.org/donate1981/
  2. Make a Tax-Deductible Check Payable through CSU Chico
    Make payable to: UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION CSU CHICO
    Write on the memo line: THETA CHI
    Mail your donation to:
    University Development
    CSU, Chico
    Chico, CA 95929-0240
    Please let us know (alum.board@etaomega.org) if you send a payment to the university, as we don’t automatically get notified.

Theta Chi for life.

Ed Stone F’89
Alumni Fundraising Chairman

Upcoming Regional and National Events

Upcoming Eta Omega Events

29th Annual SF Giants Game: On May 20 last year, about 25 alumni gathered at AT&T park to tailgate and watch the SF Giants beat the A’s 2-1 with a run in the 10th inning. This was the 28th annual OX Giants game organized by Joe Silva. For details about the 29th annual 2012 game, including how to buy tickets from Joe, click here.

Riley’s Alumni Weekend (April 28, 2012): It’s is right around the corner. As most of you know we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary of the Eta Omega chapter this year. The Alumni Board will be hosting everyone at the House at 7pm for food , drinks and house tours. After that (8pm sharp) the group will walk over to a local watering hole (show up to find out which one) for a few rounds of drinks on us (the Alumni Corp). We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Hiddenbrooke Golf Course

1st Annual Golf Invitational (September 28, 2012 – Hiddenbrooke Golf Club, Vallejo, CA): The stage is set and this beautiful venue has been booked for US. Save the date and commit to locking this epic and long overdue Alumni event into your calendars. Alumni brothers, it’s time to connect with new, reconnect with old, and kick off an annual event that will undoubtedly create fresh stories and friendships in pure Eta Omega fashion. I assure you, this is one you won’t want to miss! RSVP on Facebook.

Bro News

The "Hula Tribe" Tough Mudder team

Big year for Paul Weinrauch (S’95) who got remarried on 11-1-11 to Danielle Weinrauch, and now has two stepdaughters 15 and 20. He also started a new job with Byram Healthcare in December.

Seven brothers from the 1990’s and 2000’s (Matt Zipse, Jeremy Reither, Bill Hu, Chris Perry, Josh Wolcott, and Kevin Brooks) did the Tough Mudder endurance event in Squaw Valley in September. 13 miles climbing the peaks and ripping it up with 6,000 other athletes. Most of them were on the “Hula Tribe” team with 23 total members. Watch their video on YouTube.

Jose & Allison Nunez

Bother Jose Nunez got married to Allison Renee Nunez on July 2, 2011.

Brother Matt Zipse (Spring 06′) received a promotion in his company and is moving to Denver in February.

Mike Dunbar (S’93) and family had a baby girl Giants fan, Madison B. Dunbar, born August 15th 2011. That makes 3 kids so far for the Dunbars, 2 girls and a boy.

Chris Boden

Brother Chris Boden and his wife Sarah welcomed their first child into the world this year. Congrats on the new baby girl Chris.

Scott & Eva Sederholm

A tribute to Scott Sederholm: Brother Scott Sederholm (Fall ’95) left us unexpectedly at the young age of 34. He had a beautiful heart and an infectious personality that he shared easily with family, friends and coworkers; his smile lit up the room. Scott enjoyed spending time with loved ones, had a deep appreciation for music, and liked the challenge of a good crossword puzzle. Scott was born in Santa Rosa and attended Strawberry Elementary, Slater Jr. High and Montgomery High School (Class of ’95). He joined Eta Omega as a freshman and was a very active brother throughout his time in Chico, holding multiple elected positions and playing on several sports teams. Those of us who spent time with him in Chico and the years after graduation know he was one of the most likable men you ever met. Most recently he worked for the Sonoma County Juvenile Hall as a Correctional Counselor – he always had a special way of connecting with young people. Scott will be dearly missed by those of us who knew him best; his beloved wife of only six months, Eva; their pets, Chuy and Buddy; mother, Linda; father, Dave; brother, Joe (wife Jenny; children Stella and Colby).

Your Alumni Board: Present and Future

Current Alumni Board of Directors

  • President – Tom Hyatt (Fall ‘93)
  • Vice President – Peter Smith (Fall ‘04)
  • Treasurer – Jeremy Reither (Fall ‘95)
  • Fundraising – Ed Stone (Fall ‘89)
  • Secretary / PR – John Wenger (Spring ‘06)
  • Chapter Relations – Andrew Chalmers (Spring ‘07)

Tom Hyatt and Ed Stone Stepping Down

The Alumni Board and entire Eta Omega Chapter would like to thank Tom Hyatt for his commitment to the preservation of our great chapter. For the past 8 years Tom has built a strong Alumni organization through hard work and leadership as our Alumni President. Tom has been an intricate part of our on-going remodel of the chapter house, including having personally installed a new bathroom himself a few years ago. Tom will continue to be a big part of Eta Omega, but has chosen to step down to focus on his kids, wife, and growing business. We all would like to wish Tom all the best. Thanks for all your hard work Tom!

Our current positive financial state would also not be possible without the hard work and dedication by brother Ed Stone. Ed took over fundraising responsibilities a couple years ago and helped bring in much needed funding for the chapter and the remodel, through the implementation of the 1981 Club monthly donation program. Ed will also be stepping down to focus on other personal priorities, so we wish Ed all the best and thank him for all his help in creating a financially viable Alumni Corp.

We Need Volunteers

The Alumni Board of is looking for motivated volunteers! Taking a position on the Alumni Board is great opportunity to reconnect with brothers, Theta Chi International, and the school, to help run a million-dollar-per-year non-profit organization, and to give back to the chapter than changed your life.

The obligations include one conference per quarter, a 2-year commitment, and whatever responsibilities you are willing to take on. If you’re interested and dedicated we’ll find a role for you. Send us an email if you want to nominate yourself or someone else: alum.board@etaomega.org

Keep in touch

Eta Omega in the News, November 2011

The Orion published a couple stories this month featuring Theta Chi, Eta Omega brothers…

Demonstrators take on violence in nighttime silence
“Between 200 and 300 people walked in silence Thursday night to spread awareness for those that don’t have a voice – women who have been raped or assaulted.” Read the article…

GREEK SPEAK >> Theta Chi (by Alan Barbour)
Greek Speak features a different voice from a member of Chico State’s Greek community each week. Read the article…

3rd Annual Theta Chi Golf Tournament Scheduled

Dear Theta Chi Alumni,

Theta Chi Fraternity at California State University, Chico is hosting its 3rd Annual Theta Chi Charity Golf Tournament. Our first two tournaments were a huge success raising a significant amount of money that went in part to help support local charities. In our first year we were able to make a generous donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Chico, and in our second year we were able to make a donation to Chico Green School. This year in order to build a stronger Chapter we will be utilizing our golf tournament earnings to send members of our fraternity to a National Leadership Conference.

Event Details & Registration: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/740993331

We are looking for sponsors and donors to help fund our tournament by donating either money or prizes for the check-in bags, raffle, and silent auction. For $50, your company’s name and logo will be put on a professionally made sign, which will be on display at a tee box for everyone to see. For $200, your sign can be displayed on every cart plus a sign on a tee box. We would appreciate any type of contribution you may be able to provide.

Our fraternity strives to achieve success academically, socially, and within our local community. Over the years we have participated in many philanthropic events such as Up ‘til Dawn to help fund cancer research, on-campus blood drives, and by winning the “Greek Week” title two years in a row recently. We are the largest fraternity on campus, and make every effort to be leaders in the community. We hope that you will consider helping this years tournament be the best one yet.

Thank you for taking the time to consider sponsoring (or donating to) our tournament.

Sincerely,

Brian Robinson
Tournament Director
brobinson16@mail.csuchico.edu
925-337-1989

Undergrads Launch New Website

Dear Alumni,

As of now we have developed a new Theta Chi, Eta Omega website [for the undergraduate chapter]! It will soon become the active chapter’s direct means of communication while providing new updates and important Theta Chi events that brothers are holding.  In addition, there are also two sections on the website for alumni and active brothers to sign up and be recognized as Eta Omega. I strongly encourage all alumni to sign up and register. Check out our new website and do so at www.chicostatethetachi.com

Sincerely,
Keith May-Davis (Alumni Relations)

P.S. The old chapter website (csuchico.edu/tc) is currently still up also, but we’re working with the university to redirect it to the new site.

Eta Omega Golf Tournament 2011

Dear Theta Chi Supporters and Potential Attendies,

Theta Chi Fraternity at California State University, Chico is hosting its 3rd Annual Theta Chi Fundraising Golf Tournament. Our second annual tournament was a huge success grossing about $10,000, which aided our fraternity in house maintanence and special events.

The tournament will include a round of 18 holes of golf, multiple contests on the course, a silent auction and catered tri-trip dinner following the tournament. The event will take place at the beautiful Tuscan Ridge Country Club in Paradise, California on May 14th, 2011 (click to sign up).

Our fraternity strives to achieve success academically, socially, and as well as in the community in which we live. We have participated in many philanthropic events such as Up ‘til Dawn, on-campus blood drives, and by winning the “Greek Week” title two years in a row. We are the largest fraternity on campus and make every effort to be leaders in the community.

We would greatly appreciate your participation in this event. The last tournament was not only a huge success financially, but it was extremely enjoyable as well. It will be a great opportunity to enjoy an all day outing with “brothers” and family and also support a cause that can affect everyone. This in turn will also be a great opportunity for our fraternity to show its supporters that we are a positive influence in the community.

We are also looking for sponsors and donors to help fund our tournament by donating either money or prizes for the raffle. For $50, your company’s name and logo will be put on a professionally made sign, which will be on display at a tee box for everyone to see. For $200, your sign can be displayed on every cart plus a sign on a tee box. For local businesses, we are also offering advertising space on our fraternity house, which is on the corner of 5th and Ivy in downtown Chico. We would appreciate any type of contribution possible. Thank you for taking the time to consider participating or sponsoring our tournament and we hope to see you out there.

Event Details & Registration: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/740993331

Sincerely,
Bryce Fennell
Head Tournament Director
bfennal@mail.csuchico.edu
Cell: 949-291-1932

Brian Robinson
Assistant Tournament Director
brobinson16@mail.csuchico.edu
Cell: 925-337-1989

Chico State, Greek System, and Eta Omega Quick Facts

Below is an excerpt from some “research” the alumni and undergrads did in 2009, regarding the fraternity house, and Greek Life at Chico State. The research was not scientific, and many of the numbers here are just estimates…but it’s still an interesting snapshot of the overall student population, the Greek population, and some key stats about Theta Chi / Eta Omega:

CSU Chico:

  • How many students are enrolled in the University/College?
    • Male: 7,000
    • Female: 8,000
  • How many students of the one’s enrolled our commuters?
    • Male: 500
    • Female: 500
  • How many students can be accommodated in University dormitories?
    • Male: 950
    • Female: 950
  • How many students are occupying dormitories this year?
    • Male: 800
    • Female: 850
  • How many people can be accommodated in private apartments or boarding houses within two miles of campus? 12,000
  • How many students are occupying these apartments or boarding houses this school year? 11,000

Greek System:

  • Number of national sororities on campus: 5
    • have houses: 5
    • average membership: 100
    • average capacity of houses: 13
    • average occupancy: 13
    • List: Alpha Phi, Alpha Delta Pi, Sigma Kappa, Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Gamma Delta
  • Number of national fraternities on campus: 11
    • have houses: 10
    • average membership: 30
    • average capacity of houses: 11
    • average occupancy: 10
    • List: Theta Chi, Sigma Chi, Delta Chi, Phi Kappa Tau, Alpha Gamma Rho, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Gamma Zeta Alpha, Sigma Nu, Sigma Pi, Lambda Pi

Theta Chi / Eta Omega Undergraduates:

  • Undergraduate chapter membership as of April 10 of each year:
    • 2009: 53+
      • Senior/Graduate Students 4
      • Senior 4
      • Junior 22
      • Sophomore 23
      • Freshman: 0
    • 2008: 50
    • 2007: 70
    • 2006: 40
    • 2005: 30
  • Pledges/new members in 2009: 23
  • Pledges/new members anticipated in 2010? 30
  • Percentage 2008’s pledges/new members initiated: 91%
  • Most recent chapter GPA: 2.6 (par with CSU Chico Men’s average)

Theta Chi / Eta Omega Alumni:

  • Year chapter chartered: 1982
  • Number of alumni: 700+
  • Number of alumni with good addresses: 350+
  • Date of incorporation: April 17, 1983
  • Number of years the current house has been used by the chapter: 25

Eta Omega Chapter House:

  • Year Built: 1895
  • Number of buildings: 2
  • Number of Rooms: 15
  • Number of Beds: 18
  • Number of parking spaces: 13′
  • Total square footage of land: 13,609 square feet
  • Approximate dimensions of land: 247’ x 55’
  • How many people does the occupancy permit allow to live in the building? 19 (17 in main house; 2 in back cottage)
  • Proximity to the University: 4 blocks (.4 mi)
  • Based on total available bed spaces, how many bed spaces have been filled over the past 5 years (total – as of the end of the first semester each year)?
    • 2009: 17
    • 2008: 17
    • 2007: 16
    • 2006: 17
    • 2005: 15
  • Read more about the chapter house…

Successful Alumni / Father's Weekend and Golf Tournament in Chico

by John Wenger

Brothers,

I am happy to report that Alumni Weekend / Fathers Weekend went off without a hitch. Everyone that came up last weekend seemed to leave town with a smile on their face. Overall Alumni Weekend brought roughly 300 Greek Alumni into town (not sure how many Theta Chi) and everyone seemed to have a blast.

Friday night the bars were packed, lines were long and drinks were flowing. Our fraternity house (surprisingly) stayed relatively quite during the night time with the occasional alumnus stopping by to take a look at the re-model.

Saturday the Active Chapter threw a Golf Tournament that included roughly 80 players in the field. Most of the field consisted of actives and their fathers, however, there were a handful of alumni participating as well. The tournament was a blast, the food was awesome, and the prizes for the raffle seemed to never stop! I encourage all alumni to try and participate in the tournament next year; you won’t be dissapointed. After the tournament the actives threw a party on 7th and Chesnut that included 5 to 6 beer pong tables, an open bar and Peter Smith running around trying to “Boat Race” everybody in the joint!

I’m sure a lot of alumni like myself, left Sunday feeling a little sub-par, but I’m sure everyone that attended will be back for more next year!

by Danny Kelchner

This past weekend, on May 1, we put on a Golf Tournament whose participants consisted of undergraduate brothers, their fathers and some alumni who were up in Chico for alumni weekend. Everyone enjoyed a day off golf at Tuscan Ridge golf course located off skyway. They were nice enough deal with us while everyone was drinking and having a great day of golf with their Dads or old friends. After everyone was done with their 18 holes we all met up for dinner and a Raffle of roughly 30 donated items (including a bicycle, a swiss army watch, gift cards, and more). Through everyone’s participation we raised $4,500 – a portion of which goes to Chico Green School. The event was not only a success but a blast for everyone who participated. We are already looking forward to doing the same thing next year and i hope you all will make the trip up and participate.

Chapter Denied Funds to Add Solar Panels on Roof

“Theta Chi recently applied for a grant through the A.S. Sustainability Fund Allocation Committee, but was turned down, said junior Cody Beratlis, house manager of Theta Chi. The $10,000 grant would have helped pay for solar panels on the roof of the fraternity [house].”

“There were eight total applicants for sustainability funding from various organizations on campus, four of which received funding…”

“The total amount of money requested for spring 2010 by all organizations totaled more than $43,000… the four that did receive funding came to almost $13,000 … there was nearly $76,000 allocated during fall 2009.”

Original article in the Orion

Orion Article Credits Eta Omega With Longevity

“Among other organizations that have lasted through the years is the fraternity Theta Chi, which has been in Chico for nearly three decades.

External Vice President Andrew Chalmers thinks they’ve made it so long because of the type of people they look for, he said.

“We’re all about bringing in men who are strong leaders that care about community involvement,” Chalmers said.

Having a cause and pushing to move away from a party-boy image are top priorities for Theta Chi, he said.”

Original article in the Orion

Undergrads Pull Off Successful Philanthropy to Help Stop Gun Violence

War of the Roses – Spring 2010

During the week of April 5th Eta Omega raised over $3,000 during a four day philanthropy called War of the Roses – to raise money for the Brady Campaign (an organization dedicated to stopping gun violence through sensible legislation). The event consisted of 5 sororities on campus (ΣΚ, ΑΦ, ΑΔΠ, ΑΓΔ, ΓΦB) competing amongst one another throughout the week on a multitude of events, with the men of Theta Chi split up evenly among the sororities as coaches. The event was created and spearheaded by Theta Chi Vice President Andrew Chalmers, who was inspired by the death of his friend in an unsolved shooting to raise money for the cause.

War of the Roses kicked off on Tuesday with a house decoration, designed to instill competitiveness, and points were awarded to the house with the best design. On Wednesday a “Theta Chi Carnival” fundraiser was hosted on campus – with a dunk tank, kissing booth, cotton candy, popcorn, snow-cones, and a booth where you could “Pie an AD Pi.” That event alone raised $550 for charity, and points were awarded based on creativity and money raised.

On Thursday there was a change drive on campus where each cent collected was worth 1 point. However, dimes and 5-dollar bills were assigned negative values, leading teams to pour money into each others collection jars! The day alone raised well over $1,000, and reactions from the campus community were great.

War of the Roses concluded on Friday with a powderpuff tournament and BBQ where concessions could be purchased, and the value of the concession purchased would be worth points for ones team. ΣΚ won the powderpuff game, and the entire event.

The whole week was filled with mostly sober fun, an alien concept to many Greeks at Chico State. Girls were excited to be a part of a competitive event for a legitimate cause, and the bros loved being at the center of over 400 competing girls. Despite it being the first event of its kind for Theta Chi, the week went extremely well and now that people know what to expect it will certainly be even better in the years to come!

Photos from the Event: