If you’re an Eta Omega active or alumnus, and you didn’t get today’s newsletter it means you’re not in the alumni board’s contact database. Contact us to ensure you get on the mailing list for future newsletters.

This past year, and especially the Spring semester, have been outstanding times for Eta Omega. Over the course of the year Theta Chi placed first in the campus-wide Greek Week philanthropy/competition, raised hundreds of dollars for hurricane victims, won the football championship, and most importantly increased chapter membership by 29 initiates! In the Fall semester alone we recruited 19 new men, setting us up to retain the ‘top house’ position on campus for the ’09-’10 academic year. In addition to these achievements Eta Omega has worked to become debt-free, paying off all amounts owed to the National Fraternity, and is working toward obtaining a new loan for a major house re-model.

A new executive board has been elected as well, consisting of Dustin Pesch as President, Joey Combs and Andrew Chalmers as Internal and External Vice Presidents, respectively, Ex-President Adam Shea as Treasurer, and Blayne Davis as Secretary. The new Executive Board and the chapter are committed to improving brotherhood and participation, and taking any necessary steps to obtain a loan to continue to improve our standing in the eyes of potential new members, the campus community, and the National Fraternity.

This upcoming year will boast as many if not more achievements as last year, and will be exciting for everyone involved – both active and alumni.

Cheers,

Andrew Chalmers
External Vice President
Theta Chi, Eta Omega Chapter

Eta Omega Alumni Update – Jan 2009

We’re Going Big 

Here it is – your annual e-newsletter, with updates from all the key players in the Eta Omega Alumni Board, the Active Exec, and “members at large.” Catch up on 2008, then tune in and chip in for a huge 2009.

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Alumni Prez Update  

The House Needs More than a Facelift

It’s been another successful year for the Chapter and the Alumni Association. We continue to build upon our successes and strive to achieve higher standards of excellence in the Community and in the eyes of the Theta Chi, National Fraternity. The chapter has come full circle since the re-organization, and we’re now working toward a total house re-model in 2009.

The ball is already rolling with the House Improvement Project. This plan has been discussed, as most of you know, for several years now, but the Chapter and the Alumni Groups are finally in positions where we have to move forward. It’s time to stop applying the band-aids to the house. In other words, pending loan approval, we are going to rebuild the fraternity house inside and out.

Brother Jeremy Reither and myself will be flying to Nashville, TN in March to present the loan application (along with architectual drawings, and a construction bid) to the National Fraternity Board of Directors. Your alumni board, alumni fundraising taskforce, chapter executive members, and representatives from National are all working very closely to make sure that this project is financially feasible and that we consider all re-model possibilities to maximize the usability, desirability, safety, and rent revenue potential for the house.

Both National and the Alumni BOD are pushing for a complete renovation that includes a centralized kitchen and dining area, living rooms on each floor, and many two-bedroom dorm-style suites with community bathrooms. Also on the table is a library/study room in the basement, laundry room, new siding/windows/drywall/electrical – I could go on. Although I can’t speak for National, I believe they recognize, as we do, that the house is in dire need of a re-model, and the safety and security of our undergrad brothers is at stake.

Although the loan application won’t be submitted until March, and the status won’t be known until possibly April, we are hopeful that we will get this much needed assistance from National. If all goes well, construction could begin as soon as May, 2009!

Thanks to Those Who Kicked Down in 2008

Thanks to everyone for their financial support and donations over the years. Top donation award goes to Brother Brian Flournoy for donating over 10k worth of roofing material and even more in man-hours in 2008. Snaps to you all for your contributions!
 
I want to thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to the fraternity. Brother Reither has continued to be a very active partner on the Board of Directors. We now have several committee’s that are active and filled with distinguished brothers from Mark Geenen, Ed Stone, Tyler Tycen, Chris Boden, and Willie Shoffner. Big thanks to previous board members as well – John Crenshaw, Torrey Sullivan, Matt Warmerdam, James Suver, Chris Livermore.

Get In the Mix

If you feel like you’d like to see your name among these, contact us us at alum.board@etaomega.org, and find out how you can help. It is easy to move on with our lives and forget about all the “great and meaningful times” we had during our tenure at CSU Chico. But it’s impossible to forget about “being Eta Omega” and all the connections and life skills you learned during your time as an active brother. Keep the legacy alive for future generations…after all, your son might be Eta Omega some day.
 
Brother Tom Hyatt
Fall ’93, Alpha Gamma
Alumni Board / President

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Active Prez Update

Strong and Getting Stronger

Now that I have been president for the last semester I’m starting to understand how to keep the chapter running smoothly like a ship. The most remarkable thing to happen to this chapter is the improvement in chapter communication. The exec board now uses a mass text message method of informing brothers about events and dates to remember. And this exec board makes themselves accessible to brothers at all times. The result has been better attendance at chapter meetings and an overall excitement to be a part of this great brotherhood that the founders made possible. This new and improved chapter has been like a snowball and things are getting bigger and better as we go along.

I’m hoping that we could reach the pinnacle by getting this loan for a new house, but chapter moral is high, and people respect the house and clean the place up. More brothers are getting involved with the chapter and extending that helping hand. 

Highlights from 2008

• Our chapter was selected of 10 eligible Theta Chi chapters to be on the undergraduate advisory committee which keeps close contact with national for ways to improve Theta Chi nationally.
• 10 new brothers were initiated which was the most pledges for all of the chapters in Chico.
• We won the championship for football and placed second in soccer.

• We won Greek Week for the first time in our chapter’s history.

• Thanks to the alumni donations to St Judes Research Hospital our school raised about $200,000 which made us the #1 school to fundraise money for the hospital, two years running.

Alumni Weekend Reminder

Alumni weekend is May 2nd at every alum’s favorite place in Chico: RILEYS! This alumni weekend is for all Chico Alumni so spread the word and make sure to get details from the Facebook event page.

Adam Shea
Undergrad / Chapter President

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Chapter Relations Update

How We See It 

The active chapter has experienced great success in the last year – with Adam Shea (chapter president) and a strong active exec leading the active chapter and working closely with key alumni. 2008 has been one of the most productive years in terms of chapter/alumni relations. The communication between the Active Chapter and the Alumni BOD is the best it has ever been, and the active chapter has taken a more responsible role in running the fraternity.
 
The alumni board and the active exec have regular conference calls, document the results of those calls, and follow up on action items to get things done. Simple changes, like creating “group e-mails” for the alumni  board and for the active exec board have simplified communications, and increased participation.
 
The actives have been as organized and on top of their responsibilities as any exec in recent memory. They’re managing the fraternity in an effective and responsible way, building morale, learning from alumni input, and participating in national conferences. There are a lot of young promising leaders in the chapter. The future looks bright for Eta Omega.
 
Peter Smith
Alumni Board / Chapter Relations

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Why Your Contribution Matters

We are in the process of applying for a $600K lower interest loan from IHQ which will retire our $200K existing higher interest mortgage and allow for a $400K renovation of the house. But with your help we can do more than just renovate, we can bring the standard of living at 630 W. 5th Street to a level that truly sets Theta Chi apart.

In our first year of the House Renovation Capital Campaign, we have a goal of 100 alumni stepping up and pledging $20,000. I am certain we can achieve and exceed this goal. But only if you participate by visiting etaomega.org/donate

Every Month each of us receive phone, mail, and email requests for financial assistance from organizations from your child’s school to the presidential campaign. The decision to provide financial support often depends on what impact that organization has had on the life of your family. Typically a college fraternity may not rank high on one’s list of charitable priorities, but if you take a minute to reflect on your Theta Chi experience, you may be surprised by how big a role the fraternity has had in your life.

Many of us met our future wives directly or indirectly through the fraternity. Some of our closest lifelong friends are the brothers we met in our late teens and early twenties at Theta Chi. And even as Chico graduates, our social circles often include Fraternity Brothers and their families. While at Chico, those few years in the fraternity continue to have a lasting impact on our lives today.
 
The alumni and undergraduates are asking for your support in our campaign goalThe active chapter has risen to their challenge by winning Greek week, excelling in sports, setting the academic bar for fraternities, by continuing to be the most desired fraternity with the top rush numbers (20 quality new men this past year), growing the total chapter size back to 50. Your individual campaign contribution does make a major impact on the future of Eta Omega Chapter as an institution of learning and an environment where young men can realize what it means to be a Theta Chi, Eta Omega.

There are no professional fundraising middlemen, just fellow alumni asking for your support. Donate by credit card or check now.

Campaign details are also available the website.

 
Ed Stone
Alumni Fundraising Chair

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Bro News & Secretary Updates

2008 was a crazy year for our bro’s! Many of us are settling down, starting families and businesses, and nearly 3 decades of Eta Omega alumni are taking the world by storm! Here are a few choice highlights from 2008:

• Brad Burrell (F’98) is getting married to Kristin Hylton of Walnut Creek on June 13th at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento.
• Rob Wurgler (F’86) works for ENTRIX offers a wide array of environmental management services such as: natural resource assessment, environmental damage assessment, regulatory due diligence (CEQA/NEPA), ecosystem restoration, and oil and chemical spill response. ENTRIX specializes in Water and Energy-related services, and is known in the industry for those two core service areas. For more information visit www.entrix.com or call Rob at (916) 386-3825.
• Hudson Tree (S’96) is still single
• Jeremy Reither (F’95) runs R3R, an internet marketing consulting agency, based in San Francisco. He is offering ‘friends and family’ rates to brothers who contact him and mention this newsletter before Feb 28, 2009. www.r3r.com
• Dan Campbell (S’96) is still not engaged.
• Matt Warmerdam (S’88) started a new career; personally mating and spawning giant corn-backed trout out of his house. His business is growing by leaps and bounds.
• Scott Harris (F’96) & wife Amanda had a baby girl named Emily…yes, he actually reproduced!
• Chris Perry (S’96) & wife Erica are expecting their second little one in March.
• Doug Osumi (S’88) interviewed and declined the Offensive Coordinator position for the San Francisco 49ers. He’s waiting for a head coaching position.
• Brian Flournoy (F’98) got engaged in Jan ’09 to Lisa Bothwell, looking to wed in early 2010. Brian also opened his own Business in 2004: Roofing Supply Group in Rocklin, CA. Roofing Supply Group is one of the leaders in the building products industry. www.rsgroof.com
• Chris Poncabare (F’97) and Chad Hinds (F’94) are both in the internet porn advertising business
• Mike Dunbar (S’93) is getting over his [edit], sprained his ankle while hiking Briones Park and is interviewing for a job in the [edit] industry.
• Chris Boden (S’96) will donate $10 to one of 3 charities whenever a bro calls or refers someone for a insurance quote: visit www.bodeninsurance.com
• Terry Sullivan (F’91) is going on tour with Sammy Hagar’s new band, Cabo Wabo Red.
• Ninous Hinaro (F’96) has tossed his name into the ring for the new Governor of Illinois.
• Tom Christy (S’98) and his wife Megan celebrated the first birthday of their son Cole on the 27th of January.
• Ryan Test (F’94) has started a snow plowing business in Boston, MA. He uses his hair to melt the snow.
• Ryan Esposto (F’95) has been sitting in front of his computer screen for the past 4 years straight…but he did move out of Chico, and into SF!
• Bill Hu (F’92) is still the most ripped Asian dude in the world!
• Eric ”EZ” Wright (S’98) got married May 08′ to Jen Sisselman of Newbury Park, CA. Currently living in Westminster, Colorado as of 2006, 20 min. north of Denver. He works as a field chemist for an environmental company (www.veoliaes.com)
• Bobby Andrade (S’94), married, two kids, lives in Kihei, HI. He’s a chef at a major hotel chain. He’s still under FBI investigation of the 1998 eyebrow shaving of Brett Gilbert.
• Josh Wolcott (F’95) & wife Elise had a baby girl names Ella. He finished a half marathon, but don’t worry he is still the major stake holder in Anheuser-Busch stock.

Can’t wait to see what great things Eta Omega does in 2009!!!
 
Chris Boden
Alumni Board / Secretary

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Quick Links

• EtaOmega.org (the official Alumni website)
• Donate Online
• Join the Alumni OX List (170+ members strong)
• Join the Eta Omega Facebook Group (85+ members strong)
• Contact Us

Here’s the deal…if you are in any position where you market your company this is the time to do so. If you started a company or own your business this is the time to let people know. If you just had kid, got married, divorced, or know someone that did let me know. The newsletter is a great way to get your new business seen and let old friends hear about how life’s going.

I know the majority of my business and the people I do business with are bros or referrals from brothers. Don’t let a chance for free marketing pass you by! I need updates by Wednesday the 28th. Send me the dirt!!!!

Send an email to chris[at]bodeninsurance[dot]com

Thanks,
Chris Boden

• Shane Pickett (S’87)
• Poul Willerup (F’89)
• Tyler Ticen (F’97)
• Brian Alt (F’98)

Update (7/25): A couple more guys stepped up recently…

• David Scotto (S’87)
• Ed Stone (F’89)

Way to go guys – thank you. Every dollar is going to pay off the re-roofing project that was just completed. But we still have a long way to go.

Time for everyone else to chip in. When we receive checks, we’ll give credit on this site, too.

Here’s the e-mail newsletter, by the way (minus all the fancy photos)…

Eta Omega Chapter Update
July 2008: Keeping the Momentum

Brothers, 

In 2007 we collected over $30,000 from alumni and celebrated our 25th anniversary. A dozen house projects including a complete remodel of the back cottage were completed. Meanwhile the active chapter had the highest rush numbers among all fraternities at Chico. Despite all the success we are not resting until the job is done. Theta Chi deserves a house worthy of its history and reputation at Chico State.

Big Goals More Achievable Than Ever
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The alumni corporation has embarked on the process of conducting a feasibility study to determine the cost of a total house remodel. The goal of this remodel is to gut the house and start from scratch. This would involve redesigning the interior to create an environment specifically tailored to the needs of our undergraduate brothers. Currently, actives view living in the house as a sacrifice. Our beloved house is significantly below par with regard to standard living conditions around the campus. Our objective is to make the Theta Chi house competitive housing where “living in the house” is coveted by the actives as well as profitable for the chapter. At the completion of this plan we should have increased capacity as well the ability to charge more competitive rates for rent while providing a living situation unlike any other on campus. However this endeavor will cost over $300,000. In order to do this we need your support.

Incredible Alumni Support
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Since 1982 Eta Omega has initiated over 700 members. Let me say that again, 700 members. We have the highest number of initiates of any Theta Chi chapter since 1982 and more than any chapter established back to 1972. This is unprecedented. That level of success inspires many to volunteer their time and resources towards our continued success. Like Jeremy Reither, who spent hundreds of hours in 2007 planning and executing last year’s alumni fundraiser and 25th anniversary celebration. Like Erick Sondeno and Jim Hull who worked countless hours managing the remodel of the back cottage. There are many others who could be listed as donating their time to keeping Eta Omega’s doors open. None of these individuals could have done this without those who made financial contributions.

Eta Omega Has Something Others Don’t 
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The Chico Greek culture has undergone numerous changes and challenges since many of us left campus. There have been a number of chapters who have come and gone. Chapters that have either died out or had their charters revoked include TKE, Delta Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Lambda Chi Alpha, ZBT, Pi Beta Phi, and Pi Kappa Phi. There are some new houses on campus including Sigma Pi, Alpha Delta Phi, Alpha Phi, Sigma Chi, and Kappa Sigma (in process of colonizing). The reason I point this out is that some of the closed chapters were once strong and now they no longer exist. Those that folded all had one thing in common; they each lacked alumni involvement.

Those of us involved with the fraternity in our postgraduate years have learned that many if not all of the strong chapters nationwide have continued success due not to their location on campus or their Greek Cup standings but from the strength of their alumni. Alumni play a pivotal role in guiding, mentoring, supporting, and assisting the undergraduates in the management of many aspects of the house corporation.

What Kind of Alumni Are You? 
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Continued success is having a model for others to follow. What kind of alumni would you have liked while an undergraduate?  You have the opportunity to be that person and be a part of something truly great.  A donation today is the way to start.
 
Funds raised this summer will put us one step closer to a house fitting the Eta Omega chapter, specifically, a new roof and rain gutters. The work is already underway, in anticipation of donations to help pay for it.
 
I am asking each and every one of you who receive this letter to be a part of Eta Omega history and contribute today. Every man counts and no donation is too small.  ”We are only as strong as our weakest link” could not be truer as alumni today than when you pledged. Please send the most generous gift you can, as soon as possible…and forward this newsletter to your pledge brothers!

How You Can Help: 

Make a pledge online at www.etaomega.org/donate/
                -OR-
Mail a check, payable to ‘Theta Chi Alumni’ to:

                Theta Chi Alumni
                c/o: Jeremy Reither
                2269 Chestnut Street, #907
                San Francisco, CA  94123

Fraternally,
Ed Stone (F’89) – Alumni Fundraising Chairman

Quick Links…
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EtaOmega.org (the official Alumni website)
Donate Online
January 2008 Newsletter
Join the Alumni OX List (165 members strong)

Fundraising Board Members
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Ed Stone  (F’89) – Alumni Fundraising Chairman
Mark Geenen (F’80) 
Brian D. (F’82)
Tyler T. (F’97)
Jeremy Reither (F’95) – Alumni Treasurer

For OX List members, the 2008 newsletter is also available on the OX List Yahoo Group (under “Files”).