I hope that everyone enjoyed a pleasant start to the New Year as winter disappears and spring draws near. My name is John Goodyear ’22, and I am a third year from Alexandria, Virginia who was elected to serve as the Zeta’s Grand Master for the Spring and Fall of 2021. Serving with me on the Executive Committee this year are Ryan Ramirez (Grand Procurator), Ben Schubert (Grand Master of Ceremonies), Harrison Clark (Grand Treasurer), and James Roberts (Grand Scribe). As we proceed through this difficult semester, we as a chapter would like to provide you with an update on our current affairs as well as detail our goals for this spring.
Despite going through an unconventional Fall Semester, the Chapter was able to see philanthropic and academic successes. In the year 2020, we were able to raise over $3,000 for the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation for mental health awareness through a social media philanthropy campaign and a wildly successful in-person event pre-pandemic. Additionally, the Chapter has maintained its position in the Top 10 Greek Organizations by GPA with a 3.86 cumulative Grade Point Average. We also boast countless men involved in essential organizations across Grounds – including Student Council, the University Judiciary Committee, Cavalier Daily, Navy ROTC, Madison House, Reformed Christian Fellowship, Hullabahoos, Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, WXTJ Student Radio, Virginia Consulting Group, Alternative Investment Fund, and too many others to name. We also boast brothers who compete on the Club Lacrosse, Golf, Squash, Spikeball, and Crew teams.
As we all know, the Coronavirus pandemic has redefined many aspects of our lives and the college experience as a whole, which creates considerable uncertainty for the Spring of 2020. McCormick Hall will remain open under guidance from the school’s administration, and we can assume that the social landscape will closely resemble last semester. With formal rush having concluded, we are looking forward to hosting a variety of COVID-safe events in and around the Charlottesville area. We are excited to soon initiate a new pledge class of active and eager young men to sustain our trend of stellar University involvement, academic achievement, and personal conduct.