Midterms recently marked the halfway point of the semester, and I am glad to use this opportunity to provide an update:
Social Chairs Ian Donnellan (Col ’26) and Ryan Seidensticker (Col ’26) have orchestrated a hugely successful social calendar, starting with the “Block Party”. Block Party is an enormous open party that takes place the length of Wertland Street, with the Phi Satellite house (200 14th Street) sitting at the epicenter. We had previously identified this event as an opportunity to take advantage of 200’s great location. We hired a band, which not only drew a great crowd but also made a terrific first impression on potential new members, and we obtained the names of many potential rushes as a result. The social and pre-rush momentum continued into “Splashdown”, our annual Darty (Day Party) featuring waterslides and snow cones in the front yard of the Phi House. Finally, our most recent event showcased “Spoonfed” – the Phi Society band featuring Will Sevy (Col ’22), Kevin Cox (Engr ’22), and Kieran O’Dell (Col ’24) – which drew an enormous crowd. The brotherhood is excited for “Hall-o-Rave”, the annual Halloween party.
The brotherhood also took a weekend away from Charlottesville for the Lake Formal. Brothers and their dates piled into their cars and drove to McDowell, VA in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a town whose population was temporarily doubled by our presence. We took the opportunity to get down to the river, play yard games, organize an inter-pledge class kickball game, and enjoy a weekend together off-Grounds. A class of 2022 alumni told me before he graduated that “trips with the brotherhood are the best memories [he] made in college,” and Lake Formal backed up his claim. We look forward to continuing this new tradition for years to come.
Brotherhood engagement and house presence have been bolstered by the many renovations to the house, which include a fully renovated 2nd floor bathroom (with a heated floor!!), all new windows and blinds, new furniture in the chapter room, freshly painted walls and most importantly, an HVAC system that actually works!! This semester also marks the return of our chef to the house kitchen who previously cooked off-site and delivered meals to the house. Brothers living in the house, as well as many second and fourth years have made a habit of enjoying dinner together several times a week.
The brotherhood is extremely optimistic about our rush prospects coming into spring semester. Our efforts to get to know first-years that are considering rush have paid off; we have almost 100 potential new members already signed up and excited to come by during rush. We are energized by the number of potential new members who have clicked with the actives, and a sizable hotlist has already begun to take shape. The Rush Committee has created a rush schedule tailored to highlight the strength of our brotherhood. First round events will give us a chance to show off One University Circle with events like “Around the World” – when every brother’s bedroom is decorated with a theme from a different country, with appropriately themed beverages served. The second round will focus on creating great experiences, such as renting out Bold Rock Brewery, with an axe-throwing contest (maybe a new IM sport?). This gives brothers a great opportunity to get to know rushees and make strong impressions. Rush will conclude on a strong note with a steak dinner at the Fitzroy.
Finally, we have continued to host alumni at the house, including University sponsored 5-year reunions and a breakfast reception at the house during Young Alumni Reunions/Homecomings. The strength of our alumni network is unique amongst fraternities at UVA. Your engagement and support are highly appreciated by the active brotherhood. We look forward to greeting you at our upcoming alumni events or as several 2014-15 graduates did a few weeks ago, anytime you are in town and feel like knocking on the door.
Yours in the Bond,
Sam Moran (Engr ’26), President