Hello brothers! My name is James Troiano, and I am the newly elected undergraduate President. I hope that 2022 has been off to a good start for everyone; I know it has been successful on the undergraduate side.
I am pleased to say that the chapter has completed another successful rush despite online limitations, resulting in 21 accepted bids. Our Rush Chairmen, Carlos Godoy ʼ23 and myself, adapted to several changes in IFC policy. Approximately 920 University men rushed this year, an increase compared to the recent past. Over half of men in the class of ʼ25 have joined the fraternity system, highlighting the health of University of Virginia’s Greek life. Theta Chi Xi Chapter’s new pledge class is extremely promising, and we look forward to witnessing their accomplishments.
As of this past fall semester, Xi Chapter has thankfully been able to resume regular in-person gatherings with Martin Powell, our honorary brother. Martin was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, but he has never allowed his physical limitations to define him. Thanks to alumni support, we have ample funds for over a semester of regular lunch dates, sporting events, and more with Martin. We are eager for our new pledge class to develop their own relationships with such a cherished member of the Theta Chi Xi Chapter family.
Last semester, our Philanthropy Chairs, Ryan Fruewirth ʼ22 and Niketas Koussis ʼ22, successfully coordinated a Corner Crawl that raised over $3,000 for On Our Own, a peer-run mental health recovery center in Charlottesville. Our current Philanthropy Chairs, Niketas Kouissis ʼ22 and Ryan Schmitt ʼ23, raised over $800 for the same cause through a Trivia Night at Boylan Heights. They are working on several new and exciting ideas including bringing a petting zoo to 600 Preston Place this semester.
The undergraduates are also eagerly anticipating Parent’s Formal on the weekend of April 2, organized by Andrew Novatney ʼ24 and Campbell Bright ʼ24. We are lucky to have booked Mount Ida Farm, a scenic venue and the perfect place to share a time-honored Xi Chapter tradition with our parents.
With the spring semester ramping up, most of our in-person traditions, formerly called off due to gathering restrictions, have resumed. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be Xi Chapter’s President during such an exciting time and look forward to updating everyone on our chapter’s activities and accomplishments.
Fraternally,
James Troiano ʼ24