Howdy brothers! I hope you are all having a terrific fall. All 51 of our members have been having a great time at our chapter and really enjoyed seeing so many of you at Homecomings a few weeks ago, and we are all looking forward to finishing out the semester strong.
I am both sad and relieved to say that we have elected my replacement. Ryan Partridge, a third-year student studying Economics and Statistics, will begin his term at the start of the new year. Ryan is a quick thinker, a great leader, and a dedicated brother and friend who will represent our fraternity well in the upcoming year.
In my last report, I mentioned how I would be attending the Theta Chi National Conference in Vegas. Despite lack of luck (and proficiency) at the tables, I had a great time meeting with the executive members of Theta Chi and other universities’ chapter presidents. The recently elected executive board promises to fight for our fraternity in a climate very much against Greek Life. I also made connections with other Virginia Theta Chi’s (primarily Randolph Macon and ODU) and gave them advice on how we run our chapter while learning from their strengths and weaknesses.
On November 14, we host our annual fall Philanthropy event, Battle of the Bands. Four bands will be playing 30-minute sets at Boylan (on the Corner) to compete for a small cash prize while the rest of the money will be donated to On Our Own, a local mental health recovery center. Additionally, we were able to partner with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) and “IfYoureReadingThis”, a website that provides a platform for student mental health stories, so they will be advertising our event with us. All of the proceeds from the event will still go to On Our Own. Please see our other article in this newsletter for additional information.
Since the mid 1980s, Theta Chi has been involved in the life of a local Charlottesville resident, Martin Powell. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, Martin has never allowed his physical limitations to be limiters in his life. A passionate UVA fan who also loves classic cars, Martin has been a friend to our chapter and a special guest welcomed at our events for over 30 years. Martin joined the Paramount cocktail party with several of our brothers over Homecomings and was able to re-connect with his alumni friends from years past. We are truly humbled by the example that Martin sets for us, and amazed that so many of our alumni have touched, and been touched by, our relationship with Martin.
Rush is just around the corner, starting on January 18 and ending on February 3. We have already planned some fun events, including a trip to Northern Virginia for Top Golf and a Rotunda Dinner. I am certain that Ryan Partridge will be able to update you proudly on the results of our rush early next year. Know first or second year UVA students who we should meet during Rush? Please send me an email at rjc8kt@virginia.edu.
It has been a privilege to serve as President of Theta Chi at the University of Virginia. I am very thankful for all of the friends I have made and experiences I have had. I look forward to what is going to come for this chapter and these brothers.
James Childress ’19