June 2021
I’m happy to report that there are signs of restoration in retail life in Charlottesville. Outdoor seating at the downtown mall was moderately full, and several stores have taken the lull in activity to make improvements to their buildings. So, when you do return to Charlottesville, you will see some new storefronts, but happily, the same old White Spot on the Corner, under new management.
Large social gatherings were prohibited this spring, but it’s positive to finally see an end to the lockdowns and mask-wearing. Your board has been active in improving landscaping around the house, renegotiating our mortgage loan, and in fundraising for the Quent Alcorn Scholarship. And, even with a protracted rush schedule, the undergraduates were able to receive acceptances from 19 new members. See the reports below for updates in those areas.
Another sign of things being somewhat back to normal have been graduation ceremonies for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 these past weeks. Congratulations to those Classes that were able to finally walk down the lawn!
Unfortunately, limitations on in-person events prevented on-site Reunions weekends, so we were not able to hold our traditional Reunions Weekend Barbecue this June. To the Classes of -00, -01, -05, and -06, we hope those of you intent on celebrating your milestone can join us at the house to celebrate in June 2022.
On a down note, in late March, the brotherhood had a party off-site at a local facility known as Camp Albemarle. Unfortunately, having this party was in conflict with University Covid restrictions in effect at the time. Also, camp furniture was damaged during the evening. The brothers quickly reimbursed Camp Albemarle for the damage but the event did get reported to the University, and as a result, a University Judicial Council case was begun.
For the unruly behavior, furniture damage, and disobeying safety restrictions, the UJC penalized the house with one year social probation, written apologies, and a work project on University property. The house has appealed the penalties. We’ll send more information as soon as we have an update.
While this is disappointing, the house can still have normal rush activities in 2022, and the Alumni can continue to hold philanthropic and fundraising activities at the house.
Please send your feedback to any one of us on the board, and please visit our website at www.thetachiuva.com to stay updated on news and events. We hope to hear from you, and to see you in person in October.
Mike Jones ‘73