Author: Chi Phi DZAA

Alumni News – Celebrating Christmas with the DZAA

This year’s Christmas party was a smashing success!  Jon DeJongh was gracious enough to open his home to the DZAA, and with the Christmas tree, the lights, the stockings hung by the chimney with care – it definitely got everyone into the holiday spirit!

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Brothers David Ebner, Kyllan Purdon, Todd Latoski, Clinton Millsap, Jon DeJongh, Sam Shah, Will Ruff, John Baker, Chris Hopkins, Joshua Cleveland, Alex Petrilak, Matthew Whitney, and Thomas DelliBovi, along with several spouses and dates, shared some food and drinks as they celebrated the holiday in true Chi Phi-style!  Everyone had the opportunity to catch up with one DSCN3005another, reminiscing about the “good ol’ days” and compare notes on the present and plans for the future.

All of the Brothers were glad to have Brother Baker home from duty, and he proudly shared photos of his son and recently-born daughter.  Our illustrious host, Brother DeJongh, humblyDSCN3004 accepted praise for all the renovations to his house (those who were there will understand that one!), while Brothers DelliBovi and Watts carried on some serious discussions in the dining room and Brothers Shah and Millsap sat back on the couch, relaxing and chatting as the party headed into the night.  The members of the Alpha Mu class who were present got together for a quick snapshot, looking back on the days in the Chapter on campus.

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Of course, no Chi Phi Christmas Party would be complete with a gift exchange, and this year was certainly no different.  Following pin order (well, with one minor exception), the Brothers exchanged their Secret Santa gifts, with some surprises, some shocks, some sighs of satisfaction, and some “my Brother didn’t show up, so I’ll get to keep what I bought him!”  Everyone was quick to open their gifts, and for those left wondering what exactly each brother got…well, let’s just say you had to be there…

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As the time grew late, the Brothers slowly began to head home, taking their gifts – and their new holiday memories – with them.  For those who missed the party, well, you missed out on a truly special Chi Phi occasion, and we hope to see you at next year’s!

In the News – Recognizing the DZAA

Every year, Chi Phi’s National Office recognizes Chapters and Alumni Associations across the country in many different areas.  Each spring, applications for the awards are posted to the Chi Phi website, and the applications are reviewed and awards are presented each year at Congress.  Below are some of the awards for which an Alumni Association can be recognized:

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI NEWSLETTER AWARD:  outstanding2This award is given annually to no more than three Chapters based upon the following criteria – (1) at least two newsletters published annually; (2) content timely and appropriate; (3) positive alumni response to the newsletter; and (4) quality organization, accuracy, and arrangement.

OUTSTANDING WEBSITE AWARD:  This award is given annually to the Chapter with the best website.

THE WILLIAM M. BYRD ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD:  This award, named for Brother William M. Byrd, Nu 1953, a former Grand Zeta and Trustee, is presented each year to the Chi Phi Alumnus who has best distinguished himself in activities and service on behalf of the Fraternity.

CHAPTER ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD:  Awarded annually, this award recognizes the top Chapter Advisors of all Chapters within the Fraternity.  Nominations come from the Chapters themselves.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR AWARD:  This award recognizes the Chapter Alumni Association that has done an outstanding job in supporting an undergraduate Chapter, providing benefits of membership to that Chapter’s Alumni, and promoting the mission of the Chi Phi Fraternity.

ServiceCHI PHI FRATERNITY – DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:  This annual award recognizes Chi Phi Brothers who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of service to the Fraternity in terms of numbers of years and throughout the previous year.

CHI PHI FRATERNITY – CRONKITE CONGRESSIONAL AWARD:  The Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. Chi Phi Congressional Award is the most prestigious individual honor the Chi Phi Fraternity can bestow on an Alumnus.  It is given for humanitarian, social, or political achievement which benefits our country, educational system, or society.  The Cronkite Award is reserved for Alumni who have made a profound impact on humanity while exemplifying the highest ideals of the Fraternity.

There are a number of opportunities for our Alumni Association to be recognized, and while spring is still several months away, it’s never too early to begin thinking about what awards the DZAA may be eligible to receive.

As we near the end of 2013 and look back over the year, 1659563let’s consider the ways that the Alumni Association has grown…the ways that the Alumni have given back to the community…the ways that the DZAA has reached out to its members and kept them updated and informed…the ways that the Association has supported and encouraged the Active Chapter – then, let’s look forward to all the opportunities we will have in 2014 to do all of that and more!

Social News – Secret Santa Gift Exchange

It’s almost time, gentlemen!  This Saturday (December 14th) is the DZAA’s Secret Santa Gift Exchange.  The party will be from 8 pm until 11 pm and will be held at the home of Jon DeJongh.  All Alumni are encouraged to attend, and wives/girlfriends/fiancées/partners/significant others are welcome and invited!

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This year’s event is a “drink exchange” – everyone who indicated they would be participating should have already received your Secret Santa name (if you have not, contact Kyllan Purdon immediately).  During the party, the gifts will be exchanged and each Brother will have the opportunity to enjoy a drink from their gift right then and there.  It should certainly make for an entertaining evening.

Remember that this is a holiday bash413A+IbpJ+L__SY300_, so be sure to dress accordingly.  This event will take the place of December’s Third Thursday event.  The regularly scheduled Third Thursdays will resume in January.

We look forward to seeing everyone there, and remember – HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!