Tag: Alumni

Looking Ahead – Changes in the DZAA for the Coming Year

A lot has changed in the past year for the DZAA – a new website, regular Chi-Phi-2013outings every third Thursday, a golf tournament, an anniversary celebration, a re-dedication to buying a house, and so much more. It has been exciting to see this Alumni Association come back to life in so many different ways. And, as we continue grow, we’ll continue to see changes as we try new things – to see what works and what doesn’t, and ultimately, to find those things that best serve the Alumni and our Chapter.

And with growth comes change.

One change is our Association’s fiscal year. Previously, the fiscal year has always run from April 1st of each year through March 31st of the following year. In order to avoid any conflicts with major events (such as the Founders’ Weekend, which takes place each year in April), and also, to coincide with the fiscal year of the Chi Phi National Office, a vote was taken at the last meeting of the General Membership of the DZAA to change the fiscal year to July 1st through June 30th. This will help streamline the financial flow, particularly with two major events now occurring each year – Founders’ Weekend in April and the USF/Chi Phi Scholarship Scramble in October.

Another change is the addition of two new members added to the Executive Board for the DZAA – the Technology Chairman and the Archivist. Brother Clinton Millsap has already brought so much to the table in his “unofficial” capacity with the Board, but at the last General Meeting, the membership voted to make the Technology Chairman an official member of the Board, to be appointed by the other members. The other new member, the Archivist, has yet to be appointed by the Board.   The Archivist will maintain all of the DZAA records and history, and the Board is currently looking for someone to fill that position.

One more change that will come into effect on July 1st is the amount of dues that Alumni will pay to stay an active member of the DZAA. Previously, the cost of annual dues was only $25 per year, which amount has not changed in a long time – however, with the increased number of activities now being offered keep-calm-and-pay-your-dues-7throughout the year, as well as the additional benefits (such as t-shirts provided to all paid members for the annual Scarlet vs Blue softball game), it was determined that the best way to maximize the Association’s ability to continue offering activities and benefits to the Alumni at no charge or discounted rates was to increase the cost of annual dues. Thus, beginning with the 2014-15 fiscal year, the annual dues for each member will be $50, which become due as of July 1, 2014. But, with the increased membership dues comes more benefits and activities that the Alumni can look forward to!

Change is afoot, fellow Alumni, but it’s good change that will only lead the DZAA to bigger and better things!

Where Are They Now? – Bryan Callaway

Whatever happened to Bryan Callaway? Bryan Callaway It’s been more than 15 years since Brother Bryan Callaway pledged with the Tau class to join the Delta Zeta Chapter of the Chi Phi Fraternity back in the Fall of 1998 – but while he may have graduated in 2002 with a major in Biology and a minor in Military Science, he has never forgotten his Brothers and the time spent with Delta Zeta.  Although he’s still single (and loving it!), he hopes to one day settle down and have some kids.

Between the military and his current profession as an Aerospace Program Manager, Brother Callaway has moved all over the world – from San Antonio to Nashville, from Iraq to India, and even Brazil and Germany.  But of all the places he’s lived, he likes to call “Lower Slower Delaware” (or “LSD” as he refers to it) his home.  With all of his traveling, he has not had the opportunity to visit Florida as much as he would have liked; however, Facebook has been a great tool that has allowed him to stay in touch with his Chi Phi Brothers.

When considering what Brother(s) he misses the most, Brother Callaway admits it is a tough question.  “All of the Chi Phi Brethren treated me very well during my college years,” he states.  “From Rush Week to Graduation, and to this day!  Bryan Callaway - thenHowever, if I must pick, the following two Brothers stand out:  (1) Brother Mark Smith, my Big, who still lives in the Tampa Bay area.  I was able to meet him last year at Tia’s, and the conversation flowed like nothing had changed.  For those of you still in the Tampa Area, Mark continues to throw great parties via ‘After Dark Productions’!  (2)  Brother Mike Grafstrom, who still lives in the Tampa Bay area as well.  Mike was the Alumni Advisor for a majority of my active years, and he was always there to provide some words of wisdom, pick-up lines, or just a random joke at the most inappropriate times!”

Looking back at his years in college and with Chi Phi, Brother Callaway re-iterates the words of his fellow Alumni, Brother Quincy Banis, with a caveat:  “’The Fraternity showed me leadership and the real-world consequences.  It gave me confidence to go to my first unit, and it gave me experiences that I could relate back to when I was starting in the Army.’  Quincy couldn’t have stated it better.  The Fraternity is a bunch of 18-22 year old Alpha males experiencing the real world together for the first time.  Chi Phi taught me negotiation and social skills, along with integrity and moral character attributes that are required to succeed in all avenues of life.  Joining Chi Phi was one of the best decisions I have made in my life, as it prepared me to succeed in both the military and corporate business sectors after college.”