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October 06, 2003
Consul's Word: October 5th
Brothers,
A lot has been happening since the last Consul’s Word and it is with great pleasure that I inform you of all the great things that have happened. In early September we had a brotherhood retreat led by Brother Dick Hester. We also had the help of a few distinguished alumni such as Matt Trapp, Frank Dale, Pedro Cuervo, and Ryan Adler. (Yes, I called Adler distinguished) Over the intense day and a half retreat, those brothers that were in attendance learned quite a bit about each other and about the Fraternity. We formulated a few ideas and goals for the Chapter and we look forward to accomplishing those by May.
Immediately following the retreat recruitment for fall 2003 began with a small gathering in Memorial Hall with wings, pool, ping pong, and college football. Phil Morris, the Recruitment Chair, has done an excellent job of bringing in five young men to the pledge program, with expressed interest from several others for the spring. In the first few weeks of pledging, Brother Ackerman, the Magister, has set the tone for initiating these five fine men by laying out their obligations and conducting an exemplary pledge program.
As pledging started, so did the 14th annual Derby Days. It started out strong Sunday night with the participating teams showing each other what they were made of, at least through their voices, at the kick-off in the Great Hall in the Union. We also finished just as strong at the date auction Saturday night at the Elk’s Lodge, where we raised $1928.25, averaging $55 per brother. Overall, we estimate that we have raised well over $3000. Gamma Phi Beta once again won both the Sorority title and the overall title with Lankenau 2 North winning the Independent title. This was an amazing end to the week. All of can be proud of the Brothers for conducting themselves as high-minded men and gentlemen throughout the entire week.
To finish the busy month of September, we had homecoming the week of September 29 through October 5. As usual, we enjoyed the homecoming week festivities. Friday we were rained out as we attempted to host a BBQ on our property. Saturday morning, I hear a few of the alumni brothers and the undergrads once again went to Eastgate Fields for sunrise football. I for one slept in, even though my big brother Toddy tried to wake me up. They tell me the undergrads won the game though. So kudos to the undergrads that played. Later that morning the Housing Corp had a meeting and gave a very positive report on the possibilities of purchasing a house for the Chapter. It wouldn’t be recognized by the University, but it would be something that none of have had in a long time, since the gray house, and that is a house of our own. The Educational Foundation also gave a presentation concerning the scholarships that are going to be handed out at Parent’s Day, October 25th. Saturday evening, we had our Homecoming Date party at Casa Del Roma. Thanks to Jeff Borchardt for planning and running all of the Homecoming activities. The dinner was excellent, the girls were and still are beautiful and it was good to see the high number of alumni there. It was a great evening.
Sunday we wrapped up the weekend by having Chapter at noon and having the alumni show their support by attending. It’s always good to have the “old” guys there to bestow their wisdom upon all of us. Alumni, you are always welcome.
It has been a long month and I for one can’t wait for Fall Break. In the next few weeks, I encourage the brothers to step back, focus on your studies and finish the first half of the semester strong. Our pledges are nearing the halfway point of the pledge program and they should be our focus. We will continue to recruit Sigs all year long. We will continue to lead Greek life, despite not being the largest fraternity on campus by numbers. We are Sigs, and we are proud to be Sigs. Share that pride with those around you.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
Matt Wallace
Consul
Matt.Wallace@valpo.edu