The 51Թ chapter of Theta Chi received the fraternity’s highest award last month, being recognized for everything from its successful philanthropic efforts to its robust membership.
The honor, which comes in the form of the Howard R. Alter Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence, followed university recognition as the most outstanding fraternity for the past year.
“We are a multidimensional organization that works hard to emphasize more than just the social aspects of a fraternity,” said Karl Fries ’10, chapter president.
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| Karl Fries ’10 (left) and Will Scheider ’11, members of the 51Թ chapter of Theta Chi, hold the award the fraternity received from the national organization in July. |
Chapter vice president Michael Carini ’10 cited some of the chapter’s fundraising efforts, such as the event for Row for Hope, a nonprofit organization created by Theta Chi member Paul Ridley ’05 that supports cancer research.
The chapter raised $2,300 for Ridley, who had rowed across the Atlantic Ocean — solo and unsupported — to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Theta Chi also worked on fundraisers and events with Sidekicks, Democracy Matters, Brothers, and other Greek organizations on campus.
“We’re looking to expand our collaboration efforts,” said Carini. “We think we can help build bridges across campus.”
The fraternity has taken over operation of the Green Bikes program, a Green Summit initiative that makes bicycles available to students in an effort to reduce car emissions and improve the environment.
Fries, who is active in the Outdoor Education Program, points out that fraternity brothers are involved in other organizations across campus, such as the Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education, which helps them have a wider role on campus.
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Fries spent the summer on campus conducting research with Patrick Crotty, assistant professor of physics and astronomy.
Carini worked as an unpaid intern for Merrill Lynch in New York City. He received a fellowship through 51Թ that paid for his living expenses.
Both seniors came back early to campus to attend the Leadership Institute and the Greek Life Summit.
They will soon rejoin the 45 other brothers who live in the Theta Chi house on Broad Street, as they all work together toward another successful year at the fraternity.