September 26, 2007

Dear Alumni and Supporters,
            I would like to introduce you to the first monthly e-newsletter produced by New York Epsilon.  We will be writing this along with the bi-annual newsletter sent out in the mail to keep you up to date on all events and information involving our chapter.

Alumni Weeknd: Oct 19-21, 2007
LAE/NYEP Alumni weekend will be October 19-21 this fall. It coincides with RPI's Homecoming and Family Weekend, so there will be lot's of interaction.  Check out the alumni page for more details of the weekend.  We will be kicking off the SAE2011 task force team to revist the work of the SAE2000 work done in 1989 and revisited in 1999.  As we burn our last mortgage, it is time to set the strategy to bring us to 2011 and beyond.  

Leadership School
The 72nd John O. Moseley Leadership School was held on Carnival cruise lines for the second year in a row.   We had 7 brothers in attendance, 6 delegates and 1 ambassador.  Various seminars were held on chapter management, pledges education, and recruitment as well as daily chapter meetings.  NY Epsilon received the chapter achievement award, and the brothers learned what needs to be done to bring home other awards next year.  The brothers returned with a renewed vigor and hope to instill the lessons learned to the chapter throughout the semester.

Brother Retreat

NY Epsilon kicked off his semester with a brother retreat at Grafton State Park.  We had 32 brothers in attendance consisting of both in house and out of house brothers.  The day included trust building activities as well as volleyball and a BBQ.  We finished the day up with a gavel passing and headed home to cool down.  This was a great start to the semester.

Work Week
The brotherhood had a great start to the year with such a successful work week.  The house looks phenomenal for rush and alumni/parents weekend.  It was scrubbed, cleaned, and repaired which, once again, establishes ΣAE as the nicest fraternity house on campus.  We had a new electronic lock system installed on the exterior along with a fully lit parking lot for security.  Contractors also repaired the grand staircase banister for aesthetics and safety.  The gardens were re-mulched, the parking lot was sealed, and we even purchased a new volleyball net.  Fresh coats of paint were put in the garage, servants’ quarters, and on the basement floor.  New lighting was installed in both of the study rooms for a better academic atmosphere.  Patches were made to the roof and gutters were rerouted to prevent basement flooding.  Everything from the lions to the kitchen, from the third floor to alumni hole is in great condition and is a physical representation of the brotherhood’s zeal.

Fight Night
What better way to relieve tension than watching a fight?  Following the Luau rush event, the TV and couches were moved into the chapter room for an entertaining night of UFC fighting.  Rushes and Brothers crammed in to witness the intense action as well as get to know each other a little better.  This was an excellent event for Rush and for the Brothers.

Community Enrichment Dinner
The 2007 Community Enrichment Dinner brought together RPI staff, rushes, brothers, and neighbors of 12 Myrtle Ave.   About 85 people were in attendance for dinner under a tent on our front lawn.  Neighbors were invited to share their thoughts on ou r position in the neighborhood, and RPI administrators were recognized for their excellent work on campus.  This year, the dinner included the presentation of a $1,535 check to Nicole Stack of the Children's Miracle Network.  She was pleased to accept the donation on behalf of the children, and is looking forward to working with us in future events for the Children's Miracle Network.

Hypnotist Fundraiser
The brothers of New York Epsilon are proud to present one of the nation’s leading hypnotists, Jim Wand.  Saturday, November 17th, Jim Wand will be performing on the RPI campus.  Tickets can be purchased for $10 and all proceeds will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network.  Questions and ticket requests can be directed toward Adam Rivard by email (rivara@rpi.edu) or phone (860)798-8837.

Farkouh Field Day
Sigma Alpha Epsilon's 19th annual Farkouh Field Day, held in memory of Donald Farkouh, was a great success.   The event brought about 45 children from the surrounding area to participate in a free carnival at Anderson Field on the RPI campus.  Children were entertained with a dunk tank, bounce house, cotton candy, a barbeque, face painting, crafts, and other carnival games with prizes donated by The Party Warehouse of Albany and RPI's Dean of Students Office.  The weather was beautiful, and the children really enjoyed themselves.

Fraternally yours,

Adam L. Rivard
Eminent Deputy Archon
rivara@rpi.edu
(860)798-8837