Pi Kapps for Life
Alumni Chapter strengthens ideal of lifelong brotherhood
By Adam Nekola
February 16, 2009
For the refounding fathers, brotherhood was a certainty. But then graduation came - the real world beckoned. Suddenly the youngest alumni of the Upsilon Chapter began to feel disconnected. From the chapter, from each other.
Only a small group of alumni were still involved. Some served on the Housing Corporation, while others were on the Board of Alumni Advisors - but in these facilities they were there to serve the chapter. There was no group, or position, that could adequately strengthen the alumni base.
That's when the advisors began looking into the formation of an alumni chapter.
"We felt that a third alumni group was the strongest options," said Gene Gianotta (Y1030), a 2007 Illinois graduate.
A third group seemed right for Upsilon for several reasons.
The first is to maintain the brotherhood that is developed during a brother's undergrad years. It solves the disconnect that recent alums are beginning to feel. Moreover, starting the organization now will prevent that from happening as brothers continue to reach alumni status.
The Housing Corporation had been inadequate in this facility since the new house was constructed. The bills were a heavy burden and required much effort. The Alumni Advisors did not exist to be a proactive group - they were appointed by the undergrads.
Another reason it to help the chapter.
"It will help to coordinate better with the undergrads on their alumni relations efforts and hopefully build a strong foundation of support for the chapter which it can count on for years to come," Gianotta said. "Hopefully, that will be a great resource for them."
The alumni chapter could help with homecoming - both with planning and attendence - and could take over the newsletter program. The intent is to help encourage older alumni to become involved.
With greater attendence and participation by alumni, Gianotta hopes they would serve as an example to the undergrads.
"Alumni involvement is important because it shows how seriously those who have come before take the concept of a lifelong commitment, and so it serves as a model for them through college and after," he said.
Additionally, it will show that alumni exist for more than donating money.
It is no secret that undergrads hope to get donations from alumni. Although fundraising may become an aspect of the alumni chapter, the networking benefits alone will help the chapter during recruitment.
"We already have about 30 alumni since the chapter was re-founded, as well as over 600 living alumni across the country that I'd like to reach out to. So, I see no reason why we can't have 50-75 members at least by the time we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Upsilon in 2011," Gianotta said.
He and the others starting the organization are already eying key alumni recruitment dates. The first, to be celebrated at the next Homecoming, is the fifth anniversary of the chapter's refounding. By this point, Gianotta hopes to have all of the alumni since refounding as part of the alumni chapter. His goal for 2011 is much more grand.
"I see 2011 as the goal line for our efforts and I want to do whatever we can to build enthusiasm and excitement across the greater Upsilon brotherhood so we cross a threshold that will ensure many, many years of success as a fraternity of leaders and men of CLASS, from freshman year into the golden years," he said.
With a functioning alumni chapter, brothers can look forward to events like Founders' Day dinners, bar trips, golf outings, an alumni football block for Fighting Illini games, the Rose Ball, and, of course, Homecoming. Events will be located across Illinois.
"As time goes on we will expand our programming calendar and the range of benefits for alumni brothers who are active members," Gianotta said.
Right now the possibilities are endless for Upsilon. Pi Kappa Phi itself started with three men and their dream, while the recolonization at the University of Illinois began nearly the same way.
For Gianotta and others, the Alumni Chapter is the final step to ensure that Pi Kappa Phi's strength will endure forever.