September 23, 2008

To update the active chapter's activities in the recent months, this report is provided by the current President, Bobby Grangier

Rush for the Fall '08 semester resulted in 15 new Pledge members and a move to a 10-week pledge education program

Spring Week, 2008:  ZO placed third in the tandem race and was first in the track meet activity

Intramural Sports:  ZO is currently the reigning champion in:  Frisbee, Basketball, and Softball. 

Grades were .1 point higher during the Spring semester and the chapter combined GPA is higher than the all-men's average

Spring Awards: Congratulations to the following active members for receiving a variety of awards and recognition in the Spring semester:

               Trailblazer:  Cody Barlow

               Outstanding Fall '07 and Spring '08 Outstanding Pledges:  David Walters (Fall) and Cameron Engle (Spring)

               Outstanding Junior: Bobby Grangier

               Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award: Stefyn Keifer

               Greek Man of the Year: Ryan Royer

               Overall Chapter Management: Philanthropy

Campus Leadership and Involvement:

              Ryan Royer, Student Government Vice-President

              Bobby Grangier and Brad Wiltermood, Interfraternity Council Executive Board Members

              Matt Williams: Team Sycamore Racing Vice-President for Public Relations

              Nick Ferrell: Director of Finance for the Student Government Association

In addition to being named a True Merit Chapter at the recent ATO Congress in Louisville, the active chapter was recognized with awards in:

               Campus Leadership & Involvement

               Recruitment

               Ritual

               Upper Alpha Board of Trustees Award 

To: Zeta Omicron

From: John Newton, Chapter Advisor

Date: May 21, 2008

Re: Chapter Annual Report 

This has been an outstanding year for Zeta Omicron as demonstrated by the Chapter’s campus leadership, new member recruitment, retention, alumni relations, community service and chapter operations. I have enjoyed the Brothers company and been proud of their accomplishments.

Campus leadership was a hallmark for the Chapter, which received the Campus Leadership Award during the Greek Honors Convocation in April. Much of this can be attributed to the Leadershape experience provided through ATO. Of the three men who attended last summer, Bobby Grangier became WM, Ryan Ross was elected VP of SGA and Brad Wiltermood became VP of IGC. Also AJ Patton completed his second term as SGA President, Nick Ferrell is Treasurer and Matt Williams is an SGA Senator.

The Chapter recognized three graduating Seniors (Michael Tom, Cameron Engle and Steffyn Kieffer). All graduated with honors and Steffyn received the Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award presented to the top four seniors in the graduating class. At our annual Greek Awards, we as a chapter received 4 awards, individuals receiving awards were David Walters for (Fall Pledge of the Year), Ryan Royer (Greek Man Of the Year), Cameron Engle was (Spring Pledge Of the Year). John Newton was also named advisor of the year. In addition, Todd Byram, Caleb Kester and David Walters are Gongaware Scholars in the College of Business and were recognized by the College for their leadership and academic achievement.

Twenty-three men accepted bids during the year and twenty-one completed pledgeship. This was a nice increase over recent years and when coupled with the graduation of only three Brothers our numbers look very good for the coming year. We also have an “overflow” situation in housing for this next semester. Our meetings start promptly at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday’s, the executive board consists of Worthy Master Bobby Grangier, Worthy Marshall Nick Ferrell, Worthy Chaplin Silas Gennicks, Worthy Keeper of the Exchequer Luke Jones, Worthy Scribe Michael Tom, Worthy Keeper of the Annals Brad Fenton, Worthy Usher Matt Williams, Worthy Sentinel Jaden Brown, Risk Manager Eric Guth, Membership Education Chairman Cody Barlow, Critical Skills Officer Neil Dittmer.

Alumni involvement with the Chapter was excellent! The Board of Trustees met three times, the Housing Corp met four times and the Campaign for ZO committee met twice. The Chapter and alumni also hosted a good event at Homecoming. The Chapter, specifically Brad Fenton and Nick Ferrell organized and conducted a great alumni/active golf outing with 16 teams and an evening Roast of John Newton that drew about 75 actives, alumni and family members. And they had a net of $400 from hole sponsorships!

We’ve also built a viable Parents program with an event each semester. In December we have a Sunday afternoon dessert carry-in and in April a Chicken Dinner and carry-in. Both draw about 100 Brothers and family members.

For the past three years the Chapter has worked logistics for the Wabash Valley Heart Walk, this year attended by more than 600. Twenty Brothers set up tables, parked cars, directed traffic, put up signage and helped with clean-up. Also for the second year the Chapter conducted an on campus blood drive in conjunction with Alpha Phi. Forty-three pints were donated in a four-hour period. They also participate in other Greek organization philanthropies such as Anchor Splash and the Josh and Jacob Tourney. We also finished 2^{nd in Spring Week this year.}

Chapter operations are becoming more efficient each semester due to a good officer transition process. Our WMs are conducting good meetings, the Secretary is excellent, the Treasurer (hardest job in the Chapter) is keeping up on dues, although collecting Greek Bill is a challenge. Of the Committee the most activities occur with Intramurals. Jaden Brown has done a great job! We probably finished second overall among Fraternities and won All-Campus in flag football, track, tennis and ultimate frisbee.

Again, this has been a good year for Zeta Omicron. I have served the Chapter for 35 years as an/the Advisor. We continue to have a great relationship. I’m able to open doors both on campus and in the community through which the Brothers can go for assistance. I see our relationship as “uncle to nephew”. I can put my arm around a shoulder and congratulate or console or I can give a “swift kick” when needed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Chapter both undergrads and alumni.