Dear Brother,

 We hope this letter finds you doing well. The reason for this communication is to announce the creation of the Beta Nu of Kappa Sigma Alumni Chapter and to invite you to join this organization.

Why now?

Recently, developments have taken place regarding the active chapter that precipitated this communication and the formation of this alumni chapter. In December of 2008, the active chapter of Beta Nu was evicted from the lodge at 460 Hilltop due to housing code violations. As a result, nationals asked several alumni to become involved with the active chapter in order to help them attempt to regain occupancy and also plan for a viable future. During our initial alumni meetings, a recurring theme developed regarding the need for more alumni support in order for the active chapter to not only continue but in reality, to survive.

What is the alumni chapter?

This alumni chapter will be recognized as a formal alumni group by nationals, will possess a charter, conduct regularly scheduled meetings, plan social outings and formulate and carry out plans that will benefit the active chapter and the alumni. It will consist of a board of directors, officers, and active members. The Beta Nu Alumni association will also be an organization that will require dues to function and participation from its members. We have had several organizational meetings and we are ready to launch on Sunday, July 26th at our next “official” meeting (460 Hilltop Ave.). The dues will be as follows, recent graduates 2 yrs and under $25.00 per year. All other alumni $50.00 per year. Initially, the annual dues will be used for start up costs, mailings and organizing social functions. Long-term, dues would be used for social functions, the creation of scholarships and mentoring programs, and an eventual capital campaign.

What are the current goals of the alumni chapter?

Current HousingShort term, the core of alumni is working with the actives and the university to secure housing in the fall for Beta Nu. We are researching the economic feasibility of having the actives move back into the house as opposed to securing alternative housing. Regardless, this will be a temporary solution.A New HouseUltimately, one of the main goals of the alumni association will be to assist in the building of a new fraternity house for Beta Nu. Understandably, this goal may lead to skepticism among many brothers and rightfully so. We have been down this road before and nothing has come to fruition. Many of us attended the meeting five years ago and provided input that led to no action. Other alumni have stated that this has been tried before or that they were assured that they would be the first pledge class to live in the house seven to ten years ago. All of this is true. However, the difference now is that the active chapter has no other choices. Living in the current lodge is not a long-term solution. For those brothers that have not visited in a while, the six pack is no more. It currently contains two active fraternities. Kappa Alpha is gone, as are the Pikes. The Phi Sigs, like us, have been evicted for housing code issues. Only Lambda Chi and Farmhouse remain, and Farmhouse is in the process of building a new house. The university, although they are willing to work with us to allow the actives to move back in, do not see Kappa Sigma at 460 Hilltop as part of their long-term plans. Therefore, an organized capital campaign that leads to the creation of a new house within five years must take place or Beta Nu will no longer exist.

Social

We also envision that this alumni association will allow us to establish a formal social network and create regional and annual social functions for our alumni. Our hope is to create a reliable database and use it to promote regional events for alumni in Northern Kentucky, Louisville, etc. such as getting together to watch a basketball game at a local bar or a monthly breakfast. We also plan to create at least two social events a year in Lexington, Founders Day and Football tailgate coordinated with Homecoming weekend.

Scholarship/Mentoring Another goal of the alumni association is to give back to the active chapter.

Through dues and donations, we plan to establish a scholarship for active members. The criteria for this scholarship have not been established but among the ideas presented were financial need, academic standing, and chapter involvement. We would also like to establish a mentoring program for those actives studying in a particular field that will allow them to learn more about a career and establish contacts upon graduation. Answering questions, offering resume and interview advice, setting up shadow/intern opportunities are all ways that we envision alumni can help actives. In turn, this program has the potential to help alumni find viable candidates for openings in their fields and to tell their stories of success.The creation of this alumni group is vital to the future success of Beta Nu. Each one of us has benefited in some form from the involvement and participation in Kappa Sigma. Some brothers would say that their college experience would not have been the same without Kappa Sigma and they would not be where they are today with out that experience. We all have long lasting friendships, fond memories, and the experience of brotherhood. As Beta Nu alumni, it is our chance and opportunity to share this experience with others, helping shape the lives of young men for years to come. See attached forms for application. Please return ASAP. Our goal is to kick this off on July 26th (our next meeting), if this application is sent in prior to the meeting or you are in attendance, you will be included in the founding charter for the Beta Nu Alumni Assoc.        

AEKDB

Beta Nu Alumni Association

http://www.beta-nu.net/

Attachments:

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[Alumni Chapter Application]

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