House Corporation Newsletter – Fall 2010
Brothers,
As the summer winds down, many of you will be preparing yourselves or your children for the ritualistic return to academics. The Eta Iota House Corporation is also preparing for the return of undergraduate activity to the House.
Peterson Award
Congratulations to the undergraduates for achieving a Peterson Award for 2010 — the first since 2005, having come within a half point of winning last year and finally achieving success this year. The award was presented to the brothers of Eta Iota during the annual Balfour Leadership Training Workshop (BLTW) held at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The Eta Iota House Corporation was represented by HC Trustee Brian Lojko and HC Executive Vice President Nick Weiss. Nick attended workshops conducted by the Grand Trustees, learning and sharing best practices regarding house issues. Brother Lojko was heard saying, "I really want to relive my undergraduate days," and attended BLTW simply to enjoy the plush housing accommodations and Vegas-style food buffet.
Fire Alarm and Monitoring System
The House has a newly installed fire alarm and monitoring system, the culmination of many months of preparation, estimates, and work with contractors and Sigma Chi Headquarters. The Risk Management Foundation (RMF), Sigma Chi's insurance mechanism, mandated last year that this type of system be installed to lower fire risk and better protect our brothers and our asset. RMF offered a $3,000 grant and the insurance company proposed a $600 yearly premium deduction for chapters complying with the change. The finished upgrade cost approximately $8,000 ($5,000 after the grant); with the grant and yearly premium deductions, ROI will be realized in approximately 8 years, against a system life expectancy of 10-15 years. Monitoring is internet-based and the monthly service cost is paid by the undergrads.
40th Birthday
Plans for the 40th Birthday are well underway — Thursday, March 31st through Sunday, April 3rd. Registration and event information will be available starting October 1st at www.etaiota.org. To ensure fiscal success and relieve the burden of planning from one individual, the Birthday Chairperson role has been streamlined to a committee format: Brothers James "Gassi" Ahrens, Brian Lojko, and Rich Schooley, who will collectively coordinate and help execute the weekend's events. There will also be opportunities for alumni to donate products or services for a silent auction or similar fundraiser during the weekend — a formal donation process is forthcoming.
HVAC Installation
The second phase of the central A/C system is underway — the south wing will join the north wing in having an updated HVAC system, replacing the existing wall units. This $12,000 capital improvement project began in fall 2009 and should be complete by the end of September 2010. The upgrade should lower utility costs while eliminating mold and condensation damage from the old wall units, and reduce/eliminate the annual budget burden of A/C replacement costs.
Wings and Waves
Embry-Riddle is hosting another "Wings and Waves" airshow and alumni weekend October 9th-10th (not to be confused with Homecoming, scheduled for November 5th-7th). Eta Iota HC hasn't planned formal events for either weekend due to the financial focus of our own 40th Birthday party, but if you're in the area, stop by the House and spend some time with the brothers — they'll have their own RMF-compliant, non-alcoholic activities planned.
Chapter Advisor
An email transmitted August 22, 2010 by our Grand Praetor, P.J. Stephens:
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Wargo (George Mason '91) as the new Chapter Advisor for Sigma Chi Fraternity's Eta Iota Chapter at Embry-Riddle. Tim's appointment is with immediate effect. He replaces Roger Moody, who has served the chapter with distinction over a number of years, culminating with the chapter's designation as a J. Dwight Peterson Award recipient for 2010, the highest honor Sigma Chi bestows on an individual chapter.
Tim lives in the Brevard County community of Rockledge, Florida. He serves as a Federal Supervising Agent based in Central Florida for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Immigration and Drug Enforcement, where he directs a team of agents.
ERAU/Sigma Chi alumnus Brian Lojko attended the Fraternity's Balfour Leadership Training Workshop at UNC Chapel Hill this summer in the Chapter Advisor division, and is prepping Tim for his role. Tim will also work closely with Roger during the transition period."
We thank Roger for over 8+ years of service and dedication to the chapter, and wish Tim well in his new role.
Note from the President
And finally, as with any older home or building, repairs are usually consistent with the age of the property — the older the structure, the more maintenance it requires. The house at 520 South Ridgewood is no exception.
There have been numerous discussions regarding renovations, upgrades, moving the property, the elusive "Greek Row" on campus (how many times have we heard that one), etc. While discussions and meetings continue, the house still must be maintained in a condition that continues to attract and retain undergraduate tenants, and that's comparable in price and amenities to other apartments or dormitory accommodations. Until a decision is made as to "what happens next," we must plan our maintenance upgrades and become more proactive rather than reactive — and coordinate and forecast our fiscal objectives accordingly. Repairs, renovations, and upgrades require capital, and rental income alone can't meet all of those goals. Membership in the 1855 Club and donations directly to House Corp make many capital improvement projects and goals achievable, and help the HC team plan for the future. Even without a mortgage, donations are vital to the success and growth of our chapter.
This fall, the undergrads are preparing to initiate the 800th brother from Eta Iota. Your contributions and membership in the 1855 Club have helped make this milestone possible.
As acting HC President, I encourage you to continue supporting the House and the undergrads as you have in the past, and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of your support and attendance at the upcoming 40th Birthday party — not only to celebrate, renew, and relive, but also to help plan and build for the next forty years and beyond.
IHSV,
Robert Tetrault, "Mr. Burns" 2002