House Corporation Newsletter – January/February 2011
40th Birthday
The Eta Iota Birthday Committee continues preparations for the birthday weekend, scheduled March 31st through April 3rd — you should have received your invitation in the mail by now. If not, you most likely don't have an updated address in the HC database; please take time to update your biography, mailing address, and other information on the website. To date we've received and processed over 200 brother and guest RSVPs — if you haven't registered, there's still time at www.etaiota.org. The B-Day Committee has extended the pre-February 4th early-bird registration prices until the end of February, giving our pilot brothers a chance to review their flight schedules. A heartfelt thank-you to those who've completed and paid through registration, which has let the committee leave house operational funds untouched while securing event deposits. We're extremely pleased to have Brother Hugh Mills accept our invitation as keynote speaker at the Saturday night dinner — when asked to speak, Hugh said, "I'd be more than happy to talk to my brothers, especially while wearing a Hawaiian shirt and holding a beer in my hand." Thank you, Hugh!
Undergraduate Finances
When the spring semester began, the New Year brought a host of financial challenges for the undergraduates. But with a newly elected undergraduate executive committee, the leadership of Chapter Advisor Brian Lojko, and input from HC Treasurer Seth Downs, the undergrads created a realistic budget and have been receiving guidance on proper bookkeeping and enforcing bylaws that hold brothers accountable for their financial responsibilities. They've managed to collect all back rent from the fall semester and are current through February, while staying focused on the upcoming semester's bills and the summer budget.
Florida Tri-Province Workshop
The brothers of Eta Iota will host the annual Florida Tri-Province Workshop on the ERAU campus and at the house on February 25-26th. Sigma Chi chapters from the North, Central, and South Florida Provinces, along with alumni leaders, will gather in Daytona Beach to discuss leadership skills and exchange best practices (FYI, beer pong is not a best practice). The capstone event is a formal dinner with a keynote speaker Saturday night.
House Projects and Long/Short Term Plans
HC has made significant progress establishing workable processes to identify areas for repairs and upgrades. After a final walkthrough in late December, a triage of work was created, ranging from simple repairs to preventative maintenance. Brothers can now complete an electronic room repair request form on the website, sent directly to the house manager and building manager. HC will also discuss short- and long-term property plans at the annual birthday meeting — there's been ongoing discussion (since 2008/2009) around three basic options: move and build elsewhere, stay and renovate, or move on campus. A structured format will keep the conversation focused and aim for clear direction by the meeting's adjournment.
Leadership Opportunities
Per HC bylaws, three Board of Trustees seats (including one vacancy created by Brother Lojko's Chapter Advisor appointment) and all Board of Directors positions will be up for re-election at the annual birthday meeting. Visit the HC page on the website to download the bylaws PDF and read about roles, job descriptions, term lengths, and eligibility. Consider contributing to the undergraduates and our house through a potential leadership opportunity.
New Board Room
Thanks to a Constantine Level 1855 Club (Capital Improvement Fund) donation by Brother Lojko, the old library — a.k.a. the game room, a.k.a. the place to put all your stuff when you're out of storage — is undergoing a complete renovation as the new "House Board Room." This gives HC and the undergraduates needed meeting space to conduct business in a professional setting, including a renovated bathroom, new doors and flooring, upgraded ceiling and lighting, and possible Wi-Fi meeting capability. Contact Brother Lojko if you can help furnish the new room with chairs or a conference table via an in-kind donation.
Note from the President
I'd like to thank all the brothers who've joined and continue to donate through Eta Iota's 1855 Club (Capital Improvement Fund). Over the last 10 years, these donations have totaled over $100,000 and have supported House Corp's efforts across a variety of projects and overall house maintenance and capital improvement. The upcoming birthday is a great opportunity to start donating, as there are many projects on the horizon needing significant financial support. I look forward to seeing all of you in just a few short weeks.
IHSV,
Robert Tetrault, "Mr. Burns" 2002