Congratulations to the new freshmen who were initiated last Friday. These freshmen are:


Daniel Rice, Tau 1753
Jaecen Avery, Tau 1754
Kennan Adams, Tau 1754
Connor McComick, Tau 1756
Justin Scherting, Tau 1757
Grayson Grant, Tau 1758
Camden Nix, Tau 1759
Austin Smith, Tau 1760
Kyle Weber, Tau 1761
Jason Scholl, Tau 1762
Trevor Leider, Tau 1763
Max Sodorff, Tau 1764
Marc Egland, Tau 1765
Brian Duckett, Tau 1766
Steven Jacoby, Tau 1767
John Jamora, Tau 1768
Blake Tamminen, Tau 1769
Chase Nordhoy, Tau 1770
Alex Clark, Tau 1771
Chris Hogan, Tau 1772
Marc Gaan, Tau 1773
Jeff Kohls, Tau 1774

We all look forward to see the impact these freshmen will have in the next few years!

Tau Talks- Jan. 2011

Brothers and Friends of Tau Zeta,

To many, New Years is a time to make resolutions that improve oneself over the course of a year. Tau Zeta is among those who set resolutions. With much optimism, Tau Zeta believes they can achieve certain long-term goals through hard work and commitment to Lambda Chi Alpha ideals. These goals include becoming the best fraternity on the WSU Greek row and winning the Lambda Chi Alpha Grand High Alpha Award.

Tau Zeta has already made strides in accomplishing the first goal. Last semester Tau Zeta tied for first with the highest grades out of all fraternities on Greek row. Tau Zeta is also on the brink of initiating 21 freshmen, four of which already have officer positions in the house. Tau Zeta’s academic achievement and our growing numbers make us a notable organization at WSU.

To achieve the Grand High Alpha Award, which is given every two years to the best Lambda Chi Alpha chapter, Tau Zeta plans to improve on implementing the values of Lambda Chi Alpha on each brother. This award is on Tau Zeta’s radar. Last semester, after a comprehensive evaluation of Tau Zeta, a national Lambda Chi Alpha representative wrote, “with a commitment and education of the tradition and the values, the chapter can accomplish their goals and continue to grow towards being the most outstanding chapter on Washington State’s campus, and possibly in Lambda Chi Alpha.” These words are exciting to read but we know it will take much dedication to translate these goals into results.

Grades

As mentioned above Tau Zeta tied for first for the highest grade point average out of all fraternity houses on Greek row. Additionally the Tau Zeta freshmen class garnered the highest grades of all fraternity freshmen classes. The average grade point average of Tau Zeta was 3.32. Tau Zeta adheres to a strict grade policy. All members are expected to maintain a semester GPA above a 2.8.

Grades are a top priority of Tau Zeta. First off, a high grade point average serves as a great recruiting tool. Last semester’s grade point average sets Tau Zeta apart from other houses on Greek row. Potential new members may be more likely to join our house because of Tau Zeta’s high grade point average. Second, success in the classroom will hopefully aid in each member’s success after college. We believe that by emphasizing an atmosphere that stresses academic success, current members will take the academic discipline they learned at Tau Zeta and apply it to their lives after college.

Arete Awards

Last month the Center for Greek Life hosted the annual Arete Awards. The Arete Awards are given to fraternities and sororities who excel in areas such as chapter development, academic success, and outstanding membership. Tau Zeta walked away with the Arete Award in leadership. We were very proud of this achievement and hope to bring back more awards next year.

IFC President

Congratulations go out to Brother Kyle Spane. Spane, a senior and former president of Tau Zeta made the big step to become the president of WSU’s Interfraternity Council. As IFC president, Spane oversees all WSU fraternities and acts as the link between WSU organizations and the community of fraternities. Spane formally took office on Jan. 2011 and his term will last a year.

Tau Zeta encourages all members to get involved in clubs and leadership positions at WSU. Spane’s involvement in IFC is a prime example of how each member can make an impact on the WSU community outside of leadership roles in Tau Zeta.

Initiation

On Friday Jan. 21, Tau Zeta will be initiating this year’s fall associate member class. Initiation is typically held toward the end of fall semester, but due to schedule conflicts initiation was held over to this semester. Tau Zeta expects to initiate 21 freshmen.

All alumni are invited to attend initiation. However a strict warning goes out to alumni who visit the Tau Zeta house. The use of drugs, hazing, revealing of Lambda Chi Alpha secrets to non-members, and overall disrespect will not be tolerated during initiation or any other alumni event.

If you are planning on attending next week’s initiation ritual please contact Brother Trevor Sodorff at (206) 949-8021.

Tolo Club Meeting

This year’s Tolo Club meeting is set for Saturday, May 21 at Willows Run Golf Course in Redmond. The meeting will coincide with a golf tournament beforehand.

The total cost to participate in the tournament is $105.00. This cost will cover a round of golf, carts, tees, golf balls, and lunch. There is also a payment alternative to pay for lunch at the Tolo Club Meeting without the golf cost. This fee is $20.00.

To pay either send a check made out to Tolo Club to PO Box 81185, Seattle, WA 98108 for the specifies amount. Or pay through the Tolo Club paypal site which can be found in the “Membership Due” page at toloclub.org.

If you have any additional questions please e-mail Dietrich Miklautsch at scholarship@toloclub.org.

The Tolo Club meeting offers the opportunity for Tau Zeta alumni to become involved in the house and give input on how the house can better function. This is a great way to show support for Tau Zeta.

Final Words

Ideally, Tau Talks is meant to serve as an open forum for all Tau Zeta alumni and current members. If alumni are interested, they are more than welcome to submit writings that will be published in Tau Talks. These entries can include how Tau Zeta helped shape you, your hopes for the future of Tau Zeta, or anything else that is relevant to your fraternity.

In ZAX,

Andrew Talevich

Alumni Correspondent

Tau 1731

Tau Talks- October 2010

A theme so often mentioned in Tau Talks is change. Any given fraternity will change over the course of a year. Membership fluctuates and the events a fraternity participates will be different over time. Alumni may come back and be surprised at how different the face of their fraternity is. Change can be for the best or worse. Tau Zeta is experiencing change that keeps shifting us in a positive direction. These changes are very tangible. This year we plan to initiate twenty-three freshmen-- the largest class in recent history. Furthermore we have won several philanthropies and competitions. This is a testament to the spirit of Tau Zeta. Finally, we have made several renovations to the house. However, as we continue to evolve we do not lose sight of our history. Tau Zeta is bringing back many traditions that made our fraternity what it is today. These include the return of the Watermelon Bust philanthropy and the full repairs to the fire truck.

Tau Zeta’s ultimate goal is to be the top fraternity on the WSU Greek system. This is something that we believe we are well on our way to achieving. In doing so we will remember the traditions and the members that made our house so great, continue to recruit quality individuals, and attempt to be the best representatives of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Watermelon Bust

This year Tau Zeta decided to bring back a meaningful tradition- the Watermelon Bust philanthropy. Watermelon Bust was once Tau Zeta’s main philanthropy. In recent years, however, Tau Zeta has participated in FurBall, a philanthropy that raises money for the Humane Society in the spring. In conversations with alumni, the topic often came up about the fun times which were had during this event. For Watermelon Bust this year we had a group of sororities participate in four events: the watermelon bust, the watermelon throw, tug of war over the watermelon pit, and watermelon decorations. The winning sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta earned the watermelon trophy (a watermelon painted gold) and received a ride home on the fire truck. All the money raised during the philanthropy went to local food banks.

We heard great feedback from participants in this year’s Watermelon Bust. Many sorority members said it was the most fun philanthropy they participated in. This philanthropy will help Tau Zeta’s Greek relations. Furthermore, by participating in two philanthropies (Watermelon Bust in the fall, FurBall in the spring) Tau Zeta will continue to be a prominent force in the community of Pullman and help raise money and awareness for important causes.

Homecoming BBQ

Alumni from all generations of Tau Zeta converged in Pullman and enjoyed the annual Homecoming BBQ at the fraternity house. This year’s BBQ was extra special because it featured the official unveiling of the repaired fire truck. Alumni were happy to meet current members of the house, share memories with old friends, and catch a ride on the fire truck.

On a personal note, Homecoming Weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year. It is a time for current members to showcase the house and talk about recent achievements. It is also special to hear the many vibrant stories told by alumni of Tau Zeta experiences throughout the ages. We truly have great alumni and I cannot wait to attend next year’s BBQ as an alum myself.

Philanthropy Success

Philanthropies and Greek-wide and campus-wide competitions are an important way for Tau Zeta to continue to be recognized. Last year, Tau Zeta and our partners won Greek Week. This was a huge accomplishment and we wanted to build off that success. This year we placed second in Homecoming Week.

Our Homecoming partners were Alpha Chi Omega and Sigma Nu. Throughout the week we participated in the lip sync, talent show, house decorations, chant, skin the snake, penny war, and chariot race. Perhaps the highlight of the week was cheering for our chariot racers as they glided their chariot across Martin Stadium at the halftime of the Homecoming football game. In the end we were very pleased with the result of Homecoming Week. Tau Zeta is continuing to show off their spirit and pride.

Another example of philanthropic success was during last week’s battle of the bands competition. Battle of the bands is Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy which benefits Alternatives to Domestic Violence on the Palouse. In the competition nine bands faced off. The band Balcova which includes two Tau Zeta members, Joey Pettersson on lead vocals and guitar and Spencer Stumpf on drums, took first place. Tau Zeta hopes to can continue our success in these competitions.

Initiation Invitation to Alumni

This semester Tau Zeta plans on initiating twenty-three freshmen. This is a special occasion because it is the largest class in recent history. Tau Zeta has bright hopes for these associate members and believes the lessons they gain from ritual will benefit them for the rest of their lives. We are welcoming alumni back to the Tau Zeta house to witness this semester’s initiation. The Lambda Chi Alpha initiation is a serious time and we encourage alumni to come back to the house for the right reason. If you are an alumni coming back to the house for this sacred event we encourage you to join us with the intent on helping the new initiates as they learn about the secrets of Lambda Chi Alpha.

The initiation ritual is planned for Friday, Jan. 21, 2011  Please show up in formal attire at 5:00pm

Please contact the ritualist Brother Sodorff at (206) 949-8021 if you plan on attending initiation.

In ZAX,

Andrew Talevich

Tau 1731

Alumni Correspondent

Tau Talks- August 2010

It’s moving-in time at the Tau Zeta house. With the freedoms of summer over and the start of a new school year around the corner, we are all very happy to be back in Pullman. The excitement of meeting new members and catching up with old ones sweeps through the house. Eagerly we wait to see what will happen next.

Fire Truck

Arguably the most exciting improvement to Tau Zeta is the souped-up fire truck. For the last three years the fire truck sat unused in our parking lot. Repairs were made last semester and continued into the summer for the fire truck. With new parts and a fresh-looking paint job, the fire truck is worth showing off. It’s not unusual to see a group of Tau Zetas piled on the fire truck driving around Pullman. We are very happy that it’s running again. We would like to extent a thank you to all alumni who donated to help make the fire truck run again.

Homecoming

This year’s Homecoming BBQ will be extra special because it will be the official unveiling of the fixed-up fire truck. This achievement could not have been done without the financial support of Tau Zeta alumni. We will also present a plaque that will be mounted on the fire truck of the top alumni donors.

The BBQ is set for Saturday, October 9^th at the Tau Zeta house. Online invitations will be sent out shortly with more details. Tau Zeta alums and their families are strongly encouraged to come out. The BBQ is guaranteed to be a fun time.

Recruitment Update

Thirteen freshmen have signed with Tau Zeta over the summer and are now settled into the Tau Zeta house. This new batch of freshmen is full of promise to continue the Tau Zeta legacy. Members are still working on recruitment to increase our numbers over the fall semester. We have invited potential new members over to the house for BBQs, volleyball games, and other social events in the hopes of signing others. The official informal recruitment process starts next week. We hope to add another handful of members. If you know of any WSU freshmen that would make a good Lambda Chi, please contact Brother Sweeney at (253) 880-2319.

House Renovations

Throughout the summer and last week projects were undertaken to improve the overall appearance of the Tau Zeta house. These include: repointing of the bricks, new tiles placed on the chapter room floor, repainting of game room, new chapter room doors, insulation put in the attic, a drainage system installed in the volleyball pit, and new bark set in the flower beds. Additionally, tile Lambda Chi letters will be placed on the stoop entry way next week. These renovations have massively improved the look and feel of the house. From the outside, the Tau Zeta house looks like one of the better houses on Greek row.

As we progress into another year, we are thankful for the guidance and support of our alumni. We take pride in knowing that we are Lambda Chi’s and the place we live in is filled with deep history and tradition. Through our recruitment process, fire truck repairs, and house renovations we hope to continue the rich tradition of Tau Zeta.

In ZAX,

Andrew Talevich

Alumni Correspondent

Tau 1731

2009-2010 School Wrap-up

It seems like this happens every year. One minute you’re focused on spring mid-terms and the next instance the school year is wrapping up and summer is around the corner. Any Lambda Chi knows that their time in college flashed before their eyes. This year has certainly been a memorable one for the members of Lambda Chi. We have experienced change, but we have also kept long-rooted traditions. Just because the year at WSU is completed, does not mean the work stops for the membership of Lambda Chi. First, we look to build our numbers through a strong recruitment push. Second, we are planning an additional philanthropy, watermelon bust, for Fall semester. These are just a few examples of how we are striving to continue Lambda Chi’s legacy. Lambda Chi members- both current and former- are encouraged to stay in contact with each other through events such as the second annual golf tournament, the first tail-gate, and other recruitment opportunities. Through maintaining the bonds of our brotherhood and the efforts to work together, we can continue to build our fraternity

Tau Talks- March 2010

A sense of enthusiasm has been building throughout Lambda Chi. In the last few years strides have been made to improve the house’s numbers, gain a better reputation throughout the entire Greek and WSU community and continue to enhance the quality of every Lambda Chi’s experience. Now more than ever those strides are paying off. These recent strides include winning Greek Week, throwing a successful philanthropy, bringing in new members to Lambda Chi, and fixing up the historic fire truck. Lambda Chi’s are proud of the efforts of current members, and the work of previous Lambda Chi’s to bring them to this current state. We are enjoying the present but we are also looking forward. Like our symbol the crescent, Lambda Chi is ever-growing—attempts are always being made to make Lambda Chi the best that it can be.

Greek Week Success
Last week the Greek Week team of Lambda Chi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Tau Kappa Epsilon won Greek Week. This was a huge accomplishment for Lambda Chi. Throughout the week our team competed against other teams of fraternities and sororities in the Greek community for the title of winner of Greek Week. The competitions consisted of a lip sync, chant, toy drive, penny war collection, basketball and volleyball tournament, house decorations, support of local vendors, and wearing certain items of clothing on specific days.
This victory means so much to Lambda Chi. It brings forth a strong statement of confidence for Lambda Chi’s. Not only does it boost our reputation in the Greek community but it also brought us closer to the Theta and TKE members we worked with. From the competition, the Greek community raised a total $16,000. Half of that money goes to the Greek Week philanthropy, the other $8,000 goes to the winning teams’ philanthropies. The $8,000 is split between Lambda Chi, Thetas, and TKE’s, which means that we will have $2,666 for our philanthropy next year.

Fur Ball, Philanthropy Award
Last month, Lambda Chi participated in its annual philanthropy, Fur Ball. Fur Ball is a collective effort to raise money for the Whitman County Humane Society. Every Lambda Chi helps out at the Fur Ball banquet and auction. During the dinner, Pullman residents bid on items donated from various sources. All proceeds go to the Humane Society.
The week leading up to the Fur Ball dinner, Lambda Chi hosted Greek philanthropy events to educate fraternities and sororities about the Humane Society, raise money, and have fun. Lambda Chi’s were also present on campus all throughout Fur Ball Week with a booth to raise money for the Humane Society. In order to catch the attention of students, we had puppies from the Humane Society to show off. Between the Fur Ball dinner, auction, Greek events, and the booth Lambda Chi’s helped raise around $31,000 for the Whitman County Humane Society.
Lambda Chi was also presented with an award for our philanthropic efforts each year during Fur Ball. The Philanthropy and Community Service Award recognizes us for having the top philanthropy in the region that covers Lambda Chi chapters in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Northern California and Nevada. The award was presented to us last month at Conclave, a meeting of all the regional Lambda Chi’s. We are very honored for this recognition. 

Fire Up the Engine
Currently Lambda Chi has raised $3,500 for the Fire up the Engine campaign. The campaign is aimed to raise the necessary funds to restore the historic Lambda Chi fire truck. We have been greatly impressed by the generosity of alumni and friends who have donated to the campaign. Our goal for the Fire up the Engine campaign is $4,000 however we would be willing to accept more. The more money we raise, the more resources we could put toward the fire truck. For example, we would like to get the fire truck sand blasted, primed, and repainted; however more funds would be needed in order to do that.
If you would be interested in donating toward the campaign visit our web site www.wsulambdachi.com and click on the donate button. From there you can make a donation from Lambda Chi’s pay pal page. The top ten donors will have their names and taus engraved on a plaque that will be sealed on the fire truck. Also, donors who give more than $100 will have a Cougar banner mailed to them.
The support so far has been impressive to say the least. It has been very exciting to see alumni and friends rally behind a common cause. We believe the repaired fire truck will open up several opportunities for our house. First off it will be a great recruiting tool. We plan to bring the fire truck on campus to attract potential new members. Second, we believe it will continue to boost Lambda Chi’s reputation. Finally, the fire truck has the potential to reunite alumni with current members. Imagine coming back for the alumni BBQ at Lambda Chi during homecoming week and being able to ride on the fire truck. This is excellent incentive for alumni to come back to their old house.

New Chef
Two weeks ago, Lambda Chi acquired a new chef for their house. Mike … is confident in his new position. Already, he has received great feedback from current members who enjoy his hearty and healthy meals. Previously Lambda Chi employed a catering company. As Lambda Chi’s personal chef, Mike plans to make Lambda Chi’s meals with a higher degree of quality and care. We are very happy with the food he has prepared so far.

Intramural Sports
Lambda Chi’s intramural football and basketball teams finished their seasons strong. The basketball team made their way to the semi-finals before losing and the football team made it to the championship game. Intramural sports are important because they keep Lambda Chi’s active while at the same time promote qualities such as teamwork and sportsmanship.

Tolo Club Meeting 

There will be a TOLO Club meeting on Saturday, March 20 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Embassy Suites in Tukwila. This meeting is open to all current and former members of Lambda Chi Alpha. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP Jim King at (206) 730-6266 or e-mail him at jim@hudsonbayins.com.

Final Word
Earlier today, we were contacted by the Cross and Crescent, the official Lambda Chi Alpha magazine. According to Lambda Chi Alpha national headquarters, they had heard about our success in Greek Week, the fire truck renovations, and our Fur Ball philanthropy and wanted to write a story about us. We will keep you updated if the Cross and Crescent publishes a story on our chapter.
As Lambda Chi continues to grow, current members realize the importance of having a broad support of alumni. Without alumni this growth is not possible. We have seen the benefits of our strong alumni support just in the past month with the Fire up the Engine campaign and are very thankful. Alumni have told me numerous times, “once a Lambda Chi, always a Lambda Chi.” Current members wear their Lambda Chi letters with pride, and alumni enjoy their memories of when they were members. Through the bond of Lambda Chi we can continue to develop.

IN ZAX,
Andrew Talevich
Alumni Correspondent
Tau 1731

Fire up the Engine Campaign- February

Brothers,

The Fire up the Engine campaign, Tau Zeta’s effort to raise $4,000 for our fire truck repairs, is off to a strong start. The campaign has collected one-fourth of its goal from Tau Zeta alumni donations. However, we still need your help. If you have not donated yet, visit our website http://wsulambdachi.com and click on the donate button. From there, you will be directed to Tau Zeta’s Pay Pal page where you can make an easy credit card donation. We are very grateful for your support.

A special thanks goes out to the following Tau Zeta alums who have already given money:

Gary Manchester

Jim King

James Dalen

Dietrich Miklautsch

Scot Hulbert

Daniel Eveleth

Jeremy Jones

Fire Truck update

Last Wednesday, the fire truck was towed from Tau Zeta’s parking lot to a shop where it is currently being repaired. Attached is a picture of the fire truck being towed. The back axel has been replaced, hydraulic brakes are being installed, and the next task will be to get the engine fully functional.

As an added incentive to donate to the campaign, alumni who donate a $100 or more will be sent a Cougar banner in the mail. These banners are generously being donated to us from Pat Mitchell, a father of a current Tau Zeta member. Additionally the top ten donors will have their names and Taus listed a plague that will be sealed on the fire truck.

Final Words

Current Tau Zeta members are very excited to see the repairs of the fire truck finally be completed. We see this as being very beneficial to our future. The new and improved fire truck will serve as a recruiting tool and will also unite current members and alums. Imagine coming back to Lambda Chi for our Homecoming BBQ and getting to take a ride on the fire truck!

Though repairs are now being made, it’s important we continue gathering funds for restoring the fire truck to its original glory. No matter how much money you give, you’ll help restore a legacy.

IN ZAX,

Andrew Talevich

Alumni Correspondent

Tau 1731

Fire up the Engine Campaign- Jan. 2009

The men of Tau Zeta need your help. This year we have decided to make the restoration of the historic Tau Zeta fire truck our number-one priority. The historic truck, long a uniting symbol of Tau Zeta, now sits unused and worn down in our parking lot. Previous attempts to collect money and fix the fire truck have failed. We believe we have the determination to preserve a symbol of the past with the Fire up the Engine Campaign.  Now is the time for action.
The Problem and Plan
The Fire up the Engine Campaign aims to collect $4,000 to cover the repair costs for the fire truck. We currently have a mechanic lined up who is ready and willing to start working. The main repair will include the rear axle. This will provide the opportunity to be able to use pneumatic tires and add a master cylinder to allow for hydraulic breaks, which will provide a much-needed level of safety. We are also working to have the wiring, headlights, brakes, and the floorboards overhauled. Predominantly, we want to make the vehicle safer than it was in the past and make the fire truck more durable so it will not break down again in the near future. Though it seems like a tough task, our mechanic is very confident he can repair the fire truck with the proper funds. Our goal is to have the fire truck running by the end of this semester- just in time for the Fireman’s Ball.
Why donate?
During conversations with alumni I’ve always found that one topic constantly comes up: the Tau Zeta fire truck. The fire truck has spanned generations of brothers and served as a symbol that captures the fun-loving spirit of Tau Zeta. To see the fire truck now sitting in our parking lot unused and an eye sore is painful to current members and alumni alike. More than ever, we want to bring back the rich heritage that was present when the fire truck was running.
As an extra incentive to donate, once the fire truck’s repairs are completed, a plaque will be sealed on the floorboard. This plaque will contain the names and taus of the Top Ten alums who donated the most money to the Fire up the Engine Campaign. This will serve as a constant reminder to future Tau Zetas of the commitment of those alums who made this continued legacy possible.
Updates on the process of the fire truck repairs and the Fire up the Engine Campaign will be listed in future Tau Talks and in the alumni section of http://wsulambdachi.com.
Any donation is helpful. Without alumni support this dream is not possible. Let’s rally together to get a Tau Zeta tradition rolling again.


In ZAX,
Andrew Talevich
Alumni Correspondent
Tau 1731