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