Fall 2019
Brothers, 2019 has come to close, but before we look ahead to what 2020 has to offer us all, let’s look back to the Fall Semester. AKΛ, as well as, Penn State had an eventful Fall Semester. State College is looking more like a Metropolis every day, with almost every corner now home to High rises, and many new businesses. Our beloved Nittany Lions were the closest they have been yet to making the CFP, topping out at #4 in the original rankings. After a few stumbles in what was maybe one of the hardest road schedules in college this year, we had a great finish dismantling Memphis in the Cotton Bowl. While it may not have been what we were hoping for, the Future is looking good that PSU will be making the field of 4 very soon.
The house, like the town and University, started Fall equally great. The Alumni and Actives were able to complete the major renovations of the back patio. The main piece of the project were the engraved bricks that were made possible by Alumni donations.
The Actives hosted several events for rush this Fall and ended with a successful class of five new Brothers. Some of the best rush events were rock climbing and multiple events taking advantage of the newly renovated patio. Our own Ed Wilson also offered up his tailgate to the actives for a fantastic brotherhood event during the football season.
Homecoming festivities this year were a little more special than usual with the win streak the Nittany Lions were riding into that weekend. The House partnered with Sigma Tau and Tri-Sigma this year in the competitions and chose the theme of the Disney Classic Lilo & Stitch. The Float competition was fierce as usual, and while our group made great effort, we fell short in placing this year.
To close the year the house hosted the yearly Christmas Sweater Party, as well as brotherhood dinners during finals weeks.
Spring 2020
With Fall behind us, we can now look forward to all the things that make Penn State Spring semesters so great!!!
The Brothers are again looking to have a strong recruitment class. With some of the new rules in place Freshmen are no longer able to pledge their first Fall Semester, so Spring is now the major recruitment period for those folks that are still so new to college life.
THON, the World’s Largest Student Run Philanthropy, will be turning 48 this year on February 21st! It’s looking again to generate more than $10 Million for pediatric cancer research, and to help families with treatment costs. AKΛ will be applying for a sponsor Family, as well as working towards having brothers again represent us on the dance floor. If you have any photos or stories from your time as a Penn State THON Dancer, we would love to hear and see those! In February we would like to put together a reflection piece on AKΛ and THON through the years to send out. (Please send photo’s and stories to wrickus@gmail.com)
Lastly, Greek Week and Blue & White (04/18) will be happening in the back half of the semester, with many activities for Alumni and Actives alike. The Sigma Phi Alpha board as well as the house will have some further announcements about the yearly board meeting as well as social events at the house and downtown State College.
Brothers, I hope the Newsletter has helped you connect with the current actives, brought back some fond memories of your days in AKΛ, or spurred you to plan that next trip to State College. If you do make the trip, please stop by the house, the actives would love Alumni visit. Just ask Boris and Rotc!
Fraternally,
Bill Rickus
Delta Pi
ΣΦΑ Board – Alumni Relations Chair