News Archive - Spring 2010
Here you will be able to find and review any news items that occurred during the Spring 2010 semester, in reverse chronological order.
Seniors become latest Beta Alumni
May 23, 2010
Under a clear sky and a hot sun, the ten members of the JCU Beta Theta Pi Class of 2010 were conferred their degrees and officially entered the alumni fold. More than 15 undergraduates returned to campus to cheer on their fellow brothers as they walked across the stage. J.J. Kuczynski '10 followed Commencement Speaker Tom Brokaw with his Millor Orator Address, and articulated his message beautifully. Overall, it was a great day for Beta Theta Pi, yet also sad to officially see ten of our own leave collegiate membership. Our sincere congratulations and best wishes to all ten of you! You inspire us all!
Hauber, Ott win academic awards
May 22, 2010
At this afternoon's Senior Awards Presentation, two of our very own took home academic honors. Kurt Hauber won the Excellence in Biology Award, given to students achieving at least a 3.85 GPA in their biology courses. Jamie Ott received two awards - the Bombelles Award for Achievement in International Economic Studies, and the John Marshall Gersting Award, given to an outstanding graduating major in economics. Congratulations guys!
Kuczynski dances on
May 10, 2010
Senior J.J. Kuczynski, along with his roommate and friend Franco Carapellotti, have produced their final dancing video, entitled "The John Carroll Finale." The two produced a series of dancing videos during their freshman year and decided to, one last time before graduating, capture the essence of JCU while dancing their hearts out with many students, staff, and celebrities. Click here to view the video. Enjoy!
Colony "sends off" its seniors
May 7, 2010
In a sometimes emotional evening ceremony and brotherhood event at the home of Chapter Counselor Ric Eickhoff, the brothers of the JCU Colony gathered to pay tribute to the Class of 2010. Our Senior Send-Off included cornhole and frisbee, excellent food, speeches by select undergraduates, a send-off video, and the opportunity for each senior to impart his final words of wisdom to the colony. We wish all of our graduating seniors the very best!
Beta Resident Assistants earn awards
May 2, 2010
Both resident assistants who are Betas earned awards today at the annual Residence Life Banquet. Senior Jurell Sison won the RA Competency Award for Ethical Decision Making, while sophomore Brian Pestotnik won the RA Competency Award for Communication. Congratulations and job well done, Jurell and Brian!
Chartering Petition on its way to Oxford
April 30, 2010
After three years on campus, the colony is applying for its charter from the General Fraternity. The official chartering petition has been completed and is on its way to the Administrative Office in Oxford, OH. The colony will also present its case at the 171st General Convention this August.
Sheil named Greek Week Most Honorable Man
April 25, 2010
Senior Brandon Sheil was named today as the Most Honorable Man for Greek Week 2010. This is the third consecutive year that a Beta has been given the honor, following in the footsteps of Ryan Schoonmaker '09 and Tim McCormick '09. Way to represent our organization, Brandon!
Betas are men for others at Relay For Life
April 24, 2010
Betas are continuing their commitment to the community this weekend at the fourth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Members are raising money for cancer research, education, advocacy, and service programs through their participation and volunteerism. Way to go, guys!
Three Betas hired as Tour Guides
April 22, 2010
Chris Shaheen '12, Mark Ehrbar '12, and Spencer German '13 have been hired by the Office of Admission to be a tour guide. They join current tour guides Andy Lane '12, Nick Skiviat '12, and Greg Sloat '12. The tour guide selection process is a very competitive one, and it speaks volumes that we now have six Betas on staff!
Greek Week underway
April 21, 2010
The busiest and most fun week of the year for those in Greek Life is here! Greek Week 2010, centered around an olypic theme, kicked off this afternoon with an opening ceremony in which president Andy Lane got to run with the Olympic torch. All of the brothers are looking forward to the bonds of camaraderie and friendship that are built and strengthened through practice and competition.
Shaheen inducted into Order of Omega
April 14, 2010
During this afternoon's Greek Life Scholarship Banquet, sophomore Christopher Shaheen was inducted into membership of Order of Omega, the national Greek honorary society. Shaheen becomes the thirteenth Beta inducted since 2008, the most of any fraternity or sorority on campus.
And then there were 40
April 13, 2010
The colony officially welcomed its 40th member this evening as the seven members of the Epsilon Class took their oath of membership during our Initiation Ceremony. We are thrilled to be able to officially call them our "brothers!" Congrats guys!
Kuczynski named 2010 Millor Orator
April 12, 2010
Senior and former colony president J.J. Kuczynski was named today as the 2010 Millor Orator. After a competitive audition process, J.J. will be the only student to speak at Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 23. He will stand alongside NBC News legend Tom Brokaw, who will serve as this year's Commencement Speaker. Further information about the Millor Orator can be found here. This is a tremendous honor and we are so proud of you, J.J.!
Ott, Vogel inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu
April 11, 2010
Senior Jamie Ott and junior Andrew Vogel are the newest Betas to become members of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society. They were inducted at a ceremony this evening in the St. Francis Chapel.
Poznako honored with Alumnus Award
April 10, 2010
At this evening's spring formal, Peter Poznako '09 was honored with the first John Carroll University Beta Theta Pi Alumnus Award. The award was created to recognize an alumnus who has best exemplified the qualities of a Man of Principle since his graduation year. Nominations and voting for the award was done solely by colony alumni. Congratulations Peter!
Betas dance the night away
April 10, 2010
The brothers of Beta Theta Pi danced the night away this evening at their annual spring formal dinner dance at Mayfield Sand Ridge Club. After plenty of pictures and a delicious dinner, brothers and their guests took to the dance floor to release some stress and have some fun. Everyone had a great time!
Welcome Class of 2014!
April 10, 2010
Brothers were up early this morning to volunteer their time at the Class of 2014 Celebration sponsored by the Office of Admission. Members decorated, directed traffic, greeted families, offered tours, served on panels, and ate lunch with our prospective students. Their participation in this event is what makes the Celebration such a success each year!
Governing documents undergo facelift
April 5, 2010
After an exhaustive review of the Constitution, Bylaws, and other governing documents by a small and dedicated committee, the final revisions were passed unanimously at a special meeting called this evening. The Constitution and Bylaws were essentially rewritten to bring our policies and actions into line with each other. An Elections Code was also developed through this process.
Sison among finalists for Beaudry Award
March 30, 2010
Senior Jurell Sison was named today as one of six finalists for the Beaudry Award, given annually to an outstanding senior who excels in leadership, commitment to Christian values, academic achievement, and service to the University and/or greater community. This is the highest honor that the University can bestow upon a student. Voting will take place during cap and gown pickup in April. The 2008 and 2009 recipients of the Beaudry Award, Pat Carpenter and Peter Niro, were both members of Beta Theta Pi. Good luck, Jurell!
Moms welcomed to campus
March 21, 2010
For the third year, Beta moms were invited to campus to participate in a Mothers' Tea. After a private Mass in St. Francis Chapel, the brothers and their mothers had a delicious breakfast and excellent conversation in the Dolan Center's O'Connell Reading Room. The sons even surprised their mothers with a serenade!
Epsilon Class grows closer
March 14, 2010
The Epsilon Class took part in a new member brotherhood retreat this weekend at nearby Carrollodge. The members engaged in several team-building and trust exercises, breaking several records along the way. They were able to untie the "human knot" in a mere 18 seconds! The weekend allowed the members to grow closer to each other and bond as a class.
Spring Break offers time to relax
February 27, 2010
The University's annual spring break began today and many brothers are taking advantage of the week off from school to relax and unwind. Some destinations this spring break include Puerto Rico, Florida, Georgia, and the Students Today Leaders Forever spring break service tour.
Big Brothers revealed
February 14, 2010
After a week in which their "littles" received gifts, the big brothers were revealed in a ceremony this evening to the members of the Epsilon Class.
Popcorn Balls on sale!
February 10, 2010
Nothing says "I love you" on Valentine's Day more than a popcorn ball from a loved one. For only $1.00, you can purchase a popcorn ball in the Atrium from 11:00am - 6:00pm each day this week. All proceeds go to benefit the Beta Leadership Fund, which allows brothers to attend some of Beta's nationally-recognized leadership institutes and conferences.
Executive team sets priorities at Keystone
February 7, 2010
Eight of the colony's officers and four advisors returned home this evening following the Midwest Keystone Regional Leadership Conference held Friday-Sunday at the Wyndham in Lisle, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). Keystone is a high quality, regional education experience focused on chapter/colony officer development, principled leadership, and volunteer training. JCU officers attended large group sessions and individual officer tracks, learned strategies for how to effectively lead the colony, and set goals for the year with the executive team.
Executive Board offers 100% Participation in Sons of the Dragon Club
February 6, 2010
Following the introduction this afternoon of the new annual undergraduate giving program, the Sons of the Dragon Club, the executive board of the John Carroll colony stepped up to the challenge. All nine members of the executive board made a minimum contribution of $18.39 to join the club and will encourage their JCU brothers to do the same.
Colony brings home regional award
February 6, 2010
During this afternoon's awards ceremony at the Midwest Keystone Regional Leadership Conference, the John Carroll Colony received special recognition through the Midwest Member Education Award. This honor is bestowed upon the chapter or colony with the top member education program throughout the 30+ chapters associated with the midwestern region.
Seven Members inducted into Epsilon Class
February 1, 2010
The spring recruitment season has come to a close and seven JCU men were inducted tonight into the Epsilon Class of the JCU Colony. They will now take part in an eight-week education period leading to their Initiation.
Sobh, Sheil selected for Manresa 17 Team
January 30, 2010
Seniors Kyle Sobh and Brandon Sheil were selected today as part of the 11-member team to lead this spring's Manresa 17 Retreat. Manresa is one of Campus Ministry's most popular offerings each semester, and allows participants the opportunity to explore in depth some of life's ultimate questions. The weekend getaway, to be held April 16-18, is a chance for quality reflection time to think about whether and how God is a part of one's life in college and beyond. Both Kyle and Brandon participated in this fall's Manresa 16 Retreat. More information about Manresa can be found here.
Kuczynski awarded OOO Scholarship
January 26, 2010
Former colony president J.J. Kuczynski '10 received the Dr. Kent L. Gardner Scholarship in the amount of $300. The scholarship was awarded through Order of Omega, the Greek Leadership Honor Society of which J.J. is a member. Well done, J.J.!
Sheil named Student Leader of the Year
January 21, 2010
Senior Brandon Sheil was honored tonight as one of ten Student Leaders of the Year for 2009. The award was presented during the Inauguration Ceremony for the Student Union's 88th President, Amanda Papa. Throughout the past year, Sheil held a variety of leadership roles in the Student Union Programming Board, Beta Theta Pi, College Democrats, and the Immokalee, FL Immersion Experience. Congrats, Brandon!
Go Beta this spring!
January 19, 2010
Discover more about the JCU Colony of Beta Theta Pi and learn how the organization has made a life-changing impact on many of our members. Come to the Campus-Wide Informational Night, this Thursday, January 21 at 7:30pm in the Jardine Room. You can also check out our schedule of recruitment events, held throughout the week of January 25, open to all interested males.
Lane named to inaugural "Sons of the Dragon Club" Council
January 18, 2010
Colony President Andy Lane '12 is one of ten presidents from Beta's 121 current chapters to be named to the inaugural Sons of the Dragon Club Council. The Sons of the Dragon Club is an undergraduate giving program which encourages each active brother to donate $18.39 each year, and will educate undergraduates on the purpose, goals and operations of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation, establish a culture of lifelong annual giving within the minds and hearts of Beta undergraduates, and acquire new donors. The program was introduced this past weekend at the Miller Nichols Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy (CPLA) in Oxford, OH.