Founder's Day -- A reminder that we are still relevant?

What are we doing? What is this thing we are a part of? There are academics, national headquarters staff, writers, television hosts and professional speakers who are all paid for their professional opinion on the matter.

And you know what? They all have different answers. Many change their definition of fraternity and some of them even have trouble defining what fraternity is. (If you are going to recruit, you better shape up your answer...and don't just say: brotherhood. People benefit much more from your experiences than some generic answer.)

For 96 years, this fraternity has operated, succeeded, failed and, most importantly, continued on. This year alone we will take more new members than we had active just 8 short years ago! Our ideals are present in each chapter and we are growing. This semester we are working on chartering three colonies.

The question of relevancy is answered. Fraternity is relevant. People are joining us and there is an interest from campuses nationwide. But why? What is it that we offer and, as always, how can we improve with the times?

Happy Founder's Day, please take time to reflect and celebrate the ideals of this fraternity (and the men who brought this gift to you).

Here's brother Marpheen, Nu Xi, speaking about his why.
(Edit 3/4, I realized I had used the above video in an earlier post)

So here's another..

Dan J. of Nu Xi, speaking about his why.

Derrick Dubois

Director of Chapter Services

derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org

Why -- Marpheen

Marpheen has created the Nu Xi website, increased their Facebook page to over 400 likes and has aspirations to study law. Enjoy!

Check out his handy work: http://www.phimudeltanuxi.org/

Busy at USM -- NU XI

The drive from Keene to Portland ME was filled with great views. 

Alumni were able to find this print for the Nu Xi men. 

The top two intiates into the Athletic Hall of Fame are former active brothers of Nu Xi.

Dan J. really loves milk.

Poutine Burger at The Great Bear. Cheese, gravy, potatoes and beef. Can't go wrong.

Friday

Student senate met for 2 long hours to decide on University initiatives. Our men have 9 senators on a senate of just over 20. Dan J. and Christian E. are shown here. 

University radio station tour with all of its CD's and records. Got free cheesecake and shirt as it was their 40th anniversary. 

Saturday

USM vs. Plymouth state Men's soccer. Ryan J., a brother, captains the soccer team. 

Women's Field Hockey USM vs Keene State

Peter Jordan was able to recognize the men being inducted before hand enough to find tickets for Nu Xi brothers and myself. So glad to share that time with his family and the inductees. President Kalikow speaks about the importance of athletics.

Mike Fish, Men's Soccer captain for 3 years in a row, Nu Xi '95

Phil Gerolstein, Ice Hockey, Nu Xi '98 

The man in the middle, we realized after he was awarded with athletic's highest honor, was the chartering president at USM, Charlie Gordon Nu Xi '69. He received the Richard A. Costello Special Achievement Award for his time as a basketball player and coach at the University. 

The Past Meets Present Founders

Left to right, young men: Josh(VP of Finance), Ryan J., and Christian E. 

Right after the induction I met up with brothers who were amped and ready to take on a pie eating contest. This was sponsored by the university's events board.

Michael H. getting down to business with an apple pie. 

The winner is announced, sadly not one of our men, though they tried hard. Full hearts, full stomachs. 

Somehow Dan ended up with a blueberry pie. 

As you may know, Nu Xi has adopted the persona as pumpkins. They wear more orange than black, as most chapters do. 

Brotherhood is when you like all  of your brother's profile pictures. 

Lobster quesadilla: thanks Maine. 

I had an awesome time working the Nu Xi. These men are highly motivated and involved on campus. They represent our letters with pride and a humble awareness that speaks volumes. Chartering is in their future as long as hard work continues. They'll need to continue making progress after chartering so that we can all be a part of a great legacy at the University of Southern Maine Portland-Gorham. 

They are excelling with outreach and PR, contact them for ideas if needed. The campus only supports 7 organizaitons, 5 fraternities and 2 sororities, all of which belong to one council. Several of our men sit on the executive board. Christian E. is working to accommodate the addition of a Panhellenic Council and more sororities. 

Nu Xi CREEP 2013

During the summer, I had the pleasure of attending University of Southern Maine's (Nu Xi) CREEP reunion. I had a wonderful time seeing the alumni become passionate about the organization that changed their lives in the past now coming back to USM. There was no shortage of stories, friends and hospitality. 

Proper signage is key.

The men at Nu Xi where orange more than most of our chapters and have affectionately been named the pumpkins. Here is an alumni showing off Nu Xi pride.

Peter Jordan, coordinator of the days events, hands over a few awards to notable alumni and undergraduates.

Nu Xi, past and present, orange jackets in the front were given to active brothers by alumni. This is a long standing tradition at the University of Southern Maine. I cannot wait to head back north to meet with these remarkable undergraduates and their supportive alumni. 

derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org