Beta Upsilon 2009 Chapter History

The following is an overview of the 2009 Beta Upsilon Chapter History

Spring 2009

Spring 2009 began with a rough start as nine active brothers left the chapter to study abroad. Their departure was a stepping stone as they made up nearly one-fourth of the chapter. The brothers at home set up a Beta Upsilon blog to try and keep close contact between both alumni and those abroad.

Revised Rush Process

Spring 2009 saw a revised Rush process under the new Rush Advisor Ashley Blubaugh. Deeming that the traditional invitation letters to undergraduates was a little boring, she took the initiative to draft new informative pamphlets to be printed out and sent to underclassmen. The pamphlets included the basic Rush information, requirements, as well as numerous pictures of the brothers of Beta Upsilon. Whether it was these new pamphlets or not, the Rush turnout for Beta Upsilon saw improved numbers as well as more male prospectives. Information sessions were also revamped by brothers Ashley Blubaugh and Jamie Bergstein. Together they created an interactive slide show to present to prospective students as well as warm-up activities to help everyone mingle and get to know one another. This new style really improved upon info sessions of the past and was deemed very successful.

Alpha Beta Initiate Class

The Alpha Beta Initiate class was one of the largest initiate classes in recent Beta Upsilon history, led by Initiate Advisor Jamie Bergstein. As Initiate Advisor, she improved the program by adding new elements such as a "speed dating" interview process to help match up bigs and littles, a pasta dinner during Induction night, and other informative activities and events to help the Alpha Beta class get to know the Brothers.

At Brother Bowl

Brothers at Brother Bowl

In order to branch out to other chapters and meet new brothers, Beta Upsilon sent six brothers to Penn State's Alpha Pi chapter to participate in their annual Brother Bowl field day event. Vincent Capone, Meaghan Whitfield, Krystina Cahalan, Korey Mendes, Ryan Pothering, and Uriel Rodriguez were the six brothers to attend. Besides having a great time, the brothers also brought back new ideas and ways to improve the chapter.

Northeast Regional Conference

The Northeast Regional Conference was held this year in Boston, MA. The chapter sent nine brothers (Christine Rega, Vincent Capone, Ashley Blubaugh, Ashley Kumlin, Krystina Cahalan, Korey Mendes, Stephanie Geiser, Jamie Bergstein, and Meaghan Whitfield) to represent Beta Upsilon. Brother Krystina Cahalan was the Beta Upsilon NERC coordinator.

Relay For Life 2009

The Beta Upsilon Relay For Life team this year was headed by Sarah Moss. An Alpha Beta Initiate Class team was also formed and was headed by Kory Lydon.

Second Annual TFA 5K Run

The brothers spent most of the early semester preparing for the second annual TFA 5K run by searching for sponsors and fundraising. Brothers Ashley Kumlin and Darius Shalforoosh of the TFA Committee worked especially hard flyering, setting up tabling, and searching for prizes and sponsors. The race had a great outcome of over fifty runners and raised over $500 for TFA.

Intramural Volleyball

An intramural volleyball team was started this spring with brothers Vincent Capone and Uriel Rodrigeuz as co-captains. The team consisted of seven brothers and played a total of five games. Their final score was 1-4.

National Convention 2009

Brothers Uriel Rodriguez and Korey Mendes were chosen to represent the Beta Upsilon chapter at the National Convention in Louisville, KY.

Changes to the Chapter

A new committee was formed after chapter Historian Vincent Capone motioned the creation of the Historial Committee. The new committee will be in charge of preserving the chapter's history. Chaired by the Historian, the committee will manage the scrap books, work on a chapter composite, as well as documenting the chapter's history.

Fall 2009

Entering the fall semester with nearly fifty active brothers, the Beta Upsilon chapter set lofty goals for themselves such as improving inter-chapter relations and preparing for NERC 2010, which will be held at the University of Massachusetts in the spring.

Planning for the Future

Beta Upsilon has the future in mind for this coming academic year. With nearly a third of the chapter graduating, there is much work to preserve the growth and strength of Beta Upsilon, and much emphasis is being placed on a large spring pledge class. With E-Board elections at the end of the fall semester, and a large portion of Brothers going abroad in the spring, ther is also a strong effort to get these positions filled. The chapter is very excited for the new e-board for the spring semester.

Rush Phi Sigma Pi

Rush Advisor Sarah Moss paved the way for prospective students with a "game" themed Rush. Rush events included kickball, a ping pong tournament, casino night, and a night activity with both bonfire and manhunt. The information pamphlets created last semester were expanded upon and sent out in color copies to all eligible undergraduates.

Alpha Gamma Initiate Class

Four prospective members were granted entry into the Alpha Gamma pledge class led by Initiate Advisor Marisa Bernstein. By the end of the five week program, three initiates were inducted into the brotherhood.

Intramural Volleyball

Another Phi Sigma Pi intramural volleyball team was again created for the fall season.

Fall 2009 Events

The fall held many exciting events for the Beta Upsilon Chapter. The chapter held its annual Halloween bash hosted by Brother Stacey Perlman. For the UMass Homecoming, the Alumni Committee hosted a tailgate for Brothers and alumni to enjoy a cookout and watch the football game. The chapter also participated in UDance for the third year in a row.

Inter-Chapter Relations

Beta Upsilon made great strides this semester to reach out to other chapters and participate in ICR events across the region. The chapter sent Brothers to Lehigh for the annual kickball tournament. The next month Brothers traveled to Temple University to participate in the Philly Cup soccer tournament. Beta Upsilon was able to reach out and spread word for NERC being hosted in the spring semester at UMass.