Difference between revisions of "Southern Appalachian Alumni Chapter"

Revision as of 14:41, 21 September 2018

Southern Appalachian Alumni Chapter (Founded 9 July 2012) is an alumni chapter centered in Johnson City, Tennessee. The Chapter includes alumni from northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia, southeast Kentucky, and northwest North Carolina.

File:SAAC Members PSP Formal 2018.jpg

SAAC Members at Epsilon Xi Formal 2018

Chapter History

Founding

Charter members of SAAC, as per their petition to National Council:

Note: All of the above Brothers are alumni members of the Epsilon Xi Collegiate Chapter.

The Active Chapter

2017 Officers:

President - Ryan Alexander
Vice President - Jessica Coleman
Secretary - Tasha Ferrell
Treasurer - Chris Dean
Recruitment Coordinator - Rebecca Howard

Previous SAAC Officer Archive

Current SAAC Brothers

SAAC Roll Book by Year

Past Chapter Presidents

Ryan Alexander: 2012 to August 2014
Joanne Lamb: August 2014 to December 2014
Josh Moore: 2015
Jillian Alexander: 2016
Ryan Alexander: 2017 - present

Chapter Events & Activities

Recurring Events

Hershey Bar War

Starting in 2013, SAAC decided to assist a project of two of their Members, Ryan Alexander and Jillian Alexander. Ryan and Jillian are members of the Board of Directors for Mission of Hope - Philippines. The project that they decided to take on was to collect Hershey chocolate bars for the working students providing them with a sweet treat, in addition to the supplies brought by the Mission of Hope team, and often a source of food for the day. In efforts to collect the most Hershey bars for the cause, they decided to have a friendly competition with the local Collegiate Chapter Epsilon Xi. The Chapter who collects the most Hershey bars during the allotted time won bragging rights and additional PR via the Mission of Hope - Philippines. Other Brothers from around the nation are encouraged to participate as well. Alumni Members may donate bars toward SAAC's total and Collegiate Members may donate bars toward Epsilon Xi's total.

Totals (Winners of the war are bolded):

2013: Total Bars: 596 Epsilon Xi - 251 SAAC - 345

2014: Total Bars: 486 Epsilon Xi - 262 SAAC - 224 Note: Epsilon Xi Chapter would have won this year's war if bars were turned in by the deadline.

2015: Total Bars: 917 Epsilon Xi - 392 SAAC - 525

2016: Total Bars: 828 Epsilon Xi - 569 SAAC - 259

Current Year's Events

January 2018: Members of SAAC got together at a local coffee shop in Johnson City, TN for this months scholarship event! The day was full of caffeine and cards as the group learned how to play poker. Our beloved brother Tina put together this event to kick the year off right! The stakes were high as we finally got the hang of the game and began betting big. The games ended in a lot of laughter and many of us being thankful that we were not playing with real money!

February 2018: The second event of the year was geared towards lending our hands in a service event. Our dearest Becca organized this month's event at One Acre Café. Brothers were able to work hand-in-hand with students from our local medical school to serve meals to underserved people in our area. It is always a rewarding experience interacting with members of our community and learning their stories!

March 2018: We do love to tap into our inner child every now and again! Socializing was done at the Johnson City skating rink this month thanks to our lovely Rachel. Members gathered to listen to upbeat music and re-learn how to use those classic roller skates! Luckily, no one was injured as we glided around the rink.

April 2018: Model City Tap House in Kingsport, TN got a little rowdy as we gathered to play some trivia! This month's scholarship event was planned by Jessica, and it did not disappoint. We had a huge turn-out as we reached into the depths of our brains to answer some challenging questions. Our movie, history, and pop culture knowledge were put to the test. In the end, we accumulated many points and left victorious... in our books that is!

May 2018: Tina took the initiative to plan May's service event for us. She had the unique idea to collect supplies for a local animal shelter. Members spent the month collecting the most needed items on the list for the fury creatures! It was an event that reminded us how important it is to support our local shelters so that they may provide the most nurturing environment to animals in need. Supporting the shelter was a great way to remember that animal adoption is a top option to consider if one wants to bring in a sweet addition to their home!

June 2018: Our recently new member Jonathan was kind enough to step up and plan our fellowship event for the month of June! As an always active member of our Epsilon Xi chapter, Jonathan is well-known as a super enthusiastic person when it comes to Phi Sigma Pi. We look forward to see what the enthusiasm can bring to SAAC! Welcome!

Members gathered to enjoy authentic German food at Freiberg's in Johnson City and then enjoy some games at Silverball City! We were able to enjoy this throwback event playing arcade style games, air hockey, and skee ball. What a great way to escape our busy lives and spend time with those we enjoy most!

July 2018: This month we had another member, Justin, join the crew! Justin has been to influential to our Epsilon Xi chapter at ETSU, and we are thrilled to have him join SAAC. We cannot wait to continue learning and laughing from you! Welcome!

He took the initiative to plan an extremely unique event relating to scholarship... and CHEESE! Members went on an adventure to the surrounding area of Asheville, NC and visited Round Mountain Creamery! While at the 28 acre goat dairy and farmstead, we went on a tour of the farm and acquired knowledge in the realm of dairy farm operations! A delicious cheese sampling had us wanting to stay for more. Also, the goats were so adorable and accommodating to our curiosity!

August 2018: Leadership/service, Tasha, YMCA Run/walk volunteering

September 2018: Fellowship/social, Jessica, Board game day at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Event Archive

By Year:

By Tripod

Notable Alumni

SAAC would like to thank all of those individuals who signed the charter creating this awesome Alumni Chapter!

Ryan Alexander - Vice President of Alumni Development (2014 to 2016)
Josh Moore - Founder of Eta Theta Chapter in Spring 2016

Grand Chapter Delegates

2012: Ryan Alexander (Delegate), Joanne Lamb (Alternate)
2013: Ryan Alexander (Delegate), Joanne Lamb (Alternate)
2014: Ryan Alexander (Delegate), Joanne Lamb (Alternate)
2015: Josh Moore, Tasha Ferrell, Joanne Lamb, Jillian Alexander
2016: Josh Moore (Delegate), Chris Dean (Alternate)

Chapter Honors & Awards

2013 National Hazing Prevention Photo Contest Winner - Alumni Chapter Division

Further Resources

SAAC's Facebook Page

SAAC's Twitter

SAAC's Website

Alumni Organizations
Active Alumni Chapters	Baltimore Metro Area Alumni Chapter (BMAAC) • Capital Alumni Chapter • Central Florida Alumni (CFA) • Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter (DVAC) • Eastern North Carolina Alumni Chapter (ENCAC) • Greater Boston Alumni Chapter • Greater Monongahela Alumni Chapter (GMAC) • Middle Tennessee Alumni Chapter (MTAC) • New York Metropolitan Area Alumni Chapter (NYMAAC) • Richmond Area Alumni Chapter • Southern Appalachian Alumni Chapter (SAAC)
Inactive Alumni Chapters	Appalachian Region Alumni Chapter • Central New Jersey Alumni Chapter • Central North Carolina Alumni Chapter • Chesapeake Area Alumni Chapter • Penn State Alumni Chapter • Southern Great Lakes Region Alumni Chapter • Western Pennsylvania Alumni Chapter
Active Alumni Associations	National Alumni Association (NAA) • Atlanta Area Alumni Association (AAAA) • Columbus Area Alumni Association (CAAA) • Myrtle Beach Alumni Association (MYBAA) • Seattle Metro Area Alumni Association (SMAAA) • Southeast Louisiana Alumni Association (SLAA) • West Kentucky Alumni Association (WKAA)
Inactive Alumni Associations	Baltimore Area Alumni Association • Bay Area Alumni Association • Central Florida Alumni Association • Central Pennsylvania Alumni Association • Greater Boston Area Alumni Association (GBAA) • Metro Richmond Alumni Association • Middle Tennessee Alumni Association • North Carolina Alumni Association

@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 '''February 2018:'''
-The second event of the year was geared towards lending our hands in a service event. Our dearest Becca organized this month's event at One Acre Café. Brothers were able to work hand-in-hand with students from our local medical school to serve meals to homeless people in our area.
+The second event of the year was geared towards lending our hands in a service event. Our dearest Becca organized this month's event at One Acre Café. Brothers were able to work hand-in-hand with students from our local medical school to serve meals to underserved people in our area. It is always a rewarding experience interacting with members of our community and learning their stories!
 '''March 2018:'''
-Fellowship/social event, Rachel planned, meeting and skating
+We do love to tap into our inner child every now and again! Socializing was done at the Johnson City skating rink this month thanks to our lovely Rachel. Members gathered to listen to upbeat music and re-learn how to use those classic roller skates! Luckily, no one was injured as we glided around the rink.
 '''April 2018:'''
-Scholarship, Jessica, Trivia at Model City Tap House
+Model City Tap House in Kingsport, TN got a little rowdy as we gathered to play some trivia! This month's scholarship event was planned by Jessica, and it did not disappoint. We had a huge turn-out as we reached into the depths of our brains to answer some challenging questions. Our movie, history, and pop culture knowledge were put to the test. In the end, we accumulated many points and left victorious... in our books that is!
 '''May 2018:'''
-Leadership/service, Tina, animal shelter supply collection and drop off
+Tina took the initiative to plan May's service event for us. She had the unique idea to collect supplies for a local animal shelter. Members spent the month collecting the most needed items on the list for the fury creatures! It was an event that reminded us how important it is to support our local shelters so that they may provide the most nurturing environment to animals in need. Supporting the shelter was a great way to remember that animal adoption is a top option to consider if one wants to bring in a sweet addition to their home!
 '''June 2018:'''
-Fellowship/social, Jonathan, Freiberg's and Silverball City
+Our recently new member Jonathan was kind enough to step up and plan our fellowship event for the month of June! As an always active member of our Epsilon Xi chapter, Jonathan is well-known as a super enthusiastic person when it comes to Phi Sigma Pi. We look forward to see what the enthusiasm can bring to SAAC! Welcome!
+Members gathered to enjoy authentic German food at Freiberg's in Johnson City and then enjoy some games at Silverball City! We were able to enjoy this throwback event playing arcade style games, air hockey, and skee ball. What a great way to escape our busy lives and spend time with those we enjoy most!
 '''July 2018:'''
-Scholarship, Justin, Round Mountain Creamery Tour
+This month we had another member, Justin, join the crew! Justin has been to influential to our Epsilon Xi chapter at ETSU, and we are thrilled to have him join SAAC. We cannot wait to continue learning and laughing from you! Welcome!
+He took the initiative to plan an extremely unique event relating to scholarship... and CHEESE! Members went on an adventure to the surrounding area of Asheville, NC and visited Round Mountain Creamery! While at the 28 acre goat dairy and farmstead, we went on a tour of the farm and acquired knowledge in the realm of dairy farm operations! A delicious cheese sampling had us wanting to stay for more. Also, the goats were so adorable and accommodating to our curiosity!
 '''August 2018:'''
@@ Line 100: / Line 104: @@
 '''September 2018:'''
 Fellowship/social, Jessica, Board game day at Gypsy Circus Cider Company
-===Previous Year's Events===
-'''January 2017:'''
-SAAC held our January Social event in Knoxville, Tennessee. For dinner, we gathered with a great group of Epsilon Xi Alumni, dear friends, and special guests for Asian/Latin fusion at Cocoa Moon downtown in Market Square. Next, we watched the Fayetteville FireAntz defeat the Knoxville Ice Bears.  The hockey game was a first-time experience for several of us! The crowd had a fun energy, the players got a little rowdy, and even though we lost, it was well worth the trip.
-'''February 2017:'''
-February's Scholarship Event also had a Service twist!  Tina taught a small group how to make baby booties that would be included in care packages for infants undergoing surgery at Bethesda Naval Hospital.  She taught us how to use a template to cut out the correct patterns from fun, multi-colored fabrics.  Then we got a crash-course on using the sewing machine to assemble the fabric and elastic for an adorable finished product.
-[[File:SAAC Feb 2017.jpg|thumbnail|center]]
-'''March 2017:'''
-For March's service event, SAAC contacted the local Chapter of [https://www.dav.org/ Disabled American Veterans] to give a helping hand to a well deserving veteran in our community.  Mr. Robert E. Myers, Jr.  needed a few extra hands to clear away brush, overgrown limbs, and accumulated leaves in his yard.  After several hours of hard work, our team generated monstrous piles of brush for the city to clear away. Because of his back and breathing problems, Mr. Myers said it would have taken him months to complete what we did in one short afternoon.  He was elated with the results, and we felt accomplished seeing the difference we made for him.
-[[File:SAAC Mar 2017.png|thumbnail|center]]
-'''April 2017:'''
-April's Social event was a potluck aptly planned for the month's fickle weather.  We gathered in Kingsport in a cozy sitting room at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church for a Soup and Ice Cream Bar.  Everyone's homemade hearty soups warmed us up after a full day of cold rain, and our ice cream with all the best toppings helped us celebrate the hot weather that will be just around the corner.
-'''May 2017:'''
-May's Scholarship Event was a first for several of our Members; we went geocaching! Surprisingly, there are hundreds of caches in Johnson City, and we spent a couple hours hunting for several around ETSU's campus, hiking trails, nearby businesses, and downtown.  We used a mobile app from [www.geocaching.com] to choose each cache, find the coordinates, and read hints and logs from the geocache community that had found each item before us.  Some of the caches were large enough to leave behind a small trinket, so we included mini rubber ducks!
-'''June 2017:'''
-Sometimes, the best laid plans go awry.  Unfortunately, the rainy weather did not permit us to carry out our June Service event at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN, where we were set to do some cleanup and landscaping.
-'''July 2017:'''
-July was a busy month with TWO events!
-On our regular rotation was a social event.  We met at Founder's Park in Johnson City for field-day games.  The Brothers had a blast playing Dizzy Izzy (where each contestant spins around with forehead on a baseball bat before completing tasks like hitting a ball off a tee or punting a football), shaving cream balloon toss, and others.  We kept score for each event, and [[Ryan Alexander]] was our first place field-day champ! After a day full of laughter, we stopped by a local deli and then Fizz Soda Bar downtown for some creative floats.
-This is the month we also celebrate our July 9th Founder's Day with an annual retreat.  Since SAAC celebrated a mini-milestone of 5 years together, we wanted to celebrate BIG! We took a cruise to the Bahamas and got in some quality Brother-bonding time over days on the Serenity deck, fancy dinners, and nights in the Comedy club.  We had one day off the ship in Nassau where we browsed the straw market and relaxed at Junkanoo beach.
-'''August 2017:'''
-SAAC went Whitewater rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors on the Little Pigeon River for August's Scholarship event.  We brought along a few guests, and the weather was perfect for being outdoors! Lucky for us beginners, no one fell out of the raft! We finished up the trip with lunch at a local Mexican restaurant in Newport, TN.
-'''September 2017:'''
-Leadership and service were our themes for this month's event. Our newest member, Jessica, organized our service event that benefited Good Samaritan Ministries, a local organization that serves low-income families and people experiencing homelessness by providing food, showers, clean clothing, free legal advice, and so much more. Our group helped sort donated clothes to be sold in their Heaven Sent thrift store. All the proceeds from the thrift store go directly to their ministries. Volunteers are absolutely vital to GSM's operations, and we were happy to lend a hand!
-'''October 2017:'''
-We sure do love to get spooky for Halloween, which is why we were so thrilled to hold this months social event planned by our wonderful Jillian! Members filled their bellies with delicious Mexican food at a local class in Johnson City, TN. We ventured over to East Tennessee State University to laugh until we cried at an interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing. We spent the evening throwing rice, spraying miniature water guns, and rocking our party hats! Jessica also won the costume contest dressed up as Gerard Way from My Chemical Romance! Talk about a throwback.
-'''November 2017:'''
-Check back soon for an update on this month's scholarship event planned by Tina! We appreciate your patience and hope you enjoy reading about our other involvements.
-'''December 2017:'''
-The holiday festivities lent a hand to this month's service event organized by Tasha! Members had the opportunity to volunteer at Johnson City's Whoville Village that was set-up at the local Christmas parade. We were able to participate in a many aspects of the day including directing the train for its ride to Santa's village as well as encouraging kids to exercise their creativity while coloring! We had a blast bringing a smile to many people's faces during such a joyous time of year, and, as an added bonus, meeting Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch!
 ===Event Archive===

Difference between revisions of "Southern Appalachian Alumni Chapter"

Revision as of 14:41, 21 September 2018

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