Newsletter:

Brothers,

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

This quote epitomizes the first year for the ASP Delta Iota Alumni Association. We could have followed the path set forth by the national chapter. Instead we chose to create an organization based on our principles as a chapter. I am very proud of the achievements of this organization in 2007. Over the next few days, you will receive a few more emails than usual. Please read these emails, think about the content, feel good about the past, look to the future, and decide where you stand in this effort. My personal goal for 2008, more involvement from you guys. Some of that will be financial, some of that will be involvement in activities, some of that will be communication with others.

Everyone should feel very good about the following accomplishments in 2007.

  1. Opened lines of communication with the Undergrad chapter. Provided guidance and leadership to President and Vice President.
  2. Bo Weaver (now in Iraq) paid all debt for undergrad chapter to Nationals. This earned Bo "Brother of the Year" honors from the National chapter.
  3. Website established www.alphasigdeltaiota.com
  4. 125 alumni attended Pig Roast in April, largest alumni gathering in history of Pig Roast
  5. Many of us supported Dante's charity by playing in the golf tournament. Dante raised 12k this past year for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.
  6. Several alumni meetings in the Richmond and Northern Virginia areas
  7. Opened networking lines among the brotherhood, leading to some brothers getting career opportunities
  8. Raised over $2000 at the first annual golf tournament for various charities
  9. 60 brothers attended first annual golf tournament and 70 (plus spouses) attended dinner
  10. Filed IRS paperwork to become a 501 (c) 3 organizations. This will make us a tax deductible organization.
  11. Paid out $3000 in charity, split equally among St. Jude's, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Longwood Athletic Fund
  12. Established By Laws for the association (soon to be posted on website)
  13. Established 3 year terms for officers

I have heard stories of brothers contacting each other, reconnecting and helping each other outside of this association. That is what brotherhood is all about. Being there for each other through the good and bad. Helping each other with opportunities and using our resources to help others.

Several brothers were married in 2007. Several others welcomed beautiful additions to their families. Hank Kim and Bart Mitchell were appointed to the Foundation Board at Longwood. Chris Neal became the Assistant Director of Development/Athletics at Longwood. Helping lead the efforts to Division 1 status. Thanks to Kedric Griffin. He upgraded the website and is continuing to improve it all the time. Scott Abell coached the Amherst Lancers to a 2nd straight state football title. Scott Prickett bought a second franchise in Florida for Frontier Adjusters. Mike Paschall (2 Sides Restaurant) and Wes Edwards (MadHatters Coffee) opened restaurants in Charlottesville and Farmville respectively. Wes Edwards and Mark Simon helped Extreme Makeover build a house for a needy family in Farmville. I am sure there are many more individual accomplishments that I missed. Feel good about all of the great things Delta Io ta brothers are achieving.

Please take an opportunity to Thank Corey Edmonds and John Nagle for all of their hard work in 2007. Without these two guys, this association would not function.

You will be receiving an additional email very soon outlining our goals for 2008. I ask you to examine these goals and provide your feedback. If you have a cause that needs support, please ask the association.

I appreciate your faith and support in me to lead this association.

In Phi,

Chris Peebles, #179