The Update

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June 8, 2021

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Published

June 8, 2021

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Lorie Land

Industry Update Provided by NPC

This week

The Associated Press reported that Virginia Commonwealth University expelled Delta Chi Fraternity for violating policies on hazing and alcohol. The fraternity had been on suspension for the past three months following the death of student Adam Oakes, who was pledging the fraternity. A medical examiner concluded that Oakes’ cause of death was alcohol poisoning. The Richmond police are still investigating the death of Oakes.

Fifteen Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity members from Washington State University have been charged in the death of Samuel Martinez, according to NBC News. Martinez died from acute alcohol intoxication in 2019. The members charged are both current and former members of the fraternity. The parents of Martinez filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Washington State University and the fraternity.

Last week

The Associated Press and other area newspapers reported the confirmed cause of death of Adam Oakes, a Virginia Commonwealth University student who was found dead after a Delta Chi Fraternity party, was alcohol poisoning. Oakes family believed that hazing played a role in his death. This is not the fraternity’s first disciplinary action that has involved underage drinking. In 2018, the university banned the chapter for four years for repeated violations, but then lowered the ban to one year.

May 25, 2021

The New York Times reported that more than 400 private and public colleges and universities in the U.S. are requiring students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to campus this fall. This piece analyzes the consequences that some colleges fear they will face by requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, such as a drop in enrollment and loss of state funding. It also juxtaposes the reactions and responses at public institutions in “blue” states vs. “red” ones—such as in Indiana, where Indiana University, based in a “red” state, is a relatively rare outlier institution in requiring vaccination. NOTE: since the publication of this story, Indiana University has changed the vaccination policy after being told it violates a new state law banning immunization passports, according to WTHR-13.

Workforce Updates

Recruitment Committee Chairman Christine McDonald is pleased to announce that Emily Hill, Beta Zeta/Oklahoma State, will be transitioning to serve as recruitment and Panhellenic district director (RPDD) for College District IX. Emily will continue to serve as RPDD in College District VIII until a replacement is identified.

Risk Prevention Committee Chairman Natalie Padron is pleased to announce the following new risk prevention specialists and the districts with which they will work.

Justine Betzler, Delta Omicron/Alabama – College District XII
Macy Bonniwell, Gamma Phi/Texas Tech – College District VI
Lauren Dannemiller, Alpha Tau/Cincinnati – College District IX
Berkley Fierro, Rho/Nebraska – College District VIII
Kristen Vicknair, Delta Kappa/LSU – College District V

Volunteer Milestone Charms

Each year, Kappa Alpha Theta sends volunteer charms to workforce-level officers celebrating a milestone. These charms are for cumulative years of service in workforce-level positions. We would like to recognize the volunteers listed below for celebrating volunteer milestones in 2021. Thank you for all you do for Kappa Alpha Theta!

5 Years

Ali Bennett, Beta Upsilon/British Columbia
Jess Parker Sato, Alpha Iota/Washington-St. Louis
Laura Nordyke Boland, Gamma Pi/Iowa State
Meaghan Hartney, Alpha Phi/Tulane
Morgan Brickley, Psi/Wisconsin
Ruth Wong Miller, Beta Chi/Alberta
Virginia Ahalt Quandt, Delta Phi/Clemson

10 Years

Betsy de Bevec McKibbin, Omicron/USC
Jane Palmer Horlings, Rho/Nebraska
Louise Root Bearss, Delta Theta/Florida
Melissa Rocco, Alpha Gamma/Ohio State

15 Years - Joan Hastings Kreiger, Chi/Syracuse

20 Years

Katie Busby, Epsilon Zeta/Mississippi
Kim Linin, Delta Eta/Kansas State
Tina Villarete Tran, Zeta Nu/UC Davis

25 Years

Jean Knight Markley, Beta Delta/Arizona
Marcia Wolff Thompson, Gamma Upsilon/Miami
Patti Kozoriz Liogier, Beta Chi/Alberta

30 Years

Natalie Parent, Beta Psi/McGill
Sue Laffan Thompson, Gamma Mu/Maryland

35 Years - Debby Owens Bennett, Phi/Pacific

40 Years - Marge Evanson Smith, Gamma Lambda/Beloit

2021-2022 Theta Foundation Chapter & Individual Grants

The applications and application guides for 2021-2022 Chapter & Individual Grants will be posted on Theta’s Apply for Scholarships & Grants webpage today! The Quarter 1 deadline is July 14 for programs beginning on or after September 1. Please direct any questions to Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Smith.

Year-End and Expense Reports

The Fraternity’s 2020-2021 fiscal year ends June 30. Because some of your expenses may be for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, please note on your submitted expenses if they are for the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 fiscal year.

2020-2021 expenses will be accepted until, but no later than, July 31. No exceptions to this deadline will be granted, as the Fraternity’s audit begins in August. Please submit your invoices in a timely manner. Also remember that only expenses submitted within 90 days of expenditure will be reimbursed. If you have any questions, please contact your staff partner.

The Update | June 8, 2021