Alpha Alpha Chapter The Proposed Campaign for KA at The University of the South

Over the ’s legendary past at Sewanee, we have constantly pushed the boundaries of progress in the classroom, on campus and throughout the Greek community. As a central part of this legacy, and to the KA experience, the chapter house has provided a home base for members of Alpha Alpha for four decades.

Our chapter house has endured several situational upgrades and code modifications over the years, but remains the same structure built in 1973. It currently suffers side-effects from poor original craftsmanship, a period of neglect during the 1990’s and 40 years of fraternity wear and tear. The house is aging rapidly making it incapable of representing our chapter. As leaders among the prestigious few who attended Sewanee, we must take bold action to preserve a legacy and tradition that is uniquely ours.

The University’s planned five-year expansion of student population to 1800 students has provided an opportunity for the Greek system to expand housing, allowing for significant income from live-in members. Continuing to fund maintenance as issues constantly arise has not been a sound plan. The proposed project is unlike any effort we have undertaken. A successful campaign will allow the house to be self-sustainable in perpetuity.

After a thorough review and thoughtful consideration of all options, our proposal involves the demolition of the existing rear wing of the house and replacing it with an architecturally sound and structurally secure foundation. A series of social rooms on the ground floor and a dormitory- like facility on a new second story will also be added. The new structure will feature added bedrooms, study facilities, a small common room, kitchenette and laundry facility.

In order to gauge the viability of this vision, the House Corporation has retained OmegaFi, a nationally renowned partner for fraternity and fundraising management, to help us refine our plan and determine, among other things: (1) whether our alumni agree with the immediate need for major renovations to the chapter house, and (2) whether Alpha Alpha can successfully raise $1 million to conduct the renovation.

On Campus Today

Our current chapter boasts 47 active members and has recently enjoyed one of the most successful rush seasons in recent memory. This year’s pledge class numbered 20 freshmen, two of whom are sons of former Alpha Alpha Number Is. KA is second to none on the Mountain.

As an academic leader in the Greek community on campus, our recent 3.01 cumulative chapter GPA points to KA’s commitment to the classroom. In recognition of superior academic performance, the chapter was honored for “Academic Excellence and Outstanding Scholastic Achievement” at the combined Candler, Feller and Frampton Province Council in February of 2014.

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Our accolades are not limited to the classroom. The KA squad won the Greek Intramural Football Championship again in dominating fashion, while Alpha Alpha boasted one of the top seeded teams in last year’s campus playoffs. Traditionally, our chapter has been a powerhouse in both intramural football and basketball competitions – and the current chapter has not disappointed.

KA continues to be a leader in the community and surrounding areas. With recent events like “Project Christmas," the chapter worked to collect donated gifts for the underprivileged during the Christmas season. Many also participated in the Sewanee “Color Run” where runners were sponsored by family and friends to pound the pavement during a 5K with all proceeds going to charities including the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Our chapter continues to Current KA’s in Leadership Roles distinguish itself at Sewanee through its leadership and is represented across the  Chalker Kansteiner ‘12 - Chief of Sewanee Fire spectrum of University-sponsored and Department community organizations including  Hal Smith ‘12 - Captain of Sewanee Lacrosse Team SGA, athletics, Order of Gownsmen,  Hal Smith ‘12, David Garcia ‘12 - Members of Disciplinary Committee Ribbon Societies and social clubs.  Clayton Dickson ‘13 – Head of the Sportsman Club

 Chris Haberstroh ‘13 – Captain of Sewanee Soccer

KA continues to promote the Team, Assistant Sewanee Fire Chief qualities of a modern gentleman. Our  Alex Kops ’13, Chris Wasden ’13 - Captains of undergraduate members are truly an Sewanee Football Team impressive and admirable group of men – and they deserve our support.

History and Background

When KA was founded at Sewanee in 1884, there were already five other fraternities on campus. , Sigma Alpha Epsilon, , and all had a presence at the university with only 80-90 men enrolled. To say the environment was “competitive” would be an understatement.

Alpha Alpha’s first chapter meeting was held on April 15, 1884. Over the next 130 years, KA continued to initiate leaders in countless campus societies and organizations. These men would go on to be leaders in the church, government and other professional institutions throughout the world.

Today, KA enjoys 1,005 living alumni. Our present chapter continues to hold fast to their roots. While honoring the past, KA is committed to a bright future.

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Housing Alpha Alpha

Our chapter house resides on University Avenue near the entrance to the main campus. Historically, fraternity houses at Sewanee serve as “lodges” that are used primarily for social purposes. They also function as study halls for their members.

There is currently one bedroom in the KA house that includes a private bathroom and closet which accommodates two students. The University’s master plan forecasts the student population will significantly increase in size within the next five years and even with new and renovated dormitories, there is still need for expanded housing. The administration is encouraging expansion of Greek houses to accommodate more student residents. Recognizing this, a substantial majority of Greek organizations (both fraternities and sororities) are taking action by adding additional living space to their respective houses.

Simply put, if KA does not keep pace by providing a modernized facility for our current and future members to call home, it could adversely affect our ability to attract the best and brightest men who come to Sewanee. Needless to say, we will not allow this to happen.

The proposed new addition to the chapter house will be built on a solid foundation that is architecturally secure and feature quality building materials. It will include several social rooms and additional living space to house six to eight men who will reside there full time.

The House Corporation will receive approximately $5,000 in income for each resident in the renovated KA house. If we are able to build our house debt-free, these funds can be put into a long term financing plan to use for maintaining the house, paying for fixed costs and for managed savings for future capital needs.

With these points considered, a successful $1 million capital campaign will allow KA to secure sustainable housing and provide a home base for social gatherings for the next 50 years and beyond. However, before we rush forward, we want your feedback.

How You Can Help

For KA to continue its decades of success, alumni involvement and active leadership is critical. In the coming months, we sincerely hope you will answer when you are called upon to offer your insight and opinion on this historic project for KA.

This feasibility and planning study will help KA leadership determine if our alumni agree with and support the decision to move forward with a major capital campaign. Your thoughts, opinions, criticisms and ideas are needed as we hope to upgrade and enhance the chapter house.

Your advice and participation, and the participation of other dedicated alumni, will provide the information we need to chart our chapter’s future. Now is the time to give back to the chapter that has so profoundly impacted our lives.

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