the bridge builder, spring 2012

Vol. III, Issue 4

www.jcubetas.org

Parents Reflect on their Sons’ Experience

Student body president joins Beta Theta Pi

O n Sunday, May 20, twelve of the Eta Epsilon Chapter’s finest walked across the graduation stage to receive their bachelor’s degrees from John Carroll University. The

undergraduate experience of being a member of Beta Theta Pi was no doubt memorable and impactful for each of these men. However, the experience was just as much a privilege for the parents of the Class of 2012. Some of them take time to reflect on the growth they witnessed in their sons, and how they themselves have been changed by the experience of being Beta Parents. “There for Each Other” Betas are the best group of young men on campus. They are brothers who are there for each other and who help one another. When you become a Beta you get an instant group of brothers to support you and make true lifelong friends. We have seen Greg’s Beta brothers be there for him so many times. When Greg’s grandfather died, the Betas were there at the

INSIDE This Issue

While it is not uncommon to hear of a brother of Beta Theta Pi serving as student body president within the General Fraternity’s 120-some chapters, generally the brother is elected president after he’s already been initiated in Beta. Not the case at John Carroll. Last fall, Greg Petsche ‘13 was elected to serve as the 90th President of the Student Union. This spring, Greg and six other men accepted their bids, went through a new member education period, and were initiated into full membership of Beta Theta Pi. “I held a lot of leadership positions at Carroll and was getting to meet and work with numerous individuals, but I still felt like there was something missing,” Petsche said. “I realized that [joining Beta] was exactly what I needed to continue on my path of personal development and growth.”

See PRESIDENT, page 6

Letter from the President 2 Parents’ Club Update 3 Lane delivers Millor Orator Address 4 Skiviat leaves legacy 5

New Member Profiles 6 Greek Week 7 Alumni Updates 7 Conversation with Jurell Sison ‘10 8

See PARENTS, page 3

The Bridge Builder Vol. III, Issue 4

2 www.jcubetas.org

A Letter from the President John Jackson ‘13

Dear JCU Beta Community, Thinking back to the past spring semester, all I can do is smile. The chapter had success in our commitment to our goals, in the community, and in competition, all while having a lot of fun along the way. In the last issue, I explained that as a chapter we had aspirations of strengthening our commitment to Beta’s values through Ritual education, encouraging more members to attend leadership development opportunities, and continuing our vital recruitment endeavors. None of these goals have a “check-off” date. They all require the chapter to keep working at its highest caliber and we are doing just that. This past semester the men of Eta Epsilon held two Eye of Wooglin ceremonies to strengthen the brotherhood. These reflective ceremonies keep us grounded and honest in the pursuit of our values. Thanks to Dom Interlicchia ‘15, Chris Saniuk ‘12, and Chapter Counselor Ric Eickhoff for organizing lawn clean-ups that raised over $1,000. We also showed our competitive spirit during Greek Week. At the end of Greek Week, Beta was recognized for having top scholarship and spirit among fraternities, and top Greek leaders within the JCU community. Greg Petsche ‘13 won the Emerging Greek Leader award and Nick Skiviat ‘12 won the Greek Man of the Year. These two men are a testament to what the chapter and the General Fraternity are striving for—leaders who make a difference with integrity. The semester ended with a bittersweet senior send-off, a wonderful senior farewell from our philanthropy (Milestones Autism Organization), and a prideful commencement celebration as Andy Lane ‘12 gave

the student commencement address. It is difficult to say goodbye to the twelve graduating seniors who have given so much to the chapter during their time as collegiate members, but it is comforting to remember that, in Beta, brothers are brothers for life. We are looking forward to the twelve men engaging actively in our alumni community. Again, congratulations to all of you. This summer many members are engaging in the awesome General Fraternity leadership programming.

Markus Creachbaum ‘15, Tim Ficke ‘15, and Bence Toth ‘14 will experience the Wooden Institute this summer. In early August, Sean Calhoun ‘15, Ken Clar ‘14, Tommy Collins ‘15, Jon McCandless ‘14, and Paul Mullin ‘15 are all planning to join me at the 173rd General Convention in Chicago for Leadership College. Other brothers are busy working in prestigious internships, taking summer classes, and giving back to the JCU community. Looking ahead to the upcoming 2012 fall semester, the chapter is hoping to add a Father/Son event during early to mid-September and our Parents & Family Weekend will be held in conjunction with JCU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 6th. Please mark your calendars as I hope to see the Dads and the family and alumni at each respective event. Enjoy the wonderful weather summer brings and look to the future with excitement. This coming year will be one of the best for Eta Epsilon.

Proud to be a Beta, John Jackson ‘13

President, Eta Epsilon Chapter

Contributors: John N. Jackson ‘13

Andrew J. Kostiuk ‘15 Joel W. Mullner ‘07 Mrs. Nancy Sloat

The Bridge Builder Volume III, Issue 4

Spring 2012

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Eta Epsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi

Dale J. Armbruster ‘14 Public Relations Chair / Editor

Joel W. Mullner ‘07

Public Relations Advisor


www.jcubetas.org 3

Parents’ Club Update Mrs. Nancy Sloat, Club Moderator

Recently our Beta sons made their show-stopping performance at the annual Greek Week Lip Sync. As usual, the guys did a fantastic job! Equally fantastic was the amount of Beta parents that attended the show. Jeff and I were lucky enough to attend four years ago and we were the only parents in attendance. This year, we filled FOUR ROWS of Beta parents! Wow! A true testament to how strong and how much our Beta family is growing. Advisor Ric held the cookout send-off at his home that has become one of the yearly events that the guys look forward to. Advisor Joel surprised the seniors with a video he made with lots of memories from when they were small to current. The guys were very excited that Joel did this for them; each will receive a copy for keepsake. After a week of fun-filled activities, it was time to graduate. As I personally sat at graduation, I could not help but to think how my son’s college experience would not have been the same if it was not for Beta. It was the driving force behind all he did. Lifelong friendships were made, and I see a group of young Beta men ready to take on the world. Sadly, with my son graduating, it is now time for me to step down as the organizer of the Beta parent group. I am more than willing to stay on and help the new person. I believe strongly in Beta and do not want to see this parent group come to an end. Farewell to all the seniors—you will be greatly missed! You are all Men of Principle!

Has Beta been a positive experience for you and your son? If you are interested in becoming the new moderator of the Parents’ Club,

please contact Joel Mullner at [email protected].

Parent Reflections PARENTS, continued from page 1

funeral for support. When Greg’s girlfriend was in the hospital ER, Betas were in the waiting room. Whenever Greg needed help, a Beta was always there.

-Nancy and Jeff Sloat, parents of Greg “New Family Friends” As parents of a John Carroll student we feel our son joining Beta was a wonderful experience not only for him but us as well. The integrity, character, respect, and brotherhood the fraternity represents is outstanding and second to none. The Mothers’ Tea was a very special bonding memory with not only our son but the other Betas as well, and the Parents’ BBQ has given us new family friends that we will have for a lifetime.

-Jim and Jill Iacozili, parents of Dom “Blessed by This Opportunity” When Christopher was invited to join Beta four years ago, he truly found his home away from home. He became part of a brotherhood with other young men who also set the bar high in areas of academics, altruism, and accountability. His membership in Beta has been unbelievably life-affirming for him. It has nourished him, sustained him in times of need, strengthened his core values, rooted him in his friendships, and given him confidence to go forward in his life to take on greater challenges. He has been blessed by this opportunity.

-Bev and Dave Shaheen, parents of Christopher

To read the complete versions of these parent reflections, as well as the testimonials of other parents of men in the

Class of 2012, please visit www.jcubetas.org.

The Parents of Nick Skiviat, Andy Lane, Bill Worms, and Dom Iacozili pose for a photo during dinner after Commencement


4 www.jcubetas.org

Two years after watching his big brother and former chapter president J.J. Kuczynski ‘10 step up to the podium as the sole student speaker at graduation, another former chapter president, Andy Lane ‘12, delivered this year’s Millor Orator Address during Commencement Exercises held on May 20. Chosen after a competitive application and audition process, Lane felt “honored and humbled” when he received the congratulatory call in April. “It was a very touching moment that is still hard to put into words.” Andy has always had a passion for public speaking, but was particularly inspired to apply by his grandmother, who became seriously ill two years ago but persevered through surgery and a bout with pneumonia.

Lane delivers Millor Orator Address at Commencement Joel Mullner ‘07, Public Relations Advisor

“I thought that being Millor Orator would be a great way for my grandmother to experience her last grandson’s college graduation,” he said. She will turn 95 in August. Andy’s speech came after one by Dr. Charles M. Geschke, a former JCU professor and the co-founder of Adobe Systems, Inc. Ironically, Geschke founded Adobe with a brother of Beta Theta Pi, John Warnock, Utah ‘62. “While stepping up to the podium, I wanted to take a moment to take it all in,” Andy reflected. “I looked out to my fellow classmates and the crowd of people and thought, ‘this is awesome.’ Surprisingly, it was the least nervous I have ever been giving a speech.” Andy was recognized during the Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday of Commencement weekend, and also received a plaque denoting the honor. He concluded, “It was an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life and something that I hope to build upon in the future.” To watch Andy deliver the Millor Orator Address or to read the full text of his speech, visit www.jcubetas.org.

Look for brief profiles and future plans of all of the graduating members of the Class of 2012 in the next issue of The Bridge Builder.

“I challenge you to act with integrity, to serve with love, and to work for a peace that brings justice in all that you do.”

-Millor Orator

Andy Lane ‘12

Lane with JCU President Robert L. Niehoff, S.J. and 1999 Millor Orator Ryan Daly at the Alumni Awards Dinner


www.jcubetas.org 5

Nick Skiviat ‘12, former president of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at John Carroll and two-term service/philanthropy chairman of Beta Theta Pi, was recognized on May 3 with the inaugural Leadership Legacy Award. The award was designed to recognize up to five members of the graduating class who, “through their dedicated leadership and involvement, have made significant contributions to changing the campus culture in a positive way during their careers on the JCU campus.” One of Nick’s nominators stated that “he truly has left an indelible legacy on John Carroll’s campus as a student who is down-to-earth, extraordinarily devoted to his faith, committed to the service of others, and believes in a compassionate style of leadership.” During his time at John Carroll, Nick was heavily involved with service and ministry. He has engaged in various activities offered by the Center for Service and Social Action, and this spring volunteered his time at Gearity Elementary School with after-school tutoring. Nick was an active medic with JCUEMS, a completely voluntary service organization that provides basic first aid as well as first responder support for more serious medical emergencies. In 2011, he served as an executive officer of the group and has undoubtedly served hundreds of hours as a part of the organization. Nick was also a frequent retreatant, and served on the coordinating team of this spring’s Manresa 21 Retreat. He took on

Skiviat leaves a legacy of leadership Joel Mullner ‘07, Public Relations Advisor

the role of a Christian Life Community (CLC) leader this year, and is an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist. One of Nick’s most moving service experiences took place in January, when he traveled on a 10-day JCU-sponsored immersion to San Juan, Guatemala to live in community and serve the people. “Nick has really exemplified what it means to lead his peers. While he sees and understands the big picture, he never loses focus on the individuals who make up a group that he is leading,” commented the same nominator. “He strives to make personal connections with everyone, and works with them and coaches them along. They respect him as a

leader because he respects them as a valued member of the group.” Within Beta Theta Pi, he has served as the Ritual chairman as well as service/philanthropy chairman. In this capacity, he planned Through the Eyes of a Child as well as Carroll’s Got Talent, and worked regularly with the staff of Milestones Autism Organization to set up meaningful volunteer opportunities for Beta brothers. As an IFC executive, Nick planned the first all-Greek dance to conclude Greek Week, assisted in bringing a sexual assault/bystander intervention program to campus for all fraternity men, and helped to organize the first Greek Thanksgiving dinner event. In what may be one of his lasting contributions, Nick led a discussion and the process of completely revamping the IFC constitution, bylaws, and elections procedure. Nick participated in the Emerging Leader Program during his freshman year, and has acted as a personable, hospitable, and knowledgeable ambassador to prospective students as a tour guide with the Office of Admission for the last three years. “Receiving the Leadership Legacy Award was a great honor,” Skiviat said. “There are many deserving leaders in the Class of 2012, so I am humbled to have been one of the five recipients. It was a goal of mine to make a difference on campus during my undergraduate years, and therefore very rewarding to be recognized for making positive contributions to the great John Carroll community.”

The Skinny on SKIVIAT

Hometown: Steubenville, Ohio

Degree: B.S. in Biology Magna Cum Laude

Skiviat with Dr. Kyle O’Dell, director of orientation and leadership programs

STEFAN PERRI ‘13 Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio Major: Biology Involvement: Varsity Soccer, Club Volleyball

JERED KORFHAGE ‘15 Hometown: Brecksville, Ohio Major: Environmental Science Involvement: Ctr. for Service & Social Action

TOMMY COLLINS II ‘15 Hometown: Canton, Ohio Major: Biology Involvement: Club Volleyball, Intramurals

DREW WAGNER ‘15 Hometown: Poland, Ohio Major: International Business Involvement: Intramurals, Tour Guide

ELLIOTT SCHERMERHORN ‘15 Hometown: Dallas, Texas Majors: Business and Political Science Involvement: Arrupe Scholar, Labre Project


6 www.jcubetas.org

Greg feels that his membership in Beta has positively affected his presidency, as well. “Awareness of myself and of others is something that I have come to value as vital to being an engaging and effective leader. Through Beta Theta Pi, I have been able to gain a better understanding of myself and to learn from those around me. It has allowed me to make reliable and honest connections with my fellow students. This has translated to a better focused Student Union agenda and more comprehensive actions on behalf of the students.” Petsche joins at least nine other Betas currently serving as their school’s student body president, including James Hale ‘13 at nearby Case Western Reserve University. “I believe it is a testament to the overall Beta experience,” Greg surmised. “I wouldn’t continue to be a part of an organization if I didn’t believe in what it represents. Beta has and always will attract leaders because of its strong commitment to developing men of principle.”

Meet our Newest Brothers Theta Class initiated on April 13, 2012

GREG PETSCHE ‘13 Hometown: Sagamore Hills, Ohio Majors: Communication and Political Science Involvement: Student Union, Resident Assistant, WJCU, JCTV, numerous university committees

DAVID RADULOVICH ‘15 Hometown: Columbia Station, Ohio Major: Finance Involvement: F.I.T.A.S.C., Sporting Clays

Petsche joins Beta PRESIDENT, continued from page 1


www.jcubetas.org 7

Beta claims second place in Greek Week 2012 “Greekelodeon” highlighted by strengthened brotherhood

The brothers celebrate after their first place performance in the Greek Week Talent Show

Alumni Update: Where are they now? Drew Kostiuk ‘15

As it tends to do each year, Greek Week not only brought together the Fraternity and Sorority community, but it also strengthened the bonds of brotherhood within our own chapter. Held April 15-20, “Greekelodeon” featured friendly competition through a number of games and activities, some amazing performances during talent show and lip sync, and nearly $4,000 raised on behalf of the American Cancer Society. Beta Theta Pi, which was proud to finish in second place for the entire week, came out victorious in a number of activities, including volleyball, water polo, synchronized dive, water balloon toss, and the talent show. The chapter came in second place during the lip sync competition with its “End of the World” theme. At the week-ending closing ceremony, we received the Greek Week Spirit Award as well as Best in Scholarship. Greg Petsche ‘13 received the Emerging Leader award, and Nick Skiviat ‘12 was recognized as Greek Man of the Year. It was a fun and memorable week for all!

As our alumni base continues to grow, we will attempt to include updates in this and future issues of The Bridge Builder of what some of our brothers have been doing after John Carroll. Founding Father Nick Orlando ‘11 began a new position at his current company late last year where he has been developing new business intelligence software for clients in the logistics and transportation industry. He and his wife Katie are having a baby girl this June!

Former member educator Matt Wooters ‘09 finished his two years of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Belize and now teaches geography for seventh and eighth grades at University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. He also helps to coach lacrosse and is leading an immersion trip to Nicaragua this summer. Do you have an update that you’d like to share? Please contact Drew Kostiuk, alumni relations chairman, at [email protected].

Brother Patrick Carpenter ‘08 participated in a post-grad volunteer experience in Boston teaching inner-city youth, and has since returned to Cleveland to teach third grade at Oxford Elementary School in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. Ross Venzke ‘10 is working at Momentive Specialty Chemicals in Columbus, Ohio as an account specialist. He also has been playing golf, tennis, and softball.


Want to go Beta? Know someone who does? Visit www.jcubetas.org/recruitment for information on joining our ranks!

Mutual Assistance Intellectual Growth Trust Responsible Conduct Integrity

Eta Epsilon Chapter John Carroll University

1 John Carroll Boulevard University Heights, Ohio 44118

The Bridge Builder recently had an opportunity to chat with Jurell Sison ‘10, our leadership development advisor and this year’s recipient of the Eta Epsilon Distinguished Alumnus Award, presented during the chapter’s spring formal on March 31. BB: Why did you decide to join Beta originally? JS: I joined because the Betas really made a significant impression on me. I saw the work they did on campus and said, “that’s me.” BB: Do you have a favorite memory as a Beta undergraduate? JS: I’ll never forget Greek Week and all those lip sync practices. It was the most stressful yet the most fun time of the year. BB: What have you been doing since graduation? JS: After graduation I ventured off to Detroit, MI to serve in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps teaching 9th and 11th grade at Detroit Cristo Rey High School. I learned a lot about

myself in Detroit and eventually made the decision to come back to Cleveland reenergized to tackle an M.A. in Theology. Now, I serve as a resident minister and graduate assistant for Theology and Religious Studies, and I started a side business promoting health and fitness. I also try to make myself as available as possible for the freshman students! BB: What are your future aspirations? JS: I hope to one day have a beautiful family some place close to all my loved ones. As far as my career, I would love to teach, minister, and write for the rest of my life. BB: Why did you decide to get involved with Beta as an advisor? JS: I saw it as a good opportunity to stay connected with the Fraternity that formed so much of my undergraduate career. There is so much to learn in college and I liked the idea of being an advisor/mentor to my younger brothers.

BB: How did you feel being recognized this year with the Eta Epsilon Alumnus Award? JS: I felt there were so many other people that deserved this award but in the end, I felt honored to be thought of as an important part of the chapter.

A Conversation with...Jurell Sison ‘10 2012 Eta Epsilon Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient

2012 Distinguished Alumnus Jurell Sison ’10 (left) with Alumni Relations Chairman Drew Kostiuk ‘15

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the bridge builder, spring 2012

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