Brothers, Sisters, and Friends,
I'm very pleased to announce that Virginia Tech has invited Theta Xi to rejoin the Greek community beginning in the Summer/Fall of 2025!
After consulting with the BOAA board, Theta Xi has accepted the invitation, and plans are underway to move ahead with the return of Beta Omega Colony!
This is very exciting news, and I appreciate the hard work that headquarters staff and many of you put in to connecting with Tech, and most of all for setting an example of the kind of organization - and alumni - that will be a valuable addition to the Tech community!
For BOAA, this starts a clock, and we have a number of initiatives to undertake in the short time before undergraduates are again wearing our letters on campus.
As you're probably aware, BOAA's largest material asset is the house on Upland Road. Understanding the undergraduate housing market, the state of Greek Life housing, and the potential roles BOAA may play are complex questions that we need to understand and address. Accordingly, I've appointed a Special Committee on Housing and Property and have charged it with gaining that understanding and providing guidance in these areas.
I have appointed Don Compton, Beta Omega 171, to chair this committee, which will be coordinating closely with Steve Fisher, Beta Omega 240, our Treasurer and Mark Ketner, Beta Omega 385, our VP of Property Management. Since the committee will be covering a few major areas, I know that Don would welcome interest from those who are willing and able to contribute to its effort.
In addition, it's been several years since the BOAA examined itself as an organization, and evaluated and refined its purpose and mission. With the next phase of our history around the corner, we'll need everyone's help in considering what we - its members - want BOAA to be, in relation to an undergraduate chapter, as part of Virginia Tech, a part of Theta Xi, and to one another as Brothers, Sisters, and friends. The Board is looking at different ways to gain your insights, which may include anything from simple surveys to virtual or in-person gatherings. Please accept my thanks in advance for your participation in whatever ways you are able.
There's obviously plenty to celebrate and plenty to do! There hasn't been a time in our history that your involvement could have more impact. I've already mentioned opportunities related to helping with housing and planning, and there are many other areas we'd like to improve on, and could use your help: Our communications with members, managing our membership program, helping with local events, and just participating as a member.
Please feel free to reach out to any or all of our Board members and committee chairs, whose contact information I've listed below.
Thank you all for helping get us to this point, and for connecting or re-connecting as we set the stage for Beta Omega's return to Tech!
Yours In The Bonds,
Jon Luning, Beta Omega 241
BOAA President
President: Jon Luning (241) jluning@gmail.com 914-456-7167
VP Events: John Charles (118) john.charles6@comcast.net 703-328-3003
VP Property Management: Mark Ketner (385) metacomb@gmail.com 540-455-4032
Treasurer: Steve Fisher (240) fisherst67@gmail.com 404-931-4430
Secretary/Communications: Karl Larson (277) karlw.larson@vdot.virginia.gov 804-986-0821
Chapter Advisor / Chair, Special Committee on Housing and Property: Professor Don Compton (171) drc_shang@yahoo.com 646-228-7420
Chair, Committee on Nominations: Mark Rodda (149) mark@explore365.net 704-236-2648