Although summer is a break from classes for most, it is also an opportunity to gather with brothers and have a little fun! Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois-Champaign and Beta Chapter at Ohio State University both held their own Golf Outings with alumni and friends.
Brother Drew Moore of Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, organized and ran the Alpha Chapter’s Golf Outing which had nearly 90 attendees on July 7.
Brother Moore said the event was an opportunity for brothers to reconnect and raise funds for Alpha Chapter’s Educational Foundation. The Chapter raised approximately $5,000 through sponsorships and player fees. Attendees got to play a game of four-hole scramble and then a dinner was held after the game was over.
“It's really cool to see all of the classes ... It's pretty widespread — there were collegiates there, there's people who are 10 years out and 20 and 30 and 40 and 50,” Brother Adam Swartzendruber of Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois-Champagne said.
Brother Swartzendruber said his favorite part of the event is the dinner they share together afterwards. Brothers in attendance were asked to stand and share a bit about themselves, giving them an opportunity to learn more about their brothers and network with alumni.
“I'm always amazed at how many people remember our purpose, and we have some things that are specific to Illinois, some sayings, songs and other things,” Brother Swartzendruber said. “I think it's always amazing how many people remember that — even the older guys are always the ones that like to tell the stories, and they always remember too, and it's just cool to have that in common.”
Brother Moore said next year he looks forward to seeing his brothers and friends, as well as getting to know the collegiates more and hear other alumni stories.
“It's a very impactful for me, but also a very good reminder of a strong organization that is truly trying to Make Better Men, and provide a lot of value to not only the undergraduates, but also the alumni,” Brother Moore said.
Brother Ryan Flax, the Noble Ruler of Beta Chapter, helped coordinate this year’s event, held June 18. Collegiate and alumni brothers gathered together at Locust Hills Golf Club, owned by Brother Ben Kitchen, an alumnus of Beta Chapter.
“It's really exciting to see how our alumni have come together and helped support the chapter as we continue to grow,” Brother Flax said. “And I think that it's only going to amount to more success for Beta chapter.”
Brother Flax said the event is a great way to get everyone together, give the collegiate members something to do together over the summer and help raise money for their Beta Better Men Scholarship, which is awarded to two incoming freshmen at Ohio State, preferably agriculture majors.
Along with some other chapter brothers, Brother Flax contacted local businesses and alumni to help sponsor the event. The sponsors are then featured on yard signs posted at each hole during the event. Funds received from sponsors help cover the cost of the event, and they are recognized on social media.
Attendees would pay to cover their meal and game, with some discounts offered to sponsors or groups of four. Brothers got to compete for gift cards to the golf course, and they could participate in a 50/50 raffle. In previous years, they have given out some Locust Hill Golf Club merchandise.
Brother Flax said the chapter raised roughly $6,000. Half of it went back to the golf course to cover the event and the other half went to the Beta Better Men Scholarship.
Next May, Brother Flax will graduate and pass the Golf Outing planning to another brother, but he looks forward to attending the event as an alumnus. He hopes to see the chapter continue to grow and work toward an even more successful golf outing.
Summer activities, such as golf outings, are a great way to reconnect with chapter brothers and meet local alumni. Chapters looking to connect with local alumni and host events can contact their Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) or their Regional Vice President (RVP) with questions.
Summer Bonding Event Ideas:
- Fishing tournament
- Sports events/tailgates
- Ask alumni to join in volunteer opportunities
- Invite alumni over for dinner and to share their experiences
- Hold a cookout or a bonfire
- Chapter House Clean Up weekends, prepare for the upcoming school year
- Plan a summer trip (camping, road trip, etc.)
- Visit a company or specific job with your brothers to learn more about the industry (can also be a business owned by an alumnus)
