Restarting Gamma Zeta

[GammaZeta]

Hey everyone,

Hope you all had a nice Christmas and New Years.

Anyways, I was hanging out with some Gamma Zeta alumni yesterday and a few days ago.

We figure it's been almost 3 years since we closed, and considering that there are no more GZ's attending Umass anymore, that HQ might be willing to take a look at restarting Gamma Zeta.

I wanted to get some advice from you guys on a few things since you know HQ better than me and you have been through this before.

1. What do we need to do as an alumni group to show HQ we're serious about supporting and starting the chapter?

2. What are ways in which we can organize and communicate with each other as alumnis?

3. How much money do you think the alumnis would need to raise to actually start the recolonization process (for fliers, events, mailings, etc.)

4. What will HQ expect from us?

5. What are the steps in starting to recolonize?

6. What is the current status at HQ for recolonizing lost chapters and how do you feel about their supporting another chapter at Umass?

7. Who do I contact at HQ to get the ball rolling?

8. Any other general information or suggestions would be appreciated.

9. What resources does HQ provide for something like this?

I've stated before that we have alot of alumni in our area that want to see this back. However, as time passes by, more and more alumni are becoming less interested. I personally think it is a matter of time before all is lost.

So, what are your ideas on restarting our very first chapter and getting them back into our very first house?

[GammaZeta]

Anyone? There have been over 30 views but no one has any advice to offer?

Ok...

[Tom Earp]

S S, We need to talk on this and I can talk a little more freely about what needs to be done!!!!

Do You still have My #?

PM Me and will give to You!!

God, I get excited about something Like This!!!! Been through it so have some Ideas on how to go about!

Bring Back Gamma Zeta!

But, You need to do the work!

Call Me!!!!!

[GammaZeta]

Hey Tom,

Yeah, a few of us are getting really excited. If it is going to happen anytime soon, it's going to have to start soon.

Now alot of us are getting settled and are starting to have some disposable income and time. (excpet for me of course, damn student loans)

[Tom Earp]

Good start, will finish conversation later, OK!

[Ottor 246]

Hey GZ,

Not just with IHQ, but almost anywhere in life, I believe the first thing you need is money. Nothing says "take me seriously" like a briefcase full of hundred dollar bills.

If you call IHQ and tell them you've got a lot of alumni interested in starting a chapter, you may get a response eventually.

I suspect that if you call and say you've got a lot of alumni interest and $10,000 in the bank, they'll have someone at your door the next day.

If you show them that you are willing to share in the risk, you will have put yourselves ahead of all the other schools vying for new chapters. And, if you've got the cash to back up your request, you'll probably find that you get a lot more help with everything else.

Remember: xalepa ta kala=What is worthwhile is difficult.

Ottor

There is no shortcut to anyplace worth going.
--Beverly Sills

[Tom Earp]

1. What do we need to do as an alumni group to show HQ we're serious about supporting and starting the chapter?

A. Get Numbers of Alums and Email Addresses.
B. Make Sure Alums will Pledge support and Money to accomplish This

2. What are ways in which we can organize and communicate with each other as alumnis?

A. Get and Alum Mailing Address Book and Web Site.

3. How much money do you think the alumnis would need to raise to actually start the recolonization process (for fliers, events, mailings, etc.)

A. that is interactive.

4. What will HQ expect from us?

5. What are the steps in starting to recolonize?

A. Contact IHQ, Bill Farkas and or John Holloway.

6. What is the current status at HQ for recolonizing lost chapters and how do you feel about their supporting another chapter at Umass?

A. There is A New Thinking of What LXA, Think of Old Zetas. Gamma Is a good place to start.

7. Who do I contact at HQ to get the ball rolling?

A. Bill Farkas and or John Holloway!

8. Any other general information or suggestions would be appreciated.

9. What resources does HQ provide for something like this?
A. If, there is enough support and mnetary situation whether it is promised, The most important thing is two fold!

Moneteray Backing, but most important, The Alum Backing.

Who still owns The G Z House (LCAP)and is it worth saving?

Is it possible to get a Place for a House, Rental or purchase?

What is The UMass. School Feel about Expansion and The Status of Greeks On Campus? Would We Be Welcomed?

S S, I and many More Would Love to see Gamma Zeta Be Back!!

Still at Your call!

In ZAX,

[GammaZeta]

Good list Tom. I'm going to start making the emails/calls Monday of next week. This weekend I have to make a contact with our old high pi, he has alot of information for contacts, although I don't know how up to date it is.

[GammaZeta]

Also, "Who owns the G Z house and is it worth saving?"

Are you nuts Tom? It's our first house from our first chapter! Just think, the very first ritual was performed there.

Absolutely it is worth saving.

[Tom Earp]

GammaZeta, still question, who owns the House, LCAP? How much will it cost to repair it? A Guess will do.

If there is enough Alum Numbers and backing, I am sure that IHQ will listen. The School still needs to be receptive of another GLO on Campus also.

There is a tremendous amount of History with Gamma Zeta and as I said, I am sure everyone would be interested in reviving it.


*
1. Get a very strong base of Alum support.
2. Make sure there is Alum backing dollar wise.
3. See how receptive Un. Mass. is for another GLO and what is the Greek feelings on campus.

This would be the main starting points to then contact Bill Farkas and John Holloway at IHQ.

There has to be a great showing for the reason that IHQ will and should be interested in Returning Gamma Zeta where it should be.

Having worked with Bill and John, they have much more Heart for LXA than I have seen for a long time from anyone in Indy.

It wont be easy, as I can attest in tracking down Alums. But, the more You can get to be working to find others and get a commitment, the better, it will become easier.

Scott, You are in the Positon I was 6 years ago, and You will have to be the lead Brother to get others on board!

I know You can do it as You have The Heart and The Love.

[GammaZeta]

So far, unless LCAP screwed us and went back on their promise, LCAP still owns the house.

They did promise to always own it with the intention of doing everything in their power to get a LXA chapter in there. But that's another story which we are all sick of.

The house is structurally sound. No doubt about it. It went through major renovations around 20 years ago. Now it needs a new roof, probably new carpets, some new windows, some REALLY good coats of paint, and a few other things. How much? I would say it needs about $50,000 - $100,000 to really make the house impressive. It could be respectable for under that.

LCAP got the house for free, except to pay off around $25,000 in taxes. The house is valued at well over $500,000, so at any point LCAP could sell it and make a boat load of cash.

It is worth saving. For historic purposes and because in all honesty, it is a great frat house. It's got character. It has history. The best location possible. It's old, and not like alot of these other houses that look like schools. It orignally wasn't a frat house, like alot of the older houses aren't.

It's a frat house, with emphasis on HOUSE. It always felt like a home, and not the dorms. No offense against alot of the newer contructed houses which have the fraternity purpose in mind, but I think it loses, a special something, a special character.

I'll try to take some pictures this weekened, I know I've been saying that for a while but I always forget to take my camera up to Amherst.

In short though, yes Tom, it is worth saving.

[LXAAlum]

Originally posted by GammaZeta
Hey everyone,

We figure it's been almost 3 years since we closed, and considering that there are no more GZ's attending Umass anymore, that HQ might be willing to take a look at restarting Gamma Zeta.

Just because IHQ might have given you a timeline when the chapter was first closed does NOT mean they will abide by it.

I wanted to get some advice from you guys on a few things since you know HQ better than me and you have been through this before.

1. What do we need to do as an alumni group to show HQ we're serious about supporting and starting the chapter?
Officially organizing would help.

2. What are ways in which we can organize and communicate with each other as alumnis?
Try putting together a Yahoo or similar bulletin board that is maintained by one member, but all can access and post comments. Also, schedule some kind of get-togethers- informal or formal, just to maintain connections and keep the bond strong.


3. How much money do you think the alumnis would need to raise to actually start the recolonization process (for fliers, events, mailings, etc.)
UNC's recolonization cost $0 from alumni, so that may or may not be an issue for you to consider, however, if you can get some donations, specifically earmarked for recolonization, it wouldn't hurt!


4. What will HQ expect from us?
First, you'll need an AAB ready for the colony, and a High Pi - make sure to recruit non-Gamma Zeta alumni as well.


5. What are the steps in starting to recolonize?
If experience is any guide with the two chapters I have been trying to recolonize, the most important step is patience, closely followed by realistic expectations.

The first determination by IHQ to recolonize will be to analyze the campus itself, and see if the campus is wanting to expand the greek system. LXA does not normally place a new or restarted colony unless either specifically invited by the institution, or, getting approval from the institution.


6. What is the current status at HQ for recolonizing lost chapters and how do you feel about their supporting another chapter at Umass?
Again, what does HQ think about the Umass campus presently? If they feel the climate is good for a new organization, they may start taking steps to communicate with the campus, or, perhaps someone in the alumni group that has a well known reputation on campus can take the first steps.


7. Who do I contact at HQ to get the ball rolling?
Does LXA still have a "Director of Expansion"? If so, start there.

8. Any other general information or suggestions would be appreciated.

As I stated before - be patient. If it is going to be done, then it needs to be done right, with both UMass and HQ's blessings.

UNC's chapter was closed in 1989, and we alumni were told we would be recolonizing in four years - 1993 (and I have the letter to prove it). However, due to campus and other HQ factors, the colony was officially not restarted until specifically requested by UNC in 2000. So it may take a LOT more time than you realize, just keep bearing the torch. There were two or three times between 1995-2000 that rumors about LXA's return to UNC (Northern Colorado, btw) were circulating, but, unless you hear specifically from someone at HQ, don't put faith in them, because they were just rumors, and finding out they weren't true was frustrating.

Another closed chapter here in Colorado was supposed to restart this year as well, but due to major risk management problems at several campuses here, including two deaths at greek houses last year, things are on hold, though the campus and HQ have been in contact, and agree conditions look "promising" for LXA's return - but you'll notice there is no timeframe attached. The chapter alumni and other interested alumni have to wait, and when conditions permit, things will move forward.

Best advice - never give up, and try not to get discouraged. Many things may happen beyond your control that affect the potential restart.

Stick together as alumni, perhaps be willing to assist another existing chapter in the present that is closeby, which will show HQ and UMass the dedication that will be needed. Alumni involvement and oversight with a colony is too important to be overlooked, and working with another chapter in the meantime can only hone the alumni's skills.

9. What resources does HQ provide for something like this?

I've stated before that we have alot of alumni in our area that want to see this back. However, as time passes by, more and more alumni are becoming less interested. I personally think it is a matter of time before all is lost.

So, what are your ideas on restarting our very first chapter and getting them back into our very first house?

[Tom Earp]

Basicaly, get a lot of Ducks in a row, such as Alum backing.

That is important to IHQ.

Set a Web Site for Alums to converse if possible. Email listing and *ALum Advisory Board even though there is no Chapter at this time.

*Alum Association would be better.
When You get this, then contact IHQ, Bill Farkas, John Hollaway who is now Director of Expansion (They Changed the Title), but that is for intense and purpose what it is). Check IHQ Site for sure.

Check with Joe Klimeck and see if LCAP still owns the Property. Alums and Actives if this comes about will be responsible for any and all repairs and fix up.

Check Shippensburg Zeta, lenoxx and Ottor as Alums instrumental in redoing the Old Accia House that they bought and spent alot of time and I am sure some of their own cash for this.

I agree 100 % with LXAAlum on this having done it myself.

We have @ 200 Alum emails. That took a while and money on my end.
Have a strong Core of Alums who have been working with the Chapter.

Remember, We were down to one Active and should have been closed. But indurance and hard work is bringing a 2 Man Crew down for Recruitment in @ 1 week.

Granted, I pushed like crazy about The New House that was being built and that helped.

If anyone has a close relationsship with someone of the Adm. of the Un. get a feel about how they feel about expansion.

Keep a positive thought about this, it will take a while, but if enough of YOU feel this way, it can happen.

[GammaZeta]

Thanks guys,

Very useful information. Sorry I haven't replied to any PM's yet, I will shortly.

I decided the first step is to get everyone's contact information. That in itself will be a tough job. But after I compile a big enough list, then it will be time to start getting momemtum.

[Tom Earp]

Check and read Your PM Box and make sure it is cleared for future PMs. 70 is the limit for receiving and sending.

You are making the first step in many steps. Be more positive on Your postings here as it is seen by many LXAs including those who have some room for +++ing Your Cause!

I am sure as I said, that all Of LXA would Love to See Gamma come back as it is History for sure!