Dear Brothers,
Approximately five years ago, a group of dedicated West Virginia Alpha alumni set out to transform and improve the Chapter following our recolonization. They recognized that the University and Greek environment we all knew had changed. To excel and attract the best and brightest to the Chapter, we needed to change our “business model.”
We decided West Virginia Alpha needed to require minimum GPAs for pledges and actives, increase the focus on recruiting West Virginia natives or those with connections to West Virginia through alums and family, reconnect with our alumni base, and make ourselves the most attractive option for the highest quality men on campus interested in Greek life. How do you do that? Well, one way is to make sure you have the best facilities and house on campus, be selective, and offer scholarships and leadership training opportunities while at the same time adhering to and never losing sight of the history, values, and traditions that make Phi Kappa Psi and West Virginia Alpha special. And that is what we did.
The Live Ever, Die Never campaign was created recognizing the cold fact that it takes money to accomplish these goals. We set a fundraising goal of $2.25 million, to be divided between two professionally managed funds.
- $1M to maintain, support, and improve the Sarah B. Cochran chapter house.
- $1.25M toward an endowment to fund scholarships to assist with tuition and keep housing costs low for our brothers.
If we achieve our fundraising goal, we will generate sufficient income to accomplish our goals, and we will not need to have fundraising campaigns ad infinitum.
To date, we have received pledges and contributions from 88 alums for a total of $667,147. While we are grateful for their support, we need to have many more WV Alpha alumni step up to the plate and give generously to our campaign.
Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact. As time is running out and we will be ending the campaign on December 31 of this year, we need to hear from you now!
There are a number of tax-advantaged ways to donate; pledges can be paid over 5 years, planned/estate-giving alternatives, and other ways can be tailored to your circumstances. Please respond immediately by contacting Phil Mikos, Associate Vice President of Development, at [email protected], or me to discuss how you can help us.
Your involvement is not just appreciated; it’s essential. We need you to make this campaign a success.
In the Bond…
Tim Miller ’74
Campaign Chairman
