VA Kappa SigEp Chapter Closed - New House to be Used as Dormitory

The SigEp Chapter at VA Tech apparently built their brand new $5 million house so the university can use it as a dormitory. The members of the Chapter were informed Tuesday afternoon of the chapter closing.

Here is the link to the story from the student paper:
Sig Ep fraternity loses charter, new house - CollegiateTimes.com:

The following quote from a letter to HQ staff  gives an overview :

All,

Later this afternoon, we will announce the closure of the Virginia Kappa Chapter at Virginia Tech.

As many of you are aware, this comes after months and years of effort on  the part of the staff, alumni-volunteers, and Virginia Tech to address significant behavioral issues and general under-performance among the members.
[...]
We're all looking forward to re-colonizing a great chapter at VT in the upcoming years.

So there you have it. In the last few years a number of outwardly successful chapters have been closed. The reasons for closing have been varied. However, inability to change from a culture of high-risk behavior and non-existent or non-enforced standards to a culture of mutual support and accountability are high on the list of reasons. And it is not just about the undergraduates. Alumni who are resistant to change cannot shield a bad chapter from scrutiny. 

We look forward to a new, improved chapter at VA Tech in a few years.

HelpTheHokies.com

A Chance for You to Be Part of Helping Those at VA Tech

Brothers-

I'm part of a massive benefit to raise money for the families of those lost in the VA Tech tragedy. If you can make it, I hope to see you there.

If not, please visit helpthehokies.com to send in a donation, or to join the facebook group (a penny donated for every member)The benefit is in Strasburg, VA on 5/2 at 8PM. We're selling tickets at helpthehokies.com and at strasburgtheater.com

The Lineup:
MC: Steve Hofstetter (Collegehumor.com)
Tony Boswell (Meet the Parents)
Ellen Cleghorne (Saturday Night Live)
Tony Deyo (Aspen Comedy Festival)
Denis Donohue (Howard Stern)
Vanessa Hollingshead (Comedy Central Presents)
Jody Kerns (Sarasota Comedy Festival)
Dan Levy (MTV's Your Face or Mine)
Vince Martin (ABC Family)Phil Mazo (Idiots Guide to Jokes)
Rich Ragains (Melbourne Comedy Festival)
Thanks so much, I especially appreciate the help from those who have already donated.

Fraternally,
Steve Hofstetter
New York Phi @ Columbia University '02

(click "Read More" for full press release)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BENEFIT SHOW FOR FAMILIES OF VA TECH VICTIMS

COMEDIANS, STUDENTS COME TOGETHER TO RAISE MONEY & SUPPORT

Strasburg, VA - April 19, 2007 - The Strasburg Theater will play host to several comedians May 2 as they raise money for the families of the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings. All money raised will be donated directly to the families of the victims, with the theatre, office staff, and performers all volunteering their time.

"We're not paying for travel or office expenses or incidentals," organizer and host Steve Hofstetter said. "This money is being raised for those who suffered a loss. The last thing any of them need to worry about right now is the cost of burying a loved one."

The show has garnered a great deal of support from college students, with a facebook.com group just under 5,000 strong.

Many schools are sending busloads of students, and others have planned road trips to be at the show. Some have been donating instead, and many are volunteering their time and resources for posters, emails, and other such event promotion. Distant schools are also holding fundraising events and donating the money to the same cause.

Organizers planned a show in Strasburg so VA Tech students could come if they wanted to, but it's far enough that the students are also given some breathing room.

"It's too soon to hold a show in Blacksburg," Hofstetter said. "This is a nice alternative."

Hofstetter is also donating out of pocket according to how many students join the group, at a penny per head. The group also encourages members to do something similar.

"We've already raised $500 in donations just from the group," Hofstetter said. "But moreso, we've also been witness to thousands of students trying to reach out to those affected. Millions of people across the country are looking for some outlet for their feelings. We're hoping these donations and this show can help provide that."

Other performers include Denis Donohue, Phil Mazo, and Vince Martin, whose brother went to Virginia Tech and was killed in an accident a few years ago. The show will also feature a few special guests, who will be announced next week.

"What you are doing is great and the families would really appreciate it," said Shaquaya Jones, a student who posted to the group's message board.

Contact:
Chris Edling, Next Round Entertainment
Chris@nextroundinc.com

Va Tech: At Least one Greek Victim

At least one of the victims at Va Tech was Greek. Her name was Caitlin Hammaren and she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
KKG | Virginia Tech

Also, the New York Times has a list and short biographies of all the victims.

Letter from VA Tech Chapter President

We received this email from Chandler Givens, Chapter President of VA Kappa. He asked that we pass it along. We are glad to do it.

...I have received a myriad of emails/calls from brothers all over the country, if you would like to post the e-mail which I have sent to all chapters, I would like them to know that we appreciate it.

Chandler

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Chandler Givens
Sent: Mon 4/16/2007 7:29 PM
To: Kaminski, Bryan
Cc:
Subject: Letter to send to nationals for all chapters to read

Today Virginia Tech experienced an unimaginable tragedy of scale never before seen in the United States.

Over the past 24 hours the VA Kappa chapter has received a vast array of e-mails and phone calls from Sig Ep chapters around the country expressing their concern. I would like to personally thank all of you who have gone out of your way to show your chapters support, it means a lot to us to know that brothers whom we never even met have a sincere concern for their counter-parts miles away in Blacksburg.

We are working closely with nationals and internally to try to help begin to cope with the tragic loss of our fellow students here at Virginia Tech. As of 6:30PM today (4/16) all members of VA Kappa chapter have been accounted for. We are extremely fortunate that none have been directly afflicted, however; the scope of the damage done today is far-reaching, and it will be a long while before things return to normal.

We hope to come together as a brotherhood and begin to heal and move forward in a positive direction. Updates may be found on our website:http://www.SigEpVT.org. The hearts and prayers of the VA Kappa chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon go out to all who were affected today by these senseless acts of violence.

Thank you again for all of your support,

Chandler Givens
President
VA Kappa Chapter
Sigma Phi Epsilon

HQ Statement on the events at VA Tech.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Zollinger House, Richmond, Virginia April 16, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Christopher T. Minnis, Director of Operations Phone: 804-353-1901, ext. 315 FAX: 804-359-8160

SigEp UPDATE

Richmond, Virginia… Sigma Phi Epsilon mourns the unimaginable loss of life at Virginia Tech Monday morning. Thankfully, all the men of the Virginia Kappa Chapter are accounted for and safe. Chapter members are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support shown by members across the country. Chapter leadership is working swiftly to provide support and guidance to chapter members as they cope with this terrible tragedy. Chapter President Chandler Givens posted the following to the chapter web site at [www.sigepvt.org]:

Over the past couple of hours I have received numerous e-mails and phone calls regarding the status of the Virginia Kappa brotherhood here at Virginia Tech. There has been a tremendous outpouring of support, and I would like to personally thank all those whom have taken the time to express their concern for our brothers during this time of tragedy...We are gathering those of the chapter who wish to mourn together tonight at our chapter house, and we plan on meeting tomorrow and attending the memorial service, together as one...As of now, I have heard of no brother directly involved in the incident. The hearts and prayers of the Virginia Kappa chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon go out to those who have suffered today in the midst of this senseless act of violence.

Brother Givens went on to post later this evening that all members have been accounted for and are safe.

Regional Director Bryan Kaminski is now on-site to support the chapter during this difficult time. The Headquarters staff is working to refer those seeking help to the appropriate professional counseling services. The chapter anticipates participating in a university-wide gathering on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.

FLASH! At least 20 dead in campus shootings - CNN.com

Update 6:30 PM CDT: Va Kappa Chapter President Chandler Givins reports all SigEp members are accounted for and are unharmed. VA Kappa chapter web site has been updated.

Update 4:30 PM CDT: Va Tech Press conference reports a total of 33 deaths, including the shooter. Investigation is ongoing.
Link to VA Kappa chapter web site has been updated with a statement from the chapter president.

Update 3:00 PM CDT: CNN reports 32 dead, including the shooter. President Bush makes public statment of sorrow and pledges administration support for investigation.

Update 1:30 PM CDT: CNN reports 31 dead, 29 wounded.

• Link to VA Tech web page with latest information.
• Link to VA Kappa chapter web site.

No news yet on status of individual members.

Update 11:51 CDT: CNN reports 22 dead. Comparing it to Columbine and Chas. Whitman at U of Texas in '64.

I don't know what is happening here, but it looks ugly. Anyone on scene please comment.

The Virginia Tech Police Chief said at least 20 people were killed in twin shootings on the Blacksburg campus Monday morning.

"Some victims were shot in a classroom," Chief Wendell Flinchum said, adding that the gunman was dead.

President Charles Steger called the shootings "a tragedy of monumental proportions."

Chief: At least 20 dead in campus shootings - CNN.com