Here is the latest planing meeting for the 2024 All Greek Reunion:

Agenda

Welcome Committee - Friday & Sunday​ Chair: Jennifer Werni Hughes (Alpha Gamma Delta)
Friday - Hospitality Room-Varsity Café, LLC usage

​Campus Tour Committee (Alumni Weekend event only) - Saturday - Chair: Grace Zimmerman Simcic (Delta Zeta)

Cookout Dinner & Evening Firepits (Alumni Weekend event only) - Saturday Chair: Jody Robatzek Greiner (​Omega Alpha Tau)

New Business - Bernard Martin (Delta Chi)

1. Pitt required us to change logo from the panther design to the one now displayed.
2. UPJ Alumni Board is hosting a golf outing on Frida. May 30 at Windber Country Clu
3. Library to showcase Greek memorabilia in the Alumni Room ​
4. Discuss setting up a fund to raise money for collecting, storing and maintaining the Greek Memorabilia collection

Below is the agenda for the September 14th meeting. The primary objective of the meeting is to get people in place to head up the subcommittees and then review costs so they can develop budgets and plans for the alumni weekend.  I have listed some of the agenda items and responsabilites of the co

1. Homecoming 2023 and Alumni Weekend 2024 update
2. Online Registration form review - Please look over and make any recommendations to amend this:  https://www.upjgreeks.org/reunion-registration.html
3. Update on Greek organizations: 
   1. 4 Active Greek organizations: Delta Chi, Kappa Delta Rho, Sig Tau Gamma, and Phi Sigma Sigma. 
   2. Delta Phi Epsilon is in the process of founding member agreement
   3. Acacia is returning Winter 2024
4. Subcommittees: Need Volunteer committee chairpersons for the following 4 subcommittees:
   1. Greek Alumni Council Organizational Committee (2 year volunteer term)
      • Recruitment - finding a point of contact for each organization. who can recruit both planners/volunteers/attendees.
      • Structure - UPJ Greeks Website updates for each organization
      • By Laws - review by-laws outline to develop a longer term structure for the committee https://www.upjgreeks.org/by-laws.html
   2. Welcome Committee (Alumni Weekend event only) - Friday & Sunday-
      • Friday Welcome table and off-campus Meet & Greet planning. 
      • Sunday (Continental breakfast- coffee & donuts, other) 
   3. Campus Tour Committee  (Alumni Weekend event only) - Saturday - Mimosa Brunch - Living Learning Center. Planning out the brunch menu and times, Registration/ names tags, etc Where people want to visit. All of the Greek Houses from the past are on the list. This committee will determine the locations and any other amenities that should be on the tour such as signage etc..
   4. Cookout Dinner & Evening Bonfire  (Alumni Weekend event only) - Saturday - Location TBD - Do we want a band or a DJ?  A fire outside?, decorations, outdoor tent, restrooms, etc, Photo booths, Swag & Gear - Cups, T-shirts, etc...
5. Costs - Kathleen Clawson, Director of Conferences & Events (Delta Chi Little Sister)
   1. Lodging Costs: LLC & Willow. Will be confirming descriptions of each accommodation and capacity numbers for each.
   2. Tours & Entertainment - Contingency for inclement weather?
      1. List of Buildings we want to tour (Academic & previous Greek Housing)
      2. Log Cabin - update of status
      3. Adirondack Shelter - update of status
      4. Gazebo area - This is a new suggested location
   3. Food Costs - Kathleen will have a menu of items to present
      1. Friday Check-in - Need a reception Table, Name tags etc. Suggestions & Directions to off campus informal gathering - Meet & Greet Cash bar. Perhap
      2. Mimosa Brunch - Saturday or Sunday
      3. Cookout Dinner & Evening Entertainment - 
      4. Continental Breakfast vs Boxed Lunch (Grab & Go) - Sunday or Saturday
   4. Online order taking via UPJ website

Monthly Meetings Second Thursday at 6pm ET on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting:  
https://pitt.zoom.us/j/95017543662
Meeting ID: 950 1754 3662
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Attendees:

• David Janusek, UPJ
• Alpha Gamma Delta- Jennifer Werni Hughes
• Delta Chi- Bernard Martin
• Delta Zeta- Grace Zimmerman Simcic

 

1. Question about Liability coverage for the Reunion weekend events. David confirmed that as long as the events are planned through his office (Institutional Advancement) the Liability Insurance will be covered. 
2. The Log Cabin will only be available for tours, not events. It is currently Offline for use due to accessibility, electrical/structural reasons. It would cost an estimated $750,000 to bring it up to compliance. (*This could be a great targeted fundraising effort!) David will check to see if the Adirondack Shelter is Online/Available for Saturday Night.
3. Still working on Recruitment - finding a point of contact for each organization who can recruit both planners/volunteers/attendees. Decided to set a recurring 2nd Thursday meeting . Hoping advanced notice helps availability to attend. 
4. We will bring the Alumni Board subcommittee meetings and these meetings together for the next meeting.
5. David states that the payments will be collected via UPJ Events department. They have the capability.  We will first collect data with our online form and then direct volunteers and participants to the online registration form.
6. Bernie will create an online Reunion Registration Form on the the UPJ Greeks website to be reviewed for the next meeting before we request others to start filling in the form

1. Online Registration form review
2. Set up subcommittees:

• Recruitment finding a point of contact for each organization who can recruit both planners/volunteers/attendees.
• Swag & Gear - Cups, T-shirts, etc...
• Friday Night Welcome - To be held off-campus at a local tavern. Coordinate a place and times
• ​Saturday Mimosa Brunch - Living Learning Center. Planning out the brunch menu and times, Registration/ names tags, etc
• ​Saturday Campus Tour - Where to people want to visit. All of the Greek Houses from the past are on the list. This committee will determine the locations and any other amenities that should be on the tour such s signage etc..
• ​Saturday Evening Cookout/ Dinner - Location TBD
• Log Cabin reception - Do we want a band or a DJ?  A fire outside? A handicapped accessible port-a-john? Can the maintenance department put some gravel in the washed out areas on the path down to the cabin?
• ​Sunday Coffee & Donuts - Locations TB

3. Costs

• We need estimates of pricing for campus lodging, meals, etc. David will get estimates from Kathleen Clawson (Delta Chi Little Sister) to be reviewed before the next meeting. Invite Kathleen to the next meeting, start with any lodging/food service questions for her.
• Lodging Costs: Will be LLC & Willow. Will be confirming descriptions of each accommodation and capacity numbers for each.
• Food Costs - We need a menu list of available items from Kathleen

1. Friday- None (check-in only, informal meetup at local bar/restaurant)
2. Saturday - Boxed/Grab & Go for breakfast and/or lunch. Cookout dinner
3. Sunday - Mimosa Brunch - or perhaps this is moved to Saturday Brunch. This will be decided in Committee once we have them set up
4. Sunday Cookout

Matt Sernell and John Wozniak (Delta Chi), Co Presidents of the UPJ Alumni Board sent out an email to all of the board members on August 3, 2023 advising that they had created Temporary Committee Chairs for the standing committees of the Alumni Board. 

​The following is a list of the Temporary Committee Chairs:

• Bylaws: Wozniak
• Finance: Go
• Golf: Matt Sernell
• Greeks: Martin
• Homecoming: Fry
• Mt. Cat: Ernie
• Scholarships: Ledney
• Student Relations: Stephens
• Social Outreach: Sheets
• Vets: Matt Sernell

On Monday 14 August 2023 the first meeting of the Greek Committee was called to order by interim chair Bernard Martin (Delta Chi). In attendance were:

• Jeff Kubay (Acacia)
• Bernard Martin (Delta Chi) 
• Mark Stephens (Sigma Tau Gamma)

An informal agenda had been forwarded prior to the meeting. Below is an overview of the meeting with Matt Sernell, UPJ Alumni Board Co- President said in his email: "Also remember, other alumni that are not on the Alumni Board can serve on committees, so if you know of someone who your committee feels could  brings something to the table, they can participate in the committee and committee activities."  

Review Active Greek Organizations
Currently there are three active Fraternities:

1. Delta Chi
2. Kappa Delta Rho 
3. Sigma Tau Gamma

and one active Sorority: 

1. Phi Sigma Sigma 

Review Perspective Greek Organizations returning to Campus
There are discussions occurring with Acacia to reorganize as well as with several sororities. Added several items to NEW BUSINESS for the next meeting for follow up on this topic.

Status of Alumni Board by-Laws with regard to Greek Committee

• Bernie explained that there was a Greek Planning Committing in place for a reunion that was scheduled to take place on from May 31- June 2. That it would make sense to merge this committee together with the planning committee and hopefully develop a more formalized operational structure.  
• Bernie discussed the long term development of a "Greek Alumni Council" subcommittee that could be self sustaining.  Reviewed the By-Laws on the UPJ Greeks Website. Discussed the concerns that were brought up regarding liability exposure and how coverage was structured. Bernie relied that David Janusek (UPJ) was looking into this as a result of the last meeting (see: All Greek Reunion 2024- Planning Meeting 3 Report). Jeff Kubay will research.
• Committee agreed to merge into GAC (Greek Alumni Council) that is already in formation to and sit on one of the committees as they evolve. Therefore the Committee meeting and the GAC meeting will become one meeting instead of two with the short term objective of establish an All Greek Reunion in 2024 and then evolving that into a sustainable organization

Election of Chairperson
Jeff Kubay nominated Bernard Martin as Chairperson. Second By Mark Stephens. Bernard Martin was elected Chair by unanimous decision. 

Old Business for next meeting:

1. ByLaws - update from Kubay
2. Homecoming 2023 vs 2024, 2025 & Beyond.  Alumni Reunion weekend
3. Greek Weekend - merge minutes from previous meeting (All Greek Reunion 2024- Planning Meeting 3 Report) and select committee chairs
4. University Relations

New business for next meeting

1. Greek Expansion: Determine point of contact at the University who works with Greek organizations, Speak to Christian J. Stumpf, Vice President for Student Affairs.  Discuss with Megan George Delta Zeta National interest in re-organization.  Is ASA also in talks with UPJ.
2. Undergrad Greek org Relations:  Determine status of current Greek Organizatons: standing, sustainability, numbers, housing, charitable work, etc. Contact Christian J. Stumpf, Vice President for Student Affairs.
3. Get the names and status of existing and future greek organizations from Christian J. Stumpf, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Attendees:

• UPJ - David Janusek
• Acacia- Greg Mautino
• Alpha Gamma Delta- Jennifer Werni Hughes
• Delta Chi- Bernard Martin
• Omega Alpha Tau- Jody Robatzek Greiner

UPJ Alumni Board
Elections were held and the first meeting of the new alumni board at UPJ.  There are several members of the UPJ Alumni Board who are members of Greek Organizations.  Bernie Martin has been appointed interim chair of the newly formed Greek Subcommittee and will be holding their first meeting on August 14. 

Background & History
Nearly a decade ago when Bernie built the UPJ Greeks website which has been funded by Dr Pete Korch (Delta Chi) they developed a proposal to create a Greek Alumni Council which include a set up By-Laws and some longer term capitol project for a Log Cabin outdoor forum and underground storage/ showcase area for Greek Organizational history.  The intent was to create another affinity group subcommittee similar to what the Alumni Board had approved for the Education alumni.  In an Executive session of the Alumni Board it was decided to not approve additional affinity group subcommittees.  That put most of the plans on hold for a Greek Alumni Council. Until now. 

Greek Alumni Council subcommittee
According to Matt Sernell, Co-Presdent of the new Alumni Council and as part of the newly created Greek Subcommittee, "Also remember, other alumni that are not on the Alumni Board can serve on committees, so if you know of someone who your committee feels could  brings something to the table, they can participate in the committee and committee activities." which has laid the foundation for a Greek Alumni Council that could fall under the liability umbrella of the UPJ Alumni Board.

Liability Coverage
During the meeting this evening, it was determined that should find out more about liability coverages for the reunion weekend events.  David Janusek said that he would begin research into this topic and have some information for the next meeting. 

Old ideas are New Again
Some of the ideas for the All Greek Reunion were mapped out in 2015.  Take a look at the following article: ​Homecoming 2015: We ARE Greek! "Shout It Out!"

Committees
For the 5/31-6/2/2024 it was decided to set up several committees:

• Recruitment finding a point of contact for each organization who can recruit both planners/volunteers/attendees.
  
• Swag & Gear - Cups, T-shirts, etc...
• Friday Night Welcome - To be held off-campus at a local tavern. Coordinate a place and times
  
• ​Saturday Mimosa Brunch - Living Learning Center. Planning out the brunch menu and times, Registration/ names tags, etc
  
• ​Saturday Campus Tour - Where to people want to visit. All of the Greek Houses from the past are on the list. This committee will determine the locations and any other amenities that should be on the tour such s signage etc..
  
• ​Saturday Evening Cookout/ Dinner - Location TBD
  
• Log Cabin reception - Do we want a band or a DJ?  A fire outside? A handicapped accessible port-a-john? Can the maintenance department put some gravel in the washed out areas on the path down to the cabin?
  
• ​Sunday Coffee & Donuts - Locations TBD

Lodging
We will need select a host hotel off-campus but on-campus options will be the Living Learning Center and Willow Hall for families with children.   David will get estimates of pricing for campus lodging, meals, etc.

Next Actions

1. Put out the call for volunteers with skills/connections to help with marketing (logo/designs/merch) and services.
2. David to check on the ability of the UPJ Database software to determine if it has fields for affinity groups.  
   
3. Bernie will build an online form in lieu of a UPJ database within the UPJ Greeks website to start collecting contact information
   
4. Bernie will update after the Alumni Board Subcommittee meeting.

Hosted on Zoom by David Janusek, UPJ Director of Alumni and Giving
E) [email protected]        W) 814.269.2081        C) 412.638.2335

Attendees:

• Delta Chi: Bernard Martin, ABT & UPJ Alumni Board, Vance Kesler. Delta Chi ABT President
• Alpha Gamma Delta: Jennifer Werni Hughes, Annita Seiple Moore
• Omega Alpha Tau: Jody Robatzek Greiner

Discussion Points:

• Bernie reported talking with Megan Jordan George ( Delta Zeta) who organized both previous All Greek Reunions (2010 & 2013). Megan will be re-starting the old Weebly database to give us a head start on organizing. She hopes to be able to join the next Zoom call.
• Some time was spent discussing the previous All Greek reunions, and other reunions that campus has hosted (particularly with Delta Chi).
• We chose a date of May 24th-27th 2024 for the reunion. David will start the ball rolling on reserving that date on campus.
• Accommodations: Will be looking into the cost comparison and availability of rooms in the Living Learning Center, lodges, townhouses, and/or dorms. Plus arranging hotel block pricing. The idea is to offer on campus (no driving) options, plus more family-friendly hotel options.
• Food: Talked about campus-provided and/or catering options. Delta Chi reunion had a positive experience using the conference center for a Mimosa Brunch ($25/head). Campus would also be able to provide a Saturday cookout option.
• Possible Events timeline:
  • Friday night- informal meetup at a local watering hole (similar to previous reunions)
  • Saturday afternoon- campus tours, possible family friendly events/games, group meetups/photos, etc.
  • Saturday early evening- cookout
  • Saturday night-(21+ only) @ Log Cabin, music, refreshments, bonfire/fire pits?
  • Sunday- Mimosa Brunch, any additional group meetups
• Additional topics for continued discussion:
  • We hope to allow pricing per event/day/lodging to allow more flexibility
  • Whether to limit attendance by graduation year. (Pending capacity)
  • Planning more for singles/couples vs. adding family friendly options
  • We’d like to recruit members from all of the current & past UPJ Greek organizations to participate in the planning committee, and a variety of age ranges so the event will appeal to a wide range of participants.
  • We are looking to make this an annual event.

​Next Planning Meeting: Thursday, June 15th at 6pm
https://pitt.zoom.us/j/95513432427
 Meeting ID: 955 1343 2427

Callie Burgan, News Editor, The Advocate
November 4, 2020
​
Although COVID-19 has impeded on most in-person campus festivities, the 2020 Pitt-Johnstown Homecoming Court seniors are refusing to be stifled, remaining optimistic for an unusual and out of the ordinary Spirit Week.

“I love Pitt-Johnstown, and, even more so, I love that I am able to share this experience of being on court with my friends.” Weber said.

Senior Tyler Weakland, representing Alpha Kappa Psi, said he is honored to be chosen for Court during such a significant year.

“Being chosen by my brothers of Alpha Kappa Psi has really made me realize how important brotherhood actually is. This is going to be my third year as a brother, and I wouldn’t change anything. “Alpha Kappa Psi has really grounded me to campus as well as a worldwide organization for the rest of my life. With COVID-19 pandemic hindering most of the homecoming festivities, I’m still impressed that Pitt-Johnstown has been able to mask up and stay mountain cat strong by keeping everyone involved and engaged whether you’re remote or on campus.” Weakland said.

Madison Augustine, representing College Democrats, said being nominated for homecoming court is an honor. “I have been dedicated to my organization since I joined as a member and have been lucky enough to serve as president. To be nominated just reminds me that I put my all into being involved on campus and being a student leader. “The homecoming experience is definitely different this year, but I’m extremely thankful to be a part of it – regardless of it being virtual or in person.”

Senior Tessa Fry, who is representing UPJ Cheerleading, said she is Mountain Cat proud to stand on court with individuals she has had the opportunity to share so many laughs, experiences and memories with over the past four years. “Although this year is anything but typical, these individuals nominated make their Pitt-Johnstown home unique and memorable for all. Again, I am very appreciative of the opportunity to represent such a strong community of individuals as we forge through life together.  “Hailing from home this year, the spirit of Homecoming still resonates within our Mountain Cat Community as we come together once again as a family to engage and make the most of the time we have left together here at Pitt-Johnstown remaining Mountain Cat strong.” Fry said.

Senior Isa Lanthaler, who is also representing Alpha Kappa Psi, said she was surprised to be selected to be on the court this year. “I am representing Alpha Kappa Psi,the Professional Business Fraternity on campus. All of our members are extremely ambitious and driven towards success. I was honored to be selected.”

To add to the fun, November 5 is “Blue and Gold Day” on campus.  If a student is “caught” wearing Pitt-Johnstown apparel by a Program Board member, they are able to win free school merchandise.
The full list of Homecoming Court seniors are as follows:

• Madison Augustine representing College Democrats
• Tessa Fry representing UPJ Cheerleading
• Nick Mowad representing UPJ Cheerleading and Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity
• Jillian Badgley representing Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority
• Connor Krugh representing Program Board and Delta Chi Fraternity
• Lexi Weber representing Education Club
• Daniel Shirley representing Education Club
• Christopher Joseph representing the American Society of Civil Engineers
• Ashley Kushner representing the American Society of Civil Engineers
• Isa Lanthaler representing Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity
• Tyler Weakland representing Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity
• Jade Stubblefield representing Student Government Association
• Devin Seiger representing Student Government Association

Rachel Logan, Copy Editor
April 12, 2017

After a recent temporary suspension of Kappa Zeta, Pitt-Johnstown is home to only one social sorority out to four social fraternities.

Finance and Administration Vice President Amy Buxbaum, also a Campus Title IX coordinator, said that there is no violation of equal opportunity for men and women.

“(Pitt-Johnstown) does not organize these groups or recruit for them. We simply provide equal opportunities for both sororities and fraternities to organize on campus.

“This is different than varsity athletics programs, which we actively organize and direct, which are subject to Title IX.”

A memorandum from the federal Department of Education, dated May 3, 1989, noted the difference between social Greek life and professional, service or honorary Greek life. Title IX, the memo says, applies to service and honorary organization in that they may not exclude members based on gender.

“Under Title IX and the implementing regulation, the membership practices of social fraternities and sororities are specifically excluded from coverage if the active membership consists primarily of students in attendance at institutes of higher education, and the fraternity or sorority is exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.”

Pitt-Johnstown administrators thus do not guarantee the presence of equal Greek life opportunities on campus. Student Affairs Vice President Shawn Brooks said such matters stay on the student level, unless things go awry.

According to Brooks, there have been as many as four social sororities on campus in recent years, but two have been suspended for possible hazing, and one has been removed by its national sponsor.

Brooks said that those looking to organize a social fraternity or sorority on campus could connect with the national organization they wish as a sponsor, then petition the Pan-Helenic council.
“It’s a separate process for recognition. It doesn’t rise to the administrative level. Our role is very limited unless things go absolutely haywire.”

Currently, the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta is eligible to return to campus if they wish to recolonize, a process that takes about half a year, Brooks said.

Greek Affairs Director Shaun Hemphill did not respond to attempts to contact him.

The president of the remaining sorority on campus, Phi Sigma Sigma, declined comment.

READ MORE: Only 1 sorority is left

JOHNSTOWN, PA - The newly forming UPJ Greek Alumni Council, the GAC, is excited to announce some special events for Fraternity and Sorority Alumni during Pitt-Johnstown's Homecoming celebration on Saturday, September 26, 2015.  In addition to  Alumni events hosted by the University there will be several "Greek Only" festivities where Greek Alumni can renew old friendships and make new memories.  

There are THREE EVENTS scheduled for SATURDAY HOMECOMING 2015!

As a final note...
In celebration with the creation of the GAC it is only fitting that we pay tribute to those Greek Organizations who spearheaded the entire Greek movement at UPJ. Without them, no other organization would exist.

Celebrating Reunions in 2015 are:

• Lambda Sigma Rho 55th Reunion (April 1961)
• Chi Epsilon Nu 50th Reunion (November 1965)