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.

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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) dgj7@pitt.edu        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

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)

Baccalaureate degree programs established during his tenure include secondary education programs in biology, chemistry, Earth and space science and general science; geology; chemistry; computer science; geography, and business economics.

An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy also was established, as were certificate programs in business and international studies. Blackington also established the UPJ president’s scholars program.

His tenure also saw the introduction of women’s intercollegiate athletics and the campus’s membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

He oversaw the successful “Shaping a Future” capital campaign that raised more than $16 million; sponsored six major symposia, and established the Center for Technological Training of the Unemployed and the John P. and Joyce Murtha Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development.

Blackington also was instrumental in the creation of the National Center for Excellence in Metalworking Technology, which evolved into today’s Concurrent Technologies Corp. Additionally, Pitt-Johnstown became a Regional Computer Resource Center during his tenure.

During his time at UPJ, Blackington was involved in the community, serving on several local boards, and was a champion for the economic development of the region.

Following the local flood of 1977, Blackington opened the campus to evacuees and relief workers. More than 400 community members were provided with temporary housing in the campus’s residential facilities and 540 volunteers and workers from relief organizations were provided with other accommodations.

At the time of his retirement in December 1993, when asked to reflect on his accomplishments, Blackington said, “All I did was my job. Then I remind myself that it is important for people to have the opportunity to say this is a job eminently worth doing and I look at it as a celebration of the enterprise rather than the individual.”

A native of Keene, New Hampshire, Blackington earned his bachelor’s degree in education at Keene State College, his master’s degree in education from Boston University and his PhD in education from Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean conflict and held the rank of sergeant major.

After completing military service, he briefly served as director of publicity at Keene State, and then was appointed as head of the social studies department at Peterborough High School in New Hampshire. He also taught history and held appointments as head of the social studies department and assistant principal at Marshfield High School in Massachusetts.

After earning his PhD in 1960, he joined the education faculty of Michigan State, later serving as director of its Honors College, where he remained until accepting the presidency of Pitt-Johnstown in 1974.

Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar said, “The University is grateful for the excellent service of Dr. Blackington and for the enormous contribution he made to enhancing the quality and impact of Pitt-Johnstown and strengthening links between our University and the greater Johnstown community. Our campus, our community and our world are a better place because of the service of Dr. Blackington. Our hearts go out to his family.”

Blackington is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosella; his daughter Deborah Blackington; his son Bradley Blackington; his grandchildren Courtney, Tyler, Brynne and Grace Blackington, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family suggests that contributions in Blackington’s memory be made to the Frank Blackington Memorial Fund for the Pilgrim Church of Duxbury Choir, P.O. Box 186, Duxbury, MA 02331, or to Snug Harbor Community Chorus, P.O. Box 945, Duxbury, MA 02331.

—Peter Hart, via University Times

June 28 2012: NEWS: Obituary: Dr. Frank H. Blackington III Tags: Acacia, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Chi, Delta Sigma Chi, Kappa Delta Rho, Kapp Zeta, Phi Sigma Sigma, Sigma Tau Gamma, UPJ

January 24 2012: NEWS: Farewell & Parting: Former UPJ President, Jack Freeman, dies at age 80 Tags: UPJ

"I admired his sense of confidence and competence in every situation he faced," Nordenberg said. "He was a natural leader who reached out to the younger leaders. 

"He not only offered us support but made us feel comfortable in our new leadership roles."

Under Freeman's administration, UPJ established five academic divisions – education, engineering technology, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences – and began offering its first four-year degrees. His tenure at UPJ also saw the formation of the faculty senate, the first academic convocation, and groundbreaking for the Engineering and Science Building. Additionally, UPJ held its first homecoming celebration, introduced the Mountain Cat as the official school mascot, and added wrestling as a third intercollegiate sport.

Freeman earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Baylor University prior to joining the Air Force in 1954. He was appointed as an assistant professor of political science at the Air Force Academy in 1959. From 1964 to 1967, Captain Freeman worked at the Pentagon for United States Air Force Chief of Staff General Curtis Lemay and later for the Assistant to the Deputy Undersecretary USAF for International Affairs.

Jerry Cochran, executive vice chancellor and general counsel for the university, said both Mr. Freeman and Posvar served in the Air Force, and their experience in the military had an impact on younger executives like him. 

Freeman resigned his commission in the U.S. Air Force in 1967 to accept a position at the University’s Pittsburgh campus, where he joined then-Chancellor Wesley W. Posvar, who was a longtime friend of Freeman’s and his mentor at the Air Force Academy. 

"Dr. Posvar was his mentor at the Air Force Academy," Cochran said. 

"Leaders are born," said Cochran. "Both Freeman and Posvar were Air Force officers, and this commitment to the military enhanced their quality of leadership. 

"I had the highest level of respect for Jack Freeman, who taught us the ropes in our new undertakings," he added. "I often sit in my office and think of Jack and what he meant not only to me, but to the university."

Freeman served as executive assistant to Posvar and secretary to the Pitt Board of Trustees. He became Pitt-Johnstown’s second president in 1971.
 
In 1974, Freeman returned to the Pittsburgh campus as vice chancellor for planning and budget. In 1977, he earned his PhD at Pitt in higher education administration, and he was named senior vice chancellor for administration two years later. He became executive vice president for the university in 1986.. He resigned in 1990 after Posvar announced his plans to retire.  After leaving Pitt, Freeman held administrative positions at Penn and Cornell, and worked as a higher education management consultant until his retirement in 2006.
 
Following his Pitt career, Freeman served as executive vice president at Temple University, at the University of Pennsylvania, and at Cornell University, and he worked as a higher education management consultant until his retirement in 2006.
 
Under Freeman’s administration, Pitt-Johnstown established five academic divisions (education, engineering technology, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences) and began offering its first four-year degrees. He also established its faculty senate, held its first academic convocation, and broke ground for its Engineering and Science Building. Freeman’s tenure at Pitt-Johnstown also saw the university’s first Homecoming celebration and the addition of wrestling as a third intercollegiate sport.

Freeman is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Hawling Freeman; sons Jack R. Freeman, David M. Freeman, Mark R. Freeman; daughter Melissa Emanuele; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his elder brother, Bob Freeman. The family is being served by the Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, Va

Read More: Tribune Democrat & University of Pittsburgh