By Anna Mayes
Elm Staff Writer
November is a very special month for the Beta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Order (KA). It is their 80th Anniversary and the month for their fall philanthropy.
Last year, former presidents Neil Pervola and Charles Logan started looking into what had been done for the 75th anniversary to gather ideas for the upcoming milestone.
“After gathering their ideas, we had to look into gauging interest of alumni for an 80th Celebration,” said Chapter President Mark Pugliese. Historian Dave Mooney worked closely with Maria Hynson and KA alumnus Joe Van Name. “For the most part, we have a very active relationship with alumni, we are just hoping to continue to build a stronger relationship with some of the older men.”
In total 70 brothers, both alumni and active, came together on Saturday, Nov. 5 for a celebration. Earlier in the day, the actives painted the KA flag on one on their staircases and then went to cheer on the active brothers on the men’s swim team at their meet.
At 5 p.m. there was a cocktail hour in the Hynson Faculty Lounge and at 6 p.m., there was a coat and tie dinner in the Hynson Lounge. “This is a solid chapter with widely diverse leaders who are interested in all of campus life and the well-being of not only the students, but the college as a whole,” said Van Name. The night was spent talking about the history of the Beta Omega chapter.
The chapter hopes to continue to build strong alumni relations and have more reunions.
“We are incredibly blessed as a chapter to have a network of supportive alumni as well as a network of supportive faculty and staff at WC who promote the positive aspects of Greek Life,” said Crusade Commander Tom Brennan.
November marks the beginning of KA’s annual mustache growing competition. For four years, the brothers have raised awareness about men’s health as part of the Movember Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the biggest health issues faced by men, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
“I think every brother feels motivated to get behind this cause since every brother knows someone who has been affected by one of these things,” said Pugliese.
Students can enter the moustache competition during November at the KA table in Hodson. Cost is $5 per entry. Judging will take place on Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m. in the Goosenest. Half of the money raised from the entry fee goes to the winner. The other half will be donated to the Movember Foundation.
The KAs will also be selling T-shirts and hosting an all-you-can-eat Wing Bowl. In the past, the chapter has raised around $3,000 for this philanthropy.
As of Nov. 4, they have raised $1,233. “Last year was very successful, the key this year will be to reach out and get even more people involved and donating,” said Vice President Danny Furman.