2008-2009 A Year in Review

We have finally reached the end of the 2008 – 2009 school year!

This year has been an exciting one.  The Brothers have been working hard to keep the focus of the fraternity Christ-Centered as well has integrating and leading in the Greek community.  During the 2009 Greek Awards Night, AGO was awarded with the Highest GPA in the College of Letters and Sciences, the Highest GPA in the College of Engineering, the Highest GPA in the College of Environmental Sciences, and the Greek Award for Outstanding Member.  Additionally, AGO held several exchanges with the lovely ladies of ΧΟ and ΚΑΦ. We really enjoyed the Toga party we had with XO, coordinated by our Spring pledges!  Joining forces with many Greek and non-Greek organizations on campus, specifically our sister sorority ΑΔΧ, we also participated in “Relay for Life”, a 24 hour walk around Toomey Field raising awareness for and fighting the effects of cancer.  Our teams’ theme was “Fight Club”.  We raised about $500 for the American Cancer Society through our event “Breaking Cancer” (where participants could write the name of a loved one lost to the disease on a board and karate chop it in half) and through individual contributions.  And finally, we participated in numerous IMs and Greek sporting events to make sure we keep the tradition of athletics alive and well, and we even won the 2009 Greek Olympics!

More than just hanging out with sororities and gaining recognition in the Greek community, Iota has reenergized some foundational commitments the chapter made years ago to outreach to the UC Davis community.  Refuge, started by our alumni around 2000, has found new ground.  We consistently had over 30 people at refuge every Wednesday representing almost every fellowship on campus and some people that aren’t involved at all.  Building on the success of Refuge and the need for safe and entertaining places for people to have fun, we have been hosting “Zero Proof” as a place for students to hang out in a safe environment while seeing the Christ-Centered witness of the AGO Brothers.  We at AGO realize that it’s hard to find a decent alternative to the crazy drunken parties that go on over the weekends. Some people just want to enjoy themselves without being pressured to drink.  So, on Friday nights, AGO provided a safe dry party with music, food, pool, “beverage pong,” and more! Everything you get in a drinking party, without the drinking. We are working hard to think “outside the box” to be an alternative to the stereotypical fraternity as active participants on campus and are becoming a force to be reckoned with, and making great progress!

This year, Iota hosted for the first time, a very special philanthropy event.  The Iota brothers organized a “Murder Mystery Dinner” to highlight a very unique opportunity to help children around the world.  Providence World Ministries advocates for orphaned children and widows.  This Date Night fundraiser was hosted by the men of AGO in partnership with Birdstrike Theater (http://birdstriketheatre.com) who provided the Murder Mystery entertainment with the dinner catered by Seasons.  AGO alumnus Phil Darke of Providence World Ministries provided a unique perspective of orphaned children and widows.  This first time event was a success with all tickets selling out.  We will take the lessons from hosting this event and apply them for another successful evening next year.

There is no doubt this year has seen its share of hard work.  Any success has been the direct result of the unwavering commitment of the Brothers.  Time and time again, the Brothers have stepped up beyond the call of duty to make each event the best, each meeting enjoyable, and the house a welcoming environment.   As we say goodbye to our graduating seniors who join the ranks of our treasured alumni, as actives, we will continue to build on the foundation you secured and raise new pillars for the year ahead. Thank you for all the prayers and financial support.  Have a wonderful summer.   God bless all of you.