Beta Chi Scholarship Program
Fund Progress:
Balance Needed for Dispresement: $20,000Current Balance: $11,293
I am pleased to report that the Selection Process has been finalized for the Beta Chi Scholarship fund and the first distribution in the amount of $500.00 is anticipated to occur in the spring semester of 2012. Special thanks go to Harry Bonner and Ron Tranquilla for their input in developing the application process as well as Bernie Clark, who like Brother Bonner and Brother Tranquilla, have been generous in their donations to the fund. Finally, Brother Bonner deserves additional gratitude for challenging the Fraternity to match his generosity which led to this fund being set up.
The selection process is as follows: the undergraduates will select three candidates based on the following four categories: Academic Performance, Philanthropy, Personal Conduct and Contributions to the Chapter. If there is difficulty narrowing down the number of candidates to three, the undergraduates will use Need as an optional fifth criteria. Once the three candidates have been selected, they will each be required to write an essay describing how their personal and academic growth have been affected positively by membership in Theta Chi as well as how their membership will impact their future both while completing their undergraduate degrees and beyond. The essays will be reviewed by the Alumni Board, Trustees, or an individual selected by the Board/Trustees. The winner will receive an award in the amount of $500.00 for the following academic year.
As of July 1, 2011, the balance of the Beta Chi Chapter Specific Scholarship Fund was $11,293.03. This is an increase of $1,267.47 from the balance as of July 1, 2010 with $275.00 coming from donations. Based on the both investment income and donations from the 2010-2011 fiscal year there is $840.62 available for scholarships. This is a projection of the amount available for distribution in the year to come based on the performance of the fund. Awarding the $500.00 scholarship will not impact the principal of the fund in anyway.
Considering the rising costs of education and the declining job market, donating to the Beta Chi Scholarship fund is an opportunity to help those that will come into the professional world with at a riskier time than most of us faced after we graduated. It would be great if all of us could afford to donate hundreds of dollars per year to the fund. Though realistically, we have to consider the financial responsibilities that come along with having families, buying houses, and investing in our own futures. However, if everyone gives a little, we can build up the fund to be strong enough to permit multiple distributions to worthy candidates. Whether you donate $100, $50, $10, or $5 per year, decent jobs to any donation will allow those who have benefited from their Allegheny education to assist those who face graduating into a tough economic climate with thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
In closing, I would like to challenge the Beta Chi Alumni to bring the fund to $14,000.00 by the end of the 2012-2013 fiscal year. To donate you may mail a check to Beta Chi Scholarship Fund, Theta Chi Fraternity 3330 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1333. Please make your check payable to "Foundation Chapter, Inc." and be sure to write "Beta Chi Scholarship Fund" in the donation field. Or you may donate online with your credit or debit card, by using the "Donate" button above. Remember, that your donation to the scholarship fund is tax deductible. If anyone has any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at nathant06@gmail.com.