HOUSE NEWS
Celebrating Progress - Fall 2011
In recent years, we looked at the haunting symptoms of distress pulling at our beloved Craigielea and worried if the structural problems could ever be found and arrested. This past summer critical areas were disassembled, remediated, and put back together.
From a financial perspective, we were concerned that the cost of work "behind the walls" would crush our cash flow and consume all proceeds from the upcoming capital campaign. We asked Cornell for help, and we are happy to report that Cornell has stepped forward to loan money--at extremely favorable rates--to our operating account so that structural and safety work can be completed and funded from the proceeds of future operations. This means that Cornell and future Chi Phis both have "skin in the game," and the bulk of the pending capital campaign will now be reserved to fund restoration and improvements to the grandeur of Craigielea.
This is a monumental confirmation of a partnership that exists between the university, active Xis, and alumni; all of us are working together for the preservation of Craigielea. Tackling Craigielea's most daunting challenges began with the mutual commitment by Xi alumni and Cornell to start unfunded repairs, work which we now understand saved the house from collapse. Meanwhile, we also completed a study verifying the viability of our capital campaign; Cornell endorses the very active role to be played by the Craigielea Educational Fund in controlling the use of future donations for the preservation of the house and its artifacts.
Finally, we cannot say enough about the groundswell of support from the active brotherhood, which has survived the disruption from this first round of heavy construction and renovation. A heartfelt thanks to them, the alumni, and Cornell for such a great start to our exciting journey to the 125th celebration!
Progress Report on Restoring Craigielea and its Grounds - Spring 2011
How many strong men are holding up Craigielea? The newest pledge class just contributed 22!
How many of us will stay strong in our support when support is needed the most? McElroy & Associates is now assessing the need in a capital campaign feasibility study, scheduled for completion in June 2011. Reports regarding the viability of Craigielea's timber frame and our ability to restore the "Million Dollar View" on the side of the Cascadilla Gorge are also scheduled for completion in June. When these baseline studies are complete, we can then chart our course to 2015, including building renovations, improvements to both site and floor-plans, restoration to our interior millwork/ornamentation, a new memorial room, and a gorge-side promenade.
Our goal is to make things right for the next 125 years. How many strong men are there?
- Jerry Day '71
Chi Phi Is The Talk Of The Town ... And It's All Good
Over the last few years we've witnessed a transformation at Craigielea, as the undergraduates joined forces with alumni for "fix-up weekends," to maintain and beautify the house and grounds. Working together we tackled several projects including landscaping, painting, cleaning, and many repairs. The house hasn't looked this good in 30 years!
Special thanks are due to Nate Richard and Andy Sliwa, and their successors, for their leadership, initiative, and great efforts, making Chi Phi the "talk of the town."
During one weekend, a coed walking up Edgemoore Lane was even compelled to knock on our door and say, "I just wanted to meet you guys and tell you how nice this place looks!" Aah, how sweet!
Perhaps more significant than the tangible repairs and upgrades were the intangible bonds the alumni made with the actives. This was a great opportunity to share values, needs, and dreams with a very brilliant young generation.
Our vision for Chi Phi isn't just to be "most improved." We believe that we're well on our way to becoming "best fraternity." And the pride and ownership is evident everywhere and is becoming infectious for all new brothers as well.
I encourage all alumni to drop by at Reunion or Homecoming (or whenever) to witness this transformation for yourself. Believe me, it's rewarding these days. Come see what all the talk's about!
Fraternally,
Dave Hibbert '74