When Theta Xi was founded in 1864, the patent for the typewriter was still four years in the future.  Edison would not invent the phonograph for more than a decade.  With almost a century and a half of progress in communications behind us, I’m pleased to introduce the first e-UNICORN. 

Why an electronic version of the magazine?  First and foremost, our members have asked for it.  Surveys by Pew Internet show that, as of January, the majority of Americans in every age group from 12 to 72 go on-line for e-mail and information.  Since our membership represents a college-educated demographic, it’s reasonable to expect that many members would prefer more timely and accessible information about Theta Xi.  I have not attended an event in the last decade without hearing the suggestion that we move to an electronic format.

As the costs of printing and distributing traditional publications increase, we can all see the effect this is having:  Who doesn’t know of local papers that have been unable to survive?  Those costs affect the Fraternity as well.  Our success in membership growth has the consequence that we have many more members with whom we must communicate.   We take seriously the obligation to communicate with our members, and an electronic version of The UNICORN makes is possible to fulfill that commitment effectively.

Change also provides us with opportunities:  Once relieved of the limitations imposed by a fixed number of pages (and the tiny print that results), it becomes possible to go into greater depth more frequently than was previously possible.  This issue provides a poignant example:  In this format, we can deliver to every member the 2007-08 Annual Report Issue, to bring you up to date on the last complete year of Fraternity and Foundation activities.  But it also allows us to bring you some important current news with information on this summer’s national convention and the combined efforts of all Greeks to pass legislation that will make it easier to fund chapter house life safety and other necessary improvements with tax-deductible gifts.

This first e-UNICORN issue is being sent to over 18,000 members for whom we have email addresses.  Please don’t hesitate to forward it to alumni in your address book.  Keeping up with changing email addresses is challenging, but absolutely necessary if Theta Xi is to remain relevant to its members in the communication environment of 2009.  If you have a preferred email address that is not in our files, just let us know with an e-mail, phone call, or by updating your records at www.thetaxi.org.  

My term as National President is rapidly coming to a close, and I’m happy that this e-Unicorn can document many of the significant accomplishments Theta Xi has realized over this two year period.  Membership is up, expansion efforts have added a new chapter while returning several former chapters to our active roll, and our Leadership Initiative is taking off.  I urge you to read this issue and see what has been keeping our undergraduate brothers, alumni volunteers and headquarters staff very busy. 

I’m proud to be a Theta Xi and I thank all members – chapter officers and all undergraduate brothers, chapter advisors, alumni association/corporation officers, at-large alumni, regional directors, national committee chairmen and members, loyal alumni donors, fellow Grand Lodge members and Fraternity Headquarters  staff  for your commitment to work together as a team.  I’m pleased to say that together, we are continuing to build a stronger Theta Xi!

Yours in the Bonds,

Jon Luning, Beta Omega 241

National President