The Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased that Theta Xi Foundation has been able to expand its educational programming initiatives over the past three years to support Theta Xi’s Leadership Initiative.

 A summary of the progress made this past year to support the Leadership Initiative and to maintain the traditional Foundation areas of scholarships and educational grants follows. 

Presidents Academy

The Presidents Academy has established itself as Theta Xi’s premiere leadership training program.  In its 10^th year, the Academy drew 70% (38 of 54) of all chapter and colony presidents.  Just as important, over its 10 year history, the Presidents Academy has now served 328 undergraduate leaders.

The program itself has undergone ongoing change and revision since it was first introduced in 1999.  Core competencies of leaders have been identified and now serve as the foundation for the Academy curriculum.  Coupled with outdoor challenge activities, the program today rivals Fortune 500 company training efforts.  As a result, chapter presidents are consistently high in their praise for Presidents Academy; its impact on their personal development and in strengthening their leadership skills.    
 

Rising Stars Academy

Rising Stars Academy attendance exploded in 2008 as attendance increased 93% over 2007!  Word of mouth from previous attendees obviously had a positive impact as 77 first year initiates from 76% (41 of 54) of all chapters and colonies made the trip to St. Louis.  

Meeting new brothers, sharing concerns and best practices, and networking with Fraternity alumni leaders make this Academy a valuable experience.   The interactive curriculum features an outdoor orienteering challenge and discussion groups where participants learn from each other.
 

District Leadership Academies

Since recasting Theta Xi’s Regional Conferences as District Leadership Academies (DLAs), increased attendance has followed the pace set by Presidents Academy and Rising Stars Academy.  The 2008 DLAs drew 282 brothers, marking a 57% increase in undergraduate attendance.  In addition, the 43 chapters and colonies attending resulted in a 13% increase over the previous year.

DLA programs vary from year to year, but are consistent in allocating half the day to values education and the other half to leadership skills training.  In February 2008, for the first time, all eight districts held their conferences on the same date.  Only a major northeast snowstorm limited what would have been even higher chapter and delegate attendance.    

Foundation Scholarships and Grants

Throughout the year Theta Xi Foundation in cooperation with alumni associations and the support of loyal alumni donors provides funding for numerous scholarships and educational/leadership grants.  A summary of 2007-08 year activity follows:

Chapter Housing Loans

The Unicorn Fund supports chapter housing by providing loans on a first-come-first serve basis.  At the end of the 2007-08 year, a total of $132,293 was loaned out to 8 alumni associations.  They are:  Alpha at RPI, Alpha Alpha at LSU, Alpha Iota at Kansas State, Alpha Nu at USC, Alpha Psi at Missouri School of Science and Technology, Gamma Beta at Florida I.T., Kappa Iota at Henderson State, and Kappa Kappa at Ball State.

The decision to loan is based on an application form completed by the alumni association officers and submitted along with a supporting business plan.  Unicorn Fund loans are typically used to supplement first mortgage loans to purchase land or to purchase, build or remodel a chapter house.

The Foundation has also reached agreement with the Iota Club (Washington University alumni association) to administer a new Iota Club Loan Fund.  Along with purposes traditionally supported by Unicorn Fund loans, this new fund will provide assistance with traditional housing needs, placing a priority on helping to fund life safety issues such as fire escapes and alarms.
 

Finances

Theta Xi Foundation appreciates the support of its many donors.  Join us in recognizing their support by visiting the link to our 2007-2008 Donors List.  Also, remember that it's not too late to make a gift to be sure you are included as a donor to the 2008-2009 Fund Drive.  To make a gift online, visit www.makeagift.thetaxi.org.

A summary of the revenues and expenses of Theta Xi Foundation for the 2007-08 year is provided below:

Work also progresses on the Campaign for All True Men, Theta Xi’s first endowment campaign.  The goal of the campaign is to raise $1.2 million and is made up of two components.  The first is to raise $750,000 to endow the leadership academies.  The second is to raise $500,000 to maintain and increase annual support for the work of the Foundation over the period of the campaign.

The campaign was announced in 2007 at the 143^rd Anniversary Convention in Louisville, KY.  As of June 30, 2008, the results of the campaign are listed below.

Goal for Annual Fund Drive ---$500,000 by June 30, 2010

                                Number of Gifts:                        1,189

                                Total Dollars Received:       $140,861              28.2% of goal

Goal for Endowment Fund --- $700,000 by June 30, 2010

                                Number of Commitments:              30

                                Total Dollars Pledged:         $510,613              72.9 % of goal

                                Total Dollars Received:       $165,807              23.7% of goal

As one can see, with the recent downturn in the overall economy, these goals present a challenge.  Encouraging, however, is the enthusiastic response of undergraduate members taking advantage of the leadership and educational activities provided by Theta Xi Foundation thanks to the support alumni provide.  

All alumni are urged at this time to renew or to step forward and provide support to enable the Foundation to continue to strengthen Theta Xi today and build tomorrow’s leaders!  Request more information on how to participate in The Campaign For All True Men by clicking the logo... 

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