Who are we and why Sinfonia?
The purpose of an alumni newsletter for Epsilon Alpha
So first of all, congratulations on continuing your Sinfonian journey! Whether you have recently graduated from university and have entered the workforce or you have been away from collegiate days for many years, you are still a Sinfonian no matter what path in life you have taken. When we were initiated into Phi Mu Alpha, each brother completed the initiation ritual and shared the exalted experience. No matter where you are in life or what situations come your way, you always have a home at the University of Toledo.
With that said, why does the Rocket Sinfonian Encore have to exist? Is this just another email that will flood your inbox you either ignore or feel obligated to read? We hope to answer those questions below and also give you a chance to be involved in this new publication started by alumni for alumni.
About the writers
Jack Schmidt
If you told me 5 years ago that I would be here writing this newsletter, I would not have believed you. I was always one who shunned the idea of ‘frats’ up until my first year of the Rocket Marching Band back in the Fall of 2018. There I met my soon-to-be big, Ryan Smith (the co-writer of this newsletter!), and he introduced me to the idea of Sinfonia. It took a little convincing, but I started my probationary member process and by the time I went through Black Night I knew this Fraternity was a home for me. This all accumulated into me being initiated into the EA chapter on November 18, 2018. Less than 30 days into my collegiate membership, I was elected to be the Chapter Secretary. 6 months after that, with permission of Province Governor Dave Friday, I was elected to be the Chapter President. Now, I’ve finally wrapped up my 4th consecutive term as Chapter President, and I wish that upon no one else. Over my 4 terms I witnessed the Chapter ebb and flow; during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Chapter decreased to our smallest at 3 collegiate brothers. However, I knew I couldn’t let the EA Chapter die, and rallied my fellow brothers to attempt to save the Chapter. This was not in vain, as in the Fall of 2021 and the Fall of 2022 the chapter managed to initiate 7+ brothers both times! I love the EA Chapter with all my heart and consider it a ‘baby’ of mine and will always look out for it. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and routinely attempt to make it to Province 2 events each semester!
“It is an honor for me to be the ARO of the EA Chapter and I want to support them as much as possible by rallying the Alumni to their aid.”
Rocket Sinfonian Encore is the first of many steps for me to rekindle a stronger connection between the Collegiate Chapter and its Alumni. As I wrapped up my last term as Chapter President, I was nominated and elected by the current collegiate brothers to be their Alumni Relations Officer. It is an honor for me to be the ARO of the EA Chapter and I want to support them as much as possible by rallying the Alumni to their aid. With this newsletter and position, I hope to maintain my connection with my EA brothers, and I hope to create a stronger bond with the Alumni by utilizing consistent contact and creating more Alumni-focused content! I truly hope I can do homage to the Alumni that came before me and assist the brothers that come after me.
Ryan Smith
Wow, Epsilon Alpha has come a long way since I was at U. of Toledo! I was initiated into the EA chapter of PMA on February 16, 2016 in the CPA building. I was introduced to the fraternity my freshman year in the Rocket Marching Band back in the Fall of 2015. I was interested in joining PMA because I wanted to meet people outside of my section. Little did I know that over the years I’d fall in love with what Sinfonia means and the organization as a whole. I was Chapter President for a year, then my senior year I was Fraternity Education Officer; those roles prepared me to be the Collegiate Province Representative of Province 2 for the 2019 term. Since then, I’ve been involved in multiple ways locally and in the National Organization by giving my time when I could. I now live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, so I am now closer to Province 29 in Minnesota/Wisconsin than I am to Province 2!
“… Even though I am multiple states away, I consider the University of Toledo and the Epsilon Alpha Chapter my home I can always return to.”
Rocket Sinfonian Encore gives an opportunity for myself to still be involved with my alma mater and hear what they are up to. I have moved quite far away from Toledo, and even though I am multiple states away, I consider the University of Toledo and the Epsilon Alpha Chapter my home I can always return to. As an alumnus, I have had many opportunities to be involved with the Chapter and the Fraternity that compare or are better than my time as a collegiate brother. I hope this newsletter can share that experience with others so they can have the same feeling.
Get Involved!
Now that you have heard our stories, now is your chance to be involved with the future of the Chapter. If you wish to give your time, we can always use more hands to help in making articles for Rocket Sinfonian Encore! If you are interested in helping to write articles, edit/stylize, or contribute in other ways, please let us know by sending us an email rocketsinfonianencore@substack.com!
If you wish to do more than donate your time, you can donate directly to the Chapter as well. One awesome program that has been started is being able to sponsor a collegiate brother directly! As you may remember from your time at the university, collegiate brothers are obligated to pay semesterly dues to the Fraternity. With your help, you can donate directly to a brother the amount owed in dues for a semester so they can focus on their studies and improving the organization. Click on the link below to learn more!
Leave a Comment!
Since we introduced ourselves, this is your chance to let us know about you! What would you like to know more about regarding Epsilon Alpha? Let us know in the comments for this post and we will ready each one!