On Saturday, September 13, the alumni chapter held it's quarterly general body meeting at Christopher Newport University.  Twelve AKPsi brothers were in attendance -including a few officers from the Iota Pi chapter.

During the meeting, various topics were discussed such as our upcoming fundraising and social events, various opportunities for the chapter to give back to the community, and changes coming within the new region that will allow the alumni chapters to become more involved.  Iota Pi's VP of Alumni Relations shared information on upcoming events that alumni are invited to attend and requested more alumni bigs for the potentially large pledge group this year.  Watch your inbox for the minutes from the meeting.

After the meeting, the brothers ventured across the street to popular CNU spot, Schooners for brunch.  A few additional Iota Pi members joined for brunch.  It was a great bonding event for both the HRAC and student brothers!

Thursday's Iota Pi Alumni Night left standing room only!  HRAC had nine brothers in attendance as well as a few recent local Iota Pi graduates that are considering joining the alumni chapter.

Alumni Night is a part of the CNU chapter's rush week where potential new members have an opportunity to speak with older members of the organization and learn how being a brother in AKPsi has benefited them.  This year, the event was set up similar to a large speed dating activity.  Rushees were positioned at one of five large tables with current and alumni brothers.  After a few moments, the rushees were asked to rotate to the next table -allowing them an opportunity to speak with many people throughout the evening.

After the event, the Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter surprised current Iota Pi members with reserved tables and pizza at Brickhouse Tavern in Port Warwick.  Both Alumni Night and the Brickhouse gathering were very successful.  We look forward to continue strengthening our bond with the Iota Pi chapter this year.

**Note:  Iota Pi had 40 potential new members at rush week this year which means they will need a large number of alumni bigs.  Please sign up with VP of Alumni Relations, Alissa Patnode:  [email protected].

Brothers of the Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter and their guests visited the local urban winery, Mermaid Winery, in the Ghent area of Norfolk. The winery offers a selection of over 350 different wines plus various flight options for sampling.

The brothers tasted a variety of wines raging in flights from dry reds to sweet whites, to sparkling options and everything in between while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

For some members, this was their first visit to a winery and first tasting.  Others have frequented many vineyards throughout the state.  Overall, the event was enjoyed by all, and there was some discussion of visiting other wineries in the future.

On Saturday, May 17, brothers gathered at Sandy Bottom Nature Park to enjoy the chapter's 3rd Annual Cookout.  The event, like the previous cookouts, included a pot luck where the chapter paid for the hamburgers, hotdogs, and condiments and each brother in attendance brought a side dish or dessert.

This year the chapter had over 20 brothers and guests in attendance and activities included cornhole, music, socializing, walking trails, and a surprise group game of Family Feud.

Overall, the event was a success.  We'd like to thank all who participated and helped to make this cookout great!

The Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter of AKPsi has been recognized for the clean up efforts in the Norfolk community and recently received the official Adopt-a-Spot sign for such hard work.  In order to receive an official sign, the organization must successfully complete at least one clean-up session each quarter for one year.  The snow and cold weather postponed many sessions during the winter, but our brothers accomplished the goal!

The chapter's Adopt-a-Spot location is one mile in length on 41st Street from Killam Avenue to Powhatan Avenue in Norfolk. Participating in the Adopt-a-Spot program provides an opportunity for brothers to get out in the community and illustrate a desire to keep the environment clean and safe.

Monday evening, seven members of the Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter met with Jason Pierce, Jessica Seitz, and Wendy Wendroff who were in the Norfolk area visiting to plan for the 2015 Convention which will be held in the area.  Jenny Lynch, the Norfolk National Sales Manager was also in attendance at this meeting.

The group enjoyed food and beverages at the Norfolk Tap Room while socializing with the members from the organization's headquarters in Indiana.  Input was requested on the locations and selections for entertainment during the convention and the HRAC brothers were asked to put together video testimonials for the Norfolk area as a way to invite AKPsi brothers from outside locations and share what the city has to offer.

Special thanks to Sonya Veale, Jody South, Vicki Aldridge, Kim Green, Zach Grohler, Brook Jones, and Dan Byrd for coming out to make our national visitors feel welcome!

On Saturday evening, brothers gathered at the Bier Garden in Olde Town Portsmouth, to socialize and celebrate springtime.  In honor of spring, many wore their pastel colors.  The activities began with dinner and beverages at the Bier Garden.  Other brothers joined as the celebration moved to nearby Brutti's and later to Baron's Pub.  The group was pleasantly greeted by the owner and chef who kept the restaurant open for ten brothers who stopped in.  At Baron's, brothers were entertained with live music throughout the evening.

Overall, the event had an excellent turnout and HRAC hopes for even more as we gear up for our annual picnic next month!

On Saturday, March 29, seven brothers from the Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter traveled to the College of William & Mary to meet with members of the Omega Chapter as part of an alumni panel arranged by VP of Interchapter Relations, Zach Grohler.  Brothers met with a diverse group of Omega members ranging from freshmen to seniors with an array of majors in the business field.  The Omega members asked questions on our fondest collegiate memories, the type of skills they should focus on to assist in finding a job after college, and the type of jobs available in our area.  Brother, Shelly Rossi stated that it was fun to sit on the other side of the panel this time.

Omega provided hors d'oeuvres for the event.  The alumni panel gave the Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter an opportunity to bond and develop relationships with members of the student chapter.

On February 21, brothers traveled to Atlanta, GA to participate in the Principled Business Leadership Institute (PBLI) events.  Three brothers from the Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter attended:  Jody South, Zach Grohler, and Shelly Rossi.  Travelling along with our alumni brothers were other local student brothers and a few alumni from the Washington DC area.

Activities taking place during the event included a case competition, multiple education sessions with speakers, an awards ceremony, an alumni gathering, and various networking opportunities.  Overall, it was an excellent experience for all in attendance, and as brother, Jody South, stated, "The trip to Atlanta renewed our bond as brothers."