Brothers,
Since our last newsletter, there have been several important developments regarding the Xi Chapter’s status with the university.
I’m pleased to share that the university’s Judicial Review Board (JRB) granted the chapter’s appeal of the initial four-year termination of our Fraternal Organization Agreement (FOA). The JRB found that the original decision-making process had been compromised and amended the sanctions to allow for the chapter’s potential return as early as the 2025–2026 academic year.
Following this decision, we began working with Theta Chi Nationals and the university on next steps toward reinstatement. These discussions are ongoing. While we remain hopeful for reinstatement this academic year, additional work is needed to ensure the chapter will operate safely and in full compliance with university guidelines. We aim to provide a more substantive timeline update by Homecomings Weekend.
Our goal remains the same: return Xi Chapter to Grounds as soon as feasible, with a strong foundation for a safe, healthy, and sustainable future.
In the meantime, the house at 600 Preston Place remains leased by the former members of Xi Chapter for the 2025–2026 academic year, with property management by MSC. In June, we completed a full house turnover—including approximately $40,000 in repairs, painting, deep cleaning, and general maintenance—to ensure the property is in excellent condition for the upcoming academic year. Alumni events will continue as planned, including our annual Homecomings tailgate and meeting on Saturday, October 18.
I remain optimistic that, with the cooperation of our alumni, Theta Chi Nationals, and the university, we can bring Xi Chapter back stronger than ever. Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts over the past year, whether through leadership, legal guidance, financial contributions, or simply staying engaged with the brotherhood. You continue to demonstrate to the university and Theta Chi Nationals that Xi Chapter has one of the strongest alumni networks anywhere.
As we look ahead, your support is more important than ever. The investments we’ve made in the house and the work required to ensure a safe and lasting return to Grounds depend on the strength of our alumni. Please consider a contribution to the Xi Chapter Annual Fund. Every gift—large or small—helps ensure that when we come back, we come back stronger than ever.
Fraternally,
Miles Kirwin (Col class of ’13)
mileskirwin@gmail.com
Homecomings Tailgate and Annual Meeting
Join us for Homecomings Weekend on Saturday, October 18. The annual chapter meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. and the tailgate will directly follow at 3:30 p.m. with food and beverages. Please register for the annual meeting and tailgate.
Afterwards, join us to cheer on the Hoos who will kick off against the Washington State Cougars at 6:30 p.m. A ticket block is available for Xi Chapter alumni and friends.
Treasurer’s Report
The Alumni Corporation continues to serve as the landlord and steward of the house, supporting the chapter through house maintenance and improvement projects. Our financial standing is solid, with sufficient operating and capital reserves. The corporation manages regular operating expenses (including mortgage, insurance, taxes, and maintenance activities) through the collection of rent.
We continue to rely upon your giving for both reducing the principal of our mortgage and for capital improvements to the property.
If you ever have any questions about the finances of your alumni association corporation, please feel free to contact Troy Knowlton (Col ’92) at tsknowlton@yahoo.com.
House and Grounds
MSC, our property manager, has prepared the house for new tenants for the 2025–2026 academic year. Recent repairs and improvements include drywall, window, and gutter maintenance to prevent leaks; installation of new bedroom door locks; and fresh interior paint. The house is in excellent condition heading into the next academic year and we look forward to partnering with MSC to maintain and upkeep 600 Preston Place.
Take a look below!
Xi Chapter Trivia
The installation of Xi Chapter occurred on January 26, 1914, led by Dr. Robert L. Irish (Alpha / Norwich), class of 1889. The April 1914 Rattle describes: “The formalities began at three o’clock, lasting until seven. During this interval, eight members were initiated and the officers of Xi Chapter were elected and installed. With all our anticipation and speculation, we had not been able to forecast the dignity, simplicity, and depth of the occasion.” A banquet followed, with Brother S. M. Jett, Jr., class of 1914, “acting as toastmaster” for the occasion.
A photo of the installation accompanies the description in the April 1914 Rattle. Do you know which building on Grounds is the site of the photo? Let us know at Homecomings in October!
Giving Back
We deeply appreciate the generosity of alumni who have given back to Xi Chapter through their time and donations. At the UVA Alumni Xi Chapter site there are several fund designations or those who would like to donate:
- The Theta Chi Annual Fund: This fund covers upkeep and repairs for the house at 600 Preston Place. The house was built in 1925(!) and requires regular maintenance for appearance, infrastructure improvements, and safety.
- The Theta Chi Helping Hands Bicentennial Scholarship: The first award from this scholarship will be made in the 2025-26 school year to an outstanding Greek student. Scholarships will benefit undergraduate brothers of Theta Chi when the chapter is active.
- The Quent Alcorn Memorial Scholarship: In honor of our brother and former Xi Chapter President, Quent Alcorn (Engr class of ’16), a group of Xi Chapter alumni award this $10,000 scholarship each year to one outstanding member of the Greek community who embodies dedication, selfless service, love of learning, ability to impact every life touched, and capacity for fun and humor.