|
Dear Brother,
For some of you, unless it was a sibling, you
may not have been addressed that way in many years. This
might in some way help you to think back to the days you
spent as an ATO living on the corner of Hillsdale and
Fayette streets. Yes, I am talking about being a brother of
the Beta Kappa Chapter. I am talking about living daily
with a bunch of guys in that beautiful white house on
Hillsdale Street we so affectionately call Sunnycrest.
There are those that this is a more recent
memory and others, like myself, a generation has passed
since living there. Regardless of time, the memory is still
strong and endures as one of those special times in our
lives.
If you have not heard, ATO is still a
prominent fraternity on campus. Countless ATO’s have passed
through the doors of Sunnycrest over the years and have used
those special skills and lessons to go on and serve family
and community. I am proud to have been part of such a rich
heritage.
As chairman of the Chapter Board of Trustees,
it is my duty to preserve this rich heritage for generations
to come. If you have not visited the college for some time
you will be surprised to see that very few of the original
buildings you may remember are still standing. On the hill
only Central Hall stands as a reminder of our Hillsdale
College experience. Besides Central Hall, only Sunnycrest
still stands as a historic reminder of what we hold so dear
to our hearts.
Sunnycrest over its 100 year history still
stands rock solid and strong. A recent study we had
commissioned shows that structurally it is in wonderful
condition. Seven years ago through the generosity of many
of you, we invested over $300,000 in building a new annex
and updating the interior of the structure. Even with all
that was done still much more is needed. Our new goal is to
raise $300,000. Brother Don Miller, class of 1960 and
Trustee of Hillsdale College, has pledged $100,000 as a
match for us to raise $200,000. More easily said, for every
$2 we raise Don will give $1.
This generous gift will help us repair the
exterior railing and banisters and reside the exterior to
bring the look back to the pre-1970’s wide aluminum siding
look. No project is simple and one thing leads to another.
Based upon our study, we will also need to sprinkle and
rewire much of the facility, install new bathrooms and
redecorate. If sufficient funds are raised, we may even try
to add a few more rooms to increase the number we can
house.
Based on the current economic climate, many
might feel this endeavor may be difficult. Over and above
Don’s donation, we already have pledges of $60,000 so we are
well on our way. Today we have over 800 living alumni.
Just think if everyone would give $250 our goal would be
reached. Many of you certainly could pledge $100/year for
the next three years. Some could pledge more.
Those brothers who pledge for three years up
to $999 will be considered supporters of ATO. From $1,000
to $4,999 Brother level, $5,000 to $9,999 Azure and Gold
level, $10,000 to $14,999 Beta Kappa level, $15,000 to
$19,999 Sunnycrest level and $20,000 and above Founders
level.
Your help is needed. Please pledge today for
the future of Beta Kappa tomorrow.
VTL,
Kim W. Beck
Chairman Board of Trustees, Beta Kappa
Chapter Hillsdale College |
