Tri-Kap Blog

This summer, brothers and their guests have had the opportunity to go on numerous adventures and trips with the help of planning from Programming.

On Saturday, July 2nd, Tri-Kap 13’s ventured to the ledges to enjoy the 3-day weekend and the sunshine. Upon inheriting the Sophomore Summer list of things to do, passed down through many Tri-Kap generations, we decided to start off Summer right. It was a treacherous journey down the stream of mini-waterfalls, filled with agile maneuvering (read: flopping into the water), bruises, and good times. A rescue mission was also undertaken to rescue a tire found at the bottom of the stream. Robinson, Jorge, Chris, and Will took it upon themselves to transport the tire up the waterfalls and back to Tri-Kap to use as a tire swing for our front lawn. Every adventure needs a medic of course. With less than 5 steps between Tanay Ganga and the shore, he had a nasty slip, causing a cut that required the assistance of our resident EMS, Nick Valentini.

The journey ended at the Mobil gas station in West Lebanon with everything getting together at the Chinese restaurant like one big happy family.

On Saturday, July 16, Tri-Kap 13’s went on another adventure, this time to Union Village Dam, which is located 20 minutes away from campus in Vermont. Although worried at first that we were lost, we eventually found a great spot on the river near the dam to spend our afternoon at. Brothers and their guests enjoyed jumping off of big rocks into the cool water, sliding down nature-carved chutes, and just enjoying relaxing under some beautiful summer weather.

In addition to planning more events like this term’s Slip ‘N Slide with APhi and Movie and S’mores night with Kappa, we plan to start next term off strong with more Programming adventures to come.

YiK,

Will Tong

Dexter Zhuang

Programming Chairs

In the midst of their sophomore summer, the ’13 Tri-Kap Brothers received a special guest into our hallowed halls on Tuesday as the former President and Supreme Court Justice of Bolivia, Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze, came to speak to the brotherhood. President Rodriguez is currently spending summer term at Dartmouth as a Montgomery Fellow and teaching a seminar on "The Rule of Law in Latin America."

During the discussion, President Rodriguez explained his unusual rise to the presidency, the perks and hardships of being the leader of a nation, and his views on economic and political development in Latin America. Needless to say, the brotherhood was extremely honored to host such a distinguished guest and learn from his interesting and insightful talk.

We thank President Rodriguez for his time and wish him a great rest of the term in Hanover.

Yours in Kappa,

Donghan Zhao ’13
Academic Chair

In the midst of their sophomore summer, the ’13 Tri-Kap Brothers received a special guest into our hallowed halls on Tuesday as the former President and Supreme Court Justice of Bolivia, Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze, came to speak to the brotherhood. President Rodriguez is currently spending summer term at Dartmouth as a Montgomery Fellow and teaching a seminar on "The Rule of Law in Latin America."

During the discussion, President Rodriguez explained his unusual rise to the presidency, the perks and hardships of being the leader of a nation, and his views on economic and political development in Latin America. Needless to say, the brotherhood was extremely honored to host such a distinguished guest and learn from his interesting and insightful talk.

We thank President Rodriguez for his time and wish him a great rest of the term in Hanover.

Yours in Kappa,

Donghan Zhao ’13
Academic Char

The 2011 reunions we’re a smashing success! The house was crawling with over 50 younger alums (’06 and prior classes) that came back to our hallowed halls in order to relive the Kappa experience. A handful of older alums, a couple of ’81s and a number of ‘86s, also stopped by to share a story or just say hello. James McKim ’83, Sunil Bhagavath ’03, Matt Brown ’05 and Nannan Hu ’06, were all up as representatives of the Alumni board.

Amidst all the celebration, the brothers came together during an impromptu meetings in order to address the need to improve the physical plant of the house. In particular, our very own Richard Park ’01 organized a reunion pong tournament with the purpose of raising funds for future renovations. The champions were Sung Cho ’01 and Phil Lee ’01 (above). The tourney not only raised over $2000 but also generated great interest among other classes who seek to hold similar events in the near future. I feel confident that the Board and brotherhood in general will stand united as we continue forward with the renovation process.

Hopefully next year's reunions will have the same energy as these had! Until then, I encourage anyone who has an opportunity to make the trip to come out and visit!

YiK,

Paul Wagdalt '13
Summer President

The 2011 reunions we’re a smashing success! The house was crawling with over 50 younger alums (’06 and prior classes) that came back to our hallowed halls in order to relive the Kappa experience. A handful of older alums, a couple of ’81s and a number of ‘86s, also stopped by to share a story or just say hello. James McKim ’83, Sunil Bhagavath ’03, Matt Brown ’05 and Nannan Hu ’06, were all up as representatives of the Alumni board.

Amidst all the celebration, the brothers came together during an impromptu meetings to address the need to improve the physical plant of the house. In particular, our very own Richard Park ’01 organized a reunion pong tournament with the purpose of raising funds for future renovations. The champions were Sung Cho ’01 and Phil Lee ’01 (above). The tourney not only raised over $2000 but also generated great interest among other classes who seek to hold similar events in the near future. I feel confident that the Board and brotherhood in general will stand united as we continue forward with the renovation process.

Hopefully next year's reunions will have the same energy as these had! Until then, I encourage anyone who has an opportunity to make the trip to come out and visit!

YiK,

Paul Wagdalt

Summer President

Summer term 11X has begun and the Tri-Kap ‘13s have hit the ground running. House managers Deep Shah and Dan Krawec are pleased to announce the completion of Spring Term’s bathroom renovations of our sinks and countertops. We’ve added new double-door oak cabinets, a white laminate countertop, white sink basins, silver Grohe faucets, and a white shelf.

Not only is this improvement a long-awaited enhancement for brothers, but also a godsend for the many female friends who frequent our hallowed halls. In fact, one visitor reported, "surprisingly, Tri-Kap has one of the cleanest bathrooms of any frat! Have you seen AD's?!"

We’d like to express our gratitude toward Dave from Dave’s Carpentry who organized and completed all of the woodwork for the project, and ARC Mechanical for the plumbing work.

As you may notice, we’ve also tried modernizing our bathroom with a new automatic paper towel dispenser and foam soap dispensers. Take a look at some pictures below:

Dan Krawec '13

House Manager

Summer term 11X has begun and the Tri-Kap ‘13s have hit the ground running. House managers Deep Shah and Dan Krawec are pleased to announce the completion of Spring Term’s bathroom renovations of our sinks and countertops. We’ve added new double-door oak cabinets, a white laminate countertop, white sink basins, silver Grohe faucets, and a white shelf.

Not only is this improvement a long-awaited enhancement for brothers, but also a godsend for the many female friends who frequent our hallowed halls. In fact, one visitor reported, "surprisingly, Tri-Kap has one of the cleanest bathrooms of any frat! Have you seen AD's?!"

We’d like to express our gratitude toward Dave from Dave’s Carpentry who organized and completed all of the woodwork for the project, and ARC Mechanical for the plumbing work.

As you may notice, we’ve also tried modernizing our bathroom with a new automatic paper towel dispenser and foam soap dispensers. Take a look at some pictures below:

Dan Krawec '13

House Manager

The end of spring is always a bittersweet time for Tri-Kap. Although it marks the conclusion of yet another successful term at Dartmouth, it also means we must bid farewell to our graduating seniors. To commemorate this event, we had our annual bequeathal ceremony this past week.

The brothers all gathered around as the 2011 seniors bequeathed some of their most valued possessions to the younger classes. Each bequeathal had both a special memory attached to it it along with a reason for giving it to the younger brother. The range of the bequeathed items was anywhere from an old house shirt to a special house position that brother had acquired. Bequeathals are undoubtedly one of the most important things we do as a house.

Our halls were filled with both laughs and tears as the seniors reminisced about their time as a Tri-Kap brother. The 11s further gave words of wisdom to the younger classes about how to truly appreciate their time at the house. Although they now move beyond our hallowed halls in order to leave their mark on the world, their legacy has forever been established among us. So congratulations to the 2011 Tri-Kap graduating class! We will miss you dearly.

Yours in Kappa,

Paul Wagdalt ‘13

Social Chair

The end of the Spring is always a bittersweet time for Tri-Kap. Although it marks the conclusion of yet another successful term at Dartmouth, it also means we must bid farewell to our graduating seniors. To commemorate this event, we had our annual spring bequeathal ceremony for the 11s this past week.

The brothers all gathered around as the 2011 seniors bequeathed some of their most valued positions to the younger classes. Each bequeathal had both a special memory attached to it it along with a reason for giving it to the younger brother. The bequeathed items ranged anywhere from an old house shirt to a special house position that brother had acquired. Bequeathals are undoubtedly one of the most important things we do as a house.

Our halls were filled with both laughs and tears as the seniors reminisced about their time as a Tri-Kap brother. The 11s further gave words of wisdom to the younger classes about how to truly appreciate and get the most out of the house. Although they now move beyond our hallowed halls in order to leave their mark on the world, their legacy has forever been established among us. So congratulations to the 2011 Tri-Kap graduating class! We will miss you dearly.

Yours in Kappa,

Paul Wagdalt '13
Social Chair

The end of the Spring is always a bittersweet time for Tri-Kap. Although it marks the conclusion of yet another successful term at Dartmouth, it also means we must bid farewell to our graduating seniors. To commemorate this event, we had our annual spring bequeathal ceremony for the 11s this past week.

The brothers all gathered around as the 2011 seniors bequeathed some of their most valued positions to the younger classes. Each bequeathal had both a special memory attached to it it along with a reason for giving it to the younger brother. The bequeathed items ranged anywhere from an old house shirt to a special house position that brother had acquired. Bequeathals are undoubtedly one of the most important things we do as a house.

Our halls were filled with both laughs and tears as the seniors reminisced about their time as a Tri-Kap brother. The 11s further gave words of wisdom to the younger classes about how to truly appreciate and get the most out of the house. Although they now move beyond our hallowed halls in order to leave their mark on the world, their legacy has forever been established among us. So congratulations to the 2011 Tri-Kap graduating class! We will miss you dearly.

Yours in Kappa,

Paul Wagdalt ‘13

Social Chair

Green Key this past year was a weekend to remember. As we started off the week with Sunday Harbor to celebrate, we knew that 1 Webster Ave. would revisit many traditions, as well as make new ones for years to come. On Wednesday we were happy to have many alums visit us for one of the best Meetings this term. We rekindled old friendships, and many of us from the younger classes had the opportunity to meet the older graduates from the '08s and '09s.

The Friday Dance Party as usual was a huge hit. The 'Klub Kappa Kabana' party proved to truly be the "hottest place north of Havana" as we established ourselves as the best scene on campus. DJs Kenny Wang '12 and Michael Barile '13 held it down with some awesome beats and it turned out to be a great night.

The following morning we held corporations in the GOTE Room. Led by Alumni Board President James McKim '83, we discussed our yearly financials, and perhaps most importantly the impending renovations. With input from the rest of the board, including Michael Brasher '10, Matt Brown '05, and Terry Lowd '66 the meeting proved to be very productive. In addition, 23 '13s and 2 12's were officially initiated into the Kappa Kappa Kappa Society as brothers. As one of them, I guarantee that we will do everything in our power to positively contribute and be the best brothers we can be.

All in all Green Key was a great time and I hope that we showed our beloved alumni a fantastic time among our hallowed halls.

Yours in Kappa,

Tanay Ganga '13
Social Chair

Green Key this past year was a weekend to remember. As we started off the week with Sunday Harbor to celebrate, we knew that 1 Webster Ave. would revisit many traditions, as well as make new ones for years to come. On Wednesday we were happy to have many alums visit us for one of the best Meetings this term. We rekindled old friendships, and many of us from the younger classes had the opportunity to meet the older graduates from the '08s and '09s.

The Friday Dance Party as usual was a huge hit. The 'Klub Kappa Kabana' party proved to truly be the "hottest place north of Havana" as we established ourselves as the best scene on campus. DJs Kenny Wang '12 and Michael Barile '13 held it down with some awesome beats and it turned out to be a great night.

The following morning we held corporations in the GOTE Room. Led by Alumni Board President James McKim '83, we discussed our yearly financials, and perhaps most importantly the impending renovations. With input from the rest of the board, including Michael Brasher '10, Matt Brown '05, and Terry Lowd '66 the meeting proved to be very productive. In addition, 23 '13s and 2 12's were officially initiated into the Kappa Kappa Kappa Society as brothers. As one of them, I guarantee that we will do everything in our power to positively contribute and be the best brothers we can be.

All in all Green Key was a great time and I hope that we showed our beloved alumni a fantastic time among our hallowed halls.

Yours in Kappa,

Tanay Ganga '13
Social Chair

The brothers pose for the camera before the relay

On Saturday, May 14th, brothers donated their time by attending the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, an event that allows communities around the world to commemorate those who have battled cancer. At the Relay, teams camp out overnight and take turns walking a track. Every team needs at least one member walking the track at all times in recognition that cancer never sleeps.

We arrived to the event with a team of 15 members, making us the house with the highest on-site participation of all Greek organizations. Brothers walked several laps with townspeople, fellow Dartmouth students, and cancer survivors to help combat the disease.

Fundraising for this event started last term with the determination of Wei Zhou ’12, who initiated the early involvement and interest in the relay. Because of his contributions, we raised over $800 by the end of winter term. Since then, we managed to raise over $1300 through personal donations and grilled cheese sales. Our efforts placed us first of the fraternities with the most funds raised and second of all Greek houses.

A special thanks to the following for their contributions: Mike Barile ’13, Alec Brodsky ’11, Steven Kadish, Cameron Sharman ’11, and Wei Zhou ’12

- Christian Mgbonyebi, Philanthropy Chair

The brothers pose for the camera before the relay

On Saturday, May 14th, brothers donated their time by attending the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, an event that allows communities around the world to commemorate those who have battled cancer. At the Relay, teams camp out overnight and take turns walking a track. Every team needs at least one member walking the track at all times in recognition that cancer never sleeps.

We arrived to the event with a team of 15 members, making us the house with the highest on-site participation of all Greek organizations. Brothers walked several laps with townspeople, fellow Dartmouth students, and cancer survivors to help combat the disease.

Fundraising for this event started last term with the determination of Wei Zhou ’12, who initiated the early involvement and interest in the relay. Because of his contributions, we raised over $800 by the end of winter term. Since then, we managed to raise over $1300 through personal donations and grilled cheese sales. Our efforts placed us first of the fraternities with the most funds raised and second of all Greek houses.

A special thanks to the following for their contributions: Mike Barile ’13, Alec Brodsky ’11, Steven Kadish, Cameron Sharman ’11, and Wei Zhou ’12

- Christian Mgbonyebi, Philanthropy Chair

The Honorable Gregory Slayon talks to a captivated Brotherhood

Last Thursday, May 5, the brothers of Kappa Kappa Kappa were honored to host The Honorable Gregory W. Slayton. Professor Slayton currently teaches at Tuck Business School, and previously has worked as a venture capitalist, Silicon Valley CEO, orphanage operator, and U.S. Chief of Mission to Bermuda. Needless to say, everybody was very excited to hear from such an accomplished individual.

During the talk, Professor Slayton discussed a wide variety of topics--anything brothers wanted to know about, from the world of finance to his thoughts on marriage, faith, and raising a family. It was a very special opportunity to hear one of the most prolific men at Dartmouth speak frankly and openly.

Following the discussion was an informal meet-and-greet with Professor Slayton. After Professor Slayton left, brothers continued to hang out and discuss the talk, reflecting the extent to which he got us thinking.

So thank you, Professor Slayton, for a truly memorable discussion. It was a privilege for all of us at 1 Webster.

Yours in Kappa,
Dan Fox '13

The Honorable Gregory Slayon talks to a captivated Brotherhood

Last Thursday, May 5, the brothers of Kappa Kappa Kappa were honored to host The Honorable Gregory W. Slayton. Professor Slayton currently teaches at Tuck Business School, and previously has worked as a venture capitalist, Silicon Valley CEO, orphanage operator, and U.S. Chief of Mission to Bermuda. Needless to say, everybody was very excited to hear from such an accomplished individual.

During the talk, Professor Slayton discussed a wide variety of topics--anything brothers wanted to know about, from the world of finance to his thoughts on marriage, faith, and raising a family. It was a very special opportunity to hear one of the most prolific men at Dartmouth speak frankly and openly.

Following the discussion was an informal meet-and-greet with Professor Slayton. After Professor Slayton left, brothers continued to hang out and discuss the talk, reflecting the extent to which he got us thinking.

So thank you, Professor Slayton, for a truly memorable discussion. It was a privilege for all of us at 1 Webster.

Yours in Kappa,
Dan Fox '13

The House was looking quite festive for the event

On Friday, April 22nd, the brothers of Tri-Kap hosted its annual Easter Egg Hunt as a way to give back to its Upper Valley community. From 3-6 pm, kids and families came from their Upper Valley homes to spend their sunny Easter Friday playing games and socializing on the lawn of Tri-Kap. The event provided fun attractions including a bounce house, face painting, egg painting, bracelet making, bowling, a piñata, three-legged races, and last but not least, a large Easter egg hunt with 250 candy-filled eggs and great prizes for over 50 kids.

Kids that came included ones brought by peer mentoring groups such as DREAM and Big Brother Big Sister Kids as well as ones brought by their parents. Although some kids arrived at 1 Webster being a little shy, as soon as they saw all the different activities, food and candy available to them, they immediately could not wait to explore. Kids left the event with a satisfied sweet tooth, Easter egg baskets, toys, and big grins on their faces.

The event was a combined philanthropy and programming initiative that involved a large portion of the brotherhood. Brothers could be seen helping with set up and takedown, running booths, and playing with kids. The event also attracted wide support and involvement from other Greek houses and councils through co-sponsorships, volunteers, and supply donations. Thanks to AZD, Aphi, SD, Tri-Delt, EKT, SAE, IFC, and GLC for their support through co-sponsorships and/or providing volunteers to help run booths. Also thanks to Beta and BG for letting us borrow their picnic tables for the duration of the event.

All in all, the event was a success in bringing together the Greek community to give back to the Upper Valley in a meaningful way, and we hope all the kids and family in attendance had a wonderful time! See you next year!

- Programming and Philanthropy Chairs
Programming Chair, Arun Gomatam, helps get the piñata going

The House was looking quite festive for the event

On Friday, April 22nd, the brothers of Tri-Kap hosted its annual Easter Egg Hunt as a way to give back to its Upper Valley community. From 3-6 pm, kids and families came from their Upper Valley homes to spend their sunny Easter Friday playing games and socializing on the lawn of Tri-Kap. The event provided fun attractions including a bounce house, face painting, egg painting, bracelet making, bowling, a piñata, three-legged races, and last but not least, a large Easter egg hunt with 250 candy-filled eggs and great prizes for over 50 kids.

Kids that came included ones brought by peer mentoring groups such as DREAM and Big Brother Big Sister Kids as well as ones brought by their parents. Although some kids arrived at 1 Webster being a little shy, as soon as they saw all the different activities, food and candy available to them, they immediately could not wait to explore. Kids left the event with a satisfied sweet tooth, Easter egg baskets, toys, and big grins on their faces.

The event was a combined philanthropy and programming initiative that involved a large portion of the brotherhood. Brothers could be seen helping with set up and takedown, running booths, and playing with kids. The event also attracted wide support and involvement from other Greek houses and councils through co-sponsorships, volunteers, and supply donations. Thanks to AZD, Aphi, SD, Tri-Delt, EKT, SAE, IFC, and GLC for their support through co-sponsorships and/or providing volunteers to help run booths. Also thanks to Beta and BG for letting us borrow their picnic tables for the duration of the event.

All in all, the event was a success in bringing together the Greek community to give back to the Upper Valley in a meaningful way, and we hope all the kids and family in attendance had a wonderful time! See you next year!

- Programming and Philanthropy Chairs
Programming Chair, Arun Gomatam, helps get the piñata going

"Though 'round the girdled earth they roam; Her spell on them remains"

While most of the brotherhood are enjoying their spring in Hanover, 3 intrepid Kappas have decided to travel farther afield to further their education.

Following in the footsteps of fellow brother Jorge Palaez ’13 during winter term, Dong Zhao ’13 is exploring all that Paris has to offer by participating in the French FSP (Foreign Study Program) trip this spring. During the program, students are expected to improve their French language skills, and learn about French culture, history, and art history by immersing themselves in the city and its sights.

Rumours that Dong has been also taking classes on the "language of love" have not been proven

Closer to Hanover, Nick Valentini '13 is on the Government FSP in Washington D.C. He's interning with the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Office of Policy, coordinating national policy decisions for the administration as well as working with Congressional officals to create and refine laws that will affect NOAA and our jurisdictional operations. Besides his work for the Federal Government, he is also taking 2 upper-level government seminars with Professor Winters as part of the FSP.

That's actually a green screen.


I myself, am on the Argentina FSP, in Buenos Aires, the "Paris" of South America. Similar to the course of study in Dong's program, I have been improving my Spanish, while learning about Argentine literature, history, and culture. The people of Buenos Aires are very friendly, and my new amigos are always willing to show me the best place to eat a steak, dance the tango, or have a drink. I have been enjoying the sights of the city, and making sure to spend some time in the beautiful pampas of Argentina.

Yours in Kappa,
Marcel Wolff '12


A Modern Day Gaucho

"Though 'round the girdled earth they roam; Her spell on them remains"

While most of the brotherhood are enjoying their spring in Hanover, 3 intrepid Kappas have decided to travel farther afield to further their education.

Following in the footsteps of fellow brother Jorge Palaez ’13 during winter term, Dong Zhao ’13 is exploring all that Paris has to offer by participating in the French FSP (Foreign Study Program) trip this spring. During the program, students are expected to improve their French language skills, and learn about French culture, history, and art history by immersing themselves in the city and its sights.

Rumours that Dong has been also taking classes on the "language of love" have not been proven

Closer to Hanover, Nick Valentini '13 is on the Government FSP in Washington D.C. He's interning with the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Office of Policy, coordinating national policy decisions for the administration as well as working with Congressional officals to create and refine laws that will affect NOAA and our jurisdictional operations. Besides his work for the Federal Government, he is also taking 2 upper-level government seminars with Professor Winters as part of the FSP.

That's actually a green screen.


I myself, am on the Argentina FSP, in Buenos Aires, the "Paris" of South America. Similar to the course of study in Dong's program, I have been improving my Spanish, while learning about Argentine literature, history, and culture. The people of Buenos Aires are very friendly, and my new amigos are always willing to show me the best place to eat a steak, dance the tango, or have a drink. I have been enjoying the sights of the city, and making sure to spend some time in the beautiful pampas of Argentina.

Yours in Kappa,
Marcel Wolff '12


A Modern Day Gaucho