A Message from National President Jost regarding the Fraternity and COVID-19

4.2.2020

“Hello Brothers, both undergraduate and graduate,

Yesterday, I watched part of a “Twilight Zone” marathon on the SyFy channel. It was one way to pass the time during this time of isolation.

I began to realize that we are living in a sort of Twilight Zone right now. Everything we treasure as fraternity men – socialization, togetherness, camaraderie, brotherhood – has been taken away from us by this Coronavirus pandemic.

But our Fraternity has been around for 125 years – through two world wars, through the Great Depression, through 22 presidencies. We have worked for 125 years to cultivate men of word and deed – men such as yourselves. You represent all that is good about our past, all that is promising about our present and all that is hopeful for our future.

Today is simply a part of that timeline. We continue to be men of word and deed. We continue to live by our Landmarks. We continue to strive to fulfill our mission: to cultivate a lifelong brotherhood where men challenge and inspire each other, through Character, Honor, and Integrity, to improve themselves, their Fraternity, and society.

That is a mission that can still be carried out, even though you are away from campus. Look for ways to serve in our local community.

Reach out to your Brothers! Communication is the greatest weapon against isolation. Talk to your Brothers. If you are part of your Chapter’s executive committee, call other Chapter’s leadership and find out how they are doing. Call the National office just to check in. We can offer you guidance on how to navigate these uncertain waters, “Our strong band shall ne’er be broken!” Keep the lines of communication open.

We had an outstanding response to the R. B. Stewart Annual Day of Giving! We were able to generate over $10,700 in just 24 hours! In the words of Darth Vader, “The Force is strong with this one!” Indeed, our force is strong. No virus can stop that momentum! Our Educational Foundation continues to work with Brothers and Chapters to overcome some of the financial hurdles this pandemic has presented.

To those of you who are college seniors, I mourn the elimination of your spring traditions and graduation ceremonies. I am sorry for what you have lost, but strengthened in the knowledge of what you have gained – a sense of resiliency and reshaping of your future. All of us in the National office – Vice President Josh Brodsky, National treasurer Ken Chapel, Scott Carlson, Barbara Bianchi, Melissa Lewis, Nicolas Hewgley, Anthony Mussari, and Jay Anhorn – say thank you to you for your support in the past and your continued support into our future together.

Our hopes and prayers are with all of you within our Brotherhood and throughout our country and world. Thank you for your support of Alpha Chi Rho.”

To view the video of David Jost and his wife Sandra, please click here.