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January 31, 2020
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Why I Give Back

John DiSarro (’07) had a great experience as a Phi Zeta Chi Brother at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo. He learned from that experience and it has stayed with him ever since. He is appreciative of those who came before him who helped build Alpha Chi Rho as we see it today. “They were people who created Chapters for us and made sure we had an organization that we could be proud of” said John. He understands the importance and meaning of giving back to the Fraternity.
At his young age, John is a significant donor to the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation. “I know the Foundation puts a lot of money into leadership development now. They provide a lot of educational experiences for our Brothers and the money for that comes through the Foundation. I know they provide a lot of scholarships for Brothers. We are one of the only fraternities that will pay for a member’s Honor Society fees. I think that is really important and anything that we can do as alumni to lessen the financial burden on our members is needed. They [the undergraduates] can just focus on being good members and good students in college. It’s a good way that we can give back.”
When Phillip Heiler, a Phi Zeta Chi Brother passed away 4 years ago, John helped rally his Brothers in a meaningful way. “We collectively wanted to see what we could do to really recognize him.” Creating a scholarship through SUNY Geneseo was a nice way to make sure his name and legacy continued. With family, friends and Brothers, they created the Phillip Heiler Memorial Scholarship Foundation with preference to an incoming Eagle Scout (because that’s what Phil was) who demonstrates Phil’s work ethic, leadership, determination, positive outlook and generosity. John proclaims “we have a lofty goal of $100,000 to raise over the next five years. We actually passed the $50,000 mark in terms of pledges.” This happens to be one of Geneseo’s most successful alumni fundraisers.
John recalls the most memorable times as an undergrad were never the big events, parties or formals. “It was the times where we could get together and enjoy being with each other. It’s just small things that I look back on that were probably the most impactful on me.” John is the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at the University of Rochester where he is heavily involved in volunteer roles in higher education.

Journey of a Founding President
The first guys to approach Jay Zazzara (’93) on the campus of Ramapo College of New Jersey were Alpha Phi Delta. “I actually pledged for six or seven weeks. I had gone through the hardest parts,” Jay said.  A pivotal moment was when he realized he wasn’t going to be friends with these guys. “I didn’t mind the hazing at all,” but the values and what they represented were a turn off and the Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity was not for him.
At a party back home over Thanksgiving break, Jay ran into a couple of high school buddies who were both wearing Alpha Chi Rho jackets. You could call it being at the right place at the right time. The conversation that ensued was the starter that helped Jay discover his passion in life. He didn’t know at the time, but he was about to start something great that will mean so much to many. His friends went to Montclair State, and the Theta Chi Phi Chapter of Alpha Chi Rho had only been established for a little over a year at the time. The timing was right, as Ramapo did not have an Alpha Chi Rho Chapter on campus. Jay ended up talking all night with them and was really intrigued.
Before the next spring semester, Jay visited Alpha Chi Rho Headquarters and met with staff member, Shane McGoey (’88). He put together a packet of information on himself, Ramapo and why he wants to start a Chapter at the northern New Jersey college. “The whole experience was awesome!” Recruiting was a success from the beginning as twenty-two guys were initiated. “Alpha Chi Rho made me feel that Ramapo was as important as Penn State or Rutgers. It was the people and not the institution. I really liked that.” The hard work paid off on November 6, 1993 and the Xi Chi Phi Chapter at Ramapo was the newest Chapter established in Alpha Chi Rho.
As the Founding President, Jay has recently led efforts with his graduate brothers to help support the Xi Chi Phi Chapter during a rough patch. “They stopped paying dues. They stopped being active on campus. They fell apart. They were almost kicked off campus.” Jay’s leadership, guidance and passion were needed. This re-engaged him. Philanthropy and selfishness are the two reasons Jay is driven to give back to his Chapter. “I’ll be honest. It’s my baby!” He did not want the legacy to go away. “The legacy is all the guys that love each other, that they’re god parents to each other’s kids and best men in their weddings. That’s the legacy!” With the help of Jay and his Brothers, the legacy lives on.
Jay is the Regional Channel Manager at Asurion, LLC. He lives in South Plainfield, New Jersey with his wife and three kids. “My family comes first, then my job and then Alpha Chi Rho. It’s always been that but lately more paramount. I believe in the Fraternity!”
Dancing the Night Away
On February 17th, 2017, two Brothers from the Phi Lambda Chapter at Penn State entered the Bryce Jordan Center prepared to dance for an incredible cause. As the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. The mission is to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness and ensure funding for critical research – all in pursuit of a cure.
Nick Walton, Senior in Geography and a minor in Geographic Information Systems held the position of THON Chair for Alpha Chi Rho. Mike Hoysan, Senior in Civil Engineering represented Alpha Chi Rho on the dance floor with Brother Walton. They both were deeply involved in fundraising efforts, working with the families and participating in the grueling 46-hour dance marathon weekend.

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