Years Later, Theta Chi Alumnus Che Brindle ’98 ’13 is Still Involved

Written by University of Findlay student, Olivia Hyatt.

From the first time walking through the arch to the last, the University of Findlay leaves a lasting impact on its students. This impact will last for many years, and for alumnus Che Brindle ’98 ’13, the impact was enough for him to make an impact on other UF students. Brindle attended the university as an undergraduate Environmental Hazardous Materials Management major from 1994 to 1998, and then returned later to earn a master’s degree in the same field in 2013. After completing both degrees, Brindle has spent a great time giving back to the Theta Chi Fraternity.

Brindle joined the fraternity during his freshman year at UF and remained an active member until graduation. While Brindle never held a higher office leadership position in the fraternity, he held multiple smaller and equally important positions during his time. Brindle’s efforts have gone far beyond the four years of active membership. He is known to the current active members of Theta Chi as one of their most involved alumni members. He has gone above and beyond many times to give back to the chapter, including monetary donations, scholarships to the local and national chapters, and even letting them use his home for their initiation ceremonies. Brindle credited his close proximity to the University as one of the reasons for his heavy involvement, stating, “[I] can just be close by if they ever need help with things”.

Recently, Brindle was a key player in the fraternity’s very successful 50th anniversary celebration weekend which was held Sept. 26-28. Brindle was one of many alumni on the planning committee to execute the three-day celebration consisting of a golf outing, campus tours, reception with University of Findlay President Dr. Katherine Fell, an Alumni Cooperation Meeting and more events for the alumni to enjoy.

The highlight of the weekend was the 50th Anniversary Theta Chi Formal on Saturday evening. The formal differed from traditional Greek life formals due to the sentiment of 50 years on campus; therefore, it also included a cocktail hour with charcuterie appetizers, a prime rib dinner, an alumni program and a silent auction in addition to dancing.

A highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony. During this section of the evening, current Theta Chi President Ryan O’Flanagan awarded Brindle with the Alumni of the Year Award. “There’s a lot of people who do a lot of things, and I could say that there’s easily people who could have been given it over me. So, it’s an honor. It’s good to be recognized by the active chapter for helping them out,” Brindle humbly stated about winning.

This is the third time Brindle has won this award over the other actively involved alumni. The decision to award Brindle with this award was made by the current active members of the fraternity. O’Flanagan stated, “I was given the honor of presenting Che the much deserved Alumni of the Year award. He has been nothing but an asset to the active chapter. Allowing us to use his property for events, fostering a strong relationship with the actives, and attending our events. I doubt the alumni association or the active chapter would be as strong without him.”

Brindle credited his strong connections to staying involved with the fraternity to his connections made to the people he met during his time at UF, whether they be in the fraternity or outside. His favorite part of the weekend was spending time with his brothers and getting to see old friends he wouldn’t have made if he hadn’t joined Theta Chi.