Triangle Guest Blog

By Brian Tenclinger, Triangle Executive Director

I must admit, this is the first time that I am submitting anything on a Blog. And, quite frankly, I can’t think of a better opportunity to do so than the Blog for Phi Sigma Rho Sorority.

If we haven’t met, my name is Brian Tenclinger and I serve as the Executive Director of Triangle Fraternity. In my short tenure working with Triangle I have met many Phi Rho’s along the way, many of whom were instrumental in helping our staff advance the Fraternity’s marching orders shared by our National President in 2007: We Choose to Grow! Without the help of some very special Phi Rho’s, Triangle Fraternity would not have a presence at the University of California at Irvine and the University of California at San Diego. For approximately 50 years, Triangle had 1 chapter in the state of California. Today, and many thanks to Phi Sigma Rho’s who helped us in our early days, we have a stronger presence in California (UCI, UCSD, Cal Berkeley, and Cal Poly Pomona).

Not only have collegiate organizations been helpful with Triangle Fraternity in the past year, but a group of alumnae have rolled up their sleeves to help Triangles along the way. We have also been very fortunate to have Nicole Bylsma (UCI-Pi) serve as a facilitator at the Triangle Fraternity Herbert F. Scobie Leadership Academy. Nicole did a fantastic job in her role as a facilitator. Most recently, I have been working with Lindsay Gelorme (National VP of Communications) and Nicolette Yovanof (National VP of Programming) to collaborate and begin the planning for our combined 2011 National Convention. The location of our 2011 National Convention will be announced this July at our respective national gatherings – the Phi Rho’s in Pittsburgh and the Triangles in Denver.

I have also enjoyed watching a new group of Phi Sigma Rho collegians gain campus recognition at Virginia Commonwealth University. My best friend happens to supervise the Greek Advisors at VCU and called me the night that a local engineering sorority voted to adopt and be recognized by Phi Sigma Rho, thus paving the way for a new presence at one of Virginia’s fastest growing engineering programs. Triangle Fraternity will be joining the Phi Rho’s at VCU in the fall of 2011 – we have a lot to look forward to!

The partnership between Phi Sigma Rho and Triangle has never been stronger. Our two organizations have never been healthier. This past academic year, Triangle initiated our 25,000th member into the bonds of the Fraternity. We expanded at several new institutions and have planted our flag for future expansions at VCU, Oregon State, and the University of Washington.

As we go our separate ways for our respective conventions this summer, know that the men of Triangle Fraternity will be sending our warmest wishes to the delegation gathered in Pittsburgh to celebrate the silver anniversary of Phi Sigma Rho. On behalf of the members of Triangle Fraternity, Happy 25th Anniversary to the women of Phi Sigma Rho. I look forward to many, many more years working together to bring a healthy and enjoyable fraternal experience to collegians studying the academic disciplines of engineering, architecture, and the sciences.