Jim Rappaport ’77: These young men can use our help

Jim Rappaport ’77 (jimr@newbostonfund.com) remembers his time at Alpha Chi Rho as a small, family-like atmosphere. “I had friends who were members and I wanted a small well-rounded fraternity. The fraternity had a small enough size that I would be able to know all the brothers. And all of the nursing students walked by the front of the fraternity as they walked between their dorm and the hospital.” 

“One night we headed out to Pat’s Steakhouse. As we were returning along Locust Street in Center City, there was no line in front of the Star Wars theater (at a time when there were two-hour lines to buy tickets.) We stopped the car in front of the theater and all piled in. The only seats left were in the front row. Great watching the movie as though we were in one of the X fighters.”  

In addition to the friendships made, Rappaport enjoyed the opportunity to be a leader in Alpha Chi Rho, which prepared him for life after graduation. “I was the bar steward and learned to make sure that the bar was well stocked and that people were responsible in paying for their usage. Also to make sure that the equipment (including pinball machines) was treated with respect.” 

He gives back to Alpha Chi Rho because he wants to keep the traditions going forward. “Giving is a critical part of being a good citizen. These young men can use our help and it will only come from us. The building is iconic and needs our capital support as well.”  

Without Alpha Chi Rho, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my college time as much.