THE
ALMICRON
T H E A LU M N I N E W S L E T T E R O F P I K A P PA P H I AT I O WA S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y FALL 2021 EDITION
FLOYD HERUM MAKES LEAD GIFT FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS The Alpha Omicron chapter sought help to improve the internal and external aesthetic of our chapter facility. Floyd Herum (AO 225) answered the call. Brother Herum gave the lead gift for our fundraising initiative to make improvements to the facility which you will read more about throughout this issue. Herum has always been a supporter of causes he cares for and whenever the chapter is in need, he is always there. “It’s satisfying to find a cause that is worthy and heartfelt,” said Herum. He feels a sense of satisfaction when a cause is of such magnitude that someone desires to support it and Pi Kappa Phi is simply one of those causes that Herum holds close to him. As an annual donor, Herum recently gave to the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. This donation is to help with improvements to the Alpha Omicron chapter house. He donates to the Foundation with all his fondest memories in mind while looking to afford current members the same and even better opportunities as he had in the 50s. Herum was initiated in the winter quarter of 1949 as Alpha Omicron’s 225th member. During his time as a collegian, he recounts joyful memories of singing with his brothers and meeting his wife at a Fraternity event. “I have a lot of great memories of our activities and brotherhood. I felt this should be available for the young people who want to be a part of it.” He participated in the Fraternity’s softball team and chorus, adding to his collegiate experience. “We didn’t have the most money but had the most fun.” When describing the reputation of the chapter before joining, Herum stated that “we were well-rounded group that provided an experience that was more enjoyable than simply being a student on campus.” Herum enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served in Japan a year later. He planned to return to Korea but was pulled out of the
infantry. This gave him an extraordinary opportunity in the Corp of Engineers at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in 1953 from ISU, Herum received his master’s in agricultural engineering the next year. He received his doctorate from Purdue which led him to become an instructor at Ohio State. This wasn’t his first teaching experience, as he taught in Baghdad before traveling back across the country to take a position at the University of Illinois, all before gaining his doctorate. “Serving in the Army gave me opportunities that many may not ever get.” The Alpha Omicron Chapter has continued to grow, as Herum reflected from his time to now. He explained “[My chapter has] always been competitive in recruitment by initiating quality men into the organization.” This gift along with support from many others will allow Alpha Omicron to once again be successful in our recruitment of new members, just as it was when Brother Herum and others were undergraduates. Floyd Herum has always had a passion to give back where he can. His annual support of Iowa State and the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation has allowed students various opportunities. His late wife and he share a likeminded approach to supporting organizations that they are passionate about, and their contributions have been commemorated throughout Iowa State for all of their gracious efforts. Herum’s advice to those who are considering giving is based on the feeling after you’ve helped a cause that is worthy of donation. He claims that “sometimes you have more than you need, and in that case, you can give some back.” We cannot thank Brother Herum, our other donors and the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation enough for their collaboration in making the chapter house more attractive to members of AO’s past, present and future.
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ALPHA OMICRON BUILDING CORPORATION ROBERT LANE Chairman JAY LETTOW Vice Chairman BRETT TORESDAHL Treasurer TRAE HESTNESS Secretary KELLEY BERGSTROM Alumni Chairman JEREMY GALVIN Alumni Chairman JOSH CARPER Scholarship Chairman EMERSON LINNEY Scholarship Chairman WARREN MADDEN Member at Large AJ DESAI Member at Large PAUL KULA Student Representative
REPLACED FLOORING
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE Last spring, the Alpha Omicron Building Corporation II shared it was undertaking several capital improvement projects. When completed, these facility improvements will make our chapter more competitive in our recruitment of new members. Alumni contributions totaling nearly $80,000 to date, have led to several of these projects being completed, including:
Congratulations to the following Brothers who are celebrating Fraternity initiation anniversaries, this season.
• • • •
New flooring in formal room, library and dining room. Upgraded kitchen appliances Landscaping to improve the curbside appearance of our property Technology improvements (i.e. WiFi capabilities and televisions in brotherhood spaces) • Resurfaced parking lots • Two air conditioning units (formal room and basement brotherhood room) • Pool table Several pictures of these house improvement projects can be found throughout this issue of The Almicron. The chapter has held two alumni work weekends, and both times, brothers completed significant work at the chapter house to prepare for the fall semester. Thank you to those alumni who gave of their time.
BEFORE
NATIONAL AWARDS Alpha Omicron has a long history of dedication and exemplary service to Pi Kappa Phi. While the individual contributions are too numerous to include here, the number of Alpha Omicron brothers who have received the Fraternity’s most prestigious awards is a true source of pride.
WORK DAY! While we’ve completed many improvement projects to our facility through the nearly $80,000 donated to Alpha Omicron since last spring, we have more that the AOBCII would like to do to continue to give our undergraduates an opportunity to be competitive in recruitment. Additionally, the ABOCII is partaking in long-term visioning for what the facility needs will be for generations of Pi Kapps to come. As we look to the future, we anticipate incurring expenses as we plan with architects, designers and other building professionals. Please consider supporting Alpha Omicron and current and future building needs.
Of particular note, is the completion of Jeremy Galvin’s 2-year term as National President and Kelley Bergstrom’s Hall of Fame Induction both recognized at the Supreme Chapter Virtual Event this past July.
Contributions can be mailed to Brett Toresdahl, AOBCII Treasurer, 701 Clegg Rd., West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. Brett can be reached at (515) 490-9449 and at btoresda@dwx.com. Checks should be made to the AO Building Corporation II where they will be placed into a capital improvement account separate from the AOBCII general operating account. AFTER 2
On Saturday, May 1, we had excellent alumni participation (10) and chapter member participation (21) and the work day to improve the chapter house. Everyone worked hard to help with making improvements to the chapter house. The alumni who helped were: • • • • • • • • • •
Brett Toresdahl Emmerson Linney Jeremy Galvin (drop-in) Josh Carper (drop-in) Ben Ortman Bryan Schutte Micah Monroe Brian Katzer Bryce Sanford Tim Hoskins AFTER
EXTERIOR LANDSCAPING
BEFORE
AFTER 3
ARCHON’S UPDATE Brothers of the Alpha Omicron Chapter, My name is Paul Kula, and I am the current Archon of the Alpha Omicron Chapter. I am honored to be the leader of our chapter during this time of opportunity for our membership. Alpha Omicron has a legacy of leadership and history of excellence; however, over the past few years we have let a few things slip away. We have struggled with recruitment, maintaining traditions, and we have had some challenges with facility upkeep. It is said that the journey to the “top of the mountain” requires overcoming adversity, and our chapter is using this adversity as a motivator. The chapter is focused on growth and chapter culture. Jake Henderson, an alumnus from the Beta Theta Chapter at the University of Arizona has been hired as a consultant to implement a chapter and member development program he created called the Chevron Program. Our members have been focused on implementing strategic initiatives centered around recruitment and chapter operations. We have seen chapter success with these new methods, resulting in 18 new members joining this fall semester. This is the largest associate member class we have had in recent years.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PAUL KULA Archon JOHN PETRAK Vice Archon BRETT DAWSON Treasurer NOAH PRITCHARD Secretary COLE REYNOLDS Warden
Gratefully, because of the generous contributions from several of our AO brothers, many improvements to the chapter facility have been completed recently. The improvements have made us more competitive in recruitment and make living in the chapter more fun! After reconnecting with alumni, we realized that some of our traditions have faded away. The Executive Council is working to reestablish many traditions that our chapter has valued over the years and we look forward to making new connections with alumni.
PATRICK ROKOS Historian
Furthermore, on behalf of the undergraduate chapter, we would like to thank everyone who has played a role in this project. It is special to see so many brothers who care about Alpha Omicron. We consider ourselves truly blessed to be going through this process. This is an exciting time for Alpha Omicron, and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of our alumni.
LUKE BIOCIC Philanthropy Chairman
ANDREW STONE Chaplain
CHRISTOPHER ALGRIM Risk Management Chairman JOSHUA DECKER Standards Board Chairman
Sincerely, Paul Kula AO 1379, Archon pkula124@iastate.edu
KEVIN PILARSKI Scholarship Chairman ETHAN GHEYSEN Social Chairman
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KELLEY A. BERGSTROM INDUCTED INTO THE PI KAPPA PHI HALL OF FAME
KELLEY A. BERGSTROM, AO 386, is one of the most renowned philanthropists in Pi Kappa Phi. Through his generous support, Kelley provided the lead gift to the home of the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, known as the Kelley A. Bergstrom Leadership Center. Additionally, Kelley’s philanthropy has inspired the establishment of the Kelley A. Bergstrom Real Estate Center at the University of Florida, where he received his MBA and the Bergstrom Achievement Scholars program at Iowa State University, where he received his bachelors degree. Bergstrom was initiated as the 386th member of the Alpha Omicron Chapter in 1961. He has had a distinguished career in real estate, including serving as the CEO and President of JMB Properties Company, one of the world’s largest real estate investment and management companies.
Following his successful tenure at JMB Properties, Kelley started his own company, Bergstrom Investment Management which he continues to lead very successfully today with his daughter, Allison. Kelley is an outstanding mentor, brother and friend, and Pi Kappa Phi is appreciative of the talent and treasure he gives to non-profit and education organizations across the county. It is our honor to announce Kelley Bergstrom as one of our 2020 Hall of Fame inductees. He also recevied a diamond legion with his fellow chapter brother, Frank Parrish for their 60 years as members of the Fraternity. He received these awards at the 2021 Summer Alumni Reunion in St. Louis in August. Parrish and he were also named Mr. Pi Kappa Phi recepients. Berstrom was awarded in 1987 while Parrish was honored in 2011.
Alpha Omicron wishes to thank our donors who have supported our fundraising initiative to make much needed improvements to our chapter house. To date, we have raised $79,900. A listing of those who have provided support can be found below. $10,000 and above Kelley Bergstrom (386) Bob Lane (422) Frank Parrish (390) John Veak (299) $5,000–$9,999 Robert Handelman (374) Floyd Herum (225)* Warren Madden (359) $2,500 - $4,999 Delmar Burket (270) Ajay Desai (653) Carl Helle (645)
$1,000–$2,499 Norm Carver (339) Ryan DeBoom (828) Kenneth Hook (238) Hubert Lattan (378) Emerson Linney (662) Micheal McDevitt (389) Tom Ruzicka (319) Paul White (715) $500–$999 Gerald Bauer (475) Ray Brandt (323) Joe Burk (808) Jeremy Galvin (825) Karl Griffith (366)
Debbie Raines in honor of Brother Thomas Raines John Sanderson (344) Brett Toresdahl (613) $499–$100 Chuck Cummings (455) Franklin Egland (365) Ben Jones (912) David Knavel (1076) Kyle Morrissey (860) Bryan Schutte (1052) Dean Sparboe (342) Chris Wall (664) Corey Weeklund (830) Brian Wehner (1002)
*Brother Floyd Herum’s gift will be administered by the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. A percentage of Brother Herum’s gift will be used annually for capital improvement projects that are ‘educational’ as determined by the IRS. The amount listed above is an approximate value of what Alpha Omicron will have to spend annually for capital improvement projects.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS John O. Sanderson (AO 344) John lives in Emporia, Kansas, and is a 1960 Iowa State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history. After graduating from Iowa State, John reported for active military duty in the Army until transferring to the Army Reserve in 1970 so he could attend law school at the University of Kansas. John practiced law in Emporia for 15 years and was then appointed to the district court for Lyon and Chase Counties by then Governor Michael Hayden. He retired in 2007 and has remained active with many local organizations, including the Emporia American Legion Post. John and his wife, Joann, love to travel; they have been to Alaska, Yellowstone, Switzerland, Bavaria and taken several cruises. John and Joann have two children. When asked about a fun AO memory, John spoke about what a delight it was to organize a Pi Kapp reunion with his old roommate Bob Bryant in 2019. While it was a lot of work to organize, the memories made were priceless. johnsanderson@hotmail.com
Emmet Gonder (AO 706) Emmet and his wife, Viola, live in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where they have been living since 2018. Emmet received his bachelors from Iowa State in 1967 in English and speech and an MBA in 1971 from the University of Chicago. He retired from the Chicago Transit Authority as a Senior Financial Analyst in 2003 where he served for 25 years. Emmet enjoys gardening, wood working, reading, surfing the internet, watching TV and goofing off! Viola and Emmet have two children and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Emmet says “Cheers, and best wishes to Alpha Omicron brothers past and present.” Jeff Donahoe (AO 884) Jeff lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and is a 2000 Iowa State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Jeff is currently the Regional Director of Mid-Atlantic Enterprise Sales for Datadog. Jeff and his wife, Sommer, have two children: Jackson, who is a freshman at East Carolina University, and Sylvia, a high school sophomore. When asked about a fun AO memory, Jeff recalls when 10–12 brothers drove to Ohio for an Ability Experience event (formerly PUSH and Push America) to build an accessible platform around a softball field. After a full 12-hour work day and looking at a 12 hour drive back to Ames, our AO group was invited by the center director to join the residents of this facility for a game of hide and seek. All of us were exhausted and ready to get home, but instead, we interacted with the children who would use the accessible platform that we built. This was the best part of our trip! Jeff is interested in connecting with all AO brothers and can be found at linkedin.com/in/jeffreydonahoe.
CHAPTER ETERNAL We express our condolences and mourn the recent passing of our Alpha Omicron brothers now in the Chapter Eternal. May their memory remain in our hearts and their families be surrounded by love.
Mr. Kirk Frederick Colvig (AO 300) Mr. Darren Lee Tietz (AO 673) Travis Schoening (AO 905)
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ALPHA OMICRON BUILDING CORPORATION II UPDATE I am happy to report that a lot of positive things have happened since the last Almicron in the spring. I want to start by thanking the current undergraduates, some very dedicated alumni, Jake Henderson, and Pi Kappa Phi Properties. Following on from the spring report, through the tireless effort of Brett Toresdahl, we were able to refinance the mortgages on both of our properties, 407 Welch and the duplex to the south of the chapter house, at a lower rate. We increased our debt on 407 Welch a bit, providing some additional liquidity as we move forward with renovation plans and general operations into the fall semester. Thanks to the generous support from over 35 brothers who combined provided us with nearly $80,000, the AOBCII was able to make needed improvements to our facility. The chapter house must provide an environment that will contribute to the academic and personal success of our members. While these projects were necessary, it’s important for all AO alumni to understand that this is just the beginning. The building corporation is working on a vision for a facility that will support a leading chapter at Iowa State. It’s time to think towards the future and as we do this, we will need MANY more alumni to step up and financially support our chapter. Before we are ready to take on such a project, we need to make sure that our undergraduate chapter is strong. In April, we hired Chevron Management Group, a company founded by Jake Henderson, a Pi Kapp alumnus from Arizona (Beta Theta Chapter), to take over some of the duties of the local advisors and building corporation. Jake works successfully with a significant number of large Pi Kappa Phi chapters across the country. Through his efforts and the incredible actions of the undergraduates, we just had our best recruitment effort in a long time; the chapter is better understanding their finances; and our undergraduates are learning how to be successful leaders as they rebuild the traditions and values of Alpha Omicron. Thank you Jake for your hard work! Having served on the AOBCII for a number of years now, I’ve seen a lot of undergraduate leaders come and go. The group of young men that we have in the chapter now are impressive. I want to thank Paul Kula and his Executive Council for the outstanding job they are doing leading the efforts to rebuild the AO undergraduate chapter. Where do we go from here? Man, how times have changed since I was an undergraduate! I’ve grown to understand, appreciate, and respect how we must operate differently today as a building corporation than we have in the past. Thus, the AOBCII will be hiring a third-party management company to handle the day-to-day operations of the facility. This includes those responsibilities such as a current and preventive maintenance plan, oversight of the move-in/move-out process, relationships with local vendors, etc. Additionally, the AOBCII continues to discuss with the national Pi Kappa Phi Properties how their organization may form a business partnership with Alpha Omicron to ensure we have a facility that will keep Alpha Omicron successful at Iowa State for generations to come. We’ve come a long way from where we were nine months ago, and I have many people to thank. But we still have a long way to go. Your journey in PI Kappa Phi never ends! Although you may have graduated from Iowa State many years ago, Alpha Omicron needs you now more than ever before. I’d be happy to discuss how you can help our chapter and find meaning in your Pi Kappa Phi membership long after you walked the campus at Iowa State. Yours in Pi Kappa Phi, Bob Lane AO 422, Chairman
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