A FORMER ARCHON’S PERSPECTIVE
REFLECTING ON THE TRANSITION TO THE CURRENT HOUSE IN 1994
BY DAVE CALZARETTA
This next academic year marks the 30th anniversary of Pi Kappa Phi finding its new home at 1720 N. Jordan Avenue. I was fortunate enough to be the archon during this historic period for the Alpha Psi Chapter. When I reflect on this period of my life, my first thought is, “How the heck did I get so old?” Once I get passed this notion, I find myself with a big smile on my face as I harken back to my college days and think about all that had to happen for Alpha Psi to make this move.
It was a beautiful spring day, and I was walking back to our old house at 1415 N. Jordan Avenue. I moved in as a freshman during my associateship, so this was my third year in this house. It was certainly an upgrade from the rechartering days in the Ashton dormitory, but being frank, the house was falling apart, and if you drove by quickly, it was easy to mistake it for the Brady Bunch house with its distinct ’70s features.
I would pass 1720 N. Jordan, the old Sigma Kappa sorority house that was sitting empty every day on my way home from campus. The house was built only a few years before, in 1991, and the sorority lived in it for all of two years before they lost their charter.
“I wish we lived in that house,” I used to say to myself as I walked by. I decided it was time to make a phone call down to Vincennes University to speak to the legendary Dr. Phillip Summers, our National President and Alpha Psi brother.
“Dr. Phil,” I asked “what is going on with the Sigma Kappa house?” In his booming voice, Dr. Phil said, “I don’t know, brother Dave, why do you ask?”
“Well, I certainly appreciate that we have a house, but we are a growing and thriving chapter. That house is way nicer than ours, and I think it could be just what we need to take Pi Kappa Phi to the next level at Indiana University.” Dr. Phil and I talked a bit more, and he agreed to look into it for us.
Within weeks, things started to move quickly. An empty sorority house on the North Jordan extension was a white elephant. The only thing that could move into that house was another fraternity or sorority, so the bank was eager to make a deal work.
This was a defining moment for our chapter. While it was certainly a huge opportunity, it was also a huge risk. The capacity at 1415 was 71 brothers. To make it work at 1720, 95 brothers had to live in. That would mean we would need a large recruiting class, and we would need all the seniors to live in, many of whom were looking forward to living off-campus in their own apartment.
Dr. Phil and I talked about this a lot. If we made this move and couldn’t get to and maintain capacity, it would mean putting the chapter’s future in danger. I remember having a bold moment and telling Dr. Phil, “If you get us that house, I promise that I will get you 95 brothers willing to live in it.”
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And so, we were off to the races. I began lobbying all my junior classmates, heading into their senior year, trying to convince them that living in the house was ultimately the best thing we could do for Alpha Psi. The new house was not only in pristine condition, it would give us the opportunity to raise our profile, attract more rushees, elevate ourselves on the social spectrum and leave our mark as the class that helped push the chapter to the next level.
On many levels, it was a tough sell. We were going from almost exclusively double rooms to mainly quads and a cold dorm. The thing I remember, though, that made Alpha Psi different from all the other chapters on campus, was that our brotherhood transcended all classes from freshman to seniors. It meant that we had mentors and friends in the older classes instead of a reluctant brotherhood. Ultimately, the closeness in our house proved to be the tipping point for our seniors. We had the rest of our lives to live in apartments. When else could we live under the same roof with so many of our close friends and change the course of our chapter forever?
While the house was beautiful, we needed to change it from a sorority house to a fraternity house. To be competitive in rush, we felt we needed a basketball court and a volleyball court outside. However, we were low on funds from the housing corporation. Again, I talked to Dr. Phil and asked, “If we can raise the money ourselves for a basketball and volleyball court, can we use those funds for that purpose?” With his agreement, we approached eight different parents who each donated $500, and we got our sport courts.
We needed a big rush class, so we all banded together to really get involved. We built a new summer rush program in Chicago and recruited many new brothers, obtaining a class of close to 40 associates. We worked hard on the social front to build better relationships with other fraternities and sororities, but we did it without losing the ideals that our rechartering brothers established for us. We made sure we were still number one in philanthropy and made sure that we remained strong with serenades and IU Sing, because Dr. Phil loved it when Pi Kapps sang.
That year turned out to be such an amazing experience. Never have I seen a brotherhood so close as we all enjoyed our new house together. Coming home and seeing actives and associates all playing sports together in the sideyard or seeing brothers studying in our much-upgraded study lounge and computer lab was the norm. Our kitchen facilities improved, and so the food was much better than the old house.
With more brothers, we had more dues coming in, which meant there was a higher budget for activities. For me as archon, I looked at this as a chance to operate a small business. Which came in handy for this future entrepreneur. Most 21-year-olds don’t have the opportunity to be involved in taking a risk like this, where we could either thrive or lose everything we had built. It was probably the most valuable lesson I learned at Indiana University.
The rest of the Greek system took notice. We won IU Sing with Kappa Kappa Gamma. We were first in philanthropy and placed well in academics and intramurals. Our arrow was pointing up, and it paved the way for generations that
came after us. At the IFC Awards banquet, we swept the three major awards, being named Chapter of the Year, while brothers were named President of the Year and Greek Man of the Year. To get this recognition from other chapters was everything we had always hoped for and something I cherish today.
When I think about the future and what lies ahead for Pi Kappa Phi and the Greek system as a whole in today’s landscape, I offer this advice. Being Greek can be one of the most rewarding experiences a collegiate can have, but it is fragile and can all come crashing down in a moment if you are not careful. Take nothing for granted. Be grateful for what you have and consider those who came before you and the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that were poured into building a great chapter. Carry on this tradition.
Be responsible and keep the torch lit so that others who will come after you will be afforded the same opportunities to change their lives for the better.
To all my brothers who served with me and to all who helped get us there, I love you from the bottom of my heart and thank you for making such an impact on my life.
HOUSING CORPORATION UPDATE
BY KYLE WILLIAMS, HOUSING CORPORATION PRESIDENT
This year, the Housing Corporation Board has focused on two things:
1.) Financial affairs
2.) Setting expectations of the board from the undergraduate chapter
On the first item, our new Board Treasurer Todd Waldman transitioned us to a new financial services provider and has greatly improved the collection of sums due under the housing agreements and our accounts receivable. The board commends Todd for extraordinary dedication and effort.
Regarding the second item, the board revised the housing agreement and house rules to better communicate and enforce the expectations the board has of the undergraduate members and chapter. We voted to set a meeting with all live-in members and their parents to further communicate these expectations. We look forward to a great 2024-2025 year and hope to see you at Homecoming!
WHY I CHOSE TO BE A FOUNDING FATHER
BROTHERHOOD IS A REAL THING
BY SKIP BAILEY
When Brett asked me to write a few paragraphs for the Alpha Psidelines Founding Father Perspectives this quarter, I paused before I said yes. Where do I start? What do I talk about? And then it hit me. Joining the Alpha Psi chapter of Pi Kappa Phi as a founding father altered my life in ways I couldn’t possibly know until I looked back on that time decades ago!
Indiana University is a very large campus with tens of thousands of students. When Scott Baumgardner (who lived across the hall at Read Hall) talked to me about joining this group of guys to start a new fraternity, I thought he was crazy. However, I was also intrigued and agreed to come to that small office and meet everyone. What followed were four incredible years of memories, fun, lifelong friendships, hard work, football games, serenading sororities, IU Sing competitions, Sunday night chapter meetings, initiations and brotherhood! It was a lot of hard work, but I wouldn’t change that part for anything.
After graduation, I was commissioned as an Air Force officer, and I spent 25 years moving around the country and flying around the world. I haven’t been back to Bloomington in a long time, but just recently, my wife
(whom I met at IU when she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma) and I drove back to Indianapolis to visit her parents. She suggested that I text a few of my good friends and fraternity brothers to see if they were available to meet for lunch or dinner or whatever we could work out. So, I sent a text out to John Unison, Jim Williams, Brian Singer and Terry Mork. Within minutes I received messages back from all of them.
You need to know that I haven’t seen any of these guys in years, but the friendship and brotherhood are so strong from our time at IU and Alpha Psi that they were willing to drop everything to meet us while we were in Indianapolis. Squirrel (Brian Singer) even offered to drive two hours from his home to come up!
So, when someone talks about brotherhood in a fraternity, know that it isn’t just a catchphrase or gimmick. Brotherhood is a real thing. The brothers I met and the bonds we developed over those four years in college are strong to this day. I have no doubt that if I need anything, the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi would do everything in their power to help me, and I would do the same for them.
SUPREME CHAPTER 2024
BY DAVID SHOOK
PiKappa Phi celebrated our 120th year at Supreme Chapter in Baltimore from July 25-28. Alpha Psi was well represented by both alumni and undergraduates. We are fortunate that two rising sophomores attended who are interested in running for undergraduate officer positions in October of 2024. They are Mason Isaac from Glenview, Illinois, and Sam Sullivan from the South Bend-Mishawaka Region in northern Indiana. Our chapter advisor, Olliver Sutter from Munster, Indiana, who now lives in the Chicago area, attended for the first time. This is Oliver’s second year as chapter advisor.
Alumni Tom Waldman and David Shook attended as well. Both are members of the Nu Phi Society (attended at least five Supreme Chapters) and represented our Alpha Psi Alumni Chapter headed by Steve Boone. Todd and Dave also serve on the Alpha Psi Housing Corporation Board, with Todd serving as the new treasurer. Dave also attended the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation board meeting where he serves as secretary and a member of the Development Committee.
EXECUTIVE BOARD AND CHAPTER NEWS
BY SECRETARY WILL SCHMELTER
Thispast semester has been a meaningful and rewarding period for the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi at Indiana University, marked by significant experiences and growth. A standout highlight was our participation in Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers.
Attending Pi Kapp College was an incredibly enriching experience for our chapter. This leadership development program provided us with valuable insights and tools to become better leaders and brothers. The sessions were designed to challenge our perspectives, enhance our leadership skills and deepen our understanding of what it means to be a brother of Pi Kappa Phi.
During Pi Kapp College, we engaged in a variety of workshops and activities that focused on personal growth, effective communication and team building. Some of the most impactful moments were the opportunities to connect with brothers from other chapters from across the nation. Sharing experiences and learning from each other’s successes and challenges fostered a sense of unity and brotherhood that transcended our own chapter.
In addition, this semester, we continued to prioritize academics, reinforcing the importance of education as the core purpose of our college experience. Our dedication to academic excellence was evident in our average house GPA’s slow but steady rise. We all supported each other academically, which contributed to this positive trend. It’s rewarding to see our efforts paying off, and we remain committed to sustaining this momentum in the future.
In closing, the Spring 2024 semester has been a testament to Pi Kappa Phi’s dedication to leadership and academic achievement. The lessons and experiences gained from Pi Kapp College have equipped us with the skills and inspiration to continue making positive contributions to our chapter and community. As I look ahead, I eagerly anticipate building upon these successes in the upcoming semester, staying true to our values and striving for excellence in all our endeavors.
CALLING BROTHERS TOGETHER SPRING CHICAGO INVASION
BY BRETT BALTZ
It actually happened! If you missed it, you missed a small but mighty reunion. Brent Bollinger, Tony Cochren and I followed through on our plan to invade Chicagoland and gather a group together for dinner.
But first, since he had a “gig” that night, Dave Calzaretta agreed to meet us for lunch. We enjoyed a long, late lunch, just catching up and sharing memories.
Thanks to the folks at Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co. for accommodating our group-of-relatively-unknown-size-untilthe-last-minute in a small private room for dinner. Our common loyalty and strong brotherhood transcended all the missed decades and fostered the sort of experience that all of us were longing for.
The laughter, surprise and memories made countless laps round the table all night. We’ve talked about making the Chicago Invasion a tradition between homecoming milestones and the possibility of invading other alumni hot spots. If you are in or know of one, let us know!
KEEPING A RUGBY TRADITION ALIVE
BY DAVID SHOOK
OurAlpha Psi chapter has a long history of rugby players, and this year is no exception. I received a text message on May 29 this year that a promising rising sophomore needed help raising funds for his obligation to IU Men’s Rugby Club. For this semester, he needed to raise a minimum of $1,000 for uniforms, travel, etc. His name was Sam Sullivan, and he also attended Supreme Chapter for the chapter and plans on running for warden this fall. Sam is a great example of a leader and fraternity brother. I texted Sam that I would help and sent him a donation.
A few weeks went by, and I sent Sam a text to see how he was doing with his drive. He admitted that with work and other obligations, he was behind on his fundraising goal. I asked if he needed any help, and he gladly accepted. I could have just made up the deficit myself, but I thought I would see if anyone else was interested. I sent out a group text to 13 people from my era and others who I interacted with when I was the chapter advisor. Within 60 minutes, Sam had surpassed his goal. Dr. Terry Brown donated on behalf of his fraternity father, the late Ken Guffy. I made mine in memory of Steve Sparks. Both were IU rugby players from the late sixties and early seventies. Terry Lewis, a former IU rugby player, donated along with Todd Walden and Kyle Williams from the Housing Corporation Board. Recent graduates Tom Zimmerman and Billy Grehan donated as I knew they would, based on their past undergraduate leadership. There were also more anonymous donations, so I know we had additional representation. This is an important brotherhood lesson across generations and a true example of being a Pi Kapp for life. In Sam’s own words, “I am so grateful to be a part of a chapter with such supportive alumni.”
ANNUAL ALUMNI MEMBER MEETING & IU HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
Homecoming, October 19, 2024
Alpha Psi Chapter Formal Room
10 a.m. Call to Order by Kyle Williams, President, Housing Corp Board Alumni Introductions by Steve Boone, President Alumni Corp
10:05 a.m. Committee Reports: Financial by Todd Waldon, Treasurer Housing Corp Board Undergraduate by Max Avrillon, Archon Chapter Advisor by Oliver Sutter, Chapter Advisor
10:30 a.m. Election of Housing Corp Board Members by Kyle Williams, President Alumni Corp Requirements Slate
10:40 a.m. Chapter Eternal Recognition
10:55 a.m. Establish Next Meeting
10:50 a.m. Annual alumni photograph with new associate class
11 a.m. Adjourn and depart for game (more IU Homecoming details)
Homecoming reminders will be mailed at the end of the summer.
Jim Crews, Alpha Psi 271, and his wife will host a tailgate before and after the game in the east parking lot between the chapter house and Memorial Stadium. Just look for the flag!
Left to Right: Ed Grzeda, Brent Bollinger, Tony Cochren, Eric Phillips, Brett Baltz, Sean Ogar
Not Pictured: Mark Kusatzky
ATTN: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT