THE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER OF PI KAPPA PHI AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
WINTER 2010
ALPHA SIGMAN mynatt receives ‘chapter advisor of the year’ award This past summer at Pi Kapp College 2009 in Charleston, S.C., Alpha Sigma Chapter Advisor Mike Mynatt (ΑΣ 578) received Pi Kappa Phi’s award for Chapter Advisor of the Year. Each year, this award goes to an outstanding chapter advisor who demonstrates lifetime commitment to the fraternity and excellence as a volunteer for Pi Kappa Phi. Mike’s dedication to Pi Kappa Phi has spanned several decades. Initiated in 1978 he served as archon of Alpha Sigma and after graduation went on to serve as chapter advisor. When his work took him to Florida in the early 1990s, he was named chapter advisor for the Alpha Epsilon chapter at the University of Florida. Mike returned to work in Knoxville in 1999 and was again appointed as chapter advisor—a role he has held for a decade. While this record of service is impressive, it’s the impact he has made throughout last year that warrants the recognition. The chapter went through a membership review in spring 2008 and faced a number of judicial challenges through the fall semester. Mike’s unwavering leadership helped the chapter stay the course and has resulted in a driven executive team who has made
progress this year. Part of his success lies in the partnership he builds between students and alumni each year. In addition, he has brought additional advisors on board to work with the chapter. Mike has accomplished a lot for Alpha Sigma and is very deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Mike Mynatt receives the Chapter Advisor of the Year award at Pi Kapp College from Pi Kappa Phi’s Assistant Executive Director Christian Wiggins, Epsilon Alpha (Elon).
alpha sigma attends 50th anniversary of pi kapp college In August Alpha Sigma sent three delegates to the College of Charleston to attend the 50th anniversary of Pi Kapp College. This year, the event focused on leadership training for archons, chaplains and standards board chairmen. Representing Alpha Sigma chapter at Pi Kapp College was Nick Averwater (ΑΣ 1185), Sean Aiello (ΑΣ 1215) and Keith Moore (ΑΣ 1231). Each delegate participated in activities and discussions designed to specifically for their positions in the chapter—those being archon, standards board chair, and chaplain, respectively. These activities and discussions were presented in fashions that allowed delegates to relate them to their own chapter’s methods of operations. Beyond position training, Pi Kapp College provided a forum that
allowed chapters and alumni to mix and exchange ideas about everything from recruitment to community service. From this, Alpha Sigma gained many notable concepts and are hopeful in carrying these into the rest of the year and beyond. Moreover, after seeing what is possible in terms of fundraising and member recruitment, Alpha Sigma has set new goals revolving around the potential of the chapter to be the best in the nation. Several Alpha Sigma alumni also participated at this event including Chapter Advisor Mike Mynatt (ΑΣ 578), Steve Evans (ΑΣ 1099) who attended as a national staff member, and Scott Campbell (ΑΣ 1047) who attended as a facilitator for the conference. On the whole, Pi Kapp College was a success on all fronts, laying out goals for Alpha Sigma that can be carried out over the next few years while providing a solid foundation of national networking.
alpha sigma under construction PI KAPPA PHI
ALPHA SIGMA
ALPHA SIGMAN publisher
The Alpha Sigman is published by Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters through the fraternity’s alumni newsletter program. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224 (800) 929-1904 www.pikapp.org
new web site
Alumni! Are you aware of Alpha Sigma’s Web site? Visit www.utkpikapp.com for chapter updates, news and much more. In addition, each alumnus is encouraged to register on the site. Simply click “Alumni Register” at the top right corner of the site, fill out the details, and we will send you a login and password as soon as possible. This new feature allows us to keep you updated with the latest news with the chapter and also allows you reconnect with brothers and pledge classes from your time at the University of Tennessee.
This fall construction and renovations began on Alpha Sigma’s new home. The construction, which is being completed by Merit Construction in Knoxville, will last through the spring and the house will be re-opened for fall 2010 as a completely renovated facility. The chapter’s first major housing project, this effort is exciting for both the students and the alumni of Alpha Sigma. Under the leadership of President Charles West (ΑΣ 888), the Alpha Sigma Housing Corporation has raised more than $100,000 in contributions and formal pledges from chapter alumni that will serve as the down payment for the loan funding these renovations. These renovations will be truly transformative for the chapter house, which has been in need of significant work for a number of years now. The renovations over the upcoming year will include new plumbing, wiring, ceiling panels, wall panels and flooring throughout the entire home. In addition, the old kitchen will now be the new chapter room. In addition to making better use of this space, this will also allow for the chapter room to be better kept up and for the downstairs party room to be expanded. Mark Allan (ΑΣ 673) is serving as the architect for the project and has been integral in helping to make sure that Pi Kappa Phi is in compliance with a number of university requirements and timelines. Each of the 16 bedrooms in the house will be outfitted with a built-in heating and cooling unit, similar to what you would see in a hotel room. In addition, separate heating and cooling systems will be installed for both the upstairs and downstairs of the house. These renovations will completely change the look and feel of the interior of the house and drastically improve the living conditions for the men that live there each year. With the current contributions from alumni as well as expected contributions in the coming year, the housing corporation and the chapter will remain financially sound as long as at least 90 percent of the beds are occupied, meaning 28 men living in the house during the school year. Depending on continued contributions and final construction costs, rent for each student living in will be between $1600 - $1750 per semester (about $320 to $350 per month), which includes the costs of utilities. This cost will be very competitive with the campus environment, as currently it costs more than $2000 per semester ($400 per month) to live in a dorm room on campus and $500 or more per month to live in an off-campus apartment. This cost is also within the average range of renovated fraternity houses on the row. With the current plan in place, the Alpha Sigma Housing Corporation will be able to offer a quality home at a competitive price to student members, helping to keep the chapter in its current home and adding value to the experience of joining Alpha Sigma.
a housing campaign
visit alpha sigma’s web site at:
www.utkpikapp.com 2
Over the next year, you will see increased communication from the Housing Corp. and the student chapter regarding the house as well as opportunities to contribute to the campaign. Additional contributions received will help to: lower the student rent, pay for furniture or other aesthetic pieces, pay down the 20-year loan, fund the operating expenses and day-to-day house maintenance. For more information on the housing project or to contribute, contact Charles West (ΑΣ 888) at bluedogtn@aol.com or Steve Evans (ΑΣ 1099) at sevans@pikapp.org.
HOUSING CAMPAIGN TIMELINE
Fall 2009 Construction Begins Summer 2010 Contributions Finalized August 2010 House Opens/Move-in Fall 2010 House Dedication December 31, 2010 All Contributions Collected
A Campaign for Alpha Sigma Building on Tradition, Ensuring our Future Campaign Contributions June 1, 2009 Volunteer Society Collegian Society $20,000-$49,999 Up to $999 Cumberland Society Kenneth Parkinson 106 Homer VanVleet 151 $10,000-$19,999
Collegian Society (cont’d)
Michael Atnip 1013 John F. Howell 1019 David Bell 1057 Ryan Brodd 1079 Matthew Paine 1087 Jeremy Thompson 1095 Richard D. Newlon 1101 Jason Donald 1114 John B. McFaddin 1120 Fairfax Wynne Charles Donald Danialle Evans Amy Michaelson
Louis Garinger 168 Edwin Hoskins 198 Brotherhood Society Robert St. Clair 215 $5,000- $9,999 Bruce Rankin 274 Jon Rymer 532 Jack Harris 314 Mark Allan 673 Sidney Hayes 347 JJ Lovegrove 876 Thomas Banks 349 Steven S. Moss 881 Harold Orr 390 Charles West 888 Clyde Dalrymple 422 Albert R. Blacky 1055 Andrew Stewart 486 James Phelps 494 Star & Lamp Society Kenneth McAlister 576 $1,000- $4,999 Alfred Sewell 601 James Gracy 290 Claude Harvey 617 Sidney Dove 308 Robert Pemberton 627 Frank Watkins 337 Stacey Bostic 708 Frank Pugh 383 **Final campaign Shawn Tidwell 763 James Cogdill 408 contribution levels will be Kerry O’Reilly 821 James VanFrank 538 recognized on a plaque in Jason Chandler 837 Michael D. Mynatt 578 the fraternity house. Keith Baca 854 Robert Bowman 753 Individual naming George Carraway 904 Shawn Tidwell 763 opportunities are also Samuel Pons 908 Chris Kaine 907 available for several Ryan Thomas 911 Stephen Spaulding 950 individual rooms. Robert Linn 926 Geoff Willis 963 Stephen Daves 944 Michael Gladden 966 Ethan Brown 974 Matthew Blacky 1051 Todd Daniel 976 Stephen Evans 1099 Mark Muth 968
REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY OF HOPE Now that rush is over and classes are beginning to pick up, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on my experiences this summer. Let me start by thanking all the alumni who donated to the Alpha Sigma cyclists giving us the opportunity to participate in the Journey of Hope last summer. Without you, it wouldn’t have been possible. On June 10, Ryan Dodd (ΑΣ 1146 ), J.J. Bautista (ΑΣ 1210) and I flew to San Francisco with no idea what to expect. Did we forget anything? Had we trained enough? To say we had butterflies
would have been a huge understatement. As it turns out we all should have probably trained more, but we worked through it. We cycled over mountain ranges and through deserts. However, the Journey of Hope is not about cycling. I speak for the three of us when I say that the people with disabilities we met along the way truly changed our lives. Personally, I had some of the most eye‑opening, and heartfelt interactions I have ever experienced on the road this summer. There is nothing like cycling into a new city—though you
BY Kyle Kuderewski
are exhausted, you get to see the faces of young children light up because they have literally been counting down the days since the Journey of Hope came through last summer. Thanks again to everyone for helping make my summer so amazing. I have posted several pictures at www.utkpikapp.com, so please check those out if you get a chance. Also if you would like to hear any more stories from this summer feel free to contact me, I love talking about it. kkuderew@utk.edu
LEFT: Many Alpha Sigma brothers were in attendance at the Journey of Hope Arrival in August to show their support for the three Alpha Sigmas who cycled. Back Row (L to R): Just Wallace (1208), Mike Mynatt (578), Kyle Kuderewski (1194), JJ Bautista (1210), Ryan Dodd (1146), Louie Fowler (1184), Adam Goltry (1177), David Broome (585). Front Row: Nick Averwater (1185), Travis Baysinger (1173), Brandon Whiteley (1183) and Steve Evans (1099). Not pictured but in attendance was William Sigmon (694). RIGHT: Ryan Dodd (1146), Kyle Kuderewski (1194) and JJ Bautista (1210) are pictured in front of the Capitol. They cycled from San Francisco to D.C.to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities for Push America.
hosting ‘beach week’ for push america
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Last April, Alpha Sigma held its 8th Annual Beach Volleyball tournament during it’s inaugural “Beach Week” to raise funds and awareness for Push America. The new format was a week’s worth of events, with new events including KickOff Cookout, an Empathy Dinner, and a Push America Pageant. There was a significant increase in participation this year from previous years— 17 teams from 12 different sororities. To start the week, brothers set up a table in a pedestrian walkway for the “Coins Race,” during which each sorority collected spare change. Points were awarded to the two teams that collected the most money for Push America. That evening a cookout at the fraternity house that was attended by women from each campus sorority. Tuesday the chapter hosted an Empathy Dinner at the Panhellenic building. Sororities received two points per attendee. To better understand some of
the challenges that people with disabilities face, each guest was assigned a disability and was asked to eat their meal as if they had the assigned disability. The event was a huge success with more than100 people in attendance and an immeasurable amount of awareness was raised. Wednesday was the Push America Pageant. Each sorority was able to nominate one woman to participate. The ladies were judged on the tenants of C.L.A.S.S. (Character, Leadership, Academics, Sportsmanship and Service). Ms. Krysta Brown from Phi Mu was crowned as the winner. Friday night, judging began in the spirit competition, during which sororities created banners and decoration that were displayed in the house. The guest judges for this event were our graduating seniors and recent alumni initiate Dan LaRese, who also provided food for the event. The week concluded with the Sorority Beach
Volleyball Tournament. This year’s tournament was the largest since the it began. During the tournament the chapter had two acoustic singers playing, a large tarp-sized “slip and slide,” a giant inflatable boxing ring, representatives from Red Bull giving away free energy drinks, and a cookout. This tournament concluded with Zeta Tau Alpha winning for the third consecutive year. When the points were tallied, it came down to the final event for a champion to be crowned. The 2009 “Beach Week” champion was Zeta Tau Alpha, with Phi Mu coming in a close second. “Beach Week” went a long way in increasing exposure of Push America and was deemed by many of the participants as the best fraternity philanthropy event on campus. Overall, nearly $2,000 was raised for Push America, 25 percent of which was, in turn, donated to the Disability Resource Center in Knoxville.
doing something One of my greatest flaws has always been the feeling that I’m not doing enough. As a high school teacher, I spend 12-plus hours a day teaching, coaching, preparing for class, running practice, and grading papers. Yet I always feel I could be doing more. In my marriage I try to do laundry, cook, and clean up after myself as much as I can, but I know I could be doing more. In church, in my community, in my friendships, and in my family, I have always struggled with a feeling like I could be doing more to serve and love others.
My life as a brother in Pi Kappa At an alumni event held at the Phi has followed this pattern. While Knoxville Marriott last spring, Chapter Advisor Mike Mynatt(578) presents a at UT, I tried to serve in various Silver Legion certificate to Mark Allan capacities in the chapter while (673), to honor his 25th anniversary maintaining an active involvement in of initiation and his continued service other campus organizations. I didn’t to Alpha Sigma. spend as much time with my brothers and didn’t serve in as many chapter leadership positions as I wanted. Since graduating and moving away to North Carolina and now to Alabama, I have perpetually felt as though I’m slighting my fraternity and many of the brothers whom I care for deeply. I could be giving more money. I could be giving more time. I could be tailgating and investing more in those relationships. I could be doing more as a brother to support my fraternity. Yet this year, I’ve been reminded with this valuable lesson. I will never be able to do enough, but that should not keep me from doing something. Attending the Orange and White game this spring, our chapter hosted an alumni gathering at the Marriot. After catching up with the guys, we heard from Mike Mynatt (ΑΣ 578) and Charles West (ΑΣ 888), two men who have sacrificed much for our chapter. I was encouraged to see that so many of the alumni of our chapter have sacrificed their hard earned money to make our housing renovation a reality. This was something that we had been talking about for years and now had become a reality. As I thought about it, I realized that many of the brothers who donated probably wish they could have done more, yet that didn’t stop them from doing something to make our long-discussed renovations happen. Their sacrifice made me ask the question, “What are you doing to make this fraternity better?” I was reminded of the fact that I might not have money to give right now, but that does not mean I can’t do something. So this summer I volunteered to teach a track at Pi Kapp College. Going back to Charleston for an extended weekend was one of the best decisions of my year. Not only did it give me a chance to invest my time in teaching brothers from across the nation, but it also reminded me of
BY SCOTT CAMPBELL
things I loved about our fraternity. I was reminded of our values, our commitment to service, and our Ritual. While I was challenging these men to live by the Ritual and student creed, I renewed my commitment to those same values. Most importantly for me I was able to spend some time with a few of young leaders from Alpha Sigma. In all honesty, I have never seen a sharper, more enthusiastic, and more visionary group of leaders for our chapter than these guys. In a year without a house, I expected these young men to be worried about the recruitment process and maintaining a cohesive brotherhood. What I heard from them was an excitement to tackle these challenges. They see this year as an opportunity to rebuild the brotherhood at the same time the house itself is being rebuilt. One of the first things we learned as associate members is that the fraternity is not defined by a house, but by the men who reside there and the decisions they make. The current executive board has a vision for strengthening relationships and our reputation on campus by developing leaders, and they are asking alumni to play a vital role. Whether it be through teaching a chapter of a John C. Maxwell leadership book, participating in an alumni golf tournament, hosting a tailgate on Fiji Island, playing a role in initiation or subAlumni watch the spring Orange & White game from the east skybox. Back Row: rituals, or hosting a brotherhood Patrick Allen (1075), Michael Lowe (1085), event, these guys want alumni Bryce McKenzie (1071), Scott Campbell to play a role in their fraternity (1047), Brock McFaddin (1120), George experience. This was the first group Angelopoulos (1076), Jason Scott (1144). Front Row: Josh Greer (1117), Chris of guys in a long time that had a Lookenott (1100), Matt Hunt (1138). real vision for reestablishing the relationship with alumni brothers of our chapter. I know I can never do everything I want to support these men, but it is clear that I can do something. In a time when graduating from college is full of more uncertainty than ever before, our role as brothers is essential. We can create an amazing support network that will develop these guys on campus and beyond. We can all think back to what we would have loved alumni to do while were in the chapter; we can be that support for these guys. John Ondrasik, a founder of the band “Five for Fighting,” created “WhatKindofWorldDoYouWant.com.” His Web site challenges visitors to imagine what the world would look like if you could re-invent it. Rather than just another blog to complain, Ondrasik then provides resources and connections to serve and begin making the world what you want. I challenge you with the same question. What kind of fraternity do you want? We all have a vision for what we want to see out of the chapter each year, but we often do little more than complain or feel like we could never give any significant amount of time or money to make a difference. While in chapter meetings, we used to say, “I believe my chapter can become an ideal chapter, and I shall do my share to make it so.” I may not be able to impact every man in our chapter, but I am pretty sure I can impact one. If this year has taught me anything about brotherhood, it is this: It is true that we can never do enough, but we can all do something. What is your something? Scott Campbell, (ΑΣ 1047), is trying to figure out what that something is while living, teaching social studies, and coaching soccer in Birmingham, Ala., with his wife, Sarah. He can be reached at scottcampbell82@gmail.com. 5
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224
ALPHA SIGMAN ALPHA SIGMA
june 1988
The Chattanooga Alumni host their annual picnic on June 11, 1988. Actives members of the chapter in attendance were: Lance Smith (ΑΣ 762), Chris Gray (ΑΣ 692), Clark Gray (ΑΣ 698), Sam Pinto (ΑΣ 721), Brian Potter (ΑΣ 701) and Brian Perlov (ΑΣ 736).
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