2023 NATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Howard H. Baker Leadership Award

Aidan Connolly, Iota Omicron (Iona)

Aidan Connolly, Iota Omicron (Iona), is the 2023 recipient of the Howard H. Baker Leadership Award. This award is named in honor of Howard H. Baker, Alpha Sigma (Tennessee), who served as a United States senator for Tennessee from 1967-85 and as senate majority leader from 1981-85. Each year, this award recognizes a student member of Pi Kappa Phi who has exemplified the most outstanding leadership and involvement in his campus and community organizations independent of his chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.

Connolly graduated from Iona University in 2023 with a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and entrepreneurship. During his time at Iona, he was involved in a diverse array of activities outside of Pi Kappa Phi; Student Government Association, residential life, club sports, theatrical arts and volunteer work within the Office of Mission and Ministry.

For his contributions at Iona, he was recognized with the Joseph E. Powell Award, an award presented by the Division of Student Life to the graduate who best exemplifies the high qualities of spirit, dedication and generosity which characterized Joseph E. Powell, an Iona graduate. In addition, he was recognized during both his junior and senior year with the Maroon and Gold Award (Student Engagement Excellence in Mission Award), an award that honors a member of the community who demonstrates mutual respect, spirit and a committed desire to make Iona University a better place for all.

Apart from his involvement on campus, he is a member of the Pi Alpha Society, having cycled Journey of Hope North Route in 2021. According to Connolly, “A crucial aspect of being a brother of Pi Kappa Phi is the idea of striving for excellence through taking on personal responsibility as a leader on and off campus ... it is our integrity, our degree of accountability and our willingness and desire to be excellent in the face of defeat that makes Pi Kappa Phi a place I am proud to call home even after my undergraduate years have come to an end.”

Thomas Sayre Philanthropist of the Year Award Austin Gothard, Iota Nu (Mississippi State)

Congratulations to Austin Gothard, Iota Nu (Mississippi State), the 2023 recipient of the Thomas Sayre Award. This award is named in honor of Thomas Sayre, Kappa (UNC-Chapel Hill), who helped establish PUSH America, the predecessor to The Ability Experience. This award recognizes a student member of Pi Kappa Phi who has demonstrated the most outstanding passion and dedication to The Ability Experience through service, raising awareness and fundraising.

Gothard attends Mississippi State, where he actively participates with Mississippi State University Autism Liaisons, a group serving students with autism to increase social and life skill behaviors. Additionally, he volunteers with the T.K. Martin Center to serve preschool and kindergarten-aged children and students with dyslexia through art therapy and other activities. During his time as a member of the Iota Nu Chapter, he participated in Gear Up Florida 2022 as a cyclist and most recently served as the project manager for the Journey of Hope Trans America 2023 team. In addition, as a two-time Bergstrom fellow, he dedicated his summers to serving as a camp counselor at Camp ASCCA, seeing firsthand the abilities of all people throughout the summer. President and Executive Director of The Ability Experience Basil Lyberg shared, “In Austin, we see the embodiment of Pi Kappa Phi’s ideals. His selflessness and compassion inspire us all to create opportunities for others.”

Dr. Phillip M. Summers Student of the Year Award

Jacob Beavers, Beta Epsilon (Missouri)

Jacob Beavers, Beta Epsilon (Missouri), is the 2023 recipient of the Dr. Phillip M. Summers Student of the Year Award. This award is named in honor of Dr. Phillip M. Summers, Alpha Psi (Indiana), who served as National President from 1992-94 and was named Mr. Pi Kappa Phi in 2003. Each year, this award recognizes the overall most outstanding student member of Pi Kappa Phi, someone who best exemplifies the ideals of the Fraternity in his chapter, on his campus and in his community.

Beavers, a founding member of the Beta Epsilon Chapter (MissouriColumbia), was one of 12 undergraduate fraternity members in the country to be recognized with the North American Interfraternity Conference Undergraduate Award of Distinction. In addition, he has served as archon of his chapter and was selected to serve on the 2022-23 Council of Archons, a Pi Kappa Phi national student leadership committee, where he served as the liaison to National Council and chairman of the Council of Archons. Furthermore, Beavers has been a recipient of three national scholarships for academic success.

Beavers’ accomplishments are numerous, including: financially stabilizing the chapter as the treasurer through the pandemic by working with members to maintain an unprecedented 100% collection rate; spearheading the chapter’s War of the Roses philanthropy event, one of the leading events on campus; helping double the chapter in size through recruitment and retention initiatives; and fostering a culture of campus involvement among his chapter brothers. Jake Henderson, Pi Kappa Phi’s chief executive officer said, “Jacob is a natural and consistent leader who leads with integrity no matter who he interacts with. Witnessing him work with his chapter, community, interfraternal peers and nationally with alumni and fellow students in Pi Kappa Phi chapters has been a true testament to his character.”

Mark E. Timmes Interfraternal Leader of the Year Award Chandler Fern, Epsilon Psi (Slippery Rock)

The 2023 recipient of the Mark E. Timmes Interfraternal Leader of the Year Award is Chandler Fern, Epsilon Psi (Slippery Rock). This award is named in honor of Mark E. Timmes, Alpha Epsilon (Florida), who served as Pi Kappa Phi’s chief executive officer from 1994-2022. Each year, this award recognizes a student member of Pi Kappa Phi who has demonstrated the most outstanding leadership as a member of his Interfraternity Council.

Fern graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2023 with a degree in sport management. During his time as a member of the Epsilon Psi Chapter, Fern served as his chapter’s philanthropy chairman, warden and treasurer, as well as the Interfraternity Council’s (IFC) vice president of finance and then president. For his achievements and leadership, he was recognized as Slippery Rock’s 2021 Fraternal Man of the Year. Apart from his undergraduate involvement, he is a member of the Pi Alpha Society, having been a member of the Gear Up Florida Crew in 2023.

When Fern attended Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers in 2020, he listened to Mark Timmes encourage the leaders in the room to step up and become involved with their Interfraternity Council if they saw challenges on their campus. When he got back to campus, he knew he wanted to run for a position, and he was successful. “Whether in an IFC role or not, it’s important to treat other chapters with respect and support them when you can,” said Fern. “The best thing for an IFC community is when all chapters have a common goal and are willing to do the work to achieve it.”

DUDLEY WOODY, XI (ROANOKE)

MR. PI KAPPA PHI 2023

Every year, Pi Kappa Phi names a brother to be given the highest and most prestigious honor of the Fraternity: Mr. Pi Kappa Phi. In 2023, the Fraternity honored two men as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi. Join us in congratulating our 2023 honorees!

As an undergraduate, Dudley Woody served as archon of Xi Chapter (Roanoke) and went on to serve the greater Fraternity in a variety of roles. He first joined The Ability Experience Board of Directors in 1989 and eventually served as president of the board from 1997-98.

He was elected to the National Council in 1998, serving as national chancellor from 1998-2000 and again from 2002-08. He served as national treasurer from 2008-10, national vice president from 2010-12 and national president from 2012-14.

Woody has served on a variety of committees including the Foundation Committee for the Centennial Commission Gift in 2004 and is currently a member of the Individual and Chapter Conduct Committee. A Nu Phi member since 1996, Woody received the Merit Citation in 1998. In addition to his current committee service, he has been a Foundation trustee since 2018.

In 2022, Woody cycled in Gear Up Florida and was a top fundraiser for the event. As National President James Smith shared about Woody’s selection as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi, “It was an obvious choice. When a brother of a certain age rides a bike across the state of Florida with a bunch of college men and the result is those young men calling him ‘Studley,’ how can he not be Mr. Pi Kappa Phi?”

Woody’s service to the Fraternity was celebrated this summer at Pi Kapp Alumni Reunion in Philadelphia, where he received his commemorative Mr. Pi Kappa Phi award.

2023 National Alumni Award Recipients

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Tony Castillo, Beta Alpha (NJIT)

Jeremy Inabinet, Gamma Rho (Lander)

FRIEND OF THE FRATERNITY

Todd Shelton, Kappa Alpha Order

ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

Omega Alumni Chapter, (Purdue)

ALUMNI EVENT OF THE YEAR

Beta Alpha (NJIT) 75th Anniversary Event

HOUSING CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

Iota Tau (Rutgers)

ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWSLETTER

Omegalite, Omega (Purdue)

JOHN (JACK) CASPER, ALPHA UPSILON (DREXEL)

As an undergraduate, John (Jack) Casper’s leadership in Alpha Upsilon Chapter (Drexel) included terms as archon, vice archon and treasurer. After his graduation from Drexel University, Casper served as the chapter advisor for Gamma Upsilon Chapter (Oklahoma State) from 1969-71 and then as an area governor from 1978-82.

In 1981, Casper was elected to Pi Kappa Phi’s National Council, serving as national treasurer until 1985. In 2000, he joined the Foundation Board of Trustees and spent 10 years in support of the Foundation. He co-created the International Scholars Program in 2008, a program that provides an opportunity for outstanding student leaders to gain firsthand knowledge and understanding of the various businesses and economic and cultural differences inherently found in other parts of the world. He received the Merit Citation in 2010 for exhibiting exceptional meritorious service to the Fraternity.

Casper has also been an active local alumnus. He co-chaired the Alpha Upsilon capital housing campaign in conjunction with their 75th anniversary and has been a member of the Alpha Upsilon Housing Corporation since 2006.

The Fraternity was proud to celebrate Casper’s award at Pi Kapp Alumni Reunion this summer in Philadelphia. He received his commemorative Mr. Pi Kappa Phi award from two chapter brothers.

2023 National Alumni Award Recipients

CHAMPION MASTER

ALUMNI CHAPTERS

The Omicron Club, Inc. (Alabama)

Chi Alumni Chapter Corp. (Stetson)

Alpha Epsilon Housing Corporation (Florida)

Alpha Psi Alumni Chapter (Indiana)

Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi (Northwestern State)

Excellence In Engagement

The Beta Tau Alumni Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity (Valdosta State)

Gamma Gamma Alumni Chapter (Troy)