THE HEART OF PI KAPPA PHI
FEATURES CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE
Captured just steps away from 90 Broad Street, the location of Pi Kappa Phi’s first official meeting, this image captures the beauty of Broad Street and the unique charm of Charleston, South Carolina. While 90 Broad Street may represent “The Heart of Pi Kappa Phi” in a physical sense, the stories within this issue will breathe new life into that concept, revealing what is at the core of the Fraternity, and what is truly “The Heart of Pi Kappa Phi.”
THE HEART OF PI KAPPA PHI
Every brother has their own unique reason for joining Pi Kappa Phi, but what remains constant are our bonds of brotherhood. No matter where we come from or who we are, brothers of Pi Kappa Phi consistently show up and put others before themselves. The heart of Pi Kappa Phi was formed at our founding and has been strengthened in our history. This brotherhood will be sustained by the leaders who will guide us into the future.
Pi Kappa Phi has shaped each of us, drives who we aspire to be and is demonstrated in the ways we strive to improve our communities. The heartbeat of our Fraternity has been strong since 1904 through the support, loyalty and selflessness of every brother.
This issue of the Star & Lamp examines the beating heart of Pi Kappa Phi through stories of our brothers, tales of our history and insight into current trends that could shape our future. You’ll discover that even the 2024 Mr. Pi Kappa Phi recipient was once a young man hesitant about fraternity life and reflect on what our organization could have missed out on if it weren’t for the winds of fate.
You’ll find yourself amazed by the bravery of veterans who fought in the Battle of Normandy, and you will admire the commitment of one Pi Kappa Phi brother to tell those heroes’ stories while providing them with the experience of a lifetime. You’ll explore the origins of The Ability Experience and learn how servant leadership became woven into the fabric of Pi Kappa Phi. You will learn about Charleston, South Carolina, the city at the heart of our Fraternity’s founding, full of both Pi Kappa Phi and American history, and you’ll find yourself longing to visit. You’ll be inspired by a brother’s life-saving gift and remember what it means to truly put your brothers before yourself. And you’ll better understand the trials and tribulations faced by institutions today and be reminded just how crucial fraternity is at times like these.
While you flip through these pages, I hope you take some time to reflect on what the heart of Pi Kappa Phi means to you. When did you know in your heart that you wanted to join Pi Kappa Phi? How have you served others throughout your life? How do you show up for your brothers? Are you who you aspired to be when you joined our Fraternity? What changes can you make to be a better brother? By reflecting on these questions and working to become the best brother you can be, you will keep the heartbeat of our Fraternity strong. You are the heart of Pi Kappa Phi.
No matter where we come from or who we are, brothers of Pi Kappa Phi consistently show up and put others before themselves.
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In Pi Kappa Phi,
Jake Henderson Chief Executive Officer
BY CHANCE, THEN BY
THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY OF J. GUNNAR SCHALIN
A PROFILE OF THE 2024 MR. PI KAPPA PHI HONOREE
by Rachel Greene
When James Gunnar Schalin headed to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1965, he disliked fraternities and had no plans to join one. Despite his views of fraternity, his professor (who also happened to be the Upsilon Chapter advisor) decided to invite him to the Pi Kappa Phi house for a dinner where the National President of Pi Kappa Phi at the time, Mel Metcalfe, Alpha Gamma (Oklahoma), was coming to speak. The words “free dinner” were all Schalin needed to hear, and he headed to the Pi Kappa Phi house that evening. “Hearing Metcalfe speak was quite interesting and as I met the guys in the house, they were so different than what I had expected,” said Schalin. “My idea of fraternity at the time was wealthy individuals who came from snobby backgrounds, but I was so very wrong about that. They were down-to-earth, regular guys who, for some reason unbeknownst to me, decided to let me join!” For nearly six decades now, Pi Kappa Phi - the organization he never intended to join - has remained an important part of Schalin’s life.
As Schalin sat in his first-ever elective college course, Psych 101, he realized he was much more interested in that subject than chemistry, his major at the time. With this realization, he changed his major to human factors engineering, also known as ergonomics, which is an applied form of psychology that informs human-centered designs. As he continued his studies, he was an involved chapter leader, holding a few smaller positions prior to eventually becoming Upsilon Chapter’s archon. “I didn’t run for or even really plan to be a candidate for that position,” said Schalin. “My name was brought up and because others believed I would do a good job, I obliged.”
On top of unexpectedly joining a fraternity and pursuing a major he hadn’t intended to study, he was surprised when he learned that all male students at the University of Illinois were required to join either an athletic team, the band or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Choosing the last option, he was accepted to the airforce ROTC program, but when a growth spurt resulted in him being too tall to fly (as those who have stood next
to him might understand), he ended up in the Army as an aviator. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch. One summer after his basic training camp, he drove to Pi Kapp College in Roanoke, Virginia, where he met Durward Owen, Xi (Roanoke), Pi Kappa Phi’s executive director. When they met, Owen told Schalin, “Gunnar, Pi Kappa Phi is going to have some things for you to do.” That, Schalin said with a laugh, was an understatement.
In both the military and the Fraternity, Schalin has always appreciated the opportunity to do something that he can do a “good job” at. “We all have certain talents, and it is a privilege to apply them to a mission,” said Schalin. “Like anyone should in any job, I have always strived to do my best.” He enjoyed all his military assignments and the various opportunities he has been given to serve the Fraternity, no matter the capacity. When he was in flight training in Texas, Owen approached him with his first opportunity to serve, advising the Gamma Tau Chapter at North Texas State University. It wasn’t close to where he was training, but he decided he could make the drive. At the time, the drive happened to take place in a 1967 British Green Corvette Convertible, which he suspects helped him quickly win the students on campus over. After returning from serving his country in Vietnam, Schalin heard from Owen again and, to this day, still credits the former executive director with keeping him engaged and involved with Pi Kappa Phi.
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” I have been recognized for being what I promised I would be: a loyal brother.
While he likes to think he would’ve been an engaged, lifelong member of his own accord, Schalin isn’t sure he would’ve been without Owen’s influence and sympathizes with those who were not as fortunate. He hopes brothers who have disengaged from the Fraternity know that they are always welcome to reengage if they choose to. “I think it’s never too late to reengage with the Fraternity, no matter how long it’s been,” said Schalin. “I imagine it’s difficult and a bit nerve-wracking to come back to a Fraternity event after being away for a while, but we will always welcome you in.”
As for being named Mr. Pi Kappa Phi in 2024, Schalin doesn’t think he has done anything significant or incredible in comparison to his peers and fellow brothers (though they would likely disagree), he has just remained true to the vow he made on October 1, 1965. “I have simply done what I said I would do when I took my oath to this Fraternity before my brothers and before God,” said Schalin. “I have been recognized for being what I promised I would be: a loyal brother.” When asked what loyal brotherhood means to him, he turns to his faith and the bible verse Philippians 4:8, which reads, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This verse reminds him to focus on the goodness within Pi Kappa Phi, especially the values that have been passed down by the founders. “These are values you should hold onto and live by for life. While the world around us is always changing, our values remain constant, they are the foundation of who we are,” said Schalin. By reflecting on this verse and the values that are at the heart of Pi Kappa Phi, he is motivated to add to the goodness within the Fraternity and recognize others when he sees them contributing to it.
While he has been recognized for his contributions to the Fraternity, Schalin insists that he has received far more than he has given. “I once heard someone call fraternity a ‘human relations laboratory.’ When you’re in a fraternity, you’re learning how to work on projects together, accomplish shared goals, live together and so much more,” said Schalin. “Being a part of Pi Kappa Phi has given me opportunities to lead, be a part of a community and serve those around me.” Through his many years of membership, he has loved watching Pi Kappa Phi evolve, whether through the creation and growth of The Ability Experience, or in the development of today’s undergraduate members to be mature, poised leaders who speak their minds. Though he loves to see the growth of the Fraternity, he has never forgotten his roots. Schalin took his oath of membership within the Upsilon Chapter and is hoping to reconnect with as many of his chapter brothers as possible, while he still has the chance to do so. “More and more lately, I find myself missing my chapter brothers who have journeyed to the Chapter Eternal,” he said. “I still have so many living brothers, and I hope I get the chance to see them at a Supreme Chapter, Pi Kapp Alumni Reunion or even just a casual gathering to catch up. Sometimes, those casual meetups are the most special.”
Like much of his Pi Kapp experience, some of his favorite memories are the ones he never saw coming. In 2022, he was in Baltimore, Maryland, for an Honor Flight and was having trouble finding a seat at dinner. When he finally found an open seat and sat down, he and the man next to him both felt the other looked familiar, and after some chatting, realized they were Pi Kappa Phi brothers. While from different chapters, they had been in school around the same time and had likely met before at Pi Kapp College or another national program. Schalin shared that this was not a one-time event, as he had met numerous brothers during his time overseas in Vietnam, which made him feel more at home, even when he was thousands of miles from it. “No matter where you are, finding that you have a brother beside you is a great feeling,” said Schalin.
As he reflects on his life and on his time in Pi Kappa Phi, Schalin sees a constant thread of what seemed like chance encounters at the time, that now seem like fate. “I never sought to become a member of Pi Kappa Phi,” said Schalin. “Now, looking back, that’s also true of many things that have happened throughout my life, I was not seeking them, but they were seeking me.” Whether it was fate or not, Pi Kappa Phi is certainly grateful to that professor and chapter advisor who sought him out in 1965, and to all those chance encounters throughout his life that have led him to be a loyal brother for 59 years and counting.
To read more about why Schalin was chosen as the 2024 Mr. Pi Kappa Phi honoree, scan this QR code.
FRATERNITY FINDING
by Rachel Greene
When men join Pi Kappa Phi, they are often looking for a home away from home. For some, this idea of finding a home in Pi Kappa Phi has a greater meaning, a meaning that strengthens the bond of fathers and sons, that brings family to fraternity. This is a story of sons who have grown the fraternity by initiating the men who watched them grow up: their fathers.
For Curt Herzog, Theta Lambda (Missouri State), the decision to initiate his father was an easy one. Family has always meant everything to him, and as someone who puts family at the heart of everything he does, finding a group of individuals that felt like family was exactly what he was looking for when he decided to join a fraternity. He became a founding father of the Theta Lambda Chapter at Missouri State University in 2006 and through joining Pi Kappa Phi, felt he had found a family in his chapter brothers. Throughout his life, his decisions were based on the values his family taught him, and he looked to his father, Craig, as a mentor and role model. As planning began for his chapter’s 10th anniversary in 2016, he knew he wanted to make the already momentous day even more special by bringing someone into Pi Kappa Phi that he knew would add value, someone who had the potential to be a mentor to many young men. That someone was his father. After he’d seen the value that Pi Kappa Phi added to his son’s life, Curt’s dad immediately accepted this offer. “I have met some amazing guys in Pi Kappa Phi and have found that they go out of their way to help others, often putting other people’s needs ahead of their own,” said Craig. “I was honored to be considered a brother. When I think of Pi Kapp, I think of men who are optimistic, enthusiastic, willing to serve the community and devoted to their personal values.”
Not all fathers are enthusiastic about their son joining a fraternity. When Matt Ramsay, Delta Lambda (UNC-Charlotte), told his father he was joining a fraternity after arriving on campus for his freshman year, he was met with immediate apprehension. His father, Rob Ramsay, had visions of crazy parties, skipping class and all the stereotypical fraternity behaviors that have been perpetuated through the media. After high school, he’d gone straight into the military and finished his degrees across more than 10 different institutions during his thirty-year military career, and therefore didn’t see what a typical college experience was firsthand. He shared his concerns with his son, many of which came directly from the movie “Animal House.” But, he allowed his son to make his own decisions, as he was now 18, and those choices were his to make. “He assured me there was much more to the organization than partying,” said Rob. “I trusted I had instilled in him the values needed to make good decisions, but a fraternity was never what I had envisioned for him.” Shortly after Matt joined Pi Kappa Phi, Rob started to see his son change. “I saw that the chapter was having a positive impact on Matt right away,” said Rob. “The archon took him under his wing, and you could tell that a path was being laid out for Matt to be a leader. He was involved on campus, making a name for himself, and the Fraternity was a huge part of that. It was clear to me that the Fraternity was offering mentors to these young men.”
Delta Lambda (UNC-Charlotte) brothers Matt Ramsay, Rob Ramsay and Nathan Liland come together for the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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This letter, written by him because he cared so much about being my fraternity brother, let him really express his love for me. Pi Kappa Phi let him do that.
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After meeting his son’s Fraternity brothers and clicking with them immediately, Rob was still surprised when he was asked to become a member. “I thought, am I really going to be 55 years old joining a fraternity? But then I thought, this is an honor and an opportunity to share something with my son.” Now, Rob is a proud Pi Kapp, and his views on fraternity life have been transformed. By attending Supreme Chapter 58 in 2024, he was able to see the Fraternity on a national scale and has grown to care even more deeply about it. Best of all, his relationship with his son has grown. “Being in Pi Kappa Phi has absolutely brought Matthew and I closer together,” said Rob. “It has created another bond and has made our conversations deeper now that we have this shared experience.”
For some fathers, when their son’s chapter brothers meet him, they decide he must become a brother. That’s what happened to Vince Fabra, Theta Alpha (Southern Mississippi), when his dad, “Big Art,” came to visit for homecoming. Vince was on homecoming court and preoccupied all day, but knew his dad would be well taken care of by his brothers. As it turns out, his dad was the life of the party and the talk of the entire Fraternity. When Vince was finally off-duty, he arrived at the house to see his dad singing with the band. “It would’ve been so embarrassing if everyone hadn’t been so into it,” he said. Vince knew his dad made quite an impression but was stunned when the vice archon stood up and proposed that they initiate Big Art, and his whole chapter cheered as they unanimously decided to do it. When his
initiation day rolled around, Big Art felt like a celebrity, and was excited to be back with the chapter.
Vince eventually graduated and headed off to serve on Pi Kappa Phi staff. During his second year on staff, Big Art wrote Vince a letter. “Heartfelt letters weren’t really his thing, so I was just impressed and overwhelmed by how well he articulated his feelings and his love for me,” said Vince. “What really made me emotional though, is how he signed the letter. He signed the letter ‘Theta Alpha #172.’ As someone who was so unfamiliar with fraternity life, it meant a lot that he had tried to pick up on those little things that brothers do.”
The letter slipped his mind until 2012 when his dad passed away. A few months later, Vince received a phone call from his uncle. In a pure coincidence, his uncle was given his dad’s work truck at their company and found a manila envelope ... with the letter inside. “My dad was a big personality, and was often the center of attention,” said Vince. “But one-on-one, it was hard for him to talk about the real stuff. This letter, written by him because he cared so much about being my fraternity brother, let him really express his love for me. Pi Kappa Phi let him do that.”
While some of these relationships have been separated by the Chapter Eternal, others are just beginning. When Eric Karnisovas, Beta Theta (Arizona), joined Pi Kappa Phi, he was hoping to make his huge college campus feel a little bit smaller. The son of an NBA executive and former professional basketball player, he was following in his father’s athletic footsteps, but joined a fraternity so he’d have something to fall back on if basketball didn’t work out. “My dad didn’t understand fraternity when I joined one,” he said. “He was a college athlete, and fraternities weren’t big on his campus. Seeing the impact the chapter had on me, both personally and professionally, helped to change his mind about what this organization is.”
His dad’s mind was changed enough to accept an invitation to be the model initiate at Supreme Chapter 58, and there in Baltimore, Maryland, with brothers of all ages from across the country present, Arturas Karnisovas was brought into the fold as a brother of Pi Kappa Phi. “Pi Kappa Phi has given me so much and has brought me to my best friends for life. Now, I get to share the Fraternity with my dad and share my dad with the Fraternity. He is a man with great character who has such a unique perspective as someone who grew up in a Soviet-occupied country and has made so much of himself, and I know he brings so much to Pi Kappa Phi.” While his dad offers a lot to the Fraternity, this experience has also offered something to Eric. “My dad and I already had a close relationship, but his becoming a brother has added a new level of depth,” he said. “It’s something special.”
Whether their fathers were enthusiastic about the fraternity experience or not when their sons first joined, these sons were undoubtedly shaped by their fathers’ influence long before they ever saw Pi Kappa Phi letters. The values, character and who they are that drew them to the Fraternity in the first place were taught by their fathers, and these things led them to make the decision to join Pi Kappa Phi, even if their dad disagreed at the time. At the heart of Pi Kappa Phi is the desire to lead, and these men have done just that. Paving an uncharted path for themselves, these sons have created a legacy for their fathers, and it has made the Fraternity, along with four father-son relationships, stronger.
For those interested in initiating their own father into the Fraternity, reach out to your chapter for more information.
Father-son duo and Theta Alpha (Southern Mississippi) brothers Vince Fabra and “Big Art” at Vince’s outgoing address as student government president.
THE ULTIMATE ACT OF TRANSPLANTING
by Rachel Greene
When Brian Rivers joined the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at SUNY Cortland in the spring of 1991, he had no idea that one day, that decision would save his life.
After graduating in 1995, Rivers was in great shape and was, by all accounts, living a normal life. Somewhere in the back of his mind, though, was a looming fear of the genetic kidney disease that resulted in his dad and sister needing kidney transplants. Even with that thought in the back of his mind, Rivers recalls feeling “invincible” and was sure he would not be subject to the same fate. As he would soon come to realize, feeling invincible and being invincible are two very different things.
In 2023, Rivers found himself on the receiving end of bad news - his kidney function had dropped to 75 percent. That once looming fear had finally become his reality. He figured that his situation wasn’t that serious yet, looking at his kidney function as a glass threefourths full, not one-fourth empty, and kept living life as if nothing had changed. Over the next few months, he was preoccupied with the many tasks that came with moving across the country from California to Florida and let his normal doctor appointments fall to the back burner. When he had settled into his new home and finally made it to a doctor’s appointment, his bloodwork showed that his kidney function had decreased rapidly, down to just 15 percent. The percentage of function when it is recommended to join the transplant list? Twenty percent. It became abundantly clear to him then that this was no longer a problem he could ignore.
With a ticking time bomb inside of him in the shape of a failing organ, and an average wait time of six to 10 years for a kidney transplant, Rivers quickly realized that if he wanted to survive this, he needed to take matters into his own hands, and fast. Swallowing his pride and sacrificing his privacy, he turned to those closest to him for help. No one in his family or immediate close circle was able to donate for health reasons, so he turned to the only other option that came to mind: Facebook. From his home in Florida, he drafted his plea, pressed “post” and anxiously awaited a response.
OF BROTHERHOOD TRANSPLANTING
On the other side of the country in Long Island, New York, David Varacchi, Zeta Omicron (SUNY-Cortland), decided to check his Facebook feed, something he very rarely does, but felt inclined to do that day. When Varacchi was a college student, he felt an immediate connection to the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi, as they were the fraternity on campus that touched all social circles and seemed to get along with everyone, just like he had always done. If that wasn’t enough, he was sold on joining when he saw the chapter’s efforts with PUSH (now The Ability Experience). “It wasn’t like they had an obligation to complete service hours like other groups on campus,” he said. “The chapter intentionally planned amazing events that brought the campus community together and really made a difference.” As he scrolled through his feed, catching up on the happenings in his friends’ and family’s lives, a post from his old friend and fraternity brother caught his attention. As he read River’s post, in which he shared his diagnosis of kidney failure and a plea for a donor, Varacchi was shocked that anyone, much less a fellow Pi Kapp, would have to appeal to the masses in this way. Immediately, and almost instinctively, he picked up the phone. As he talked to Rivers, he learned the disappointing news that his close friends and family had been tested but were not in good enough health to donate. Varrachi was in perfect health so he knew that would be a non-issue, but his hopes of helping were dashed when he asked Rivers what his blood type was and he replied, “A.” Varacchi is type B, so he apologized and figured that was going to be the end of the conversation. To his surprise, Rivers explained why that would be a non-issue, opening Varacchi’s eyes to the National Kidney Registry’s Paired Exchange Kidney Donation Program for the first time.
According to the National Kidney Registry website, “In kidney paired exchange, you have a donor willing to donate a kidney on your behalf, but you are incompatible with the donor or want to try to find a better match. With kidney paired exchange, your donor will donate their kidney to another recipient in exchange for a compatible kidney for you.” Let’s say the other pair in the exchange with Varacchi and Rivers are named Donor Dan and Recipient Ray. Varacchi and Recipient Ray both have type B blood. Rivers and Donor Dan both have type A blood. Varacchi will donate his kidney, which will be given to Recipient Ray. Around the same time, Donor Dan will donate his kidney, which will be given to Rivers. By finding a donor to donate a kidney to someone else in the program, each recipient has secured a matching kidney for themself.
(continued from page 11)
Once he learned about the program, Varacchi was all in. While some people may hesitate at a decision like this, he couldn’t imagine not doing it. With his family’s support, he filled out the initial paperwork and received a call from a volunteer named Elaine Perlman the next day. “Elaine’s a donor herself, who donated just to help a stranger. She was motivated by her 20-yearold son, who also donated his kidney to a stranger,” said Varacchi. “She called me and shared her experience, which made it very easy for me to agree to move forward with this decision. If they could donate to strangers just for the sake of helping someone, why would I not donate to a brother?”
“It’s a privilege to be healthy and have the opportunity to help another person in this way, especially when you are helping someone you care about,” said Varacchi. After an initial blood screening, he was required to go to the hospital for a day of comprehensive, full-body tests, often referred to as “the million-dollar test.” While all the tests he underwent may have realistically cost him one million dollars if he were to pay out of pocket, the National Kidney Registry covers all costs associated with the testing, including travel, meals and lodging. To Varacchi, this test was not a barrier, but rather an incentive for donating, as it validated his belief that he was in good health, while also checking for any indicators of health issues that may arise in the future. “It’s worth mentioning that I’ve never felt like more of a VIP than I did on my testing day,” said Varacchi. “The hospital staff was so supportive, and they expressed so much gratitude to me for being willing to donate. They made this experience such a great one, so don’t let the idea of all this testing scare you off.” With his clean bill of health in tow, Varacchi was officially cleared to donate, and the search began for a pair in the program to exchange with.
After being cleared in December 2023, Varacchi’s surgery was scheduled for February 20, 2024, and Rivers’s was scheduled for May 16, 2024. The procedure for Varacchi was much simpler than he was expecting. While most of these surgeries used to be done with an open incision technique, since 1999, many have used a
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DONORS NEEDED
101,000
Number of people in the United States waiting for a kidney.
LIVING DONATION
90 DAYS
Typical wait time for a kidney patient to find a matched kidney from a living donor through the National Kidney Registry.
20-40 YEARS
Length of time the average kidney from a living donor lasts.
DECEASED DONATION
3-10 YEARS
Typical wait time for a deceased kidney donor.
10-15 YEARS
Typical shelf life of a kidney from a deceased kidney donor.
(source: kidneyregistry.org/consider)
If they could donate to strangers just for the sake of helping someone, why would I not donate to a brother?
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less invasive method: laparoscopic surgery, called laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. By making four half-inch incisions, the surgeon can insert a small camera to view the kidney, then disconnect it and remove it through a larger incision, which is a three-and-a-half-inch incision on the lower abdomen.
This newer, more advanced procedure cuts down on procedure time, scarring, pain and recovery time. “This procedure was so easy,” said Varacchi. “I personally was out of the hospital the next day, and only needed to take my pain medication for one week. My scars are barely visible, and they’re tiny. I am back to my normal, pre-surgery health and routine now, and there has been almost no change to my lifestyle at all. I can still eat all the meals I was eating before, and I can still drink alcohol, despite the myth that you cannot drink after donating. I am a big wine guy, so I won’t lie that I was relieved to hear that before the procedure, but I would’ve been willing to give up wine in a heartbeat if it meant saving my brother.”
By the time Rivers received his kidney in May, Varacchi was back to his normal life completely. One difference in his life now though, he noted, is his strengthened relationship with Rivers, as
well as other brothers who have been reconnected through this experience. “Brian and I have always been friends, but this has brought us much closer, and it has also brought our two friend groups from our fraternity days back together, which has been great to see.” In addition to reuniting brothers who had lost touch in the years since they graduated, Varacchi has found himself being welcomed into the Rivers family as if he were one of their own. “Throughout this whole process, his family wanted to meet me and talk to me, but they were so respectful and didn’t do that until after the procedure, making sure to get Brian’s permission and checking that it was okay to reach out,” said Varacchi.
“I really appreciated their consideration. After we finally made contact, they were so supportive of me and grateful to me for the gift I had given their family by donating. They made this a lovely experience all around, and I can’t wait to meet them all in person and get to know them more.” Just like his family, Varacchi notes that Rivers was incredibly respectful throughout this entire process, and was always reminding him that he didn’t have to go through with this if he changed his mind. The thought of not going through with the procedure never crossed Varacchi’s mind, and he said he will never regret this decision. “No one’s going to do this and think to themselves in 20 years, ‘Man, I wish I hadn’t donated my kidney’, but people are going to get past the age of donation and wish they had. I wish more people who haven’t considered donating would ask themselves, why are you going to die with two healthy kidneys in your body when you only need one?” While Varacchi didn’t know much about kidney donation before volunteering to give his own, he has since learned that a kidney from a living donor tends to last 20 to 25 years, while a kidney from a deceased donor often only lasts eight to 10 years.
While Rivers’s story had a happy ending, Varacchi isn’t satisfied knowing that there are others out there who are in dire need of a transplant but are not fortunate enough to have a network of brothers like those in Pi Kappa Phi. “Brian is so lucky to have Pi Kappa Phi. With a network like this, he knew he could ask for help, even though sharing something so vulnerable was daunting. Some people would avoid posting something like this due to fear of embarrassment, even at the cost of their own health,” said Varacchi. “In all reality, though, Pi Kapps would’ve never let that happen. His brothers would’ve taken charge and made
sure they found him help, that’s just what we do for each other. In college, whenever anyone needed something, whether it was a ride home for the holidays or just to class, everyone was always willing to help each other. I can’t think of a time when anyone in our chapter was left in a lurch. While this situation is a bit more serious, at its core - it’s no different.”
For those without a network like Pi Kappa Phi, or who are not able to reach out in the way Rivers did, Varacchi wants to continue raising awareness and sharing his story as a donor. According to the National Kidney Foundation, of the 123,000 Americans on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant, 101,000 are waiting for a kidney, but only 17,000 of those individuals receive one each year. Every single day, 12 people die waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant, people just like Rivers. To be eligible to donate a kidney, the minimum age is 18-25, depending on the transplant center. While there is no technical maximum age of eligibility, kidneys are only accepted from donors over the age of 60 on a case-by-case basis. Currently, Perlman, the volunteer Varacchi spoke with before confirming he would donate, is working alongside her state representatives to pass the “End Kidney Deaths Act,” a bill seeking to modify the 1984 National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) to encourage living donors to donate a kidney by offering refundable tax credits of $10,000 a year to donors for five years, for a cumulative $50,000 in credit. While he is hoping those tax incentives will speed up the average time people spend on the waiting list if the bill is passed, Varacchi hopes those within the age range of viable donation will consider becoming a donor out of the goodness of their heart, and hopes his story is living proof to them that there’s nothing to be afraid of. “Pi Kappa Phi is such a large organization filled with men who are truly servant leaders in all that they do,” said Varacchi. “If our brotherhood can rally behind this cause the way I believe we can, imagine the lives we could change. Imagine the lives that Pi Kappa Phi could save if a few brothers took the time to learn how simple and convenient this process has become.”
To learn more about becoming a living kidney donor, visit kidneyregistry.com. To get involved with the “End Kidney Deaths Act,” visit modifyNOTA.org.
Kidney donor David Varacchi, Zeta Omicron (SUNY-Cortland), with his team of doctors and his wife, Gina, on the day of his procedure.
THE HEART OF PI KAPPA PHI EXPERIENCE CHARLESTON
As every Pi Kappa Phi brother knows, Charleston, South Carolina, is where the Fraternity was founded. On a December night in 1904, seven men, led by Andrew Kroeg, Simon Fogarty and Lawrence Harry Mixson, laid the groundwork for a brotherhood that today is nearly 150,000 men strong. While all Pi Kappa Phi brothers know the significance of Charleston, many have not experienced the city or had the chance to visit the many landmarks and monuments related to the Fraternity. Now, Pi Kappa Phi hopes to make a trip to Charleston as easy to navigate, and as memorable as possible. One Pi Kapp who knows the city better than most is Rick Widman, Omega (Purdue), who moved there nearly 40 years ago and is now the proud owner of the Charming Inns of Charleston, a collection of four luxury, historic inns and Circa 1886, an award-winning restaurant.
Q&A
RICK WIDMAN, OMEGA (PURDUE) OWNER, CHARMING INNS OF CHARLESTON
Q: Why did you join Pi Kappa Phi?
A: As a freshman, my roommate joined the Fraternity, but I chose not to go through rush. By sophomore year, I could tell that I was really missing out, so I joined him.
Q: Where are you originally from, and how did you end up in Charleston?
A: I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, but always wanted to go to Purdue because my grandfather graduated from there way back in 1909, so I grew up loving the school. After attending Purdue, I went into the Army for two years before heading to Michigan State to get my master’s of business administration with a focus in hotel and restaurant management. I had worked odd jobs as a busboy, bartender and waiter growing up and was almost certain I wanted to go into hospitality, but my classes in my master’s program are what really solidified my passion for this career path. My career brought me to Los Angeles initially where I remained for five years, but then an exciting opportunity arose in Charleston, and the rest is history. I always planned to go into business for myself, and when I saw all that Charleston had to offer, I knew this was the right place to do it. As a Midwesterner I never would’ve imagined myself living in the South, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Q: When did you first experience Pi Kappa Phi history in Charleston after relocating?
A: As soon as I moved to Charleston, the information I had learned during my associate member process and from The White Diamond came back to me, but I didn’t see real “proof” of Pi Kappa Phi until I was working on my very first project, acquiring the Kings Courtyard Inn, back in 1983. I went to meet with the owner of the building, and as I approached his office, I saw a plaque that said, “The First Meeting of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Was Held in This Building,” and realized I was standing at the doors of 90 Broad Street. The very place where the Fraternity began is where my career began, too!
Q: How have you built such a successful career as the owner of the Charming Inns?
A: In 1989, I purchased the John Rutledge House Inn® and redeveloped that building. John Rutledge was a signer of the Constitution, so that was inherently a historic property. Then in 1992, I purchased the Fulton Lane Inn, a set of three different buildings that are all adjacent to Kings Courtyard Inn. In 1997, I purchased the Wentworth Mansion and opened that in 1998. Then, I opened the Circa 1886 restaurant at Wentworth Mansion in 2000. I never had a plan set in stone for making these decisions, I just took opportunities as they were presented to me, and it grew into the four inns that make up the Charming Inns.
Q: For Pi Kapps, what makes Charleston a city worth visiting?
A: I think Charleston is the most European feeling city in the United States. It is unique from any city in America in that way. Because of this, you can still walk down those old alleys and experience much of the same architecture that our founders experienced so long ago. It gives you an idea of what life was like
Q: Charleston is home to many hotels and inns; how do the Charming Inns stand out among the ‘competition?’
A: I think it comes down to the family atmosphere and the very personal service that we give. I encourage our staff to really be themselves and let their personalities shine. Additionally, all our inns are historic, renovated buildings. When you come to a city with as rich a history as Charleston, you should stay in historic buildings like ours.
Q: Your family is very involved with the Charming Inns, why is that?
A: Basically, what it comes down to is that we treat all our guests like family, and that makes it easy for our family to be so involved. My daughter Michelle has really taken over the day-to-day operations side of things, and my wife, Linn Lesesne, handles the marketing and public relations side of things. (Before she was his wife, Lesesne was simply looking for a job at the Charming Inns – and got a bit more than she bargained for, in the best way!)
for them. Many Pi Kapps live in Charleston, and I think we all share the same feeling that it’s a special place to be, especially for men of Pi Kappa Phi.
Q: What would be your recommendation for one thing that anyone visiting Charleston must do?
A: Take a carriage ride! Some people might think that it’s a touristy thing to do, but it’s a great exposure to the history and architecture of Charleston. There’s so much to see here that I still find myself having new experiences every day even after 40 years, but the carriage ride will help you see as much as possible during your stay.
Q: The Founders left quite the legacy in Charleston, what legacy do you hope to leave?
A: I want to be known as a person who cared enough to preserve some very historic buildings for generations to come, and who allowed others to stay there to experience those buildings. Each inn is different and special, but I want people to remember that I started a business that’s all about service to other people. I want everyone who we serve to always remember their Charming Inns and Charleston experiences.
MUST SEE PLACES
These tourist attractions are “must see” places, and for good reason. Pi Kappa Phi brothers and friends alike will enjoy seeing what has given this coastal city its charm.
• Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park: As local legend has it, when a ship captain arrived home after one of his long journeys, he would hang a pineapple on his door as a sign that he had returned, welcoming his friends and neighbors to visit.
• Rainbow Row: Famous for its 13 historic, colorful homes on East Bay Street just along the battery, you won’t want to miss this eye-catching photo spot that legend says was painted in its famous bright, pastel shades to help sailors more easily find their way home at night.
• Angel Oak Tree: 65 feet high with a circumference of 25.5 feet and shading an area of 17,000 square feet, it’ll be hard to miss this tree in Angel Oak Park. The age of the tree remains up for debate, but many estimate it is between 400 and 500 years old, making it one of the oldest trees and living things east of the Mississippi River .
• White Point Garden: Located in the heart of downtown, this park provides views of Fort Sumter and the Charleston Harbor, and is home to displays of history in the form of many monuments and statues.
THINGS TO DO
With so much to do and see, there’s no way to be bored in a city like Charleston. Here are some recommendations from locals.
• Carriage Ride: Recommended specifically by Charming Inns owner Rick Widman, Omega (Purdue), there are numerous carriage ride services with knowledgeable tour guides in Charleston offering historic tours, haunted tours and even some special holiday tours.
• Charleston Riverdogs Baseball: Take a trip to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to see the Riverdogs play ball! The Riverdogs are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.
• King Street Historic District: The heart of Charleston’s downtown district, you will experience history and beautiful architecture as you explore a variety of local, regional and national shops and restaurants.
• South Carolina Aquarium: Home to more than 5,000 animals, many of which are native to the region, the aquarium is a fun and fascinating spot for all ages to enjoy.
• Charleston City Market: As you shop the many vendors in this iconic market, pick up a Charleston sweetgrass basket, created by Gullah artisans and woven from local marsh grass.
• Sunset Sail with Schooner Pride: Hit the water on Charleston’s only three mast tall sailboat for a gorgeous view of the sunset.
CHARLESTON DELICACIES
• Shrimp and Grits: Originally called “shrimp and hominy,” this once obscure regional dish has become a staple of Southern cuisine and has been South Carolina’s state food since 1976.
• She-crab Soup: According to local legend, the first bowl of this soup was made at the John Rutledge House in the 1920’s by the mayor’s butler, William Deas, as a meal for President William Howard Taft during his visit to Charleston.
• Hush Puppies: Originating in Charleston, hush puppies are a simple sweet treat, golden fritters made of fried cornmeal batter.
• Boiled Peanuts: Nicknamed “the caviar of the south,” boiled peanuts are South Carolina’s official state snack.
FOOD & DRINK
• Peninsula Grill: South Carolina’s only member of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of renowned restaurants and hotels in the world, guests are sure to have an enchanting dining experience, complete with Peninsula Grill’s famed 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake for dessert.
• The Ordinary: Located on King Street, this Southern seafood hall and oyster bar is located in what used to be a bank, and supports local and regional fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers and producers with their locally sourced, fresh menu.
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: Whether you order a biscuit or a pimento cheese sandwich, you won’t want to miss stopping by this eatery that has been featured on The Food Network and in The New York Times, to name a few.
• The Citrus Club: Visit this cocktail lounge for rooftop view of the entire city of Charleston and the Harbor.
• Poogan’s Porch: Known for their fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese fritters and Bloody Marys, this is Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishment.
• Caviar & Bananas: Located right near the College of Charleston, this uniquely named market, cafe and coffee shop rolled into one has a wide selection of lunch options, wine, beer, gelato and of course – coffee.
• Kudu Coffee: Situated in Charleston’s lively downtown, this coffee shop offers an outdoor courtyard, 14 beers on tap and an extensive coffee menu that ensures everyone can find something to sip on.
• Firefly Distillery: Home of the world’s first sweet tea vodka, this family-friendly distillery boasts whiskey tasting tours, maritime influenced bourbon and a lineup of 11 moonshine flavors.
Fun facts about Charleston
• Dr. Alexander Garden, a Charleston physician, first imported “Cape Jasmine” from South Africa in 1754, and the flower was later named “Gardenia” after him.
• North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, connects historic Charleston to Mount Pleasant extending across the Charleston Harbor.
• Charles Town, South Carolina was named after the British King Charles II. The name Charles Town was shortened to Charleston after the Revolutionary War when it was no longer necessary to pay tribute to British kings.
• When approaching Charleston by sea, so many church steeples are visible that it earned the nickname, The Holy City.
• Out of the hundreds of tea gardens in the world, all of them are located in Asia, Africa and South America, except for the Charleston Tea Garden, which is the only tea garden in North America.
CHARLESTON CHARM
Charleston is nicknamed “The Holy City” because of its skyline full of church steeples. The tallest church steeple in Charleston is that of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, which stands at 297 feet tall. The church is the tallest building in Charleston, and there is a rule in place that no building can be taller than its steeple.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, CHARLESTON!
Because of its beauty, Charleston and the College of Charleston have been the filming locations of many iconic films and television shows. Get “behind the scenes” of these movies and TV shows shot in Charleston.
“THE NOTEBOOK :” Based on a real-life couple, this classic love story tells of young lovers in the 1940s whose romance is threatened by their different social classes and World War II.
• American Theater: Stop by to see where Noah and Allie had their first date. The theater is now a private event space, but you can request a message to be written for you on the marquee.
• College of Charleston: When Allie heads off to Sarah Lawrence College in New York, those scenes were actually filmed on the College of Charleston’s campus.
• Cypress Gardens: Row your boat through this swamp to relive the iconic rowboat scene filled with an abundance of geese. Don’t expect to see geese, though, they were trained and brought in just for filming purposes.
“OUTER BANKS:” Set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this series follows a group of working-class teens on a quest for a treasure linked to a mysterious disappearance.
• Charleston Creekside Inn: Room 229 is the room that John B. and Pope break into in the very first episode; but don’t try to plan an escape route like they did, because the awning isn’t real.
• Charleston Museum: This museum, the first museum in America, is the backdrop for John B. and Big John’s season three heist. Come to see the film site, stay to learn about the history of Charleston.
• Charleston Gaillard Center: In the show, this is supposed to be the UNC-Chapel Hill Law Library, but in real life the center hosts multidisciplinary cultural programming in an effort to elevate local and regional voices.
“DEAR JOHN:” An American romantic war drama, this tumultuous love story centers around a soldier who falls for a college student before his deployment, staying in touch only through letters.
• Randolph Hall: The signature building on the College of Charleston’s campus, Randolph Hall was also Savannah’s signature letter writing spot in the film.
• Charleston Air Force Base: With special permission from the U.S. Defense Department, the film crew used an official C-17 helicopter and airmen to shoot the global airlift mission scene.
• Isle of Palms Fishing Pier: Located about 14 miles from Charleston, this is the iconic spot where John and Savannah first meet in the movie.
PI KAPPA PHI’S HIDDEN GEMS
For those wanting to get the true Pi Kappa Phi experience, these are places you simply cannot miss during your travels. You will walk in the footsteps of the founders, as you take in Charleston’s beauty from a less typical tourist perspective.
• 90 Broad Street: Now the site of Sorelle Italian restaurant, this building was once Simon Fogarty’s home and was the location of the very first meeting of Pi Kappa Phi.
• 39 Broad Street: Home to Kroeg’s law practice and to the first Pi Kappa Phi office, where the Fraternity employed only one employee, an executive secretary.
• 43 Coming Street: Built in 1920, the Alpha Chapter has called this house home since 2018. Each year, it houses four current members of Pi Kappa Phi’s original chapter.
• Magnolia Cemetery: Established in 1849, Magnolia Cemetery is the final resting place of 30,000 individuals including many prominent Charlestonians, such as Pi Kappa Phi’s founders. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has evolved into a museum of sorts.
AMERICAN HISTORY
• Fort Sumter: Located in the center of the Charleston harbor, this National Monument is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861.
• The Battery: Starting from the Charleston harbor and running along the Charleston peninsula, this fortified defensive seawall is bordered by historic mansions and offers beautiful views of the harbor.
• Powder Magazine: South Carolina’s oldest government building, the Powder Magazine, has served as a print shop, livery stable, wine cellar, carriage house and now museum of colonial military history.
• Charles Towne Landing State Historical Site: Explore exhibits in the visitor center, visit the natural habitat zoo and walk down the history trail to see the the very spot where South Carolina began when English settlers landed in 1670, establishing the Carolina colony.
• South Carolina Historical Society Museum: Housed at 100 Meeting Street, a National Historic Landmark building, this museum is home to interactive exhibits featuring some of South Carolina’s most fascinating history, culture and art.
THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON & THE ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
The College of Charleston has been named the most beautiful campus in America numerous times by several magazines and publications, and it’s clear why. In addition to seeing a beautiful campus, stop by the milestone gifts that Pi Kappa Phi has presented to the college at our 25th, 50th, 75th and centennial celebrations.
• 25th Anniversary, 1929: Memorial Gate
• 50th Anniversary, 1954: Clock atop Randolph Hall
• 75th Anniversary, 1979: Rose Garden
• Centennial, 2004: Bell Tower
AMERICAN HEROES EMBARK ON THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO COMMEMORATE THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
by Rachel Greene
On May 30, 2024, an American Airlines flight headed from Fort Worth, Texas, to Paris, France. After boarding more than 70 passengers, the flight taxied and took off. This wasn’t your normal transcontinental flight. The seats of the plane were occupied by a group that can only be described as true heroes: World War II veterans, Rosie the Riveters, a Holocaust survivor, Medal of Honor recipients and cadets and midshipman from U.S. military service academies.
Eighty years before this historic flight, the United States military forces were gearing up for a historic moment of their own, a dangerous, potentially catastrophic operation codenamed “Operation Overlord.” After years of careful, confidential planning, the Allied Powers, comprised of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and various smaller countries, were finally ready to act. The pieces were in place for them to pull off an act of deception that they hoped and prayed the Nazi German forces would never see coming.
These Allied Powers had one goal: to liberate Western Europe from the clutches of Nazi control. In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, the plan was a go. A massive airborne and naval assault began simultaneously. Paratroopers fell from the sky, and more than 5,000 ships carried troops and equipment onto the beaches of Normandy. With no warning or ability to prepare for the invasion, Nazi forces tried to fight off the Allied troops, but ultimately failed, allowing the Allied Powers to secure the five beachheads: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, and thereby open a new front against the Nazi forces in Western Europe. Through the diligent planning by the Allied Powers, and through the bravery of more than 150,000 allied troops, this invasion, known as “D-Day,” was a significant turning point in the war, and was a significant contributing factor in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945.
NORMANDY RETURN
NORMANDY RETURN TO
(continued from page 22)
Now, eight decades later, these surviving World War II veterans had the opportunity to return to the hallowed grounds where this integral day in history occurred, an incredible moment that marked the beginning of the end of the war, but also marked a tremendous loss of life. To the veterans, returning to Normandy was more than just a trip, and more than a chance to see tourist attractions. Returning to Normandy gave them the opportunity to remember and honor those who did not live to share their stories, and to appreciate the ultimate sacrifice that more than 425,000 allied and German troops made on that fateful day.
Randy Stillinger, Zeta Gamma (North Dakota), was given the immense privilege and responsibility of being at the helm of this historic trip. Stillinger joined Pi Kappa Phi at the University of North Dakota in 1989, and then transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he helped start an associate chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, keeping him involved in the Fraternity. After serving the first part of his career in Army aviation, Stillinger attended the Defense Information School at Fort Meade in Maryland. There, he trained to be a public affairs officer, which led to him joining the United States Army Reserve at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. In 2016, he combined his military aviation experience and public affairs background when he was hired as the manager of military and veterans initiatives at American Airlines. In this role, he supports veterans, current service men and women, including those who are ill or wounded and the families of those who have died in service to our nation. Planning the American Airlines Return to Normandy trip was no simple feat and needed more than a year of
dedicated planning and preparation.
“During the 18-month planning period, I went to France four times in preparation for the big event in June,” said Stillinger.
“In the six months leading up to the event, I spent every single moment planning
Having never been to Normandy before, every part of the planning process was unfamiliar to Stillinger. “The biggest challenge initially was finding hotels for 285 people during a week when so many people were coming into the Normandy
“ ” Remember that we now live freely because of what they endured 80 years ago. Appreciate them for what they’ve done, but also appreciate that you live in the greatest country in the world because of their service and sacrifice.
and preparing for this historic mission, including many nights and weekends. I knew that I had one chance to ensure that this experience for these veterans was exceptional and worthy of their sacrifice.”
region for this historic event,” said Stillinger. “Many of the hotels had been booked up for a few years, and others couldn’t accommodate wheelchairs and other amenities that we needed for the veterans. After that, we had to find ground transportation and food for the group, which was spread across four hotels in the region. The time zone difference, the restrictions due to the president and other important people in attendance as well as the language barrier only made things more difficult. Nothing was easy as we planned this mission.” To add to this unique set of challenges, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the average age of a living World War II veteran today is 98. The group on the trip ranged in age from 94 to 107, and so as one can imagine, ensuring their health and safety was no simple feat. To oversee this duty, a medical team of doctors, nurses and medics were enlisted to come along. This team remained vigilant in
Stillinger addresses veterans and guests at Pointe Du Hoc, a memorial honoring the Ranger divisions who took possession of the cliffs during the Normandy invasion.
Two veterans sharing memories and stories with Stillinger over lunch at Le Memorial de Caen.
monitoring each veteran’s wellbeing, both on the 10-hour-long flight to and from Normandy and during the day-to-day activities. “We owe much of this trip’s success to these dedicated individuals,” said Stillinger.
While being mindful of the age and limitations of this group, the itinerary for the trip was still full of memorable experiences. The pinnacle of the trip was a ceremony on June 6 at the Normandy American Cemetery, the resting place for more than 9,000 United States service members who gave everything for their country, and for the free world. There, on the 80th anniversary, veterans were
able to pay their respects, mourn their friends and fellow service members who were lost in the war effort and remember this moment that shifted the narrative of world history and kept freedom alive. The group also had the unique opportunity to meet notable individuals such as President Biden, French President Macron, several department of defense and congressional leaders, Prince Albert of Monaco, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. Every moment of this experience was carefully thought through and cultivated by Stillinger to provide an incredible experience for veterans and their families, one that they would cherish forever.
With the average age of World War II veterans being 98, it was crucial that this trip go off without a hitch, as many will not live to see the next milestone anniversary. It is no secret that the opportunity to hear stories directly from many World War II veterans is coming to an end. Stillinger hopes everyone takes advantage of the time that we have left with these individuals. “After living through the Great Depression, many of these veterans left home for two to three years, unsure when or if they’d ever return. Everyone should take the opportunity to meet and learn the stories of these World War II veterans because time is running out,” said Stillinger. “Remember that we now live freely because of what they endured 80 years ago. Appreciate them for what they’ve done, but also appreciate that you live in the greatest country in the world because of their service and sacrifice.”
For 50 cadets and midshipmen from our nation’s service academies, this trip offered the chance to meet and learn the stories of these veterans. “While they served primarily as our academy choir, one of the reasons we brought young men and women from our nation’s military service academies along was so they could hear stories and learn from these veterans,” said Stillinger. “I think it’s imperative for our nation’s future military leaders to learn from those who sacrificed so much during a tumultuous time across the world. American Airlines does something similar with our regular trips to the World War II Museum, where we pair the veterans up with high school students so they can get an education like no other.”
As Stillinger mentioned, these veterans lived through the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, and many enlisted in the service as soon as they could, at the age of 18. One veteran who did this was Henry Langrehr. Born in Iowa to a modest family, he spent his time as a child collecting scraps of metal to help his family make ends meet. He dropped out of high school and left his two jobs to enlist as soon as he learned about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His first ever day of combat was June 6, 1944 – “D-Day.” He dropped into Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, and went through the roof of a greenhouse. After weeks of fighting behind enemy lines, he was taken as a prisoner of war, sent to multiple camps and forced to work in a German coal mine. He finally escaped after months held captive and spent two weeks in enemy
The veterans had a chance to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery, the final resting place of 1,541 Americans who died in World War I and 24 unknown dead of World War II.
AMERICAN AIRLINES RETURN TO NORMANDY ITINERARY
THURSDAY, MAY 30
Veterans arrive. World War II-themed kickoff dinner on AA’s Skyview campus in Ft. Worth
FRIDAY, MAY 31
1045 Sendoff ceremony at AA’s headquarters
1730 Parade of veterans in Terminal D from Gate D24 to D29
1800 Departure ceremony at Gate D29
1830 Boarding begins
1920 Flight 9704 departs, water cannon salute during taxi
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
1115 Flight 9704 arrives CDG
1300 Welcome by the U.S. Ambassador and local school children
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
0900 Wreath ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery in Paris
1200 Boat tour and lunch on the Seine River
1800 Le Ravivage at the Arc de Triomphe
MONDAY, JUNE 3
0800 Depart for Normandy
1200 Lunch in Houlgate
1630 Tour of Le Memorial in Caen
1800 Academy choir concert at Le Memorial
TUESDAY, JUNE 4
0900 Ceremony at the 1st Infantry Division monument in Colleville-sur-Mer
1000 Wreath ceremony on Omaha Beach near the 1st Infantry Division monument
1330 Wreath ceremony at Pointe du Hoc
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
0930 Wreath ceremony on Utah Beach
1400 Academy choir concert in the St. Mere Eglise town square 1600 Parade of veterans through the streets of St. Mere Eglise 1700 Airborne Museum tour
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
1230 Ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery
2000 Academy choir performance at Notre Dame Cathedral in Bayeux
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
0800 Bus to CDG Airport in Paris
1525 Flight 9705 departs CDG
1840 Flight 9705 arrives DFW
1930 Heroes’ arrival at International Arrivals in Terminal D
(continued from page 25)
territory before finding an American military unit. Throughout this time, he thought of his wife, Arlene, who was a “Rosie the Riveter” working in a factory back in the States. On this trip to Normandy, Langrehr visited the site of that greenhouse that he fell through on that day 80 years ago and shared his story with his fellow veterans and Stillinger. It is the veteran’s hope that by sharing his story, people will remember that in times of need, his generation pulled together to fight for what was right, both through military service and by working long hours back home to support the soldiers fighting overseas.
“
Like any other brother of Pi Kappa Phi, a sense of service and sacrifice is at the heart of everything I do.
”
While all individuals on the trip were inspiring individuals with unique stories, not all of them were veterans. One was Leon Malmed. After talking to him, Stillinger learned that Malmed was born in France, and when he was four years old, the French police arrived at his door to take his Jewish parents away. Despite his pleas and cries, his parents were taken to Auschwitz. Malmed was taken in by his Christian neighbors, who promised to care for him and his sister until their parents returned, and remembers his childhood being filled with roundups, bombings and invasions. When his city was liberated by the 28th division of the United States Army, he felt like he was dreaming. Not yet aware of the atrocities committed in concentration camps like Auschwitz, Malmed waited earnestly for his parents to return, but they never did. To him, this trip 80 years later was a chance to see the place where the liberation of his homeland began, and where the
Air Force crews flew over Normandy in C-130 Hercules transport planes painted with black and white invasion stripes, commemorating the patterns painted on allied planes during the invasion to identify them as friendly forces to the troops below.
regime that had taken his parents from him finally began to fall.
When asked why he dedicated so much of his time and energy (much of it outside of his normal working hours) to ensuring this trip was as perfect as it could possibly be, Stillinger’s answer was simple. “I was on a mission to honor these heroes, like those whose stories I mentioned, and show my appreciation for them,” he said. “Like any other brother of Pi Kappa Phi, a sense of service and sacrifice is at the heart of everything I do.”
With this sense of service and sacrifice instilled in him through both his military service and Pi Kappa Phi, he makes a point to give back through service with every opportunity he can find. One opportunity he took advantage of is cycling the Journey of Hope, not once, but twice. “I was a cyclist on the Journey of Hope South Route in 1996 and the ‘10th Anniversary Team’ in 1998, which retraced Bruce Rogers’ original route. I consider my role as a cyclist on the Journey of Hope to be one of my greatest accomplishments in life,” said Stillinger. “The Journey of Hope teams are smaller brotherhoods within the larger organization, and the bonds are strong because they’ve endured so much as a team.” While he has found strong bonds and connections with his Journey of Hope teams, as a veteran, he has also found a sense of community with other brothers of Pi Kappa Phi who have served or are currently serving their country.
In part because of these communities of common loyalty he has found in his own life, he works even harder to build a strong sense of community for the veterans and military personnel he supports. By giving his all to planning this trip, Stillinger created a tight-knit group of 68 individuals with shared World War II experiences and enabled them to come together to share in remembrance and reflection, laughter and joy and perhaps most significantly, thanks to their valiant sacrifices and service; freedom.
To learn more about the incredible trip that Stillinger planned and executed, visit aa.com/dday80
“The Lone Sailor Monument,” placed on Utah Beach in Normandy, honors the Naval Combat Demolition Unit, also known as the “Frogmen.” The predecessor to today’s U.S. Navy Seals, 91 of the 175 Frogmen who worked to clear obstacles in advance of the D-Day landing were killed or wounded.
(Left to right) Alumnus Tom Carter, Gamma Delta (Memphis), his wife Mary and Stillinger, Zeta Gamma (North Dakota), had the chance to meet up and share part of this experience.
TAKING THE PULSE OF COLLEGE ENROLLMENT: WHERE HAVE ALL THE STUDENTS GONE?
by Rachel Greene
In 2025, universities and colleges across the nation are expected to see a sharp decrease in enrollment, coined “the enrollment cliff” by many in higher education. This seemingly inevitable crisis did not appear out of thin air but is a delayed symptom of the “birth dearth,” the sharp decrease in birth rates that followed the 2008 recession. To further exacerbate this issue, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on institutions, many of whom are still actively working to recover. Now, as they climb out of the hole the pandemic left them in, they face the challenge of keeping their balance on the edge of the enrollment cliff.
The number of college-aged students is not the only reason that institutions are facing this enrollment crisis. Out of the smaller pool of students who exist despite the birth dearth, many of them will still choose to forego college. Why? According to Education Dynamics, there has been a 21% decrease in the number of individuals showing a high degree of confidence in higher education since 2015. At the forefront of prospective college students’ decision-making is the question of the real value of a college degree, especially when compared to the rising costs associated with attending a four-year institution. This failure to see value in a college degree, coupled with concerns about postgraduate job outcomes and, consequently, the ability to pay off student loan debt, has led to the formation of the “demand cliff,” the sharp decrease in 18- to 24-year-olds choosing to attend college.
THE INSTITUTIONAL APPROACH: ADAPTING TO TODAY’S STUDENTS
While institutions are aware of the crisis that is looming, some, more than others, might need to brace for impact. According to the Fraternal Growth Index, the top 100 campuses in size have seen a 0.09% decrease in male enrollment from fall 2017 to fall 2022, while campuses ranked 101 to 600 in size have seen an 11.22% decrease in male enrollment in the same period. Larger schools that fall in the top hundred, like those in the Southeastern Conference or Big Ten division, will likely see a decrease in their applicant pool, but they are afforded the luxury of reaching a bit deeper into their pool to get to their optimum incoming class sizes. The real issue will arise for smaller institutions, those that are already doing everything they can short of admitting every single applicant to reach their desired, and oftentimes very necessary, class sizes. At smaller institutions, where the student population might be around 2,000 students, every student’s tuition makes a noticeable difference in the school’s budget. With the enrollment cliff coming, the applicant pool is getting increasingly shallow, and for some institutions, it may run dry.
One institution implementing new recruitment and retention tactics is Iona University in New York. With a full-time undergraduate population of 2,701 students reported in the fall of 2023, Iona is a small, private institution located in an urban area. Assistant Director of Student Engagement Austin Stellato, Iota Omicron (Iona), shared that retention is at the heart of everything the institution is doing. To successfully retain students, Iona has leaned into their ability to be flexible and adapt to the needs of incoming students, rather than only relying on their reputation and the strength of their academic programs. An example: the appearance of the campus. “If you want people
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” A sense of belonging is cultivated not just through involvement on campus, but also through where students live, learn, eat and spend most of their time.
to be attracted to your university, you must make your university attractive,” said Stellato. “A sense of belonging is cultivated not just through involvement on campus, but also through where students live, learn, eat and spend most of their time. If these facilities are up to standard, students will be happier on your campus, and they will be more likely to remain there.” In addition to investing in upgrading their facilities and campus, Iona has focused on adapting their curriculum options to students’ needs today.
Iona recently partnered with New York-Presbyterian, one of the highest-ranking hospitals in the nation and the highest-ranked hospital in New York, to open a school of health sciences. They are meeting an increasing need for healthcare professionals through cutting-edge academic opportunities. In addition to this new offering, Iona is appealing to students whose career path and field of study typically requires a master’s degree and is offering as many “4+1” programs as possible, programs that, with one application, admit a student into both a four-year undergraduate program and a one-year master’s program. In 2023, thanks, no doubt, to Iona’s commitment to these initiatives, the institution announced its largest first-year class in five years.
An alumnus of the Iota Omicron Chapter, Stellato thinks fraternities and other organizations can leverage their ability to provide connections, helping to boost their membership numbers while increasing overall retention to the institution. “It is important for fraternities to highlight their own value, but also for institutions to highlight the college experience that occurs outside of the classroom,” he said. “The experience of being in a leadership role on a campus, in a fraternal organization or otherwise, and managing a diverse group of upwards of 50 individuals teaches you people skills, time management and conflict resolution that you would be hard-pressed to learn elsewhere.”
Dwayne Todd, Alpha Eta (Samford), has a unique vantage point on the enrollment cliff as a member of Pi Kappa Phi’s National Council, and as the vice president for student engagement and success at Ohio Wesleyan University. With a total enrollment of 1,452 and a collective first-year enrollment of 448 in fall 2023, Ohio Wesleyan is a small, private institution located in a rural area. In 2021, when they found themselves falling behind their peers, Todd says they experienced some “nail-biting” moments and anticipated being forced to make cuts. Instead, the university enacted fresh ideas and aggressive strategies that he believes put Ohio Wesleyan on the right path to prevail. The university embarked on an “all-in” approach to student success by targeting these key areas: academics, finances and social connections. “We set up teams of faculty and staff to look at different areas
That shrinking number of students attending college. So, what does this mean for the future of fraternity and sorority life?
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Chief Executive Officer Dani Weatherford, recognizes that she does not have a crystal ball to see the exact impact the enrollment cliff will have. However, she remains committed to supporting sorority communities through difficult times and pivoting when necessary to provide better support and resources. “We know that sorority is a good investment of time and resources. Sorority women are more likely to persist through college, graduate on time and report higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience than non-affiliated peers,” said Weatherford. Unfamiliar and unprecedented times are something that NPC is no stranger to, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. “A lot has changed for college students over the past few years,” she shared. “We can’t underestimate the effects of the pandemic on the college experience and on the student population numbers we are seeing and predicting.” NPC has been fortunate to recently see sorority membership numbers returning to pre-pandemic
It has been extremely beneficial to have people across the institution coming together with their unique puzzle pieces to talk about which ones aren’t fitting right, and how we can solve the puzzle as a team.
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levels. To Weatherford, this upward trend shows that the sorority experience is as strong and vital as ever and will remain that way even with the enrollment cliff.
While it is indisputable that college campuses and Greek organizations have changed and evolved because of the pandemic, Weatherford believes that the value of the experience has not diminished. “The sorority experience serves as an amplifier for the college experience. Our sorority communities and networks worldwide help women connect with internships, engage with academic support services and provide substantial experience in philanthropy,” said Weatherford. “These keystone experiences, combined with a lifelong foundation of sisterhood, are of the utmost importance when women first enter the job market and throughout their careers.” For parents, students and college administrators looking to boost student success and ensure a positive experience, Weatherford recommends looking to Panhellenic, and the larger fraternity and sorority communities.
Similarly, North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) President and Chief Executive Officer Judson Horras knows that fraternities and sororities can add value to the college experience in an age where the worth of a college education is in constant question. He believes that the college enrollment cliff will be different on all campuses, but the impact of fraternity can remain constant. “I am concerned that the enrollment cliff will make it more difficult for fraternities to exist at some institutions,” said Horras, “It’s a shame because I think young men today need fraternity more than ever.”
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” Regardless of what the male enrollment challenge is at the school they’ve chosen to attend, men need fraternity, and I hope that among all the enrollment challenges, we don’t lose sight of that.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE FUTURE OF GREEK LIFE
Something Horras has seen that makes him hopeful for the future is the newfound willingness institutions have to partner with the NIC. It seems to him that some institutions are finally realizing the value of fraternity. He has seen institutions and administrators making efforts to introduce fraternityfriendly administrative policies, knowing that the success of the institution may hinge on the continued existence of these organizations. A fraternity experience increases male retention rates, teaches men to collaborate and engage in diverse viewpoint conversations and lowers the rate of anxiety and depression among male students. “Fraternity gives students a home away from home, and I think for a lot of young men, a strong fraternity community is the value add that can make or break an admissions decision.” said Horras.
Horras recently witnessed an example of this as his daughter weighed her options during her admissions process. “The students we saw on campus who were actively involved in securing her as a student, whether through campus tours or one-on-one outreach, were all fraternity and sorority members,” said Horras. “I think institutions need to activate their fraternity and sorority base on campus if they aren’t already. Using these students who care about the institution and are ‘plugged in’ is critical. Students are not just choosing an institution based on academics anymore, they are choosing based on fit and where they feel most at home.” Making students feel at home is something that Horras knows fraternities can do, and they can do it incredibly well.
“Of
the 600 campuses that have fraternities, I don’t believe we are
MOMENT AT THE MUSEUM
ORIGINS OF THE ABILITY EXPERIENCE
by Rachel Greene
“A
SOCIAL FRATERNITY WITH A HEART”
Originally published in the 1983 summer issue of the Star & Lamp, pictured are David Duncan, Gamma Upsilon, (Oklahoma State), with Ray Robertson. Duncan led his chapter in their fundraising efforts for P.U.S.H. in its early years.
and reached a new level of stability, but the world had changed drastically. When he envisioned a national service project at the beginning of his career, the country was embarking on a decade of political engagement, student activism and revolution on college campuses. Students were engaged members of their campus communities and cared passionately about causes they found important. Protests and rallies brought life to campus quads and strong voices to students who had previously walked to class quietly. During this time, Owen strategically designed bumper stickers using Pi Kappa Phi’s Greek letters to form the peace symbol in hopes of engaging students who were interested in these causes and possibly seeming more relatable to gain some respect from the Fraternity’s undergraduate members. In 1971, though, when it became realistic for Owen to devote time to planning a national project, the college landscape was more complicated, shifting seemingly overnight to a quiet, apathetic environment. Disillusioned with the political landscape and no longer confident in their ability to make real change, students began to be less involved with organizations and causes that were important to them, feeling as if the things they were doing didn’t really matter. To counter this widespread attitude in Pi Kappa Phi members, and to align with current undergraduate student interests, Owen set out to start a national service project to help save the environment.
Earlier that year, Owen met Bennett Smith, Gamma Mu (Belmont Abbey), a Boy Scout troop leader. As the two talked about Pi Kappa Phi and the Boy Scouts of America, they found common threads of interest among the membership of each organization. To both Boy Scouts and the average college student in 1971, the well-being of the environment was a major concern. To Owen and Smith, the idea of a collaboration between these organizations had great promise, so Pi Kappa Phi decided to join the Boy Scouts of America in their service initiative, Project SOAR, short for “Save Our American Resources,” a project that the two organizations hoped would engage members in service, build affinity to their respective organizations and make a tangible impact on both their local communities and the country. Owen piloted the project to schools near the National Office in Charlotte, North Carolina, and with much excitement,
presented the idea at Pi Kapp College, regional conclaves and to the Supreme Chapter. Much to his disappointment, students vehemently disliked the idea, so the project fizzled out while still in its infancy. As he scrapped his plans, and undoubtedly felt a bit defeated, it would have been impossible for Owen to know then, that this instance he considered a “failure,” was simply a guidepost leading him to one of the greatest feats he would accomplish in his career as executive director of Pi Kappa Phi.
After yet another failed attempt to engage Pi Kappa Phi in a philanthropic project, this time through an initiative called “Small Acts of Kindness,” Owen and the National Council discussed abandoning the search for a national service project. It was 1972 at this point, and there was a clear reason for students not engaging with their communities the way they once had; they were concerned for their futures and lives. While full-time college students were able to get a legal deferment from the Vietnam War draft in the late 1960s, by the early 1970s, most deferments were dropped, excluding divinity students and medical students. By 1972, nearly all male undergraduate students faced the uncertainty associated with the draft. During these unprecedented times, the National Council made the wise decision to not fully abandon the search, but rather put it on hold as the Fraternity worked to build its membership and finances during wartime. Four years later, the time seemed right for the search to resume.
In August 1975, Owen proposed legislation at the 35th Supreme Chapter directing the Fraternity to adopt a national project. It was determined that the project would be singular in nature, and one which Pi Kappa Phi would be the sole beneficiary of. This would be no simple feat, as no fraternity had introduced a project like this in the past, and there were no contemporary references to which Owen could base his work. Never shying away from a challenge, the work of determining the project began immediately following Supreme Chapter.
The initial idea considered by the National Council was a blood bank program specifically for members of Pi Kappa Phi. National Council member John Wilson, Eta (Emory), served as
Brothers of the Omega Chapter at Purdue University are joined by the University president, seen pushing the wheelchair, during their 50-hour project to raise awareness and funds for the P.U.S.H. project in 1983.
(continued from page 33)
the executive vice president of the American Red Cross at the time, so an arrangement could have likely been made for a partnership, but the Supreme Chapter had called for a project that was Pi Kappa Phi’s very own, and thus the search continued. While a blood bank was a good idea in theory and could certainly make a difference, it also relied on college students spending their weekends giving blood and wouldn’t have provided the service experience Owen had hoped.
Not knowing what his next steps should be, Owen did what he often found himself doing to advance the Fraternity, finding people who knew more about the topic at hand than he did. As a member of the Governor’s Advocacy Council for Children and Youth, Owen met Dr. Iverson Riddle, the general director of Western Carolina Center (now the J. Iverson Riddle Development Center), a renowned facility for people with disabilities in North Carolina. The two men discussed the needs of North Carolina that could potentially be needs that existed on a national level that would interest undergraduate students. Riddle mentioned that North Carolina needed an educational entity that could focus on advocacy. Owen presented the idea in the form of a “School of Advocacy” project to the National Council but was advised by council member Wilson that there needed to be a hands-on relationship between undergraduate members and the project for it to be effective. With this in mind, Owen returned to Western Carolina Center to talk with Riddle once again. It was then in October 1976, that Riddle introduced Owen to a young man on his staff, Thomas Sayre.
After receiving bachelor’s degrees in both English and fine arts from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Sayre had gone on to study art at the University of Michigan, where he also served as the University’s resident sculptor. While Sayre had many career opportunities presented to him following graduation, Dr. Riddle offered him the chance to work toward something he was passionate about: his core belief that people with disabilities would achieve a higher level of independence and self-management if society had afforded them the opportunity to engage in play as children like their peers without disabilities. The state of North Carolina had no space on its financial agenda for a sculptor to be hired, so for all intents and purposes, Sayre was listed on the books as a janitor. In his role, Sayre was tasked with creating an outdoor, sculptured playground that would be safe for people with disabilities. As Owen talked to Sayre about his work, he could tell that the young man was looking to continue this project and expand it to reach more people with disabilities. Luckily for Sayre, Owen knew just how they could go about making that happen.
After discussing the idea with the National Council, Wilson, the council liaison to the nation project, agreed that Sayre was
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What started as Owen’s hope and dream for Pi Kappa Phi has become something more, something greater than he could have ever imagined.
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a bright young man with a great idea for a hands-on service experience for undergraduate members, and the proposed project was given the green light. In 1977 at the 36th Supreme Chapter in New Orleans, Louisiana, P.U.S.H. was officially adopted as the national project of Pi Kappa Phi, and Sayre was honored as the model initiate for his contributions to the initiative. He was designated as a member of the Kappa Chapter at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he completed his undergraduate degree. With help from Sayre, Owen’s vision had at last been realized after 18 years, and it was more impactful than he could’ve ever imagined. This project alone shifted Pi Kappa Phi from a social fraternity like all others to “a social fraternity with a heart,” Owen wrote in “The Brotherhood,” Pi Kappa Phi’s centennial history book.
As The Ability Experience approaches its 50th anniversary, the organization has evolved in many meaningful ways. Today, The Ability Experience is an independent entity within the Fraternity, but as the 35th Supreme Chapter decided, remains exclusive to Pi Kappa Phi. The Ability Experience remains committed to its mission of using shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders, and to its vision of creating a community, one relationship at a time, where the abilities of all people are recognized and valued. To make this mission and vision a reality, The Ability Experience hosts annual transformative summer events like the Journey of Hope and Gear Up Florida, programs with unique histories and stories of their own, as well as Ability Camps that regularly make an impact in different communities throughout the nation. Undergraduate chapters fundraise $850,000 annually through events like War of the Roses and bike-a-thons, and collectively to date, The Ability Experience has fundraised more than $30 million, which has been distributed across the country to benefit people with disabilities and utilized to provide as many opportunities for men of Pi Kappa Phi to engage in servant leadership as possible.
What started as Owen’s hope and dream for Pi Kappa Phi has become something more, something greater than he could have ever imagined. The founding of P.U.S.H., now The Ability Experience, is what Owen recalls as his greatest achievement as executive director. Undoubtedly, the numerous communities who have benefitted from the funds raised or the joy shared at a Friendship Visit over the years, the men of Pi Kappa Phi who have experienced what it means to become a servant leader and the brothers who have witnessed how this philanthropic initiative has strengthened their chapter’s bonds of brotherhood, would agree with him.
To learn more about The Ability Experience and how the men of Pi Kappa Phi bring the organization’s mission to life, visit abilityexperience.org.
We express our condolences and mourn the passing of our brothers now in the Chapter Eternal. May their memories remain in our hearts and their families be surrounded by love. This list reflects notifications received at National Headquarters between March 1, 2024, and July 31, 2024. First name, last name and date passed to Chapter Eternal are listed for each member.
To inform National Headquarters of a member who has passed to the Chapter Eternal, please email letusknow@pikapp.org.
GEORGE LANE joined the Chapter Eternal on July 11, 2024. Lane was born on June 27, 1938, in Atlanta, Georgia and was initiated into the Beta Kappa Chapter at Georgia State University on January 27, 1957. After finishing college, Lane served his country in the United States Army, and he was also a member of the Georgia National Guard for more than 10 years. He had a lifetime career in sales, most notably with Luden’s, Morton Salt and Van Melle and was also president of the Atlanta Candy Club for several years. Lane was proud to be responsible for successfully bringing the popular candy Airheads to the United States.
ALPHA (College of Charleston)
Howard Burmester, 5/17/2024
BETA (Presbyterian)
Forrest Smith, 4/4/2024
SIGMA (South Carolina)
Robert Berry, 12/30/2023
Robert Aldrich, 4/20/2024
IOTA (Georgia Tech)
Bruce Vanderhoof, 3/23/2022
KAPPA (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wayne Nelson Scott, 7/19/2018
James B. Miller, 1/20/2024
Richard Rhodes, 4/1/2024
Gerald Teele, 5/17/2024
Richard Jackson, 6/13/2024
NU (Nebraska-Lincoln)
John H. George, 12/20/2023
XI (Roanoke)
Charles Vigness, 11/17/2018
ALPHA THETA (Michigan State)
Robert Trumpfheller, 3/20/2024
ALPHA MU (Penn State)
Bruce Richard Foster, 11/17/2022
Clark Sharon, 5/26/2024
Robert Thornton, 6/4/2024
BETA ALPHA (NJIT)
Robert O’Hare, 7/25/2021
BETA KAPPA (Georgia State)
George Lane, 7/11/2024
BETA XI (Central Michigan)
Lucas Disbro, 7/1/2024
BETA SIGMA (Northern Illinois)
Richard Fogel, 4/10/2024
BETA TAU (Valdosta State)
George Bennett, 4/20/2024
DELTA DELTA (Truman State)
Matthew Stockmann, 7/1/2024
DELTA EPSILON (Jacksonville State)
Jeffrey Taylor, 6/27/2024
DELTA ETA (Morehead State)
Christopher Tolliver, 7/24/2023
DELTA LAMBDA (UNC-Charlotte)
Jamie Sales, 9/20/2022
EPSILON LAMBDA (South Carolina Upstate)
Rondal Johnson, 3/30/2024
EPSILON PSI (Slippery Rock)
Gary Moffett, 4/8/2024
Scott Gault, 7/6/2024
ZETA ALPHA (Clemson) Paul Corpening, 4/22/2024
OMICRON (Alabama)
Job Benton White, 12/6/2023
TAU (NC State)
George W. Fox, 4/4/2022
Jerry Healy, Jr., 7/5/2023
William Carter, 7/7/2024
James Myrick, 7/25/2024
UPSILON (Illinois-Urbana-Champaign)
Anthony Saccomano, 1/7/2024
OMEGA (Purdue)
Donald McFee, 4/19/2024
ALPHA DELTA (Washington)
Alexander Quinlan, 5/7/2024
ALPHA EPSILON (Florida)
Robert Scott, 6/23/2024
BETA UPSILON (Virginia)
Robert Wilburn, 1/23/2024
Zachary Galli, 5/11/2024
Edwin Chewning, 6/16/2024
GAMMA EPSILON (Western Carolina)
Robert Crawford, 4/15/2024
GAMMA THETA (UNC-Wilmington)
Hugh Caroll Newkirk, 5/10/2023
Thomas Preston Brown Jr., 5/13/2023
Terrence Wait, 11/27/2023
Michael Eugene Sheehan, 2/12/2024
GAMMA KAPPA (Georgia Southern)
John McManus, 5/28/2024
GAMMA XI (Georgia Southwestern)
Keith E. Lee, 1/16/2024
GAMMA PSI (Augusta)
Johnnie Geeter, 4/23/2024
ETA ZETA (Queens-Charlotte) Stephen Moore, 3/23/2024
ETA LAMBDA (SUNY-Brockport) Brian Cosen, 1/31/2024
ETA NU (Pennsylvania) Nathaniel Gordon, 3/23/2024
THETA THETA (Iowa) Nathan Stamp, 10/26/2019
THETA MU (Massachusetts–Amherst) Matthew Schoenberg, 1/28/2024
IOTA RHO (Western Illinois) Robert McClaughry, 4/26/2024
Todd Guidi, 5/20/2024
IOTA TAU (Rutgers) Noah Koenig, 6/7/2024
