Omicronicle Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi H University of Alabama H Fall 2016
Connect With Pi Kappa Phi Today!
Save the Date: Omicron 100th Anniversary, April 22-23, 2017 We are particularly focused on providing opportunities for alumni to assist young Brothers in their careers. We are planning an annual banquet and leadership weekend for alumni to connect with and provide career guidance to juniors and seniors. A formal graduation ceremony, initiating graduates into OAO, will provide the first alumni link for new graduates. Alumni are uniquely situated to provide appropriate guidance to Brothers just entering the workplace. This opportunity to help a younger Brother in a meaningful way is win-win. The Chapter with the chairman of the Sober Living America Foundation. Omicron was presented a check showing the amount raised by the Chapter last semester.
O
ne of my favorite times of the year is upon us— fall: a season with Homecoming, football games, and visits to the University of Alabama. When I’m back in Tuscaloosa, and immersed in UA’s atmosphere, I immediately think about my times as a Pi Kapp. My membership in the fraternity defined my college experience and provided me with lifelong friends. I can’t imagine what my undergraduate days would have been like without Omicron Chapter, and as I inevitably drive past the Chapter House, I realize how important it is that our organization continues to influence the lives of today’s young men. Join the Omicron Association Today The Omicron Campaign raised nearly $2 million dollars. Our biggest obstacle was that most Brothers had lost contact with the Chapter. With the Chapter House construction completed, the Campaign Committee has become the Omicron Alumni Organization (OAO). The Organization’s purposes are to facilitate contacts among Brothers, organize social events, and create mentoring contacts between alumni and younger Brothers. OAO membership will consist of Brothers who participated in the campaign and others who join voluntarily. There will be no dues, but members will be encouraged to contribute to the University of Alabama – Pi Kappa Phi Building Fund.
Visit Tuscaloosa, or Find an Alumni Event Near You this Fall We are also planning to do local meetings in geographic areas where we have alumni concentration. OAO plans to organize more events this fall. Jimmy May ’71 and Phil Graf ’67 (suephil1@ bellsouth.net) are the point persons if you have any questions. Using the current contact information, holding such events is relatively easy. More importantly, they have proven to be great fun. Use the contact information below to get in touch with your nearest alumni concentration today. • Birmingham
° Steve Smith ’88
ssmith@noesis-capital.com ° Seth Chapman ’84 seth@weezabi.com
• Atlanta ° Whit Callahan ’64 witcall@aol.com • Mobile ° Jimmy May ’71 jmay@teamquality.com
We need Brothers who want to participate in fellowship, mentoring, and/or geographic events. If you are interested in participating in any way or staying in touch with these efforts, contact Warren DeBardelaben ’82 (debardw@bellsouth.net) or connect with us on Facebook. You can join by e-mailing the enclosed form to Warren. A large, connected alumni group will provide lasting benefits for all Omicron Brothers. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the 100th anniversary of Omicron Chapter on April 22-23, 2017. Read page 4 for more details and how to RSVP.
Each member will receive a custom lapel pin and a password to the Fraternally, OAO member’s website. This site would let users submit stories or Steve Trimmier ’63 photos, review an events calendar, and update contact information. (800) 666-3151 The website would also permit posting job opportunities and steve@trimmier.com resumes. We believe the use of e-mail and social media can cure the lack of communication among alumni. Omicron
Celebrates 100 Years! See page 4 for more details.
Chapter Involvement
Omicronicle
page 2
A Foundation for Success Dr. J. Noble Anderson Jr. ’81 on the Importance of Academics and Brotherhood
W
hen Dr. J. Noble Anderson Jr. ’81 joined Omicron Chapter, he had a good feeling about the fraternity and was positive it was the right fit for him. His sense of pride in the Chapter has only grown since graduating, as he continues to be impressed by the progress and reputation of the active Chapter. To show his dedication to Pi Kappa Phi, he served on the new building committee and donated to the Building for the Next 100 Years campaign. “The new House is outstanding. It’s one of the nicest—if not the nicest Chapter House— on campus,” he said. “The active Brothers are personable, welcoming, and friendly. I’m impressed by the entire Chapter, both the members and the house itself.” During his years as an undergraduate, Noble served as the scholarship chairman and focused a great deal of time on his studies. Through the office, Noble found more motivation to study, understood the importance of grades, and passed on his motivation to his Brothers. “I surrounded myself with excellent people that motivated me to work hard for good grades and promote my ability to perform in the future,” he said. “I’m proud of those relationships and seeing how successful those Brothers are today.” Noble graduated with an Honors degree in biology, and mathematics and chemistry minors. He received his M.D. from the University of
Alabama School of Medicine, and completed his internship and residency at the University of Alabama specializing in Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). He has had a private practice for 20 years and is an ear, nose, and throat doctor for both children and adults. “Essentially, being scholarship chairman motivated me to study and focus on my grades. Pi Kappa Phi helped me stay focused on my education and we all encouraged each other to make good grades to enhance our future job prospects.” When he wasn’t studying, some of Noble’s favorite times as an undergraduate were Alabama football games, social swaps, band parties, and spending time with his Brothers and roommates. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Omicron Chapter. The friendships I made are my best friends to this day,” he said. Noble enjoys traveling, snow skiing, spending time at the beach, and supporting Alabama football in his free time. He lives in Montgomery, Alabama, and can be reached at nobleand@gmail.com.
I
Omicron Alumni Organization Contact Us to Get Involved Today!
Steve Trimmier ’63 (800) 666-3151 steve@trimmier.com Warren Debardelaben ’82 warren.debardelaben@ nissan-usa.com Bill Barton ’68 william.barton@ wellsfargoadvisors.com John Greaves ’88 john@virginiagreaves.com David Adams ’89 rush1527@yahoo.com
Journey of Hope 2016
n July, Omicron hosted members of the Journey of Hope for dinner at the Chapter House. Journey of Hope is a crosscountry bike mission for The Ability Experience and raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. The event covers 32 states, cycling more than 12,000 miles combined, and is solely composed of members of Pi Kappa Phi. Omicron members enjoyed meeting and socializing with the participants and they rested from their long day of travel.
Update on Active Chapter
page 3
1
PI Kappa Phi
2
(1) Omicron Brothers with members of the university’s Best Buddies program. The program partners with Alabama students to build lasting friendships with people with disabilities. (2) Nick Tomlinson ’14, Brandon Walters ’14, Walker Lamberth ’14, and Justin Lukas ’14 spent an afternoon with Arts ’n Autism participants.
Brothers Set Standard for UA Fraternities Omicron Excels in Community Service and Fundraising
A
s Omicron begins another successful fall semester, we reflect on our past accomplishments while keeping in mind that our true priority is continuing to reach above and beyond what is expected of us. This past semester, we produced outstanding numbers in both community service and fundraising. Our Chapter size continues to grow—with around 95 active members who returned this fall—and we anticipate a pledge class of roughly 45 outstanding young men.
New Goals for Academic Excellence Last spring, Omicron excelled in scholarship, earning a GPA above the university’s allmen’s GPA average. With a cumulative GPA of 3.02, the Chapter moved up two places, from 18 to 16, in fraternity GPA rankings. Our goal for the fall semester is to achieve a GPA higher than the all-fraternity average. The first step we’ve implemented to meet this goal is a new academic mentoring program for new members in the fall.
Leadership in Campus and Community Omicron continues to be a leader on campus in community service and philanthropy. Together, we earned more than 2,300 collective community service hours and raised $5,000 for various philanthropies. Throughout spring semester, we hosted several events benefiting organizations such as It’s On Us, Best Buddies, and Crossing Points, and at our annual golf tournament we were able to raise nearly $1,000 for The Ability Experience. At the spring award ceremony, former Archon Parker Troutman ’12 was named IFC President of the Year, and we, as a Chapter, are extremely grateful for the effort Parker put into his work and the legacy he left. Another honor Omicron received was the executive award for excellence in recruitment, presented to us at the Pi Kappa Phi mid-year leadership conference.
of Tuscaloosa to host a casino night on October 29. The league is a non-profit organization that gives children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in an organized baseball league, and Omicron has decided to sponsor one team. “I want to encourage everyone to get involved with this wonderful organization,” Community Service Chairman Justin Lukas ’14 said. “Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or ways to get involved.” Justin can be reached at jjlukas@crimson.ua.edu. Alumni, keep a look out for information on our annual Brothers Night Out event via Facebook and e-mail. Additionally, Chapter Historian Dalyan Kilic ’14 is planning several alumnifocused events throughout the semester. Details for these events will be posted on Facebook or e-mailed as well. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming Events Omicron has partnered with the Miracle League
Fraternally, Hamilton W. Hurd ’12 Archon (205) 242-2964 hwhurd@crimson.ua.edu
Welcome, 2016 New Member Class Spencer J. Anderson Mooresville, N.C.
Christopher J. Engen Madison, Ala.
Jeremius D. Mendonca IV Plantation, Fla.
Riley J. Raposa Clinton, N.Y.
Dillon K. Simmons Brewton, Ala.
Ryan E. Behren Weston, Fla.
Francisco E. Granados Miami, Fla.
Harrison R. Mink Birmingham, Ala.
Gerardo A. Rodriguez Plantation, Fla.
Tyson J. Smith Chandler, Ariz.
Daron B. Bolen Jackson, Ala.
Kurt G. Greer Birmingham, Ala.
Matthew J. Muccino Hatfield, Mass.
Jake E. Ruttenberg Mountain Brook, Ala.
Trevor M. Thames Vestavia, Ala.
Tyler R. Bynum Flower Mound, Texas
James S. Hill Birmingham, Ala.
Ford R. Neal Vestavia, Ala.
Derek A. Saxon Hoover, Ala.
David N. Turner Vestavia, Ala.
Cameron S. Chafetz Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
James D. Kerr Charleston, S.C.
Joseph D. Pewitt Mountain Brook, Ala.
Steven T. Sheffield Jackson, Ala.
Andrew M. Wade Jackson, Ala.
Augustus B. Dorsey Dothan, Ala.
Bailey T. Lowery Huntsville, Ala.
Nicolas A. Prendes Miami, Fla.
Omicronicle Pi Kappa Phi P.O. Box 1880 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Address Service Requested
attention: This newsletter is intended for alumni and parents. If your son is still attending the University of Alabama, he will receive a copy at the Chapter House. If he has graduated, please mail us his new address to help update our records. Thank you.
Omicron Celebrates 100 Years Alumni, Mark Your Calendars
B
rothers, this coming April, Omicron will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. This once-in-a-lifetime event is cause for a celebration— Omicron style! Mark your calendars today for our Centennial Anniversary weekend, April 22-23, 2017. A block of rooms will be reserved at The Hotel Capstone, a short walk from our beautiful new Chapter House at 130 University Blvd. Tentative event details are as follows:
Saturday, April 22 • 1-5 p.m. - The weekend will begin with house tours, a champagne toast, VIP speeches, and the unveiling of our 100th anniversary monument. This will be followed by a very special formal Chapter meeting and ceremony in the Emmett Dendy Chapter Room for initiated Brothers only. A silent auction of distinctive and one-of-a-kind University of Alabama and Pi Kappa Phi memorabilia will be available. Commemorative T-shirts, cozies, and other memorabilia will be available for purchase. • 7 p.m. - midnight - Black tie optional Grand Ball at the Chapter House featuring the sounds of Motown. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served as well as a cash bar. Contents
for the 125th anniversary time capsule will be collected, and during the Grand Ball, guests will be asked to contribute and explain their individual contributions on stage.
Sunday, April 23 • 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Formal brunch for all Brothers and guests will be served featuring the best southern fare from the Omicron kitchen. Coat and tie is required for brunch. The Omicron Chapter is proud to have achieved this milestone in our history and want as many alumni as possible to share in our celebration. Please mark the dates and watch for more information on our Facebook page, website, www.uapikappaphi.com, and in the mail. A registration website, currently under development, will be used to RSVP your attendance.
Keep Up with Omicron Online Website www.uapikappaphi.com
Twitter @UA_PiKappaPhi
Facebook Pi Kappa Phi–Omicron Chapter