Psi - Spring 2009

T HE P SIREN A Publication of the Psi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at Cornell I THACA , N EW Y ORK

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By Rustin Rodewald The past few weeks here at the chapter house have been very exciting, as we wind down the member education process and prepare to initiate 17 new members of Psi Chapter (as well as 2 alumni initiates, Prof. Geoff Recktenwald and Mike Heinz’s brother Doug Heinz). Seeing the enthusiasm and energy of our associate members certainly lifts morale and makes all brothers even more proud to be Pi Kapps, and luckily we have had a lot to be proud of this semester.

Over the past few months Psi Chapter has had one of the largest pledge classes on campus, was honored for having the highest GPA among all fraternities, and recently raised over $3,500 during the annual “Best Jug on Campus” fundraiser (half of which goes to PUSH America). Driving our success has been a strong sense of unity among brothers, our highly democratic structure that is conducive to constant improvement, and of course our supportive alumni base.

This semester has been unique for our executive council as

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Psi Chapter Alumni Corporation P.O. Box 788 Ithaca, NY 14850-0788

President Shahar Ziv, (Psi 982) sziv50@gmail.com Vice-President Michael Reinitz, (Psi 1016) mikereinitz@gmail.com Treasurer

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for the first time in recent history we are all sophomores. Luckily, we have all had the support of those who filled the exec positions last year, and Brother Andy Lazar provided additional transition support to the new executive council in the newly created “Archon Emeritus” role.

Furthermore, this past week we secured a new faculty fellow for our chapter – Prof. Jeff Lewis of the PAM department, who will provide guidance to brothers and increase our chapter visibility among Cornell faculty. I haven’t forgotten founding Archon Nick Linder’s advice when I was elected, which was something to the effect of “you don’t know what you are getting into until you have done it”. His words are certainly true, and our

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executive council is faced with new challenges every day, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that we all enjoy the challenges of our positions and have grown as leaders while working to help the chapter succeed.

Just as the past few weeks have been exciting, I am even more excited to see what our 17 new brothers will contribute and am certain that you can expect a lot by the time the Fall Psiren is published.

Yours in Pi Kappa Phi, Rustin Rodewald Archon

Matthew Estersohn, (Psi 1005) estersohn@gmail.com Secretary Alok Tayi, (Psi 1028) alok.s.tayi@gmail.com Directors •

Bill Newell, (Psi 436)

william.newell@usda.gov •

Michael Davis, (Psi 795)

mad4@cornell.edu •

William Chang, (Psi 989)

wpschang@gmail.com •

Father Robert Smith, (Psi 1033)

rss44@cornell.edu •

Steven Mossey, (Psi 1050)

skmossey@gmail.com

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By Ivi Demi The Psi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi went into the 2009 Rush Week with hopes of recruiting a group of associates to carry on the values of the chapter and the national organization. The 17 associates, 12 freshmen and 5 sophomores, who now make up the Epsilon pledge class, answered their call. The group consisted of kids from very different backgrounds, representing areas of the country as far away as California and South Dakota, and with varying personalities and beliefs. But it is these differences that make the Epsilon pledge class such a unique entity. Each associate brings their own set of skills and experiences to the chapter and does their best to use what they know to benefit their fellow associates and the brothers of the house they soon hope to join.

It’s been extremely evident from the start to the brothers of the Psi Chapter that the Epsilon class exhibits an incredibly strong bond. Every time they have been given a challenge, they have stepped up to perform at their best, and regardless of whether their challenge was met with success or failure, the associates have taken it upon themselves to learn from their mistakes and grow throughout the pledging process. They have worked on several projects throughout the process, showing the brotherhood what they can contribute to the house. The associate house committee was given the task

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of an improvement project and a house project.

For improving the house, the associates chose to clean out and reorganize the garage, which turned out to be a great success, providing a newly organized space for the house. The house project, which is still ongoing, will involve the addition of a flagpole on the lawn of the house to proudly display the Pi Kappa Phi flag. The associate Push committee has organized a 5K charity run through the Cornell Plantations to take place on April 11th, partnering up with the girls of Delta Delta Delta to advertise and carry out this event. The associate Brotherhood committee organized a North Campus wide game of manhunt to bond with the brothers and show them that they can organize an activity to bring the brothers together. The associate Social committee is in the process of planning and carrying out two social events in the coming month: a sorority mixer and a separate event to make themselves known to the Cornell campus as the new pledge class of Pi Kappa Phi. Along with these events, the associate class prepared a ritual and designed a plaque, both symbolically representing their class well.

It has been a mere two months since the Epsilon class of the Psi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was formed, but in that two months, the young men comprising this group have turned from strangers, to acquaintances, to friends, and to what certainly feels like, the precursors to brothers. They have done their share in showing the brotherhood that they hold nothing but respect for the organization they wish to be a part of. The journey for the associates is slowly coming to an end, and while they may soon be initiated as brothers of Pi Kappa Phi, they know that the learning process is far from over.

Ivi Demi Associate Class President

Psi Chapter’s Current Exec Board Archon : Rustin Rodewald

Warden : Matthew Goldberg

Vice-Archon : Andrew Webb

Historian : Lee Blum

Major: ILR E-mail: rhr35@cornell.edu

Major: Psychology E-mail: arw82@cornell.edu

Treasurer : George Wilder Major: Engineering E-mail: gjw43@cornell.edu

Secretary : Holden Steinhauer

Major: Government E-mail: has85@cornell.edu

Major: PAM E-mail: mag328@cornell.edu

Major: PAM E-mail: lmb279@cornell.edu

Chaplain : Milos Balac

Major: American Studies E-mail: mb695@cornell.edu

Push Exec : John Lagedrost

Major: Operations Research E-mail: jrl258@cornell.edu

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By John Lagedrost This Spring, the brothers of Psi Chapter have been very busy raising money for Push America and performing other service activities.

Our most notable fundraising effort of the semester was “Best Jug on Campus”, Psi’s largest annual philanthropy event. This year, we expanded the competition by including the Cornell Women’s Field Hockey Team and the Roses Ultimate Frisbee Team in the event. Over $3,600 was raised for charity, and the winning team was perennial powerhouse Alpha Phi. Half of the donations went to Cardiac Care, Alpha Phi’s philanthropy, with the other half going to Push America.

The brothers and associates together helped Pi Kappa Phi to win the Fraternity Free Rice Competition this year. We were victorious because we donated more grains of rice on www.freerice.com than any other fraternity. As the winning house, we received $200 to donate to Push America.

Cornell Annual Fund Student Phonathon, along with the sisters of Kappa Delta. We are also looking forward to an upcoming activity day with the Franziska Racker Centers, a local organization that benefits people with disabilities. We will be meeting with those who benefit from the care of the Racker Centers to play kickball, floor hockey, and other fun activities.

We have also worked to get involved with various service projects. In February, we staffed and co-hosted a benefit concert wih the Ithaca Free Clinic Initiative, a group that supports the Ithaca Free Clinic.

Several brothers and associates recently volunteered their time in the

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By Nick Demko and Mike Heinz Over the years a major goal of the Chapter has been to bridge undergraduates to the surrounding community. To this end, the chapter has consistently invited professors and other notable individuals to join the brotherhood for discussion.

Pi Kapp’s Family Weekend provides an opportunity to interact with members’ parents and siblings. After multiple visits to the chapter house, Douglas Heinz, brother of Mike Heinz, became engaged with many of the brothers and has kept in contact with some in an advisory capacity.

Doug graduated from NYU in 2004 with a degree in Finance & Economics. He has since been working in Manhattan in the financial industry.

Finding many commonalities between himself and the chapter, Doug graciously accepted his bid to become an alumni initiate this spring and proves to be a valuable resource for Pi Kapps interested in the field of finance.

Over the past year Professor Geoff Recktenwald has been invited to the house for dinner and discussion.

Many brothers were introduced to Geoff in the classroom, but others got to know him on the ice where he joined us in intramural ice hockey. It did not take long to realize Geoff could be a great asset to the chapter and after careful consideration Geoff was given a bid to become an alumni initiate of the Psi Chapter.

Professor Geoff Recktenwald received his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Cornell University in 2006. He has been teaching in the Cornell Mathematics Department since, and teaches Multivariable Calculus for Engineers. Geoff is currently researching nuclear reactor cores and the applications to the analysis of nuclear fuel cycles.

Doug and Geoff were initiated this spring along with the Epsilon Class, and both look forward to benefiting from all aspects of our brotherhood.

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S ENDING O FF O UR S ENIORS Psi Chapter’s seniors have dedicated their time and effort to the Fraternity and now they are moving on from college to pursue their interests and career goals. The brothers of Psi Chapter wish our graduating seniors only the best and we know that they will make us proud!

Jon Carbajal

Adam Dix

Jon is attending Cornell University to receive his Masters of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (with a concentration in Sustainable Energy). He will be living in Ithaca, NY.

Adam is working for Barclays in the Proprietary Derivatives Trading Department. He will be living in New York, NY.

Andrew Handel

Nick Fajt

Noah Fine Nathel

Matt Galati

Nick is working for Microsoft as a Program Manager in the Xbox Division. He will be living in Seattle, WA.

Noah is attending the University of Michigan Ann Arbor to receive his PhD in Chemistry. He will be living in Ann Arbor, MI.

Matt is attending Cornell University to receive his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He will be living in Ithaca, NY.

Michael Heinz

Adam Paz

Steve Sachs

Chris Sarra

Adam is working in the Public Relations and Advertising industry. He will be living in New York, NY.

Steve is working for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Transaction Services Strategy practice. He will be living in New York, NY.

Noah is attending the University of Michigan Ann Arbor to receive his PhD in Macromolecular Science & Engineering. He will be living in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mike is working for Lockheed Martin in the Marine Systems and Sensors Division. He will be living in Syracuse, NY.

Dave Shapiro Dave is attending Stony Brook University Medical School to receive his MD. He will be living in Stony Brook, NY.

CK Tang CK will be working for Deutsche Bank as an Asset Management Analyst. He will be living in New York, NY.

Andrew will be joining AmeriCorps before going to Medical School. He will be living in New York, NY.

Mike Zambrana Mike is attending University of Minnesota to receive his Masters of Public Health. He will be living in Minneapolis, MN.

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By Raymond Feuga

Push has not ended, and the promise of future riders and leaders in philanthropy in the house continues to grow This summer, I am undertaking the hardest challenge of with every new class. I will be the 5th rider on Journey my life—the Journey of Hope. Ever since I walked of Hope since the refounding of Psi chapter in 2004. II through the doors of 55 Ridgewood Road during rush leave on June 14th with the North team on this trek of 64 week, I have been impressed by Pi Kappa Phi’s motto of days. You’ll be able to follow my Journey of Hope this building better men. After two years in this house, I can summer at the following URL: http:// truly say that I am a better person for it. To me, the Jour- cyclingforpush.blogspot.com. I strongly encourage you ney of Hope represents a commitment to service: it to contact me at rsf32@cornell.edu with any questions, means overcoming the obstacles that I face in my own comments, or simple good lucks! Thanks to everyone life, it means rising up to the challenge, but most impor- who has helped thus far in achieving my goals. tantly, it means becoming a person on which others can Proud to be a Pi Kapp, Raymond Feuga (Psi #1082) rely for strength and support. Push America’s mission of PS. It’s not too late to make a contribution! You can visit my improving the lives of those living with a disability is eswebsite at: http://secure.pushamerica.org/rayfeuga pecially salient in our times. I hold this to be true not only because of my personal experience with disability, You can also write out a check to Push America (memo: Ray Feuga – JOH 2009) and mail it to the following address: but because I believe in the importance of community service. This summer, I am proud to say I will be riding Push America alongside my brothers in Pi Kappa Phi with that purpose PO Box 241368 in mind.

Charlotte, NC 28224 Psi chapter’s proud tradition of strong involvement with

Congratulations to Adam Paz For winning Both the

Edwin Fitzpatrick Award for Outstanding IFC Man & Order of Omega Integrity Award Also at the Greek Awards Ceremony Pi Kapp Received

Outstanding Chapter Award Outstanding New Member Education Program Highest GPA FALL 08

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http://www.cornellpikapp.com

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Ithaca, NY 14850 55 Ridgewood Road Pi Kappa Phi, Psi Chapter

Create a Profile on CornellPiKapp.com!

Hey Psi Alumni! Did you know that you can create your own personal profile and keep in touch with active brothers as well as fellow alumni? Tell us what you’re doing now, where you are currently located, or just leave an Alumni comment. Your confidentiality is respected; you can fill in as much or as little information as you would like. Additionally, only active brothers and other alumni with profiles will be able to view your information. To create a profile on CornellPiKapp.com, just email our webmaster, Spencer Marks, at sam259@cornell.edu.

Old Pi Kapp Photos?....Send ‘Em Our Way! The Psiren is looking photos and stories for our next issue. If you have any photos or short stories from your undergraduate days in Pi Kappa Phi, you can email digital copies to ourWebmaster Spencer Marks at sam259@cornell.edu. Send your hard copies to the chapter house: Pi Kappa Phi c/o Alumni Relations Chairman We’ll scan and return any photos you send us!

55 Ridgewood Road Ithaca, NY 14805