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Sigma Speaks Pi Kappa Phi s University of South Carolina
SIGMA CHAPTER ACTIVE MEMBERS—2-3 ALUMNUS DEDICATION—3 ALUMNI UPDATE—4
Spring 2006
Legacy of Alumni Serves as Example for Active Chapter Don’t walk behind me as my follower, don’t walk in front of me as my leader, walk beside me, my brother. welve hundred forty-seven men have made T the journey through Sigma Chapter since 1910, each knowing what it means to be part of the Brotherhood of Pi Kappa Phi. As we enter our 96th year of existence at the University of South Carolina, this strong sense of Brotherhood and pride is reflected in all that we do.
Pi Kappa Phi is continuously a threatening intramural force on campus. Last year Pi Kapp took second place in the intramural championship.
Sigma Chapter supports Push America and sponsors several events to raise money, including the Palmetto Centurion Bike Ride from Thomas Copper Library to the Cistern at the College of Charleston.
RECRUITMENT The Chapter consists of a diverse group of 43 men, including the recently initiated Iota class from the 2005 fall semester. Membership has been constantly growing over the past two years, and 16 new members have been recruited for the spring semester. In 2005, Pi Kappa Phi was named Most Improved Fraternity, and we remain in good standing with the National Chapter and the University. ACADEMICS Scholarship is of the utmost importance to the men of Sigma Chapter and is an area in which we continuously excel. The Chapter G.P.A. of 2.89 exceeds both the all-male average and fraternity average on campus. Several Brothers have received Life, Palmetto, McKissick, and other scholarships. We take great pride in our Brothers who have been on the dean’s list, maintained cumulative 4.0 grade point averages, and inducted into honor societies such as Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key. LEADERSHIP The Brothers of Sigma Chapter are also very involved in other organizations on campus. We are proud to be represented in Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Order of Omega, the Interfraternity Council, the Student Gamecock Club, the Body Building and Fitness Club, and on the University newspaper staff.
With a diverse membership, Brothers enjoy spending time with one another, as was the case with this recent float trip.
PUSH AMERICA Sigma Chapter takes an active stance toward helping those with disabilities through Push
America. Last year, Sigma raised more than $2,400, and this year’s goal is to double that number. We have collected money at all home football games, and we are looking forward to a successful No Boundaries Week. No Boundaries Week will be held April 10-15, and some of the scheduled events include a scaffold sit, a sorority change race, an empathy training barbecue, and the Palmetto Centurion Bike Ride from the Thomas Copper Library to the Cistern at the College of Charleston. INTRAMURALS The Chapter has partaken competitively in all intramural sports offered by the University. Last year, Pi Kappa Phi took second in the intramural championship while taking first place in floor hockey and bowling. The Chapter is looking to improve on last year’s performance by dominating again this year. During the fall, we fielded teams in flag football, indoor soccer, and volleyball. Keeping with our tradition of winning, the flag football team was undefeated during the regular season (4-0). The team placed second in Kappa Kickoff, a flag football fundraiser put on by Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. This spring we are competing in basketball, soccer, bowling, floor hockey, and softball. Overall the Chapter is very strong, and each Brother is putting forth an immense effort to continue the success of Sigma Chapter. However, we recognize that without the support of our alumni we would be unable to excel at the University of South Carolina. We are very grateful to our alumni for everything you have done to help this Chapter succeed. You have laid down a grand path for us to follow, and the history and legacy that you left will never be forgotten. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the Chapter. Yours in Pi Kappa Phi, David E. Puder ’03 Archon Dpudes10@aol.com
“You have laid down a grand path for us to follow, and the history and legacy that you left will never be forgotten.”
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Sigma Speaks
Success of Sigma Chapter Can Be Attributed to Loyal Alumni and a Strong Undergraduate Chapter igma Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi has been an S important fixture on the University of South Carolina campus for nearly 100 years. Despite our short absence, the Chapter continues to flourish and remain competitive with other USC fraternities. Sigma Chapter recolonized in 2000 with the help of a hardworking and dedicated alumni group that instilled the virtues of Pi Kappa Phi into our new members. This returning Chapter quickly made its presence felt on campus, receiving recognition from the University and National Fraternity. Sigma Chapter was named Homecoming Champion for four consecutive years, received the Chapter Achievement Award, the Push Silver and Bronze Stars, and the Chapter of Excellence Award, just to name a few. The undergraduates have demonstrated a great commitment to Pi Kapp ideals and traditions and suggest a very promising future for our Chapter. Our undergraduates have clearly stepped up to the challenge of reestablishing our strong standing on campus, and a number of alumni are responding in kind. House Corporation President Walter Pickens ’76 is leading a strong group of alumni volunteers in the rebuilding process of Sigma Chapter. These men continue to assess the key issues that affect the competitiveness of Sigma Chapter.
Issues such as tradition and recruitment are addressed in order to ensure that Pi Kappa Phi is able to regain its status as one of the premier fraternities at the University of South Carolina. One issue that dramatically impacts the competitiveness of the Chapter is having an appealing Chapter House for our membership. The House Corporation is working to secure a permanent home for Pi Kappa Phi on the USC campus and recently acquired the last plot of land in the new Greek Village for this purpose. We will keep you updated as more details become available regarding the establishment of a permanent home for Pi Kappa Phi. I would like to thank each alumnus who gives his time and talents to the Chapter. Without this foundation of support, Sigma Chapter would not have been able to make nearly the resurgence that it has since 2000. Please complete and return the form below if you would like to become more involved with Sigma. I have no doubt that Pi Kappa Phi at the University of South Carolina will continue to grow and excel in the future. Yours in Pi Kappa Phi, James A. Quinn II ’79 House Corporation Board Member quinnj@dnr.sc.gov
Alumni Serving Sigma Chapter
DELTA CLASS - FALL 2002 David Schroer Surfside, S.C. Geoffrey Robertson Richmond, Va. SIGMA CLASS - SPRING 2003 Cameron Moss Cowpens, S.C. EPSILON CLASS - FALL 2003 Christopher Kessler Hilton Head, S.C. David Puder Flanders, N.J. Ryan Padgett Charleston, S.C. Robert Douglas Weston, Fla. Steven Collinson Columbia, S.C. Joseph Skrodzki Columbia, Md. Renzo Barredo Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Charles Beckert Simpsonville, S.C. Mark Philipp Kingsport, Tenn. Scott Justice Fort Mill, S.C. ZETA CLASS - SPRING 2004 Tony McCants Winnsboro, S.C. Brian Saal Plantation, Fla.
Pi Kappa Phi would like your help!
Zebediah Goldston Chapin, S.C.
Yes, I am interested in assisting and/or serving the
Joshua King Kennesaw, Ga.
r Sigma House Corporation r Undergraduate Chapter Name and Graduation Year _______________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________________________________
ETA CLASS - FALL 2004 Patrick Chisum Wichita, Kan. Collin Deffet Ostrander, Ohio
E-mail ________________________________________________________________
Adam Leonard Richmond, Va.
For more information, please mail this form to Sigma House Corporation, P.O. Box 6108, Columbia, SC 29260, or contact Sigma House Corporation Member James A. Quinn II ’79 at (803) 734-4006 or quinnj@dnr.sc.gov.
Jonathan Fisch Skokie, Ill.
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Active Members John Burke Charleston, S.C. Andrew Paul Hilton Head, S.C. Stephen Carlson Baltimore, Md. Jonathan Socko Spartanburg, S.C. Tim Jackson Hoodbridge, Va. Adam Simon Isle of Palms, S.C. Justin Lilly Clover, S.C. Brian Koppel Silver Spring, Md. Gregory Hoffman Holbrook, N.Y. Bradley Tolbert Olney, Md. THETA CLASS - SPRING 2005 Taylor Clarkson Charleston, S.C. Stuart Robinson Harrisonburg, Va. Kevin Lao Oakton, Va. Mike Altiero Downington, Pa. Jeffrey Hoffman Beaufort, S.C. Brad Miller Greenville, S.C. IOTA CLASS - FALL 2005 Steven Inch Vienna, Va. Drew Jackson Oakton, Va. Ian Bell Hilton Head, S.C.
Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Chapter and University of South Carolina Continue to Benefit from Alumnus’ Dedication hen Jerry T. Brewer ’75 arrived at the University of W South Carolina as an undergraduate, he knew little about fraternities. It was only after living in the residence hall where Pi Kappa Phi was housed that Jerry warmed to the idea of becoming a fraternity member. He played basketball with many Sigma brothers and found that he shared similar interests with those men. Some of the first Brothers Jerry met went on to become his closest friends within Pi Kappa Phi. He recalls, “Any significant event, whether it be a success or a failure, I shared with my Fraternity Brothers.” In addition to his membership in Pi Kapp, Jerry was extensively involved on the USC campus as an undergraduate. He served on a number of boards and organizations, including Order of Omega, an honor society whose local chapter Jerry helped to found. He was recognized for his dedication and involvement by being named Fraternity Man of the Year and Outstanding Senior, two distinctions that Jerry still greatly appreciates. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Jerry earned his master’s degree in student personnel services and is now pursuing his doctorate of education from USC. Jerry’s professional career with the University began while he was completing graduate coursework when he served as assistant to the dean of students. After he completed his master’s degree, Jerry became the associate director of student activities, assistant dean of students, director of student activities, and finally director of student life, a position Jerry has held for more than 10 years. As director of student life, he is responsible for overseeing the Department of Student Life, which provides student services and programs to the USC campus (which exceeds 26,000 students). Even as Jerry has taken on more job responsibilities, he manages to remain active within Pi Kappa Phi and the Columbia community. He served on the Pi Kappa Phi National Board for 11 years, including two years as president, and was a Pi Kappa Phi Foundation trustee in the mid-’90s. Jerry has served on the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the United Way Speakers Bureau, and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, to name a few. As for advice Jerry would give to his predecessors: “Work hard and be loyal to what you do.” He encourages younger members of the Chapter to “be the type of guy that people would take home to meet their parents.” Through his experience, Jerry has found that the people who remain loyal to what and who they are working with have a greater tendency to excel. Jerry resides in Columbia, South Carolina, with his wife and three children. His eldest son was recently initiated into Pi Kappa Phi at USC-Upstate, Epsilon Lambda Chapter, and he is excited that his son will also be able to experience the Brotherhood of Pi Kappa Phi. When not serving Pi Kappa Phi or the Columbia community, Jerry enjoys spending time with his family, going to the beach, and golfing.
Rome Hartman Bethesda, Md. AJ Kirby Lexington, S.C. TRANSFER STUDENT Joel Simpson ’05, ΕΛ 267-USC-Spartenburg Chapin, S.C.
Visit Our Web Sites
Sigma Chapter http://web.sa.sc.edu/pikapp ΠΚΦ National www.pikapp.org University of South Carolina www.sc.edu
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Sigma Chapter Officers Archon David Puder ’03 Flanders, N.J. Dpudes10@aol.com Vice Archon Brian Saal ’04 Plantation, Fla. Briansaal@yahoo.com
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Sigma Speaks Pi Kappa Phi s University of South Carolina
SIGMA CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA PHI P.O. BOX 6108 COLUMBIA, SC 29260 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Treasurer Joel Simpson ’04 Greenwood, Ind. Simpsojr@webmail.sc.edu Secretary Christopher Kessler ’03 Hilton Head, S.C. Dmb1sweetwhirled@aol.com Warden Tony McCants ’04 Winnsboro, S.C. Griffinc73@yahoo.com Historian Justin Lilly ’04 Clover, S.C. Justinlilly@gmail.com Chaplain Jonathon Socko ’04 Spartanburg, S.C. Socko@webmail.sc.edu
Attention: This newsletter is intended for alumni and parents. If your son is still attending the University of South Carolina, he will receive a copy at the Chapter House. If he has graduated, please send us his permanent address to update our records. Thank you.
Sigma Chapter Alumni Update Chapter Eternal Dr. Reuben J. Gambrell ’37, Columbia, S.C., entered Chapter Eternal on January 9, 2006, at a local hospital. Dr. Gambrell graduated from USC in 1937, received a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Georgia in 1940, then received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in art education. He was a dedicated art professor and taught at York College for 25 years, before moving back to Columbia.
alumni news Gettis Wood and his wife, Mary Vin, moved into Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Center
in West Columbia, S.C. Prior to retirement, Gettis served as an executive at South Carolina National Bank. He is actively involved with the Columbia Sertoma Club, where he was a charter member, and with the Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Gettis and Mary Vin split their time between Columbia and Litchfield Beach.
Frederick E. Quinn ’38 recently moved out of Cooper Hall Retirement Home in Mount Pleasant, S.C. He is active in the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, the Hatiola Hunt Club, and the Pawley’s Island Redneck Chowder and Marching Society. Recently Fred and his friend, Grace Blackman, enjoyed a cruise in the Panama Canal.
Samuel B. Cartledge ’33 and his wife, Jeanette, also moved into Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Center this year. Sam worked for the United States Post Office Administration and is still active in the Military Order of the World Wars. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday, so Happy Birthday Sam!
Alumni news, stories, and photos can be submitted to: Sigma House Corporation, P.O. Box 6108, Columbia, SC 29260.
Fred Quinn ’38 and Jesse Geyer ’01, ZT-Barton College, enjoyed some downtime during a recent hunting trip. Fred was the first field secretary for the Fraternity (later renamed leadership consultant), and Jesse is the current leadership consultant for Sigma Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.