CEOCORNER by MARK E. TIMMES, CEO
the impact of fraternity
As I travel across the country, conversations with strangers inevitably lead to the question, “So, what do you do for a living?” My answer sometimes begins with a teaser: “You’ll never be able to guess what I do.” Then I state, “I have the privilege to serve as the national director of a men’s college fraternity that positively impacts thousands of young men’s lives every day.” This never fails to lead to some interesting conversations about their own college experience and fraternity stereotypes. I always welcome the opportunity to set them straight. So how does Pi Kappa Phi positively impact young men’s lives and enrich the lives of our alumni and friends? Let me give you an example. One day I received a graduation announcement in the mail. One of our students, who I had met while he was an undergraduate, was about to participate in the commencement exercises at his university. A few years prior, I had personally visited his chapter to conduct a membership review after problems with hazing and alcohol surfaced and other poor decisions were made individually and collectively by our students there. The dean of students was ready to close the chapter. The Greek advisor vouched for us, and implored the dean to give Pi Kappa Phi National the opportunity to set things straight. Hence, my personal trip to this particular campus. So as I read his commencement announcement, I smiled, remembering him, because he had become archon during this turbulent time. Because of men like him and others who stepped up as Leaders by Choice, the chapter rebounded and became very successful—and remains so to this day. But what was most compelling was what our brother had written on the back of the announcement. It said, “You have no idea how much our fraternity has changed my life and molded me into the man I am today.” I still keep this announcement in my desk to remind me of why we are here. So I say to you, Pi Kappa Phi most certainly impacts our young men’s lives. Pi Kappa Phi’s Second Century Vision is to redefine fraternity as a lifelong brotherhood of leaders. We are Leaders by Choice but understand that we have an obligation to lead. How many times do you have the privilege to impact young men’s lives? In this issue you will read about Brother Thomas Sayre, Kappa (North Carolina), our most recent inductee into the Pi Kappa Phi Hall of Fame. Besides being an accomplished artist and sculptor, brother Sayre has positively impacted young men’s lives and the lives of people with disabilities through his early work with “Project PUSH” or Play Units for the Severely Handicapped. This project has evolved into Push America, the leading fraternal service learning organization in the Greek world. The latest segment in our “leadership in focus” series discusses three former archons who are prominent figures within the same medical supply company. All three attest that lessons they learned during their terms as archon still serve them today in creating a successful business environment. Lastly, you will read about our best and brightest students and chapters who were recognized at Pi Kapp College over the summer. They individually and collectively have embraced Pi Kappa Phi’s vision of redefining fraternity as a Lifelong Brotherhood of Leaders. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue of the Star and Lamp! Yours in the brotherhood of Pi Kappa Phi,
Mark E. Timmes Chief Executive Officer mtimmes@pikapp.org
EX PA NS IO N N ews
PAGEONE ETA BETA INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY Terre Haute, Indiana Re-Founded: April 14, 2007
Founding Members: 26 Colonized: Spring 2006
Originally founded on November 9, 1991, Eta Beta returned to Indiana State’s campus in early 2006. In one year’s time, the men recruited to be the re-founding fathers of the chapter met Pi Kappa Phi’s chartering standards and were granted a new charter. Teams from Alpha Psi (Indiana) and Beta Sigma (Northern Illinois) performed the Ritual of Initiation, while Past National President Phillip Summers, Alpha Psi (Indiana), and Past National Secretary Jim Krucher, Beta Alpha (NJIT), presided over the ceremony as the installation officers. Director of Business Affairs Joe Costello, Beta Iota (Toledo), and Senior Leadership Consultant Scott Thomas, Eta Zeta (Queens), represented the national fraternity at the event.
THETA XI ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Tempe, Arizona Founded: April 21, 2007
Founding Members: 47 Colonized: Spring 2006
Greg Lindsay, archon of Theta Xi chapter, said the chartering ceremony was a perfect way to finish a year that involved the trials and tribulations of building a new chapter. “It was an amazing night,” said Lindsay. “Ecstatic does not begin to cover how we all feel—probably more like euphoric.” The ceremony was held at the Pointe South Mountain Resort in Tempe. National Secretary Tracy Maddox, Zeta Theta (Texas), and Pi Kappa Phi Properties Board member Chuck Barnard, Delta Delta (Truman State), were the installation officers. Beta Theta (Arizona) performed the Ritual of Initiation. Also in attendance were CEO Mark Timmes, Alpha Epsilon (Florida); Director of Expansion Woody Woodcock, Gamma Kappa (Georgia Southern); and Director of Business Affairs Joe Costello, Beta Iota (Toledo). The chapter also held its first Rose Ball after the ceremony. Margaret Schrader was recognized as the chapter’s “Rose of Pi Kappa Phi.” EXPANSION MAP
fall 2007 spring 2008 fall 2008 NEBRASKA-OMAHA (Delta Gamma)
spring 2009
CENTRAL ARKANSAS (Epsilon Zeta)
The map above details Pi Kappa Phi’s expansion plans through spring 2009. If you are interested in helping with Pi Kappa Phi’s expansion efforts or for more information about expansion, contact Director of Expansion Woody Woodcock at wwoodcock@pikapp.org or (800) 929-1904 ext. 130.
LEADERS BY CHOICE
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From July 25-29, 2008, Denver and the Colorado Rocky Mountains will host Pi Kappa Phi for the 51st Supreme Chapter.
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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
College Fraternity Editors Association
19 Leadership in Focus
20 Pi Kapp College 2007
DEPARTMENTS
01
IC
CEO CORNER PAGE ONE 04 PUSH AMERICA 06 foundation 22 LIFE LONG 25 ON CAMPUS 28 chapter eternal The magazine staff at Pi Kappa Phi strives for accuracy and is committed to promptly correcting any mistakes published in the Star & Lamp. If you see a misprint, please contact us at star&lamp@pikapp.org.
Pi Kappa College brought more than 600 students and alumni together on the campus of North Carolina State University and recognized the fraternity’s top students, alumni and chapters during the national awards banquet. Spring 2008 Deadline 03/07/2008
Winter 2008 Deadline 01/07/2008
PARENTS The Star & Lamp is being sent to your address while your son is in college. Please feel free to read through the magazine as we hope it is a publication you will enjoy too! If your son is no longer in college or is no longer living at home, please send his new contact information to the P.O. Box address or e-mail address shown to the far right.
In our fourth installment of the “leadership in focus” series, one company is led by three former archons who have used their chapter leadership experiences to create a successful business environment.
SUBMISSIONS/DEADLINES Materials for publication should be sent directly to the managing editor at the P.O. Box address or e-mail address shown to the right. Letters to the editor will be printed at the discretion of the editors.
In this issue’s cover story, a gallery of Thomas Sayre’s artwork is accompanied by the inspiring words used to introduce him as the Pi Kappa Phi Hall of Fame inductee for 2007.
CONTRIBUTORS TOM ATWOOD PAT KUHNLE JILL POWELL KYLE THOMAS
Out of the Ordinary
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER TIM RIBAR
15 Periodical postage paid at Charlotte, N.C., and additional mailing offices.
PUBLISHER Star & Lamp, (USPS 519-000), is issued quarterly by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at 2102 Cambridge Beltway Drive, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28271-3373. A lifetime subscription is $15 and is the only form of subscription.
For the first time in fraternity history, Pi Kappa Phi will hold its Supreme Chapter meeting in Denver, Colo. Learn more about the Mile High City’s attractions and the scheduled events offered at the 51st Supreme Chapter.
MANAGING EDITOR JARED THURSTON
Rockies Reign Supreme in 2008
CORRECTIONS It was mistakenly reported in the Fall 2006 issue of the Star & Lamp that Jim Wasielewski, Zeta Iota (Indiana-Pennsylvania), had passed to Chapter Eternal.
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARK E. TIMMES
E-MAIL ADDRESS star&lamp@pikapp.org
Star & Lamp P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224-0526
POSTMASTER Send address changes to:
STAR& LAMP FALL 2007 Vol. XCVI, No. 4
COVER Thomas Sayre, Kappa (North Carolina), reflects on “Gyre,” one of his first “earthcast” sculptures, which is located on the grounds of the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, N.C.
LEADERS BY CHOICE
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LANCE ARMSTRONG SAYS TO Push america:
GIVING BACK IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO In a letter to Push America, Lance Armstrong challenges members of Pi Kappa Phi to use what they’ve learned through Push America about “giving back” to make a difference in the world. “Improving the lives of people with disabilities is a great measurement of your character. Ten years ago, I started a foundation—it was an obligation to give back because of being cured of cancer. Today, the Lance Armstrong Foundation is committed to fighting cancer at all levels. We believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. My challenge to you is to take experiences you’ve gained from Push America and apply them to the rest of your lives. Giving back is the only way to go, and believe me, it’s rewarding. Stay the course—uniting together to make a difference in your world. Whether it is working on behalf of the cancer community or serving people with disabilities, there are definitely needs you can fill. Use your experiences as inspiration for your family and friends to help people who may not be able to fight their personal battles alone. You have accomplished something that few will ever accomplish. You have grown together as a community. Congratulations for your efforts. You should be very proud; I know I am.” Sincerely,
“People often ask what caused me to change from graphic design to earn a human services degree,” said Lettow. He confidently explains it was Push America. “I tell people that a friendship visit in Cleveland, Ohio, which taught me the meaning of empathy, caused this major change in my life.”
Lance Armstrong
That significant change led Lettow to become the executive director of The Arc of Story County, a non-profit corporation that advocates for and works with people with disabilities, in Ames, Iowa.
Some Pi Kappa Phis are already giving back in extraordinary ways. Influenced by Push America and its programs, a number of Pi Kappa Phis have made service a cornerstone of their lives. It is in such service that these individuals have discovered a rewarding lifestyle.
Ty Hampton, Eta Gamma (Colorado), stepped onto campus ready to
pursue a degree in engineering. Following in his father’s footsteps, he planned for a lucrative career in the family business. However, at some point while participating in 11 Push America events, he realized his passion was in service. Hampton changed his major and eventually earned a master’s degree in speech pathology from the University of North Carolina. He is now a successful speech language pathologist for the Alaska Speech and Hearing Clinic in Anchorage, Alaska. Hampton realized that he wanted be make a difference in others’ lives, not just sit behind some desk all day. This epiphany came while he was swinging a hammer at a Give-A-Push Weekend. Hampton realized the rewarding nature of giving back through Push America.
Jay Lettow, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State), shares a similar story. Lettow began his undergraduate career as an art major. After participating in Journey of Hope and Gear Up Florida, his career plans took a turn. 4
STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
While many Pi Kappa Phis have found careers in serving others, many more have used their interest in endurance sports as a means of raising funds and awareness for various causes.
Ryan Thibodaux, Gamma Iota (LSU), recently had the opportunity
to ride alongside Lance Armstrong in the “LIVESTRONG Challenge Portland”—an annual fundraising event for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Thibodaux raised $3,000 for the event and was recognized as a top fundraiser. He was also asked to perform a trumpet solo of the “Star Spangled Banner” for the kick-off of the event. “The morning of the event, we awoke to wind, rain, and temperatures in the 40s,” said Thibodaux. “I waited under a small tent overlooking the starting line. I, at least, was temporarily dry. The other 3,000 cyclists had to wait in the rain.” Thibodaux was introduced by Armstrong to play his horn in the nearfreezing temperatures. “Thankfully the horn playing came naturally. I guess I did okay, because Lance came up to me afterwards to chat.” Meeting Armstrong was the high point of the event, because next came 4.5 demanding hours of cycling in terrible conditions. Regardless, Thibodaux says he and his trumpet will be back next year.
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU IS TO TAKE THE EXPERIENCES YOU’VE GAINED FROM PUSH AMERICA AND APPLY THEM TO THE REST OF YOUR LIVES.”
thinking ‘Wow, if this many people just in one place are fighting to find a cure for cancer, we have to be able to do it. We have to find a cure.’”
Lou Brooks, Zeta Epsilon
Rob Shindell, Beta Iota (Toledo), and his wife, Christy, participated in the “LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin.” Together, Shindell and his wife raised $5,500 for the event.
(George Mason), dedicated his treacherous ascent of Mt. McKinley to his daughter and to Push America. Brooks says that he became fully aware of the impact of his and others’ actions through Push America when his daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Shindell’s first experience with cancer came in 2003 when his grandfather died from the disease. His second came earlier this year when he was introduced to a colleague who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Both experiences inspired him to act.
“Because my daughter struggles every day to do the things in daily life that many of us take for granted, I decided to participate in the Push America Challenge by attempting one of the most difficult climbs in the world,” said Brooks.
“I just really saw how valiant she is in battling the disease and not letting it get her down,” he said. “She always comes in with a big smile on her face, no matter how much pain she’s in. That kind of took me back, and I decided that I wanted to do this.”
At 20,320 feet, Mt. McKinley, which rises above the glaciers and peaks of the Alaskan Range, is the highest point in North America. Mt. McKinley is less than 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle and is known for its legendary harsh weather with temperatures regularly as low as minus‑40 degrees and winds exceeding 100 mph. Brooks took three weeks to complete the grueling climb but reached the summit successfully.
Shindell’s colleague, Marlene Hernandez, was diagnosed in March. Shortly after meeting Hernandez, Shindell told her that he and his wife were competing in the LIVESTRONG Challenge for her. Hernandez said she never expected such kindness from a co-worker she had known only briefly. “It just touched my heart, especially from a new colleague,” Hernandez said. “I did not realize people could be so caring.” The 4,500 participants raised $3.7 million for the event. “It was amazing to see that many people all working toward the same goal, “ said Shindell. “I was
However, the climb was only part of Brooks’ challenge. He also raised $1,755 for Push America’s Jason Tirado Memorial, which funds grants for accessible projects like boardwalks, playgrounds and parks. Whether it is supporting Push America or another charitable organization, it is important to remember “giving back is the only way to go.” Rabindranath Tagore, philosopher and poet, once stated, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”
LEADERS BY CHOICE
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&
eighty counting
Eighty years ago in the fall of 1927, William Pritchard, Omega (Purdue), and Thomas Grafton, Beta (Presbyterian), were recognized as Pi Kappa Phi’s first Pi Kapp Scholars. Since then, hundreds of student leaders—536 to be exact—have been celebrated not only for their leadership in the chapter room, but for their exceptional performance in the classroom as well. This year, the Foundation selected seven new scholars while also catching up with the oldest living Pi Kapp Scholar—Herman “Gus” Riggs, a 98-year-old initiate of Omega chapter at Purdue University who was recognized as a Pi Kapp Scholar in 1928. Riggs, who annually supports both the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation and the Omega chapter with donations, embodies the concept of a lifelong brotherhood. “I’m a contributor to about 25 different organizations,” he said. “There are so many places to put money. I try to give back to what has been given to me. Scholastic achievement is one worthy thing that everyone should consider giving money to.” Despite being separated by nearly eight decades in age, brother Riggs and the scholars of 2007 know that the key to winning a Pi Kapp Scholars award is a good academic work ethic. “I was pleased to be selected, for sure,” said Riggs. “Purdue was a lot of hard work, so I did a lot of studying and was active in various programs and offices on campus, including one semester as archon.” According to 2007 scholar James Kim, “It helps vindicate all the hard work I have put in the classroom and chapter room. It makes me feel good that the sacrifices I strive to make are noticed and appreciated.” For the youngest and oldest award winners, the recognition was only part of who they are as Pi Kappa Phis. “My Pi Kappa Phi experience is indescribable,” said Kim. “I have had so many people come up to me and ask what it means to be a part of fraternal life—of Pi Kappa Phi—and I cannot honestly find the words to explain it. It is something so consuming and great that it can only
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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
blake f. earley epsilon phi (alabama-birmingham) junior 3.91 G.P.A. political science / history pi kappa phi involvement
- Archon
collegiate involvement
- Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society - National Society of Collegiate Scholars - Golden Key International Honour Society - Student Government Association Member PI KAPP SCHOLAR
joshua j. stolarz
omega (purdue)
senior 3.97 G.P.A. business / accounting pi kappa phi involvement
- Treasurer, Philanthropy Chair collegiate involvement
- Order of Omega Member - Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society - Golden Key International Honour Society - Student Publishing Foundation Chair PI KAPP SCHOLAR
walter h. pickens iii sigma (south carolina) freshman 3.952 G.P.A. finance / management pi kappa phi involvement
- Secretary, Associate Class President collegiate involvement
- Interfraternity Council Member - Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society - Capstone Scholar - National Society of Collegiate Scholars outstanding associate member
be experienced to fully understand it. It’s a passion that initially grows in you as a spark and turns into a raging fire for the rest of your life.” Recalling his award from 80 years ago, Riggs said, “The fraternity was an education itself. In your professional careers, you are taught to be sensitive to others’ needs and how to get along with people. The fraternity helped me get started with that. That is why I feel an obligation to the fraternity even 80 years later.
tony hoover theta epsilon (kansas)
james e. kim epsilon phi (alabama-birmingham)
junior 4.0 G.P.A. chemical engineering / pre-med
senior 4.0 G.P.A. biochemistry
pi kappa phi involvement
pi kappa phi involvement
collegiate involvement
collegiate involvement
PI KAPP SCHOLAR
PI KAPP SCHOLAR
- Archon, Treasurer, Push America Chair - Junior Greek Council Representative - Lambda Sigma Honor Society - Tau Beta Phi Engineering Honor Society - University Scholar
- Warden, Scholarship Chair - Student Affiliates American Chemical Society Vice President and Treasurer - Chemistry Teaching Assistant - UAB Student Ambassadors Chaplain
nicholas l. walter beta theta (arizona) senior 4.0 G.P.A. general biology pi kappa phi involvement
- Philanthropy Chair, Chief Justice collegiate involvement
- Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society - Order of Omega - National Society of Collegiate Scholars - Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society PI KAPP SCHOLAR
james g. rabalais gamma iota (louisiana state) sophomore 3.921 G.P.A. animal science pi kappa phi involvement
- Associate Class Secretary collegiate involvement
- LSU Honors College - Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society - Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society - College of Agriculture Outstanding Freshman outstanding associate member
At 80 years old, the Pi Kapp Scholars Program is one of the fraternity’s oldest traditions. The program, coordinated by the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, recognizes students in three categories—Pi Kapp Scholars, Turnaround Scholars and Outstanding Associate Members. The Pi Kapp Scholars award is given to as many as nine upperclassmen each year. The scholarship, now valued at $1,000 per student, recognizes individual academic achievement and leadership potential.
borders scholars
without
Students who wish to enrich their collegiate experience through participation in an international study abroad program—but who might not otherwise have the financial resources to do so—are prime candidates for the International Scholars Fund. Pi Kappa Phi’s newest scholarship, the International Scholars Fund, is made available by the Foundation. Working with Foundation Trustee Jack Casper, Alpha Upsilon (Drexel), as well as an anonymous alumnus, the Foundation has created a scholarship that grants up to $4,000 to help underwrite participation in an accredited study abroad program. “We’re truly excited to bring this scholarship to our students,” says Frank Parrish, the Foundation’s Distribution and Stewardship chairman, “because we think there’s inherent and indisputable value in having a study abroad experience while in college. Moreover, we want to help our students keep pace in an ever-changing and globalizing business climate.” All initiated undergraduate members are eligible to apply, but serious candidates will have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 and proven leadership experience. Applicants must be accepted by an accredited study abroad program and will need to submit a budget with their application, as the review committee will consider program expenses and a student’s ability to pay. If you are interested in learning more about the International Scholars Fund, please visit pikapp.org or contact the Foundation at (800) 929-1906.
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during
the foundation’s biennial summer alumni reunion
held this june, a group of family, friends and fellow pi kapps gathered in chicago to honor brother allen o. woody III as
‘07
mr. pi kappa phi
Brother Woody’s living example of service began many years ago when he was elected archon of his chapter. “As a leader and as archon, Allen’s best ability was in bringing a diverse chapter with divergent views together in agreement,” remembers long-time friend and fellow chapter brother Ed Corson. From his undergraduate days through today, Woody has been a consistent and dedicated volunteer, inspiring others to reach beyond themselves on behalf
of Pi Kappa Phi. His service to the greater fraternity has included time as a chapter advisor, area governor, a member of the National Council as well as nearly 10 years as a trustee with the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. During his tenure with the Foundation, Woody served as its secretary/treasurer, vice chairman, and eventually, chairman. And as chairman, he helped lead Pi Kappa Phi’s Centennial Commission Campaign, which provided for a memorable and meaningful centennial Supreme Chapter in Charleston, S.C., while also helping to raise the needed funds to construct the fraternity’s 100th anniversary gift to the College of Charleston, a 47-foot bell tower. Beyond his work on behalf of the Centennial Celebration, Woody also played a significant role in launching the Foundation’s campaign for a new national headquarters. His leadership in this endeavor included a lead gift to
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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
Left: Dudley Woody presents his brother and chapter brother Allen Woody with the Mr. Pi Kappa Phi 2007 resolution. Right: Woody addresses attendees of the Summer Alumni Reunion after accepting his Mr. Pi Kappa Phi 2007 honor.
which others have responded in kind, making the campaign the first in Pi Kappa Phi’s history to reach more than $1 million. “When I think of the people who have made a real and tangible difference for their fraternity,” notes current Foundation Chairman Jerry Brewer, Sigma (South Carolina), “my mind immediately goes to Allen. We are an organization of people, not just chapters and events. He understands this aspect of true fraternity and, consequently, is able to motivate brothers to a larger mission.” Today, Woody spends considerable time advising his chapter, which was re-chartered in October 2005. In addition to those activities, he also remains active with the Foundation’s Investment Committee, bringing both experience and expertise to the management of the Foundation’s invested assets. The Mr. Pi Kappa Phi award is the fraternity’s highest recognition. Started in 1965 with the acknowledgement of Leo Pou, Omicron (Alabama), the Mr. Pi Kappa Phi award has held 40 deserving men in such esteem. Brother Woody joins fellow Xi initiates Judge James C. Turk and Executive Director Emeritus Durward W. Owen as the only men from the chapter to have been recognized with this honor.
home ward bound Last spring, the fraternity announced the upcoming move of its administrative offices to the Town of Ayrsley, a new community in southwest Charlotte, N.C. Now, just weeks away from forever closing the doors on its offices at 2102 Cambridge Beltway Drive, Pi Kappa Phi prepares to begin anew, in a state-of-the-art facility uniquely tied to the fraternity’s rich history and as well as its mission. When touring The Kelley A. Bergstrom Leadership Center of Pi Kappa Phi—even in its construction phase—a sense of excitement and opportunity is in the air. The fraternity’s new home is different—historic elements come together to effectively capture Pi Kappa Phi’s heritage as the only national Greek organization founded in the Carolinas, and modern conveniences and technologies bring the organization in step with today’s tech-savvy environment. Pi Kappa Phi’s new home is more than just an office space with an address; it’s also the heart of a fraternity that will initiate its 100,000th member later this spring, and that continues to touch lives through a shared experience of brotherhood at 140 chapters across the nation. preserving the past A central purpose to Pi Kappa Phi’s new headquarters will be the preservation and display of its history. To help fulfill this effort, the first floor’s Eldred J. Harman Museum, named for an Alpha Omicron (Iowa State) alumnus and former trustee of the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, will focus on the fraternity’s early growth. Through a series of displays that convey the fraternity’s expansion from Alpha Chapter to Beta Chapter and then onto Gamma Chapter in California, the new museum will tell the remarkable story of the fraternity’s inspired ascendance from its provincial roots along the South Carolina coast to a truly national fraternity. “Pi Kappa Phi’s narrative, especially between the years of 1904 and 1909, is remarkable,” said National Archivist Ted Scharfenstein, Beta Beta (Florida Southern). “It’s a miracle that our organization survived, and we hope to convey a sense of that in our new museum.” Another display will feature rotating collections, more topical in nature, that illuminate something unique to Pi Kappa Phi, but different than the founding narrative. This display tangibly connects the genesis of the fraternity to the special events that succeeded it. The displays will tell just part of the story. The design of the museum space itself is inspired by photos from the Library of Congress of homes on Broad Street at the turn of the 20th century.
realizing tomorrow Pi Kappa Phi’s mission—We Will Lead—as described in the Second Century Vision serves as the backdrop to the functionality of the fraternity’s new home. Underscoring this is the Porterfield-Tirado Education & Seminar Room, which is adjacent to the museum on the first floor. This room, named for the two students who have passed to the Chapter Eternal while serving Push America and Pi Kappa Phi, will allow the organization to host and train chapter officers, volunteers and others in groups of nearly 80 people. This space, dedicated to education and leadership development, helps Pi Kappa Phi to realize the promise of tomorrow by enabling the fraternity to effectively orient and train today’s volunteers and student leaders. According to CEO Mark Timmes, Alpha Epsilon (Florida), the greater fraternity has never had a space as dynamic as the new Porterfield-Tirado Room. “We’re thrilled to have this space. We’ve made a substantial investment in technology to make this a media-ready space that can work with any facilitation style. We feel this room represents the commitment Pi Kappa Phi is making to its future.” campaign success The Pi Kappa Phi Foundation’s campaign for the new building is in its final stages. Having secured more than $1.2 million in pledges against a goal of $1.5 million, the Foundation looks to finish the fundraising aspects of this endeavor by summer 2008. This campaign has been significant in many respects. Tangibly, this effort has resulted in the first time Pi Kappa Phi has raised in excess of $1 million in support of a project or program. More importantly, it has also revealed a new level of commitment by alumni to the organization. To learn more about Pi Kappa Phi’s campaign for a new national headquarters or to make a tax-deductible gift in support of the effort, please contact Tom Atwood, executive director of the Foundation, at (800) 929-1906. editor’s note At the writing of this article, the second floor offices are nearing completion and are scheduled to be ready the third week of December 2007. The first floor facilities—the Eldred J. Harman Museum and PorterfieldTirado Education & Seminar Room—will be completed in 2008. To see a narrated slide show, along with updated photos of Pi Kappa Phi’s new home, visit www.pikapp.org.
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of Lower Downtown—or LoDo. LoDo’s 26 square blocks of restored turn‑of-the-century buildings now house restaurants, galleries, shops, brewpubs and jazz clubs. downtown is also home
ROCKIES REIGN SUPREME IN 2008
to city parks, three major league
Denver, Colorado, and the land upon which it sits
of art and history museums, and
sports stadiums, a collection
has long been a gathering place. The area was home,
miles of bike paths. If that weren’t
first, to the Native Americans of the high plains. Then
enough, each street offers views
came the Spanish explorers who named the area
of the spectacular Colorado
“Colorado”—meaning “reddish”—for its native red
Rocky Mountains. In fact,
stone. Fur trappers and mountain men once traded with Native Americans at the junction of Cherry Creek
the mountain
and the South Platte River—now downtown Denver.
panorama visible
And in 1858 when gold was discovered in those
from Denver is 120
waters, thousands of European-Americans settled
miles long and
“Denver City” during the great Pike’s Peak Gold Rush.
includes nearly 200 named peaks.
In the summer of 2008, Denver will again serve
best of all, nearly all of the
as a gathering place—
supreme chapter events will take
to host Pi Kappa Phi
place right in Downtown—such
Fraternity for the 51st
as a trip to the denver art museum,
meeting of the Supreme
a tour of the historic brown
Chapter. From July 25
palace hotel, and a trip to six
to 29, the fraternity will convene in the Grand Hyatt in
flags elitch gardens—America’s
Downtown Denver for its biennial legislative session.
only downtown amusement
With America’s 10th largest downtown, Denver offers plenty to see and do—and the Grand Hyatt is in the middle of it all. Nearby, you’ll find the Colorado State Capitol, Denver’s U.S. Mint, and the 16th Street Mall—a mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with
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park. In addition to the standard events like the alumni breakfast, the legislative sessions, the pi alpha reception, the founderS’ 5k and the supreme banquet, other events will also be held at the nearby denver zoo, and the “wings over the rockies” air and space museum.
trees, fountains, outdoor cafés, shops, restaurants
visit www.pikapp.org for additional information and
and theatres. Also close by is the historic district
to register for the 51st supreme chapter.
STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
CALL FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS
Nominating Committee seeks “Brothers who will Choose to Lead.” “Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change. They motivate and inspire others to go in the right direction, and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there.” John Kotter, Harvard Business School As chairman of the Nominating Committee, I am writing to ask you for any suggestions you may have for qualified men willing to lead your fraternity by serving on the National Council of Pi Kappa Phi. The vision of Pi Kappa Phi is expressed simply as Leaders by Choice. The mission accepted by brothers of Pi Kappa Phi is: We Will Lead. A commitment to the fraternity is but one of the requirements for consideration of nomination to the National Council. Previous service to—and a sound understanding of—the greater fraternity is essential. We also look for those who have demonstrated exemplary talents in their chosen professions, strong interpersonal traits and abilities, and a willingness to make tough decisions when necessary. Simply put, we are looking for those men best qualified to accept the sacrifice of leadership. As those who have served know well, a considerable amount of time, energy and financial resources go into service on the National Council, but the rewards are clear—there are constant reminders of the favorable impact your work has on the lives of our student and alumni members. The task of the Nominating Committee is to prepare a slate of candidates to propose as leaders of the fraternity for the period of August 2008 to August 2010, which begins at the 51st Supreme Chapter in Denver, Colo. The Nominating Committee is comprised of five members: a student member to be appointed, and four former national presidents—David G. Lane, Nathan Hightower, Dr. Pat Figley and myself. Please notify me by letter or fax by January 25, 2008, if you have an interest in leading your fraternity as a member of the National Council (or in any other capacity), or if you wish to recommend a person you believe to be well-qualified and interested. At least one member of the Nominating Committee will contact those persons who are timely identified to obtain more information, with the intention of developing a proposed slate by February 15, 2008. Our recommendations will be published by the end of March 2008. Send your nominations to Ernest Johnson at 5749 Indian Circle, Houston, TX 77057. You also may fax them to (713) 209-5785. It is critical that your suggestions be sent by the January 25 deadline.
Ernest Johnson Past National President
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STAYING GROUNDED pi kappa phi uses educational programs to reduce risk In June 2003, Pi Kappa Phi completed a risk management report. The report outlined methods to strengthen policies, improve education and training, provide comprehensive alcohol education, and prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm to our students, chapters, and the national fraternity. Pi Kappa Phi has continued its use of this report, and the fraternity will further execute the report’s strategic planning through the implementation of two alcohol/risk management education programs during the 2007-2008 academic year. Through these educational programs, it is our intent to support the philosophy statement of Pi Kappa Phi: “Through education, training, and mature adult guidance, we provide the tools to help students make good choices and to understand the consequences of their choices. The organization will hold chapters and individual chapter members accountable for the choices they make.”
LADDER OF RISK The first program is the newest on Pi Kappa Phi’s alcohol education menu. Developed exclusively for Pi Kappa Phi, the Ladder of Risk is designed to educate members on the fraternity’s risk management policy in a simple and effective manner. The two-and-a-half-hour program instructs members and associate members how to host safe chapter events and offers methods to reduce their risks as a chapter. Through a series of “rungs,” the program teaches that each time a chapter violates the fraternity’s risk management policy, it climbs another rung on the ladder of risk and increases the chance that a fall from the ladder will cause harm to the chapter or the fraternity. Consequentially, each step down the ladder lessens a chapter’s risk of causing harm to itself or the national organization. During this academic year, 70 chapters are targeted to receive the Ladder of Risk program, which is facilitated by a trained volunteer. Through follow-up
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S K PURCHASE CHAPTER/BULin any form, including NO : #2 NG RU d by the chapter used for the purchase of No funds collecte the hat,” can be n, so we shouldn’t be in the g sin as “p S or NG es er du RISK: THEAE KRUTHE LAW a Phi is not a tavhen we do, we assume a huge pp Ka Pi ol. LADDER#1OF oh alc W ol. oh BR s, T te alc N’ sta ng tity of alcohol idi RUNG : DO : the drinking age is 21 in all es business of provay’s college culture, a bulk quanto binge drink, y tod nit in rtu o, po Als op It’s pretty simple other or a guest) who consum k. an ris ning, falls, t observers as and anyone (a brges underage runs the risk ofcan translates to mose risk for things like alcohol poiso , cases, and th gs s ke ate at th cre ns ich alcoholic beveraion, chapter functions (which the ea wh injuries. This m k and liability. trouble. In addit observer would associate witheither death, and other tities of alcohol are a HUGE ris an qu s as m er be any event an ohol present must abide bylicy or oth Beverage” po fraternity) with alc S do not Own (Alcoholic) OPEN PARTIE ohol is the “Bring Your vendor. Simply put, chapters ide RUNG #3: NO not host open parties when alc with alcohol ov rty pr use a third-pa ses and therefore cannot and puts apters should further decrease risk, events ternity Ch r to e fra have liquor licen else is a step up the ladder present. In orde t list, and non-members of th ests are! (The gu ur yo o wh t have a gues alcohol. Anything members at risk. ow us m est list.) FIPG ific invitations. Kn a chapter and its must have specdirectory does not constitute a guwith alcohol campus phone that attendance at social eventsber. Policy suggests not exceed two guests per mem present should
from the chapter’s leadership consultant, the director of alcohol education and the director of risk management, it is our goal for every member to know the risk management policies and to implement these policies at Pi Kappa Phi events.
ALCOHOL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM (ASTP) The Alcohol Skills Training Program is unlike most alcohol programs, because it actually acknowledges that college students drink alcohol. And rather than trying to impose abstinence on college students, it acknowledges that any step toward reduced risk is a step in the right direction. The goal of ASTP is to educate Pi Kappa Phi members about alcohol-related behavior, while increasing members’ interest in critically examining their drinking patterns and eventually implementing the skills they learn. In doing so, members can learn to recognize high-risk situations and to minimize the potential negative consequences through preventative action, reduced consumption or abstinence. A total of 45 chapters will receive ASTP during the 2007-08 academic year, and a trained volunteer delivers this two-and-a-half-hour program. While these two programs are delivered by trained alumni and volunteers, Pi Kappa Phi is always looking for additional volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about the fraternity’s alcohol and risk management educational programs or how you can become involved in your area, please contact Dr. Lori Hart Ebert, director of alcohol education, at (404) 816-0111 or lebert@pikapp.org; or Kevin Kelly, director of risk management, at (800) 929-1904 ext. 135 or kkelly@pikapp.org.
THING” RULE es E “ALL OR NO RUNG #7: TH at co-sponsors or co-financns th tio r RS te O iza ap IN an ch M rg y /o An N’T SERVE TO t the law e other chapters RUNG #4: DOthout saying that it is agains ne who an event with e for an incident if any of thns the bl ea lia m lly at ua Th l. eq It should go wi r, or serve alcohol to, someo e law” is rchase alcoho llowing to purchase fo ars of age. Again, “against th other groups puthe risk even if they are fo es ar sh r te ap is under 21 ye a risk.” ch PG guideline. means “taking ever y other FI S ITMENT UG rance ILLEGAL DR ” RUSH/RECRUlook at it: If alcohol RUNG #5: NOt-and-dry. There is zero tole RUNG #8: “DRY oice Ch by s er ad ty Le This one is cu o have illegal drugs or This is the way cruit someone, he is not a qualily es or needed to re etty lame if alcohol is the on ve for chapters wh tances on chapter premis is pr cti controlled subsents. recruit. And it is chapter has to offer a prospen be ca ol int the oh po g alc llin at fraternity ev no se ORS ore, absolutely NG WITH VENDr member. Therefrecruitment event or activity. so CO-SPONSORI esent at any RUNG #6: NO equally liable if they co-spon l is pr The chapter is vendor/tavern where alcohot. an event with aaway, or sold to those presen present, given
AMES” “DRINKING G games RUNG #9: NO antity in Rung #2, drinking the qu s lk se bu ea e cr in lik st Ju it, e drinking, which encourage bingent. Chapters that don’t perm antics cid ch ac su an in e of at k ris age, or particip Risk. tolerate, encourge step down the Ladder of hu a g kin ta e ar G RY” PLEDGIN RUNG #10: “D/recruitment in Rung #8, thereation or Like “dry” rush ohol involved with the educ bers. sociate mem e cannot be any alc Pi Kappa Phi as ag development ofs are under the legal drinking it Most associatemeans it’s not only illegal, but anyway, which and liability especially high. makes the risk
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greek housing bill sent to capitol hill Pi Kappa Phi has teamed up with more than 90 men’s and women’s Greek organizations in support of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2007 (H.R.643/S.638), a bill currently pending in the United States House of Representatives and Senate. College fraternities and sororities are the largest private landlords for college men and women, housing more than 250,000 students each year at no cost to their host institutions. Passage of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act would encourage new charitable contributions to improve safety systems and increase overall housing capacity for a growing student population. Passage of this important legislation would amend the current Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-deductible contributions made to fraternal foundations, such as the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, to be used for safety and infrastructure improvements of Greek student housing. These improvements could include updated fire detection and prevention systems that would provide critical protection for students. Currently, such contributions may only be used for exclusively educational purposes as narrowly defined by the IRS. Thousands of Greek students and alumni, including hundreds of Pi Kappa Phis, have participated in a massive grassroots letter-writing campaign to
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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
members of Congress seeking support for this legislation. In April, hundreds of Greek students and alumni leaders held more than 300 meetings with members of Congress to seek additional support. These efforts to date have resulted in 151 sponsors of the bill in the House and 31 in the Senate. These numbers are a major increase from where we were at this time with the previous Congress. We need your help to get this bill signed into law How can you participate? 1. Go to www.fraternalcaucus.org, and click the “register” button at the top of the page. It will only take about two minutes for you to provide the campaign with some basic information Greek leaders can use later in our efforts to target certain demographic groups for additional contacts. 2. After registering, go to the tab marked “legislation,” and then click the “write your legislators” link. 3. Complete all the boxes and steps to automatically send an e-mail to your senators and congressional representative. If you have a connection to other members of congress, feel free to write them as well. The Greek community is tracking the number of letters sent by members of each organization and Pi Kappa Phi wants to continue to be well represented in this campaign.
GYRE, 1999 Raleigh, N.C.
SKYLIGHTS, 1993 Istanbul, Turkey
Of More Than Ordinary Significance Thomas Sayre, Kappa (North Carolina), can be identified in a number of important and interesting ways—great-grandson to a U.S. president, grandson to a World War II Navy admiral, son of a National Cathedral reverend. And while Sayre obviously had little control in choosing those identities, the name he has made for himself is equally as impressive—as a sculptor, an inventor, a philanthropist, and visionary. Thomas Sayre is indeed many things. And among those is the Pi Kappa Phi’s Hall of F a me inductee for 2007. To complement this great honor, the Star & Lamp presents a gallery of his work along with the words of Executive Director Emeritus Durward Owen, Xi (Roanoke), introducing Sayre at Pi Kapp College 2007 in Raleigh, N.C. “Tonight, we are here to recognize the 28th inductee of the Pi Kappa Phi Hall of F a me—a group of select alumni who have distinguished themselves within their professions, and thereby have brought honor and respect to the fraternity. Tonight, we recognize a great brother who has not only made a great impact within his profession, but who has altered the very course of our fraternity. His category is art. He is an initiate of Kappa chapter at UNC - Chapel Hill. Art, ‘the quality, production or expression, according to aesthetic principles; what is of more than ordinary significances.’ In describing art as exemplified by Thomas Hart Sayre, the words in this definition that stand out are ‘more than ordinary significance.’ A poet has said, ‘Let each man exercise the art he knows.’ Thomas Hart Sayre knows art but as few others do.
gyre consists of three rings and is located on the grounds of the North Carolina Museum of Art. It derives its name from Irish poet W. B. Yates, who saw history as the complex movement of a spiral. skylights is an illumination project consisting of 11 hanging elements, which stem from leaf forms. Each form has its own randomly fading interior lights. The project was designed to infuse a tall lobby space with foreground views. This overhead view looks down on the lobby. David Burnham has said, ‘Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir men’s blood.’ Thomas Sayre’s art takes two forms—both big. One form is of the mind, the other of the heart. His physical objects are usually very large—so large, in fact, that you cannot miss them when you are near them. In other words, they were not thought of in original concept as anything but big plans, and man’s blood is indeed stirred—never neutral or passive, both in approval and disapproval.
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NEST, 2003 Staunton, Va.
RIVER REELS, 1999 Oxford, N.C.
Art of the Mind, Art of the Heart His work can be found across the globe in countries such as Turkey, Thailand and Canada; in Sacramento and Seattle; in Massachusetts and across North Carolina; and places in between. They contain meanings to stir men’s blood—meanings that Tom will admit lay in the eyes and mind of the beholder.
Nest sits in a large, rural field located between the Allegheny and Shenandoah Mountains in southwest Virginia. This stacked structure serves as a focusing landmark, and the stepped interior, accessed by various holes and slots, serves as a habitat and refuge for birds, bugs and bats. RIVER REELS was the first of Sayre’s ‘earthcast’ sculptures, which are created through a process of pouring reinforced concrete into a mold carved from the earth. The pieces are then pulled from their ‘wombs’ with a crane and set onto a underground footing.
I have spoken of Thomas Hart Sayre’s ‘art of the mind,’ a mind that has created images ‘of more than ordinary significance.’ His ‘art of the heart’ is another thing, and perhaps of even more significance to Pi Kappa Phi.
I immediately thought, ‘A young artist was to be the national project of Pi Kappa Phi?’ I wasn’t so sure. After all, this young artist had a ponytail to his waist, sandals with no socks and a tie-dyed shirt—all the prerequisites of a genuine hippie of the 1970s. We talked and admired the beauty of the fall colors, which were then before us across the valley of the mountains just south of Morganton, N.C. Around us were 20 or so clients of the Western Carolina Center—all living with some form of mental or physical disability or both.
One October day in the fall of 1976 on a place called Acorn Hill, I met Thomas Sayre. I had failed in two earlier attempts to create a ‘national project’ for Pi Kappa Phi. My friend and mentor, Dr. Iverson Riddle, asked me to meet a young artist with whom he was working.
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So here I was with a hippie artist and these 20 or so folks with disabilities, and I was to find here the much sought after national project for Pi Kappa Phi? ‘No way,’ I again thought. Then I commented to Thomas how extraordinarily beautiful the mountains were. He agreed. I then said, “Isn’t it a shame that those poor souls around us—the 20 clients of this institution—cannot enjoy what were are seeing?”
JAR, 2005 Leverett, Mass.
GREEN FLASH, 1996 Atlanta, Ga.
Tom, almost in anger, profoundly responded, “How do you know that they do not?” My statement and his question, at that exact moment, changed my life and forever changed Pi Kappa Phi. It was the genius of Push America, and the second art of Thomas Hart Sayre—that which comes from his heart. This dually focused, young, hippie artist began performing his artistic magic.
INVERSION, 2006 Birmingham, Ala. VESSELS, 2006 Cary, N.C.
JAR stems from the Wallace Stevens poem ‘Anecdote of the Jar.’ This earthcast piece sits on the edge of a large rural meadow and acts as sentinel, bridging the expanse between human-made buildings, the adjacent meadow and the wetland forest beyond. green flash is a scientific term referring to the first light at sunrise and last light at sunset. Located in Atlanta’s International Airport, Green Flash is composed of three column‑like forms, which represent ‘travel.’ The first column (pictured), constructed of fiberglass and steel, symbolizes ‘day.’ The second is composed of black concrete rings to symbolize ‘night.’ The third symbolizes the world’s 24 time zones. inversion is the centerpiece of a 70-foot space. As an illumination project, Inversion uses natural light from the sun and creates shadows from the intricate bracing within its conical form. vessels’ color and rough texture show the variegations of the red clay earth in which they were cast. The name is derived from the impression given by the outward flair from bottom to top.
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TRAJECTORY, 2005 Charlotte, N.C.
Phuket Cheddi, 2003 Phuket, Thailand D’ARBONNE, 2006 Monroe, La.
The Genesis of a Great Art trajectory was conceived from the physics of a bouncing ball. Located in the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats’ Arena, this terrazzo floor depicts three patterns of arching color. Each of the three bouncing systems converge into a complex mandala at the main lobby. D’ARBONNE began as horizontal earthcast forms that were lifted upright by crane to become petals framing a view of the sky above. Looking up through D’Arbonne is like being inside a flower, unfolding a distinctly horticultural form and movement. phuket cheddi is perched on a spectacular slope along the Andaman Sea on the Phuket Peninsula of Thailand. This project is designed to be seen from both the land and the bay below. The Pagoda is designed to pay homage to nature in this beautiful part of Thailand, which is ever-shrinking due to rampant development.
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Tonight’s inductee has not only my respect, but that of our National President John Andrews, who has said, ‘He is one of those rare Hall of F a me brothers who has linked his professional talent and vision directly to Pi Kappa Phi. In fact, he has shaped Pi Kappa Phi in a remarkable, lasting fashion. Within his vocation, he has brought us honor not only as an artist and sculptor, but also as a man who shapes perceptions and unlocks hidden meaning. Within our brotherhood, his talents were at the heart of the events that gave birth to Push America 30 years ago—now one of Pi Kappa Phi’s greatest accomplishments.’ How can anyone physically measure the art of Thomas Hart Sayre? We cannot. However, Thomas Hart Sayre, we can honor you. Tonight I give you the newest inductee into the Pi Kappa Phi Hall of F a me: son of a preacher, grandson of an admiral, great grandson of a United States president—but of most importance, the genesis of a great art worldwide, and the art of Push America. You have exercised the art you know, and the largeness of your art has indeed created ‘magic to stir men’s hearts,’ for you are definitively ‘of more than ordinary significance.’”
leadership in Focus:
Former archons leading the past, present and future by Jill Powell
W
hile working as a distributor in a hospital operating room in 1991, Gene Robinson listened to a nurse’s plea for help with a broken drill. When the drill was repaired and delivered to the hospital at no charge, it became the catalyst that inspired Robinson to pioneer third party repair and launch Integrated Medical Systems® International, Inc. (IMS). Nearly 17 years and more than 600 nationwide employees later, IMS continues to listen to customers, a policy that has led to the company’s recent re-branding as the InstrumentReady™ Company and adoption of the prime directive, “Act as if your loved one is on the table.” IMS consistently delivers products and services designed to improve hospital efficiencies, to help healthcare facilities save time and lives and to grow revenue. Interestingly, Gene Robinson is a former Pi Kappa Phi archon of Omicron chapter at the University of Alabama—as are two of his prominent colleagues within the company. The lessons learned during their presidential terms appear to have greatly influenced their professional success. President and CEO Farrell ‘Gene’ Robinson is responsible for the company’s vision, strategy, profitability, and for providing a positive and productive work environment for his employees. He is a firm believer in being open to new ideas and concepts often viewed as opposite of the norm. Robinson considers everything in life a learning opportunity. “I have always tried to be like a sponge and learn as much as I can in every situation—everything has an application,” states Robinson. His foresight, business philosophy, and “do-it-right” attitude are largely responsible for the success of IMS, growing in sales from just over $1 million in 1993 to more than $75 million today. As archon of Omicron chapter, Robinson learned many important principles related to business and people. When he became archon, Pi Kappa Phi needed at least 100 members to truly be considered an influential force on campus. Faced with only 27 returning members, Robinson along with Treasurer Harry Caldwell Jr. and House Chairman Walter Till formulated a plan to increase membership and provide the chapter with financial stability. The Omicron officers worked diligently as they traveled around the state organizing and holding social events to acquire new pledges and additional revenue. The combined leadership, expertise in bringing people together, organizational skills, and savvy budget sense enabled the chapter to survive the initial low membership and attain a record 45 new members later in the year. The chapter went on to take the All-Sports trophy in the spring. Robinson is quick to add, “The success was a team effort and proved to be an invaluable experience when I began IMS.” Having learned the importance of leadership and team-building in promoting innovation and growth, Robinson continues to keep IMS in the forefront of the healthcare industry.
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ngenuity and confidence are characteristics that Gene Robinson observed when he hired Bo Mundy to spearhead the sales division during IMS’s start-up period. Mundy now serves as president of sales and marketing, and under his leadership, the sales division has generated double-digit percentage growth for 16 consecutive years.
During his tenure as archon of Delta Epsilon chapter at Jacksonville State University, Mundy recognized the importance of recruiting and building a cohesive brotherhood, which led the chapter to win the All-Sports trophy and Greek Week for eight consecutive years. Mundy’s archon experience helped prepare him for the management of more than 140 sales representatives throughout the nation. Mundy comments, “A fraternity chapter is only as good as its brothers; therefore, if you are not constantly rushing the best men, your chapter suffers. IMS functions in much the same way.” To ensure that IMS recruits and cultivates the best sales representatives, Mundy instituted “IMS University,” an industryleading training program that combines broad-based technical training with sales skills that target the medical industry. “If we don’t have the best sales representatives, we cannot maintain our industry-leader position. Just as great brothers equal a great fraternity, a great sales force equals a great company. Fraternity rush taught me how to recruit the best people, and this knowledge carried over into my career at IMS,” says Mundy.
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undy’s demand for excellence, strategic thinking skills, and recruiting proficiency intrigued Dan Weber who began his career at IMS in March 1999. He quickly moved from leading sales representative to his current position as area vice president where he is responsible for managing the company’s largest territory in Charlotte, N.C. Weber has been a pioneer for IMS by helping the company grow in his market and by developing programs and strategies for IMS to use nationwide. Noting the importance of building strong relationships for sustained business growth, Weber states, “I know there will be difficult times, but handling those difficult times effectively is what develops relationships that last. This is true both personally and professionally.” Weber is no stranger to “difficult times.” While serving as archon of Omicron chapter at Alabama, he won “Archon of the Year” honors from the national fraternity. He was able to keep the chapter together after it was banned from campus for violations prior to his election as archon. “Those were some very trying times for our tradition-rich and proud chapter. It was the dedication and commitment shown by all the brothers of Omicron that saw us through that difficult period and allowed us to overcome adversity.” Weber adds, “My experience as archon taught me that handling adversity correctly translates into stronger relationships, and stronger relationships equal success both in life and in sales.” These three remarkable men, each motivated by life’s challenges and dedicated to excellence in their personal and professional lives, exemplify what it means to be “leaders by choice.” Is it just a coincidence that the former archons of Pi Kappa Phi have been drawn together? Brothers will emphatically deny it is a mere coincidence. Influenced by their leadership experiences within the fraternity, these men were drawn together because they recognized the embodiment of a shared pursuit: “We will lead.”
nce “Leadership in Focus” is an interactive series meant to involve and enlighten our audieof by providing unique perspectives on leadership as it manifests itself in the daily lives our readers. If you would like to share your thoughts on leadership, please send your submission to star&lamp@pikapp.org LEADERS BY CHOICE
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TOP CHAPTERS, STUDENTS, ALUMNI RECOGNIZED AT PI KAPP COLLEGE
pi Kapp College 2007 was, for the first time, held in Raleigh, N.C., on the campus of North Carolina State University. From June 1 - 4, the conference brought more than 600 participants together, including chapter officers, chapter advisors, alumni chapter and housing corporation officers, regional governors and members of the National Council. CEO Mark E. Timmes, Alpha Epsilon (Florida), delivered the opening remarks on Friday evening. In his speech he referenced the Second Century Vision and charged participants to engage in their specific tracks to drive the organizational goals for the coming year. Student participants included chapter archons, vice archons, wardens and chaplains. Archons received training through the Archon’s Academy, which featured a session on effectiveness delivered by Fortune 500 consultant John Spence, Alpha Epsilon (Florida). Vice archons received recruitment and branding training through CAMPUSPEAK’s Recruitment Boot Camp. Wardens participated in the Warden’s Academy, learning valuable member education tools, while chaplains participated in the Certified Ritualist Program, designed by Past National President J. Patrick Figley, Chi (Stetson), to teach best ritual practices and to engage members in the values and lessons of our Ritual within their every day lives.
founders AWARDs MIXSON AWARD
Most outstanding chapter in the nation on a campus with 7 or less NIC fraternities Epsilon Alpha (Elon)
FOGARTY AWARD
Most outstanding chapter in the nation on a campus with eight to 17 NIC fraternities Eta Gamma (Colorado)
Student of the Year
KROEG AWARD
Most outstanding chapter in the nation on a campus with 18 or more NIC fraternities Alpha Delta (Washington)
ASSOCIATE CHAPTER of the Year
ARCHON of the Year
student AWARDs
alumni AWARDs
Most outstanding student member Michael Bumbry, Epsilon Alpha (Elon)
Allen Woody, Xi (Roanoke)
Dr. Phillip M. Summers Student of the Year howard h. baker leadership award Most outstanding campus and community leader Andrae L. Turner, Eta Rho (Texas State)
Archon of the Year
David Hartwig, Theta Theta (Iowa)
Vice Archon of the Year
Bradley Charlesworth, Theta Alpha (Southern Miss)
thomas sayre award
Most outstanding Push America chairman Eric Buchka, Theta Mu (UMass)
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Chapter advisors participated in the Chapter Advisor Symposium, where they received training and tools that focused on “being present, helping students to understand the fraternity landscape and serving as a guide for student leaders.” Pi Kapp College also provided the first alumni chapter/ housing corporation officer training. This training taught alumni organization leaders strategies to create opportunities for alumni interaction, involvement and investment through effective communication and goal setting. Regional governors worked to advance the interest of the fraternity in six strategic areas—financial integrity, parent’s programming, chapter discipline, Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence, chapter strategic planning retreats, and minimum chapter standards. The National Awards banquet was held Saturday evening, during which Pi Kappa Phi’s top chapters, students and alumni were recognized. Chapters were also recognized for achievements in the Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence. On Sunday evening, select chaplains from the Certified Ritualist Program formed one initiation team to conduct the Ritual of Initiation for the model initiate. This 2007 initiate was Jim Pickens, son-in-law of National Chancellor Dudley Woody, Xi (Roanoke). Jim entered Pi Kappa Phi as Xi chapter’s 1,170th initiate.
STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
MR. PI KAPPA PHI
pi kappa phi hall of fame
Thomas Sayre, Kappa (North Carolina)
Volunteer of the Year Todd Sargent, Eta Sigma (UCLA)
REGIONAL GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR Ken Forti, Sigma (South Carolina)
CHAPTER ADVISOR of the Year Paul Vasconcellos, Theta Mu (UMass)
alumni NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR Epsilon Alpha (Elon)
pi kapp college 2007
chapter AWARDs
seven objectives AWARDs
Theta Mu (UMass)
1) Recruitment Success Outstanding Recruitment Program
associate chapter of the year theron h. houser most improved chapter of the Year Zeta Nu (West Chester)
champion master chapters Delta (Furman) Xi (Roanoke) Psi (Cornell) Omega (Purdue) Alpha Delta (Washington) Alpha Omicron (Iowa State) Alpha Phi (IIT) Alpha Psi (Indiana) Beta Theta (Arizona) Beta Omicron (Northwestern State) Gamma Iota (LSU) Delta Alpha (Virginia Tech) Delta Eta (Morehead) Epsilon Alpha (Elon) Epsilon Phi (Alabama-Birmingham) Eta Gamma (Colorado) Eta Zeta (Queens) Eta Omicron (San Francisco State) Eta Chi (Texas Christian) Theta Alpha (Southern Miss) Theta Delta (Florida International) Theta Zeta (George Washington) Theta Theta (Iowa) Theta Iota (Washington State) Theta Mu (UMass) Theta Nu (Delaware) Theta Xi (Arizona State)
push america awards Push America Cup
Most outstanding achievements in total fundraising Eta Chi (Texas Christian)
altruist award
Most outstanding achievements in fundraising per man Epsilon Phi (Alabama-Birmingham)
For excellence in the Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence
Epsilon Alpha (Elon)
most improved
Delta Eta (Morehead State)
Executive Award
Highest total of initiated members in 2006-07 Theta Delta (Florida International)
Recruitment Growth
Largest percentage growth in recruitment Zeta (Wofford)
2) Superior Associate Member Education Lighthouse Award Most outstanding member development programming Epsilon Alpha (Elon)
most improved
Theta Delta (Florida International)
3) Academic Achievement Outstanding SCHOLARSHIP Program
Theta Nu (Delaware)
most improved program Eta Gamma (Colorado)
W.E. Edington Award
Most outstanding grade point average Psi (Cornell)
most improved G.P.A.
Alpha Xi (St. John’s)
4) Sound Chapter Operations CHAPTER MANAGEMENT Most outstanding chapter operations Eta Chi (Texas Christian)
most improved
Theta Delta (Florida International)
web site of the year Chi (Stetson)
5) Living the Ritual living the ritual AWARD Theta Theta (Iowa)
most improved
Alpha Kappa (Michigan)
j. sewell Intramural cup
Most outstanding achievement in intramurals Alpha Delta (Washington)
6) Commitment to Service star of hope Most outstanding commitment to service Eta Chi (Texas Christian)
most improved
Theta Zeta (George Washington)
7) Effective Chapter Alumni Relations outstanding alumni relations Zeta Chi (Albright)
most improved
Eta Gamma (Colorado)
student newsletter of the year Eta Gamma (Colorado)
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ALUMNI New s
LIFELONG A SOLDIER AND HERO
PI KAPP SOLDIER RESCUes 2-YEAR-OLD iraqi boy from well
CAMP TAJI, Iraq—Captain David Powell, Zeta Rho (Cal State Fullerton), was about to begin a security patrol when he was flagged down by a distraught Iraqi man at the gate of the base. “He was franticly waving his arms and hands, trying to get [our] attention,” said Powell. With the aid of the camp’s interpreter, the man explained that his son had fallen into a dry well, and they could not get him out. Powell immediately re-tasked the patrol to help rescue the boy. The father led the soldiers to the well, which was only 800 meters from the base. From the surface, Powell used a flashlight to locate the child at the bottom of the well. “I could see that the baby had fallen some 25 feet and was lying at the bottom of the well,” Powell said. “He appeared to be breathing, but would not answer to our calls.” Using a back hoe from the outpost, the patrol began digging a parallel shaft right next to the dry well. “The back hoe made quick work of the rescue shaft just to the south of the well, then the real digging began,” said Powell. He and a staff sergeant began digging a horizontal tunnel from the base of the shaft into the well. “I don’t think I have ever heard a more beautiful sound.” They began to dig with their hands, and after five hours, they had tunneled through the wall. The well was basin-shaped at the bottom, which made the boy difficult to locate. After several attempts to reach for him, Capt. Powell was able to pull the boy through the tunnel to safety. After a quick examination, medics found no serious injuries and returned the boy to his mother and father. The patrol then filled in the hole and returned to the base. Because of the unstable nature of the soil in Iraq, Powell feared the well walls might cave if they were not careful. So, they used a shovel, screwdriver, rebar and other primitive farming tools to dig. “The soil was extremely hard and difficult to work with,” said Powell. “It was slow going with only short breaks to change position or move dirt.” Several villagers had gathered around the well, making it difficult to hear. However, as they dug, a faint crying was heard through the earthened wall. “He sounded scared, but okay,” said Powell.
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The following day Capt. Powell visited the family and brought a medic to make sure the boy was okay. It was determined that he was in perfect health. Reflecting on the incident, Powel said, “I had the opportunity to do something truly great. In my 18 years in the Army, this is by far the greatest thing I have ever done.” Captain David Powell commands Company B, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
ABOVE: Capt. David Powell, Zeta Rho (Cal State-Fullerton), holds the 2-year-old boy he rescued from a well. LEFT: Capt. Powell (right), stand with his staff sergeant at the bottom of the rescue shaft. Photos courtesy of Maj. Randall Baucom
ALUMNI NEWS
Alpha Epsilon alum recognized by the University of Florida CHAPTER ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR
ORLANDO, Fla.—Pete Barr Sr., Alpha Epsilon (Florida), was recently recognized with the University of Florida’s Distinguished Alumnus award. Additionally, Barr was also named Distinguished Alumnus by the Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications.
Pi Kappa Phi would like to congratulate to the following chapters that will reach a milestone anniversary in 2008.
75th ALPHA UPSILON
DREXEL Founded: May 20, 1933
Barr received the Distinguished Alumnus distinction from his alma mater for his work in developing an award-winning advertising and public relations agency, his extensive community involvement, and the establishment of the Barr Trust Scholarship at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. The awards were presented to him during Florida’s graduation ceremonies in May.
60th BETA ALPHA
NJIT Founded: May 29, 1948 BETA BETA FLORIDA SOUTHERN Founded: October 16, 1948
50th BETA SIGMA
Upon graduation from the University of Florida in 1957, Barr, along with two partners,
NORTHERN ILLINOIS Founded: March 22, 1958
Pi Kappa Phi provided opportunities to become a better person, a better leader. established Fry Hammond Barr, which is now Florida’s oldest full-service advertising and public relations agency. Fry Hammond Bar, with offices in Orlando and Tampa Bay, employs more than 65 people will annual billings topping $85 million. In fact, the agency represents several notable clients including McDonald’s and the Ronald McDonald House, YMCA, Stein Mart and Hard Rock. Though he turned the reigns over to his son Pete Barr Jr. in 2002, Barr Sr. is the current chairman of the agency he founded 50 years ago.
Barr has said his experiences in Pi Kappa Phi have helped him in his career. “Pi Kappa Phi provided me opportunities to become a better person, a better leader.” Within the greater fraternity, Barr currently serves on the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation’s Board of Governors, which is made up of prominent alumni who have served the fraternity in a significant leadership capacity. He was awarded the Merit Citation—the second highest honor for a Pi Kappa Phi alumnus— at the 48th Supreme Chapter in Washington, D.C. Also of note is Barr’s distinction as Mr. Alpha Epsilon, awarded by his chapter.
25th EPSILON PI
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH Founded: December 3, 1983 EPSILON RHO LENOIR-RHYNE Founded: December 3, 1983 EPSILON SIGMA CHRISTIAN BROTHERS Founded: December 10, 1983 EPSILON TAU ST. JOSEPH’S Founded: December 10, 1983
10th ETA CHI
TEXAS CHRISTIAN Founded: March 7, 1998
For more information on anniversaries or for help in planning an event for your chapter, contact Director of Alumni Services Christian Wiggins at cwiggins@pikapp.org. LEADERS BY CHOICE
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www.hyperfitnessliving.com
John Mengelson, Gamma Eta (Athens)
www.positioningsuccess.com
Jeff Mitchell, Zeta Chi (Albright)
www.amazon.com
Texas Tech promotes alum to VP of admissions LUBBOCK, Texas—Texas Tech University has appointed Pi Kappa Phi alumnus and Past National Chaplain Robert Shindell, Beta Iota (Toledo), as the new associate vice president for recruiting and admissions in a key move to grow its enrollment to 40,000 students by 2020. “This new position is an amazing challenge, and I am honored to be asked to serve in this role,” said Shindell. “Texas Tech is a wonderful place; we must get the word out to potential students.”
Previous to the promotion, Shindell was the director of the Texas Tech Rawls College of Business Career Management Center. “Rob brings enormous enthusiasm to his new position,” said William Marcy, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “He has been very successful as the founding director of the Career Placement Center of the Rawls College of Business and is now in a position to capitalize on his success.”
Xi alumni recognized with Roanoke’s top honor SALEM, Va.—The Roanoke College Medal recognizes outstanding Roanoke alumni who represent the ideals of responsible leadership, intellectual integrity, and good citizenship through their professional accomplishments and service to their community and alma mater. This fall, Roanoke honored two Pi Kappa Phis from Xi chapter with this distinction— the college’s highest honor for its alumni. David Ferguson of Tallahassee, Fla., and John Stafford of Jonesborough, Tenn., graduated from Roanoke in 1957, both majored in economics, both held offices within Xi chapter during their days as students, and both have enjoyed successful careers. Ferguson’s outstanding 30-year career with the Florida Department of Transportation began in 1973. He served as statewide director of human resources for 10,000 DOT employees. Under his tenure, an entire Personnel System for the Florida DOT was developed—a system that was later used by the Florida Legislature as the basis for its overall State Career Service reform. In 2001, Ferguson was selected as one of only 10 transportation officials in the U.S.
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David Ferguson and John Stafford receive the Roanoke College Medal
to participate in an international study of transportation workforce development. This study included visits to Sweden, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, during which he met with both public and private employers and officials, and helped to finalize a report of recommendation for use by federal and state transportation agencies.
Prior to his work with Florida DOT, Ferguson served in the U.S. Navy and worked as a labor relations specialist at Dan River Mills in Danville, Va. Stafford is the chairman of Stafford Communications, Inc., a highly successfully advertising company he founded in 1979. The company specializes in outdoor billboard advertising for areas of Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. Prior to founding the company, Stafford was a national account manager for Xerox Corporation. After 11 years with Xerox, he left to become general manger of Woodie Outdoor Advertising. Stafford has also been active in many professional and civic organizations. He served as president of the Tri-Cities Metro Ad Federation, treasurer of the Virginia Outdoor Advertising Association and on the board of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. He also received the Silver Medal Award from the American Advertising Federation. Stafford currently serves as chairman of the National Brain Injury Treatment and Training Foundation.
c olle g ia t e N e ws
ONCAMPUS DELTA
FURMAN Delta chapter continues to be successful on a number of levels. The chapter recently finished its annual No Boundaries Week, which raised money and awareness for Push America. The week culminated in a day-long scaffold sit. Brother T.J. Cofield manned the scaffold for 24 consecutive hours. Delta chapter has also recently finished recruiting its fall associate member class. These 6 men have already begun their associate member meetings and are on top of their initiation requirements. If they proceed on schedule, they will initiate in December.
IOTA
GEORGIA TECH This fall has been exciting at the Iota chapter as the brotherhood is enjoying the success of a strong commitment to recruitment, brotherhood and service. After initiating six brothers from a spring Rush that resulted in one of the largest classes on campus, the chapter welcomed 15 new members this fall. The associates are making the adjustment to life at Tech with the help of the brotherhood. Also, academic advisor Dr. John Andrews, Delta Sigma (Bowling Green), has implemented the Collegiate Success Program at the chapter for all new members. In the past year, the brotherhood renewed their commitment to Push America, which led to some very memorable moments. Last spring’s events included completing an AccessABILITY project, attending a GiveA-Push Weekend, and raising more than $3,000 for Push America. Summer event participation is increasing as well. Todd Heffner was a cyclist on the Journey of Hope South Team, and five members participated in Build America, including Brian Schenck who served as the team’s project manager. In October, the chapter held a Wheel-athon to fundraise for Blaze Sports of Atlanta as well as a week-long wheelchair Push to raise awareness on campus. The chapter is off to a good start this fall with alumni events as well, the Active/ Alumni tailgate in South Bend for the
Notre Dame game was a big win, and the Homecoming Pig Roast was bigger than ever. The chapter is reaching out to Iota alumni as well as other alumni in the Atlanta-area to participate in a golf tournament in March 2008 to benefit Push America. E-mail historian@pikapp.net for more information. www.pikapp.net
tau
north carolina state The men of Tau chapter are heading into 2008 ready to succeed. With the conclusion of fall recruitment, the chapter signed 19 young Wolfpack men. Among these gentlemen is Trey Baker, legacy of regional governor Dick Baker, Delta Beta (North Georgia). The fall 2007 associate member class is off to a great start, and we look forward to yet another great semester. On the weekend of September 29, family and friends of NC State Pi Kapps enjoyed a tailgate with the Tau brotherhood during the chapter’s annual Parents’ Tailgate. The event attracted nearly 100 parents, family members and friends. The chapter’s plans for Push America are also taking a turn for the better. The Push America chair has a Masquerade Ball with local philanthropy Hilltop Homes during November. Prior to this event, the chapter is hosting the annual Homecoming Golf Tournament for Push America and have already received sizeable donations from area and national businesses.
psi
cornell Psi chapter has had a great year at Cornell University. Of the 44 fraternities on campus, the chapter was recognized with several awards from Cornell’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs including: Most Outstanding Chapter (for the third consecutive year); Most Outstanding Member Education Program; Most Outstanding New Member (Andy Lazar); Most Outstanding Chapter Officer (Matt Estersohn, former archon); and A.D. White Administrator of the Year (Fr. Robert Smith, faculty advisor). In fact, Psi received more awards than any other chapter on campus.
Psi chapter also sent Brothers Adam Barry and Terrence Zimmerman on Push America’s Journey of Hope over the summer. Last Spring, the chapter hosted Cornell’s inaugural SPRINGFEST in collaboration with Phi Delta Theta and Alpha Omicron Pi. The event featured bands including State Radio, Tallyhall, and IY. In November, Psi chapter will host Matt Pond P.A. at the chapter house to commemorate the chapter’s re-founding.
beta omicron
northwestern state In September Beta Omicron chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority raised more than $500 to benefit a local family who recently lost their 11-year-old daughter in a car accident. Members of both organizations spent the day washing cars and shining tires for the cause. Pi Kappa Phi associate member Kyle Domangue said of the event, “You just hope somebody would reach out to you, if this happened to you.”
gamma alpha west alabama
In the past four years, Gamma Alpha chapter has been recognized with the James P. Homer Award (the most outstanding fraternity on campus) for two consecutive years, the Greek Male of the Year Award twice, the Intramural Cup for four consecutive years, and as the Greek Games champions for three consecutive years. And last year, the chapter was recognized for having the highest G.P.A. The chapter’s success has been a work in progress, and the chapter has gradually built on its momentum. The men are also highly involved in several different organization on campus including: Ambassadors for the University of West Alabama, Student Government Association, West Alabama Tutor Program, West Alabama Honor Students, IFC and Greek Council. Gamma Alpha has also continued to fundraise for Push America, working to raise a minimum of $1,000 each year. The chapter also hosts the Journey of Hope South Team as they pass through Livingston, Ala.
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COLLEGIATE NEWS
delta tau
james madison The Delta Tau Chapter at James Madison University is off to a good start this fall. After being on a waiting list for the last three years, the chapter was successful in securing the “Gingerbread House.” This is the largest house on campus and has helped the chapter increase its size from 22 to 33 members. In addition, Delta Tau Chapter is looking to be free of debt for the first time in several years.
The Delta Phi chapter also recently hosted a drive to collect items to send to the Air Force. The father of a chapter member is a brigadier general in the Air Force and informed the chapter that they have very few books, magazines or movies oversees. On average the base gets two movies a month, but the chapter collected 125 items to send. The base was extremely happy about the items, and the chapter is collecting more items for a second care package.
www.radford.edu/~pikapp
Epsilon alpha elon
Additionally, for the second consecutive year, Delta Tau chapter hosted the most successful Greek fundraiser on its campus, which raise more than $11,000 for the ALS Association. The chapter began fundraising for the ALS Association after a member’s father passed away from the debilitating disease.
delta PHI radford
Recently rechartered in 2006, the chapter felt it was necessary to build a connection with its alumni. The men of Delta Phi hosted an alumni event in Arlington, Va., over the summer. The event was a success, and the chapter hopes to make it an annual event.
The fall semester has been a successful one for Epsilon Alpha. During Fall Rush Week (Sept. 17-23), the chapter selected its largest fall new member class ever. A total of 10 bids were handed out on Bid Day, and all 10 were accepted. The chapter also welcomed a large number of parents to the chapter house during Elon’s Parents’ Weekend with a dinner catered by Olive Garden. The chapter’s Homecoming Weekend plans feature the inaugural Epsilon Alpha Golf Tournament, and the second annual barbecue and tailgate co-sponsored by the undergraduate and alumni chapters. Following tailgating and football, plans include an alumni social event and the undergraduates’ annual semi-formal. The chapter has made large strides this fall in terms of developing its Push America programming. In October, Epsilon Alpha
held “Pull-for-Push,” a campus-wide tug-of-war competition. This is in addition to the chapter’s annual Sorority Football League (SFL) flag football tournament, which is set for November 10. SFL headlines the beginning of the chapter’s “No Boundaries Week” that also includes stationary cycling for 24 hours, an empathy dinner and a brotherhood auction. Between new events and old traditions, Epsilon Alpha is hoping to set a new semester mark in terms of donations to Push America. The semester will culminate in a National Founder’s Day luncheon on December 2, which is open to all local alumni.
Epsilon rho lenoir-rhyne
After sending two brothers on the Journey of Hope over the summer, the Epsilon Rho chapter began the school year focused on brotherhood and service. The chapter recently added four associate members, increasing the total membership to 22. The brothers have also spent numerous hours dedicated to community service. Three brothers are currently coaching a YMCA youth football team, and during October the chapter participated in the “Big Sweep,” an event to clean up a local lake. The chapter has also set the date for its annual golf tournament, the Pi Kapp Classic, to benefit Push America. The tournament is scheduled for March 29, 2008, at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C. The brothers look forward to another successful year full of brotherhood events, service opportunities, and different events to raise funds and awareness for Push America and people with disabilities.
EPsilon pSi
slippery rock Epsilon Psi chapter has been very involved over the past year. During the spring 2007 semester, the chapter held its first Miss Push America Pageant, which was well-supported by the sororities on campus. More than 300 women attended the event as well as one other fraternity. The pageant was part of our first “No Boundaries Week” at Slippery Rock University. The chapter raised more than $1,000 during the week and plans to make the event annual to raise money for Push America.
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The men of Epsilon Psi have also been doing well in recruitment, increasing the chapter size by recruiting all year long. Their success is due in part to brothers becoming more involved on campus. One member is the student member on the university’s board of trustees. The position makes him the one of the most influential students on campus. Another member is involved with Slippery Rock’s student government and is working to get Greek housing on campus. Aside from the undergraduate chapter, Epsilon Psi’s alumni chapter has made some changes. The newly elected board sent its first newsletter in some time, which has sparked alumni involvement in the undergraduate chapter.
zeta gamma north dakota
The men of Zeta Gamma recently completed their first AccessABILITY project. The 20-foot ramp was built in September for Ms. Eva Contreras of Ardoch, N.D. In total, nearly 20 brothers worked with the assistance of a contractor to complete the ramp, which they finished in one day. In addition, chapter member Matthew Myrick cycled on the Gear Up Florida team over the summer. To date, Brother Myrick is the only member of Pi Kappa Phi to have participated in all three of Push America’s team events. He was a crew member on the Journey of Hope in 2005 and a team member for Build America in 2004.
zeta nu
west chester Zeta Nu chapter has already reached its goal of raising $1,000 for Push America this semester. The chapter’s annual Push-A-Thon raised more than $300, and the chapter has held various other fundraising events. This fall Zeta Nu will be hosting a Push Week at West Chester for the first time, holding events across campus to raise awareness and funds for Push America. The chapter will also be completing its annual AccessABILITY project for a local church that needs an accessible ramp. In addition, two chapter members participated in the Journey of Hope this summer— John Farley as a crew member and Justin Greenhow as a cyclist.
COLLEGIATE NEWS
For fall recruitment, Zeta Nu signed 16 men for the Alpha Xi class. The chapter has rewritten its new member education program to include new sub-rituals and a big brother program. The chapter looks forward to seeing the new associates grow into future leaders and good brothers.
Queens University’s motto is “not to be served, but to serve.” The men of Eta Zeta have lived up to such a motto as they have raised in excess of $4,000 a year for Push America for the last two years. Their fundraising efforts have placed them in the top 15 chapters for Push America fundraising.
Changes have also been made to Zeta Nu’s chapter operations to focus on strong committees and chairmen. The chapter has also added various elements to make chapter meetings function more smoothly and effective. Zeta Nu also launched a new Web site, which displays the chapter’s calendar, history, current members and other information. These improvements have made a big difference, and the chapter was recognized by the National Headquarters with the Theron Houser Award for Most Improved Chapter of the Year.
The chapter also sent two members on Push America team events over the summer. Wes Pitts was a crew member for the Journey of Hope Trans America Team, and Philipe Araujo was a Gear Up Florida cyclist.
West Chester’s Greek intramurals are a important to Zeta Nu. Last semester the men finished first in football and soccer, second in floor hockey and third in basketball. For their success, the chapter was awarded West Chester’s Greek Cup. www.pikappzetanu.org
zeta rho
cal state-fullerton The Zeta Rho chapter of Pi Kappa Phi remains the largest fraternity on CSUF’s campus with 80 members. The chapter holds five positions on IFC’s executive council and one ASI board position. The men of Zeta Rho also won Greek Week for the third time in the last four years after winning all three sports in Competition. The chapter also raised $3,300 for Camp Titan, CSUF’s philanthropy and benefactor of Greek Week. Zeta Rho’s fundraising total is the most ever raised for the philanthropy by a fraternity.
eta chi
texas christian The men of Eta Chi at TCU have enjoyed a great fall semester thus far. They were able to recruit a fall associate class of 29 outstanding men, and the new associates and the chapter at large have already enjoyed a wide range of successes. They contributed to an overall first place float in the TCU Homecoming Parade, and three of the five finalists for Mr. TCU, a Homecoming Court honor, were chapter members. The men of Eta Chi also had their “A” and “B” teams place first and second respectively in intramural softball competition. The chapter also recently held its annual Push Week, which raised nearly $10,000 for Push America. A total of 11 sororities and all 125 men of Eta Chi participated.
theta eta american
The Theta Eta chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at American University received three awards from AU’s Office of Greek Life for the 200607 academic year, including: American University’s Fraternity of the Year, PR of the Year, and Greek Program of the Year. In addition, the chapter recruited the more associate members than all other IFC fraternities on campus this fall.
eta zeta
theta lambda
Eta Zeta chapter at Queens University of Charlotte continues to be among Pi Kappa Phi’s top chapters. With an undergraduate population of 800 students of which only 30 percent are male, Eta Zeta’s fall recruitment efforts brought 13 new associate members to the chapter. The chapter is now a 40-man chapter.
Continuing its commitment to leadership through service, the men of Theta Lambda sent three men to participate in Push America team events this summer—two for Gear Up Florida and one for Build America. The chapter also sent five men to the Give-A-Push Weekend in Empire, Colo.
queens
missouri state
this fall. In addition, the chapter hosted a wheelchair basketball tournament and conducted its second Ramp Building Workday with the Southwest Center for Independent Living. So far this year, the chapter has built eight ramps and is planning to construct as many as 10 more next semester. The chapter has also continued its partnership with Camp Barnabus, which was one of Build America’s stops last summer.
theta mu
umass-amherst The Theta Mu chapter at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst has been striving for its recruitment goals and obtaining the Push America Cup. The chapter was successful in recruiting and signing 14 associate members with events including tailgates, chapter dinners and study sessions. The chapter will initiate the Gamma class in December. Push America also continues to be one of the chapter’s top priorities, which has garnered local media attention including interviews with two local television stations and three newspapers. The chapter has hosted two AccessABILITY projects this fall. The chapter is also in the process of establishing a registered student organization to be named “Push Club.” This will enable others who are not members of the chapter to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities. Lastly, two members of Theta Mu participated in Journey of Hope over the summer.
theta xi
arizona state Theta Xi started fundraising for Push America with a Celebrity Bike-A-Thon on Arizona State’s Hayden Lawn. The event raised nearly $5,000. Members of Theta Xi chapter as well as ASU sororities and other ASU fraternities manned the four stationary bikes for 48 consecutive hours. The chapter plans to make the Bike-A-Thon an annual event and is working on ways to improve it for next year, such as increasing local involvement and attracting corporate sponsorship and media coverage. The chapter also hopes to double the fundraising for the event.
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obituary news
CHAPTERETERNAL ALPHA Charleston Mr. Greg Roy Alexander Mr. Douglas Claude Appleby Mr. Herbert Maxwell Collins Mr. J. Palmer Gaillard Jr. beta presbyterian Mr. Hal Hill Henderson Mr. Robert Calvin McLees Mr. Harry Lee Nettles Mr. Leslie Hamner Patterson Jr. Mr. John William Steenbergen GAMMA California - BerKEley Mr. James Stanton Blain Mr. James Alexander Nisbet Mr. Hugh Atkins Wilson EPSILON Davidson Mr. Samuel Middleton Hines Mr. James Walker Saunders ZETA Wofford Mr. Ted A Giles Mr. George William O’Lary Mr. Andrew Denham Partridge IOTA Georgia Tech Mr. Gary Allen Griffith KAPPA NORTH CAROLINA Mr. Berry Nolan Brewer Mr. Alfred Neal Brumley Mr. Lindon Greg Couch Mr. John Thomas Llewellyn III Mr. Peter Bartholemew Whalen Mr. William Henry Wilkerson Mr. Randolph Blake Wright LAMBDA Georgia Mr. James Edward Rollins Mr. Charles Franklin Scheider III MU Duke Mr. George Franklin Blalock Mr. Banks Raleigh Cates Jr. Mr. David Kent Gill Mr. Robert Thomas Matzen NU Nebraska Mr. Dwight Charles Elliott XI Roanoke Mr. Dan Alvin Chrisman Mr. Jeffrey Stephen Conover Mr. Steven Lee Day Mr. Leroy Harold Esworthy II Mr. William Edward Grieb Jr.
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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2007
OMICRON Alabama Mr. Doston Lanier Gurganus Mr. Harley Rand Hope Mr. Shelby Grady Mitchell Mr. Luther B. Owens Sr. Mr. John Curtis Wright Mr. Robert E. Yde RHO Washington & Lee Mr. Kenneth S. Clendaniel Mr. John Baylis Earle Mr. Alexander Edward Graham Mr. Douglas Dean Hagestad Mr. Stanley J. Nastri Mr. Kenneth Allen Starling Mr. Clark Burritt Winter SIGMA South Carolina Mr. John Sibert Holland Mr. Steven Frederick Irvin Mr. Hudson Gaylor Kelley Mr. Joseph Mark Leary TAU NORTH CAROLINA STATE Mr. Ause Mack Harvey Mr. Jerry Powell Miller UPSILON ILLINOIS Mr. Tommy Van Atkins Mr. Richard Cameron Bate Mr. Carl James Blase Mr. Andrew Jackson Clyde Mr. Edward Stanley Czyzewski CHI Stetson Mr. Ralph Clark Chandler Mr. Emmet McNulty Ferguson Mr. Jonathan Michael Walsweer Mr. Calvin Osterhout Williams PSI CORNELL Mr. Robert L. Duvall
ALPHA EPSILON Florida Mr. James Young Wilson ALPHA ZETA Oregon State Mr. William Stanley Coates Jr. Mr. Arthur Leslie McKay Mr. William Ross Roberts Mr. Richard William Weiland Mr. Marvin Cummings Wilbur ALPHA ETA samford Mr. Wayne Crawford Cofield Mr. Arthur Maultsby Dowell Jr. Mr. G W Haswell Mr. Sam Watts Jones Mr. Glenn Oliver Perry Mr. Theron Wayne Wells ALPHA THETA Michigan State Mr. William Meredith Merrill Mr. Erich Carl Schweizer Mr. Robert Stevens Trembath ALPHA IOTA Auburn Mr. William Bradford Baker Mr. William Dalton Copeland Mr. Everett Allgood Daily Mr. George Douglas Fontaine Sr. Mr. Coleman Franklin Garrett III Mr. Robert Edward Lloyd Mr. William Radney Mann ALPHA MU Penn State Mr. Lloyd Stevens Bovier Mr. Lewis E. Shemery Jr. Mr. Paul Joseph Wuest ALPHA XI St. John’s Mr. Richard Patrick Brady Mr. John Bennett Frost Mr. Richard Joseph Sasiela Mr. Leonard Post Waterman
OMEGA Purdue Mr. Jerry D Greenlee Mr. Omar Hansen Jr. Mr. Howard Everett Johnson Mr. Richmond Beckett McQuistan Mr. Stanley Lee Spaulding
ALPHA omicron iowa state Mr. William Charles Merrill Mr. Timothy James Van Oort
ALPHA ALPHA MERCER Mr. George Truman Laney Jr. Mr. Mark Pischke
ALPHA sigma tennessee Mr. Jay Arthur Artman Mr. Joe Washington Brown Mr. Howard Benton Ellis Mr. Samuel Riley Fogleman Mr. William Davenport Lee Mr. James R. Muir Mr. Elmo Rowland Mr. William Blake Shirley Mr. Michael Wesley Wood
ALPHA delta washington Mr. William John Maddox Mr. Richard Roff
ALPHA RHO west virginia Mr. Mark Anthony Choueiri
OBITUARY NEWS
ALPHA TAU Rensselaer Mr. Richard Atlee Mr. Stanley Framcos Kesnow Mr. Donald Russel Seyler Mr. Raymond Lloyd Davis Mr. Andrew Emil Egeressy Jr. Mr. Richard V. Gabell Mr. Oscar Melvin Hokanson Mr. Allan William Klesius Mr. William Chambers Miller Mr. Wayne Edward Sperr ALPHA PHI IIT Mr. Ned Kay Ellefson Mr. Robert Nevin Johnson Mr. John Albert Morse Mr. Robert James Ranieri Mr. Douglass Gerald Snyder ALPHA cHI university of miami Mr. Howell Tucker Eckles Jr. Mr. Warren Chester Feldmeyer Jr. Mr. Fred Dickinson Gentle Mr. Harry Jude Huber Mr. Donald George Kuper
BETA eta florida state Mr. Robert Michael Barker Mr. Franklin Valete Hopkins Mr. Louis Korb Mr. Donald James Munroe Jr. Mr. William Douglas Myers Mr. Thomas Elton Taylor Mr. Robert Joseph West Mr. Richard Wohlfarth
BETA PsI tennessee wesleyan Mr. Eldon Devon Bonds
GAMMA GAMMA Troy State Mr. Troy Adam Thierry
DELTA rho southern cal Mr. Andrew Hunter McCallum
BETA THETA ARIZONA Mr. Donald Foreman Ward
GAMMA delta memphis Mr. David Allen Lowery Mr. James Ronald Morgan Mr. Boyd Arthur Ruppelt Mr. Michael David South
EPSILON lambda usc-upstate Mr. Ryan J Pohorel
BETA IOTA Toledo Mr. Lenn Andrew Bassler Sr. Mr. Eugene William Roehrs Mr. John Shenefield BETA kappa georgia state Mr. Robert Bruce Donaldson Mr. Lynwood Milon James Jr. BETA lambda tampa Mr. Stephen Joseph Krist Mr. Russell Arlan Marsh
ALPHA PSI Indiana Mr. Alan Jack Rommel
BETA MU MCNEESE STATE Mr. Ralph Phillip Rizzuto
ALPHA omega oregon Mr. Kenneth Roger Doherty
BETA OMICRON northwestern state Mr. Roy G Baldwin Mr. Alva Roy Lary
BETA ALPHA NJIT Mr. Thomas Joseph Creaven BETA beta florida southern Mr. Charles Berturm Elliott BETA DELTA drake Mr. Darrell Royce Dunham Mr. Larry Lynn Lorimor Mr. Christ Louis Melis Mr. William Donald Purkis BETA EPSILON Missouri Mr. William H. Baker Mr. Travis Michael Cooper
BETA pi eastern michigan Mr. William Roclaf Heise BETA sigma northern illinois Mr. Joseph John Adamek Mr. Eldon Peter Anderson Mr. James Wayne Tate BETA tau valdosta state Mr. Robert Patrick Mills Mr. Bobby David Wood Sr. BETA PHI east carolina Mr. Jonathan Meed Burt BETA chi east texas state Mr. Timothy Clarence Lee Mr. Gerald Scott Vining
GAMMA alpha west alabama Mr. Dan D Mackin Mr. Dustin Ray Salter
GAMMA eta athens Mr. Charles Dee Martin GAMMA LAMBDA missouri-rolla Mr. Gregory Lloyd Hale Mr. Gabriel George Skitek Mr. Joshua Eric Steele GAMMA NU lagrange Mr. George Stone Barnett GAMMA PI northwestern state (ok) Mr. George Harold Deda Jr. GAMMA rho lander Mr. James H. Bobo Mr. Kevin Ellis Cathey GAMMA sigma armstrong Mr. Donald Lawrence Rose GAMMA psi augusta college Mr. Thomas Burn Smith delta delta truman state Mr. Roy Franklin McDonald III delta epsilon jacksonville state Mr. James Harvey Turnure III delta zeta appalachian state Mr. Ronald Clay Ledford Jr. DELTA eta morehead state Mr. Dennis Lee Warford
DELTA ioTA middle tennessee STATE Mr. Alton Greuling DELTA lambda UNC- charlotte Mr. Farley Todd Pickering
EPSILON mu bradley Mr. Jeffrey Steven Malecek Mr. Frank J McCue III EPSILON NU cal state - sacramento Mr. William Joseph Maykoski EPSILON RHO lenoir-rhyne Mr. Robert Franklin Moates II EPSILON SIGMA christian brothers Mr. Gabriel Joseph DiFederico EPSILON UPSILON georgia college Mr. Joshua Robert Williams ZETA alpha clemson Mr. Christopher Daniel Longley ZETA epsilon george mason Mr. Steven Paul Delorge zeta eta SOUTH FLORIDA Mr. Robert Joseph Toral Jr. zETA nu west chester Mr. Jason Charles DiEmilio zETA CHI ALBRIGHT Mr. Matthew Burns Mitchell ETA tau kentucky Mr. Michael Todd Brent theta delta florida international Mr. Nader Sa’adeh Jallad Mr. Luis Angel Mora Mr. Christopher Emile Yanni
the 51st supreme chapter
DENVER, COLORADO JULY 25 - 29, 2008 VISIT PIKAPP.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION