May 2012 Paragon by Pi Lambda Phi

Volume XIV Issue VII May 2012

In this Issue Convention Uncensored (1) Scholarship Reminder (2) The Wall of Prejudice (3) Overcoming the Odds in Record Time (4) Summer Recruitment (6) Summer Checklist (8)

Convention Uncensored Over the years there have been many articles and emails written by IHQ staff about how wonderful and exciting Convention is. For this issue of the Paragon, we at IHQ thought it would be more productive to have a fellow undergrad simply share his experience from Convention. Below is an interview with Armand Anderson, Rex of our Canada Kappa Kappa Chapter. Please note that Armand was not given directions about how to answer the questions, nor were any of his answers censored.

though, saying that is like watching a video of someone skydiving and describing your expectations for jumping out of a plane: The real experience is very different.” What was your favorite session? “Without a doubt it was the recruitment seminar from Phired Up. It's a high energy session that goes be-

Why did you want to attend Convention last year? “It was a combination of things. I'd been to conclaves and had phenomenal times and I'd heard Convention described as "taking three Conclaves and putting them on steroids". I was also excited by the idea of meeting brothers from every chapter. I'm a huge fan of visiting other chapters so I thought it would be awesome to meet a bunch of the guys before I got there. And finally I'd heard amaz- yond simply teaching great recruiting testimonials from brothers who I ment techniques. It inspires greatness. I'm very excited to hear that held in high regard.” Phired Up will be returning to Convention 2012.” What were your expectations of the weekend before you attend What did you learn during ConConvention? vention? “I expected to meet a lot of people and learn a bunch of things and “Many things. Although I feel evehave a great time. Understand ryone takes different things away

Chapter Spotlight NY Kappa Tau Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Brothers Anthony Policastro and Artie Adams visit the Great Wall of China. (see picture on pg. 9) ------------------NY Phi Lambda Adelphi University Brother Pedro Hipolito received the Established Student Leader award 

-----------------OH Beta Tau Baldwin-Wallace College Brother Rich Teal was elected President of the Student Government

from Convention. Chief among the things I learned was a deeper understanding and respect of Pi Lambda Phi itself. Along with the sessions that went into detail about our values and purpose, there are also alumni brothers in attendance who have been around the fraternity who offer decades of wisdom and experience. Beyond that, chapter operations, fundraising ideas, brotherhood events, managing brotherhood, and amazing recruitment techniques to name a few things.” Overall, what was your favorite part of Convention? “We had over one hundred undergraduate delegates attend the 2011 convention. These brothers represented the best of the best of our active brotherhood. For the first time I felt how powerful Pi Lambda Phi is. Being around a hundred motivated and committed brothers made me feel like we're unstoppable. It's truly an amazing feeling. I left with a renewed passion to achieve amazing things with my chapter, and the feeling has carried on until now.”

most amazing things I'd ever been a part of. I wouldn't want to pass up an opportunity to experience that again.” Why should brothers attend Convention? “It will change you. On top of learning about the fraternity we love in a professional setting you will also learn from the delegates from every chapter. A lot of these guys have learned things in their time that I hadn't, and vice versa. We all learned as much from each other as we did from the sessions. You will meet brothers from chapters all over North America and learn about different traditions and quirks of every chapter. And finally, heed this very well: you are not in a learning session the whole time. Things will get wild.” Anything else you would like to mention in regards to Convention?

“Three things to any undergraduate who plans on coming to Conven -----------------tion: First, use it as an excuse to visit other chapters along the way. WA Epsilon Alpha It will heighten the experience. SecReflecting back on the expectaEastern Washington tions of the weekend, was Conven- ond, spend as much of your free University time as you can with your fellow tion anything like what you delegates. You will learn exponenthought it would be? If not, what Brothers Richard Arquette tially more that way. And third, peris your view of Convention now? and Cameron Pilkinton were haps the most important, bring a elected to the Pacific Affiliate “Convention exceeded every expec- gift of some kind for Laura Patricio. Regional of the National tation I had. It's very difficult to put She is a saint.” Association of College and into words how profoundly glorious University Residence Halls a Convention is. It is an experience that has to be lived.” Scholarship Reminder Are you a hard working student and So why have you decided to atFraternity brother who could use tend Convention for a second year additional financial support to conin a row? tinue your academic success? Consider applying for one of Pi Lambda “Convention was one of the Phi's Educational Foundation Schol-

Chapter Spotlight Order of Omega is a leadership honor society for members of Greek organizations. Order of Omega recognizes juniors and seniors who have exemplified high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership, involvement within their respective organization and within the Greek, campus, and local community. Members are selected from the top 3% of students at each institution. Pi Lambda Phi would like to congratulate the following brothers for being inducted into the Order of Omega this academic year!

arships and you can potentially receive the support of your Fraternity in achieving your academic endeavors. Pi Lambda Phi's Educational Foundation awards scholarships each year to those undergraduate or graduate brothers in good standing who are most deserving at our Annual Leadership Convention. Through the generous donations of our alumni brothers, the Educational Foundation is able to award multiple scholarships and you need only complete one application to be eligible for the different scholarships.

Please read more about the application process at our Scholarships Page and apply today! You can also view last year's scholarship recipiCA Tau ents in our Banquet Program on the University of California, BerkeConvention 2011 Review. The ley deadline to apply for scholarships is June 30, so don't wait and apply Lin Derek now! MD Kappa Delta Salisbury University Samuel Voorhees Michael Walker NC Omega Beta University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Francisco Andrade Thomas Mazzawi

dice” (the Wall). The Wall was simply a temporary wall, made of wood built in a public place, where people can write every derogatory term they have been called. A few days later, the people who wrote the hateful words, which had negatively impacted their lives, would have the opportunity to tear them and the Wall down. The purpose of the event is to bring traditionally unspoken topics, such as the impact of prejudicial terms, to the forefront of discussion. Reactions from this event ranged greatly from those moved to tears as they reflected upon personal experiences and saw words either used against or by themselves written on the wall to those who felt this demonstration was both inappropriate and would fail to make a lasting difference in the way people treated one another.

Although the concept of the event is simple, write words on a wall and The Wall of Prejudice What began as a small event to pro- then tear it down, the impact of this mote a better understanding be- event was anything but simple. Stutween people through small discussions on Carroll University’s campus quickly became something much more. On Monda y, April 16, 2012, after months of planning and working with the university, the WI Chi Upsilon chapter of Pi dents, campus administration and Lambda Phi revealed their philan- faculty, members of the community thropy event, “The Wall of Preju- and even the local and state media

Chapter Spotlight Order of Omega cont. NC Omega Zeta Western Carolina University William Reid Baker Douglas Bridges Daniel Glen Keener NY Kappa Tau Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Patrick Edward Flanagan Jr. Anthony L. Policastro Eric W. Sellke NY Omega Epsilon University at Buffalo Karan Kapoor NY Phi Lambda Adelphi University Joseph Vernace Baldwin-Wallace College OH Beta Tau Rodney Hildebrand Richard Teel

took notice as a group of college Fraternity Men stood up against the negative impact prejudice plays in the lives of millions of people. Local Talk Radio Host, Charlie Sykes was one of the first to publically comment about this event. Conversations about this event continued to grow and eventually gained recognition and airtime on Fox6News Milwaukee. Fox6News reported on the Wall twice, once prior to tearing down the Wall and once again reporting on the tearing down of the Wall. Although opinions varied on whether this event was appropriate or would lead to the elimination of prejudice, it did accomplish its primary goal. This goal was to simply fulfill the mission of the Elimination of Prejudice: “creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying differences between people that prevent progress. By setting the conditions for sensitive societal conversations to take place, the Elimination of Prejudice promotes a better understanding between people.”

sity Football Coach) I think that this particular activist move is outrageous. The idea may sound fine in principal, but in practice falls through. I’m embarrassed to say that I am a student at the University with that wall up on campus. I think that it is absurd that the school OK’ed its creation. – Carroll University Student “You have set a great example not only for other Greeks, but individuals on campus.” - Carroll University Student “Thank you, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, for providing this experience, albeit all the controversy the wall got this past week. I've never been so proud of being a Carroll student (and a Best Buddies member, when it comes to tearing down the "rword") as I was today :) “ - Carroll University Student

“As a professor, I loved the passion and reactions of the students. I admired their ability to learn and grow from the wall and share personal experiences with classmates. Student apathy is a concern at times in education, and what happened To more fully understand the impact yesterday in my classroom was anyand various opinions and feelings t h i n g b u t t h a t . ” towards this Wall, here are a few - Carroll University Faculty quotes gathered from Carroll University students, administration and faculty: Overcoming the Odds in “It was a very eye-opening event. Many conversations were had in classes and all around campus about prejudice and how there can be a better understanding between people. It is a topic that can be forgotten and pushed aside. Having the wall on campus made people f a c e t h e i s s u e . ” – Kevin Trigonis (WI Chi Upsilon Chapter Advisor & Carroll Univer-

Record Time The reason for closing a chapter comes in many forms. Tens of thousands of dollars in utility bills and lack of recognition from the university due to variety of risk management issues was justification for revoking PA Alpha Delta’s charter in the early 2000’s. Following the closure of the chapter, the thought of returning to Tem-

Chapter Spotlight Order of Omega cont. PA Kappa Eta Widener University Jonathan Daddario Josh Koble Tony Mathew

ple University’s campus appeared to be more of a dream than a realistic idea to most. However, a few motivated alumni, with the support of then Executive Director Gary Sanders and the International Headquarters (IHQ), were determined to have PA Alpha Delta rejoin the ranks of

pose of the Fraternity. “I remember thinking that we could not possibly fail as a chapter if we have a virtuous purpose,” stated Jacob.

the top chapters within Pilam. “Mike Naegle, Jim Kelsh, Bob Arthur and Shawn Mahoney were the primary cogs in the wheel of reorganization,” said Ryan Overturf, the current Chapter Advisor. “Without these men, we wouldn’t be anywhere, let alone where we are today.” Fred Brehm, a member of the PA Alpha Delta housing corp, also played a key role in managing chapter funds in the absence of a chapter.

Brothers, I never thought I would be joining a Fraternity,” said Bryan. “Through Nate [Moore, a fellow Re -Founding Father,] and the Creed, I found myself joining the best organization I could ask for and something I never considered for myself.”

The two men were joined by twelve other motivated young men, including Bryan Mann. “Like many of my

VA Omicron Zeta Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Milad Soufastai ------------------Is your chapter or a Brother doing noteworthy things on your campus? If so, please let us know! Email Patrick Spanner at patrick.spanner@pilambdaphi.org

From the beginning of the recolonization process, many of the Re-Founding Fathers figured out how much work it would be to become a chartered chapter. However, the workload did not scare them and they began recruiting quality men and working through the long list of requirements established for them to achieve their goal of becoming chartered chapter.

In 2009, after a partnership between IHQ, alumni and Temple University was formed, Ian Lowe and Phil Spence began recruiting the men who would inevitably lead the chapter to its unprecedented success. Jacob Atar, along with his friend Andrew Bollinger, noticed the opportunity at hand. After setting up a Success did not come easily to the meeting with Ian, the two were in- chapter. “There were many chalstantly sold on the values and pur- lenges the brotherhood faced ini-

tially like how to increase their presence on campus and legitimize themselves as a burgeoning chapter in an ever-growing Greek campus. These challenges were easily met by solid work ethic and espousing a good message, that of equality,” stated Ryan. “The harder challenges came from within the chapter.”

so much more meaningful and I hope my chapter continues a tradition of always bettering itself no matter what. I hope they continue moving forward year after year.”

Summer Recruitment With summer in full swing it is important to not lose sight of what is ahead of you, and the opportunities that lay right in front of you. Whether you are getting settled into summer classes, an internship, job or just relaxing at home, there are many things that you and the brothers of your chapter can be doing NOW to work towards a successful recruitment class in the Fall. Simply put, you can't say you recruit 365 if you're not recruiting right now! Here are a few things you and your chapter can do to keep recruiting throughout the summer, regardless if you are within close proximity or not:

Like many other standards based chapters, PA Alpha Delta inevitably had to address the issue of Brothers failing to meet the standards. “Within the first year we had people not paying dues on time or getting poor grades and I would say the hardest moment was letting go of some of our best friends who didn’t want to follow the rules,” shared Jacob. “It was hard because we started bending rules slightly in the beginning and all hell broke loose, finally we stopped and realized it was much better to love those brothers from afar and that it was best to let them go. It was the hardest and best decision we’ve ever made and Update Your Names List the chapter is 100% better off since Keep your contacts organized by we’ve gotten past that point.” updating your chapter Names List. Remove men who graduated and Through the successes and chal- mark those who joined another Fralenges, on April 20, 2012, PA Alpha ternity. Add notes to those who you Delta once again became a char- spent additional time with throughtered chapter of Pi Lambda Phi. out the semester to make it easier From all of the interviews and dis- for brothers to remember him in the cussions, Jacob summarized the re- fall. Think through and add the founding of PA Alpha Delta the classmates you had in the Spring best: that you wish you spent more time with and if you are taking summer “Being a re-founding father was classes, go ahead and add the men hard work, but we wouldn’t have you have met in your current gotten their without our alumni and classes. Make sure every brothers especially IHQ. With all our grum- checks Facebook and talks to bles and fights they kept us on friends to see who from their homecourse and focused and I’m glad for town or high school is coming to all the long hours they put in to keep your University or College and add us honest. I think Kovner said it them as well. best, its hard work but in the end when you work for something it’s The larger your recruitment pool,

the higher probability you will find the type of men you are looking to recruit. One of our colonies with just over 10 brothers started last fall with a names list of over 300! They went on to initiate over 10 men in both the Fall and the Spring. What is your chapter's recruitment potential? Schedule Events Don't wait to get back to campus to schedule your Fall events. Regardless if you have a formal rush or an open recruitment on your campus, make sure you setup your calendar now so you can spend time meeting the people you will invite to those events. Don't stop with just your large events either. Take time to plan out what small activities you can do and go ahead and schedule those as well. Even something as small as playing pickup sports games every day the first week of classes, putting it on the calendar now will help brothers prepare for it and gives you an easy excuse to invite someone you just met or are looking forward to spending time with when classes begin.

orientation and student activity fairs for great opportunities to meet people with no work besides showing up. Schedule a Recruitment Workshop Talking to strangers may come natural to some and feel painfully awkward to others. Even more difficult is meeting someone for the first time and taking the leap of faith to open up, be vulnerable and genuinely interested enough to form a friendship, all the while assessing whether this person has the characteristics and values that we are looking for in a potential member. Plan a Recruitment Workshop at the beginning of the Fall semester to hone in on your conversational skills and ability to communicate the values of the Fraternity. A classic problem with Fraternity men is that we get so close to each other we sometimes forget how to make new friends. Practice meeting someone for the first time, make sure everyone feels comfortable asking for someone's phone number and inviting them to hang out at your next small gathering and review when and how to bring up the Fraternity. Invite your Chapter Advisor, alumni, your Greek Life Advisor or even sorority women (great way to build relationships for your next social event) to make the workshop the most impactful.

Summer is just as crucial of a time to have small events as any other, and you don't have to spend a lot of money to do it. Instead of planning a huge summer bbq, plan a BYOM cookout (bring your own meat) and make it more intimate for the friends you invite. If you are in your hometown you can do the same. Plan get togethers with high school If you want to do anything well in friends and find out who is going to life, you have to practice. Don't asyour school in the Fall. sume you will become a great recruiter by just reading some tips. Go Probably the easiest events to out and practice meeting people and schedule are those that are already bring experiences to your workshop planned by someone else. Check to help address the challenges other your University calendar for any brothers may have in first interacwelcome week, freshmen move in, tions or building relationships. If

you're not practicing, you're not get- Summer Checklist ting better. If you're not getting bet- Summer is a great time to reflect ter, you're falling behind. and plan. Reflect on your performance from the past academic year in Stay In Contact your classes, in the organizations The summer days may fly by or you are a part of, in the positions pass at a crawling pace. Either way, you hold, in the Fraternity, in your we all enjoy the opportunity to get a friendships, in your relationships. random message from someone Did you do a good job? Can you genuinely interested in how we're improve? How? Ask yourself these doing and the chance to connect questions as you reflect and begin to with old friends. Be the person who plan. Plan your classes for the next stays in contact with your friends few semesters, plan future internover summer and go the extra step ships or summer jobs, plan what to actually call someone to see how new organizations you will get inthey are doing instead of just send- volved with and what new roles you ing a text (or Facebook message, or will take on. Plan how you will Facebook chat, or tweet...). Reach- strengthen your friendships and reing out to men on your names list lationships and think through which just to see how their summer is go- are actually most important to you. ing creates a great opportunity to Plan how you can help your Fraterask what they are planning on doing nity chapter achieve its goals. in the Fall, what are they planning on getting involved with or even Here is a checklist of things you and what they wish they did in last se- your chapter can do to reflect on the mester. Many brothers say they previous academic year and plan for have a PNM "locked up" to join the next one: next semester. Don't count on that if you aren't making the effort to stay Chapter connected and build on your rela- Review and asses your goals from tionship because you can bet he is last semester in the following areas meeting new people during the sum- of Fraternity Operations: mer who could affect his decision to  Academic - GPA, cumulative join or not in the fall. and semester.  Service - Hours per brother, Get in contact with incoming freshhours per semester, amount of men and start asking what they are projects completed… excited about in the Fall, how they  Recruitment - Men on names are planning to get involved and list, bids extended, bids acwhen he wants to meet up so you cepted, men initiated… can show him around campus.  Philanthropy - Dates for your events, other organizations Now that you have some tips for events… summer recruitment, go out and  Social - Number of events with start recruiting and preparing for the sororities, with other organizaFall! Also check out this Recruittions… ment Challenge from our friends at  Brotherhood - Number of Phired Up! events.

Athletics - Placing in intramu- Individual rals, number of teams spon- Review past performance and create sored... new goals for yourself in the following areas: Once reviewed, set new goals for  Academic - GPA, cumulative the upcoming academic year and and semester. semester. Make sure every brother  Service - Hours per semester, is aware of the goals and bought projects you participate in… into completing them. Everyone  Recruitment - Number of men does not have to 100% agree, but you add to the names list, build everyone must be willing to work personal relationships with, get towards common goals. to join…  Involvement - Number of orCreate plans for how you will ganizations you are part of, achieve each of your goals. Schednumber of positions you hold in ule the events you will need to have your organizations… in order to achieve them:  Philanthropy - Dollars you raise  Schedule summer and Fall refor another organization's phicruitment events. lanthropy, for the Elimination of  Schedule service events and bePrejudice... gin coordinating with the organizations you will need to setup the event with.  Schedule Philanthropy events.  Schedule Social events.  Schedule Brotherhood events.  Schedule an Executive Board Retreat to help coordinate everyone's plans and dates. Use this to also review each position's reflections of last year's goals and upcoming plans. 