Psi Upsilon Beacon, Leadership & Service Highlights. published Fall 2024
INSIDE: Spotlight on Dr. Kenneth Ball, P.E., Eta '82 (Lehigh University)
Photo courtesy: USGS
(Unites States Geological Survey)
INSIDE THIS EDITION:
A Word from the Chair
Alex Senchak, Eta ’06 (Lehigh) 4
Service with Distinction:
Dr. Richard Rasmussen, Upsilon ’72 (Rochester) & Steve Moore, Eta ’84 (Lehigh) 5
Honorary Fellow: Dr. Kenneth Ball, P.E, PHD, MSME Eta ’84 (Lehigh) 6-7 2024 Steering Committee and Fellows 8
About our 2024-25 Social Impact Fellows 9-13 Updates from select Past Fellows 14-15
ABOUT
Psi U Beacon
The Psi U Beacon is an annual publication of the Psi Upsilon Foundation produced each June. The Beacon focuses on the scholarship award winners of the year and emphasizes the promising work these men and women are focusing their education and training on. Feedback and suggestions for future content or to sponsor this publication can be directed to jonathan@psiu.org.
Foundation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT & CHAIR
Alexander C. Senchak, Eta ’06
VICE CHAIR
Matthew J. Eckenrode, Epsilon Nu ’04
CHAIR EMERITUS
Patrick J. Gilrane, Psi ’83
SECRETARY
Martin Brayboy, Gamma ’84
TREASURER
John F. H. Ong, Gamma ’82
DIRECTORS
Garrett Gleim, Tau ’01
Doug Jackman, Omega ’89
Gary G. Pan, Eta ’86
Larry Rakers, Omicron ’86
Jennifer Roper, Gamma Tau ’03
James Volpentest, Theta Theta ’90
PAST CHAIRS/PRESIDENTS
Mark D. Bauer, Omega ’83
Charles M. Hall, Nu Alpha ’71
Thomas T. Hanford, Gamma ’62
Samuel J. Tinaglia, Omega ’88
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
Jonathan M Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Bethann Taylor
SENIOR
PHILANTHROPIC ADVISOR
Jay Riemenschneider, Beta Alpha ’91
DONOR RELATIONS ASSOCIATE
Victoria Manfrin
Executive Council
PRESIDENT
Timothy Zepp, Chi Delta ’08
VICE PRESIDENT
James Platner, Phi Delta ’10
SECRETARY
Catherine Lefebvre, Gamma Tau ’18
TREASURER
Madison Turkette, Delta Omicron Prov. ’19
ALUMNI TERM MEMBERS
David Hollis, Gamma Tau ’11
Lance Miller, Epsilon Nu ’80
Steven Malinski, Epsilon Iota ’09
Jon Szynkowski, Epsilon Nu ’06
UNDERGRADUATE ADVISORY BOARD
Aidan Stewart, Theta Theta ’27
LIFE MEMBERS (PAST PRESIDENTS)
Thomas T. Allan IV, Theta Theta ’89
Mark D. Bauer, Omega ’83
David A. B. Brown, Epsilon Phi ’66
Charles M. Hall, Nu Alpha ’71
Jeremy McKeon, Eta ’08
Richard A. Rasmussen, Upsilon ’72
James A. Swanke, Jr., Rho ’80
Evan W. Terry, Epsilon Phi ’93
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
Bradley R. Corner, Omicron ’72
Murray L. Eskenazi, Lambda ’65
Patrick Gilrane, Psi ’83
Charles A. Werner, Omega ’55
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Thomas J. Fox, Omicron ’00
DIRECTOR OF
CHAPTER SERVICES
Steven Oechsle
DIRECTOR OF GROWTH
Travis Smith
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
Keith Willard
CHAPTER SERVICES COORDINATOR
Justin Sines
Social Impact Fellowship supporting effective leaders of today, & inspiring leaders of tomorrow.
ABOUT OUR COVER: Greg Eidsness serving as a panelist on an agriculture and food security panel at the 2023 Singapore International Agri-Food Week.
A WORD FROM The Chair
Alex Senchak Eta ’06 (Lehigh)
Dear Brothers,
Celebrating and supporting emerging leaders in service to our society is one of the greatest honors of being a part of Psi Upsilon. From mid-career fellows to undergraduate juniors and Archons to the many accomplished brothers of all ages doing amazing work around the world, this is one of the most impressive aspects of this dynamic organization that lives on. Sharing in the values of Psi Upsilon these people inspire me every time I attend an event, read their stories and shake their hands.
With this cohort, we have had 28 Fellows and Honorary Fellows through the Social Impact Fellowship since 2020. When we conceived of the program, the stipend was the key focus, however as we learned quickly, there was more of a desire for deeper engagement within the Psi Upsilon community than simply a “hand-out and move-on” program. Our program now balances the busy schedules of our fellows, and, importantly, provides a cadence of impactful programing leveraging our own network and close friends. The second year began the Retreat and one-day workshop, and in January we will mark a wonderful 4th anniversary of that event combined with the Archons (presidents) Academy in the DC area.
Our aim to provide meaningful benefits and honors for the Fellows has expanded over these years in creative ways. I am truly grateful for everyone’s dedication to the success of this program - especially our board, staff and volunteer steering committee. As the updates from Past Fellows in this issue of the Beacon will make clear, Psi Upsilon brothers are making important contributions to our communities far and wide.
By supporting them, we honor our vows to never cease striving for excellence in society. As you will also see, your financial support is always needed, effective, and appreciated by these outstanding brothers.
Our team of volunteer and stipend writers have diligently put together a wonderful narratives on a few brothers and their work. While it is hard to fully convey their honest humility and true drive in a brief narrative, its easy to see how vibrant and impactful their work will be for their industries. As we share these stories, I always reflect on who else could I share this story with, and connect – its been a meaningful way to reflect on my brothers and sometime the small act of saying “did you see the article on so and so” leads to meaningful conversations about their own journey. We never know what story will touch someone or who needs a moment to connect and that’s what these publications do, they connect us through stories. They compliment the many in-person gatherings we have established throughout the year in major geographies. It has been heartwarming to see these publications stay with brothers and families often times on coffee tables as a physical representation of the current active brotherhood we continue to be a part of and support. Finally, we have invested in some great tools to search for and stay up to date with brothers throughout the network. Our tools work best when we get leads from brothers so I encourage you, as you read this Beacon, to share some names you think might benefit from the programs with our team. I look forward to seeing you at an event or virtual meeting soon!
Yours in the Bonds,
Alex Senchak Eta ‘06 President and Chair, Psi Upsilon Foundation
ACHIEVEMENT | DEDICATION | PROMISE
The Social Impact Fellowship aims to highlight brothers’ commitment to service for the common good of society and provide funds for leadership skills development. The Fellowship builds cohorts of emerging leaders to support their pursuits, and through this to provide a distinguished year-long opportunity to inspire others.
TSERVICE WITHDistinction
Dr. Richard Rasmussen
Upsilon ’72 (Rochester)
Steve Moore, Eta ’84 (Lehigh)
wo alums were recognized at the 180th Psi Upsilon Convention during Saturday evening’s Awards Banquet for their service to Psi Upsilon and commitment to the values of our fraternity.
First, Dr. Richard Rasmussen, received the David A.B. Brown Award for Lifetime Achievement, the highest award which may be bestowed upon an alum of Psi Upsilon for bringing honor to the Fraternity by exemplifying the true spirit and meaning of brotherhood in all that they do and say, for dedicated and unselfish service in pursuit of the advancement of the Fraternity, and for demonstrating a commitment to serve the educational environment, their community, and their country.
Dick Rasmussen has been a cornerstone of Psi Upsilon for a number of years, currently he is a Life Member of the Executive Council, having served two terms as President, has been the Parliamentarian of our Convention for over 25 years, and has served as the alumni president and advisor for the Upsilon Chapter at Rochester and instrumental in its success. Because of this he has received a number of “Fraternity Advisor of the Year awards from the U of R, received the Psi Upsilon Distinguished Alumni Service Award, and is the only Psi Upsilon member to receive the North American Interfraternity Conference Award of Distinction.
III Conference of highly selective Universities, a number of them with Psi U chapters, that has served as a bold statement of what college athletics can and should be – that it is highly desirable and possible for a group of committed institutions to conduct a broadbased program of intercollegiate athletics for men and women; to compete with like academic institutions spread over geographically expansive areas; and to seek excellence in athletics while maintaining a perspective which holds the student-athlete and the academic mission of the institution as the center of focus.
Dick has officially retired from this position, but not before being inducted into both the University of Rochester Athletic Hall of Fame and the first member of the UAA Hall of Fame. For this he was honored this year with the David A.B. Brown Award
He was the keynote speaker at our Awards Banquet and addressed the importance of our members to live our mission and values, and to remember that correlates with the academic mission of our Colleges and Universities – and we must be partners, not apart, from our hosts.
The Distinguished Alumni Service Award recognizes brothers whose service to their chapter, or the International Fraternity, is worth special commendation. Since its creation by the 155th Psi Upsilon Convention in 1998, 38 alums have received this honor. It is customary for a recommendation to come from an alumni association or another member of the fraternity and then is discussed by the Awards
and originally designed by Murray Eskenazi, Lambda ’56 (Columbia).
This summer the 180th Psi Upsilon Convention presented Steve Moore, Eta ’84 (Lehigh) with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Brother Moore has served as the president of the Goodale Literary Society, the Alumni Association of the Eta Chapter at Lehigh University, for a number of years, and during that time he has helped balance a commitment to connecting alums with one another, the chapter, and the University. He was recognized by Gary Pan, Eta ’86, who introduced Brother Moore by reading the preamble of our Constitution:
"It is important to live our mission and values, and to remember that correlates with the academic mission of our Colleges and Universities – and we must be partners, not apart, from our hosts. " -Dick Rasmussen
Brother Rasmussen has served as the Executive Director of the University Athletic Association since it’s inception in 1987. The UAA is a NCAA Division
and Recognition Committee, who then recommends to the Executive Council or the Psi Upsilon Convention to consider the alum for the award. All award winners are presented with a medallion recreated by our Director of Member Engagement, Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00 (Georgia Tech)
We who are or were students in universities and colleges throughout the United States and Canada and who believe in similar principles of life and standards of human conduct, consider that the existence of a fraternal bond among us is eminently calculated best to promote our educational achievements, the development of our personal character and happiness, and the overall interests of the universities and colleges of which we are a part. We believe further that we may thereby better contribute to a continual improvement and expansion of the educational system of these two great nations.
Brother Moore has done much to help promote those values and keep those traditions alive at Lehigh, at a time when many other fraternal organizations have closed or faded away.
PSI UPSILON SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW HONORARY FELLOW
DR. KENNETH BALL, P.E., PHD, MSME
Eta ’82 (Lehigh)
Dr. Kenneth Ball, P.E. PHD, & MSME is currently the Dean of the Volgenau School of Engineering (VSE) College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University in Fairfax County, which is the largest public research university in Virginia. He has held this role since August 2012. He received his BSME degree from Lehigh University, his MSME and PhD in mechanical engineering from Drexel University, and completed postdoctoral studies in applied mathematics at Brown University. Dr. Ball was formerly Professor of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. From 2004-12, he served as Department Head and L.S. Randolph Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, overseeing rapid growth in the department with research expenditures increasing five-fold, and with large increases in student enrollment.
In his role at George Mason University, Dr. Ball oversees the secretariat of the International Federation of Engineering Societies (IFEES) and the secretariat for the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC). He is also an ABET Program Evaluator and a Commissioner on the Engineering Accreditation Commission who has participated in numerous international conferences related to engineering education and program accreditation. In 2012, he was
awarded the Edwin F. Church Medal by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for “eminent service in increasing the value, importance, and attractiveness of mechanical engineering education.” He served on the Executive Committee of the ASME Department Heads Committee from 2006-2012, and was Secretary and Vice-Chair Elect. As dean, Dr. Ball represents Mason on the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Engineering Deans Council. He has been an active member since 1992, serving as the Campus Representative Coordinator for the Southeastern Section of ASEE on its Executive Board, and has also served on the ASEE Public Policy, Constitution, and Bylaws Committees. He is involved in legislative initiatives and public policy issues at the state, local, and international levels. Dr. Ball has also served on numerous advisory boards and is currently a member of the International Advisory Board of the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas and active in the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, as well as an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Dr. Ball’s other notable awards include a postdoctoral fellowship in the Division of Applied Mathematics at Brown
University and endowed faculty fellowship in the Temple Foundation of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He is also an active member of American Nuclear Society, American Physical Society, American Society for Engineering Education, and Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.
Since arriving at Mason in 2012, Dr. Ball has led VSE through a period of explosive growth and dynamic change. His tenure has seen increased research awards and expenditures along with expanded enrollment. He has also established several innovative programs to attract future generations of engineering and computing professionals. Under Dr. Ball’s leadership, the college’s national ranking and reputation have improved significantly. In the 2024 U.S. News and World Report rankings of our nation’s Best Graduate Schools, VSE placed in the top 100. The most recent Carnegie classification of research universities added Mason to the ranks of the top tier “R1” research universities, and Mason’s total research expenditures exceed $100 million.
Total student enrollment in VSE has nearly doubled since 2012, and Dr. Ball has been instrumental in helping Mason College to keep pace with its strong growth in student enrollment. He is always advocating for more faculty and staff and has led a proactive
response to the needs of his students. Dr. Ball places a high priority on ensuring VSE has the faculty to maintain sustainable student-faculty ratios. This facilitates vigorous levels of student-faculty interaction and mentoring. He has stricken a healthy balance between limiting the number of large-enrollment classes and offering all the courses that students need to graduate, including elective courses.
In his work at Mason College, Dr. Ball oversees eight academic departments, six research centers, and VSE’s various laboratories. VSE offers 10 different Bachelor’s degree programs, 17 Master’s degree programs, and seven Ph.D. degree programs, all of which are overseen by Dr. Ball. VSE employs approximately 200 full-time and 175 parttime faculty members, more than 300 staff members, and has over 7,250 students. New and highly successful programs proposed, developed, and approved under Ball’s leadership include Bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and cybersecurity engineering, Master’s degrees in data analytics engineering and biostatistics, and the Ph.D. in bioengineering.
Also an accomplished physicist, Dr. Ball is recognized internationally for his research in computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Additionally, Dr, Ball has chaired three international conferences, is a past associate technical editor of the ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, and has served on several other engineering journal editorial boards. Dr. Ball currently serves on the Academic Advisory Council for ABET (Accreditation Board for
of more than $20 million for projects and program development in mechanical engineering, including the thermal/fluid sciences and nuclear engineering with applications in biomedical engineering, manufacturing and materials processing, and nuclear systems. The estimated value of his supercomputer grants is in excess of $10 million.
“The world’s most pressing problems can be effectively addressed and solved by engineers who have
Engineering and Technology). He also serves as commissioner of the Engineering Accreditation Commission, and on the Executive Board of American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Engineering Deans Council. He is very involved in engineering program assessment and accreditation activities, both in the U.S. and internationally, particularly in the Middle East. Dr. Ball has published more than 100 technical articles, supervised 13 PhD dissertations, and 29 MS theses. He has obtained externally sponsored funding
Global engagement is Dr. Ball’s key strategic goal as dean. Through partnerships with the Global Engineering Dean’s Council, VSE seeks to expand opportunities for global learning by creating partnerships and programs to support student and faculty mobility and collaboration. Dr. Ball is committed to building a community that fosters global learning, creates global understanding, and seeks global impact. To do so, he has developed strategies and initiatives that deepen the global mindset of his students and expand the reach of VSE’s faculty to provide additional learning opportunities that increase knowledge and strengthen global connections.
2025 SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOWSHIP OF PSI UPSILON
2025 Fellows
HONORARY SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Dr. Kenneth Ball, P.E. • Eta '82 (Lehigh University)
GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION SENIOR FELLOW
Alannah Rivera-Cancel • Chi Delta '19 (Duke University)
FISHFUND SENIOR FELLOW
Greg Eidsness • Zeta Zeta '07 (University of British Columbia)
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Adam Park • Omega '93 (University of Chicago)
DR. SAMUEL FAGER, TAU ‘81 SENIOR FELLOW
Logan G. Spector, PhD • Phi Beta '95 (College of William and Mary)
This program has been generously funded by brothers and especially the members of the Gamma Chapter Corporation, Joseph P. Cillo, PhD, Delta ‘61 and donors to the Dr. Sam Fager Fellowship. See the full list of donors online at Psiu.org/social_impact_fellowship and in the December edition of the Psi U Review.
Dr. Roberta Hunter PhD, Epsilon Iota ’94 (RPI)
Christian A. Klein, Phi Beta ’92 (William & Mary)
Gary Pan, Eta ’86 (Lehigh)
Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00 (Georgia Tech)
Guy "Chip". Worrell III, Pi ’80 (Syracuse)
Kevin Klock, Chi Delta ’01 (Duke)
Amb. Robert Beecroft Ret’d., Tau ’62 (Pennsylvania)
Dr. Elise Walton, Kappa ’80 (Bowdoin)
Alex Senchak, Eta ’06 (Lehigh)
Dr. Audrey Fisch, Gamma ’87 (Amherst)
ALANNAH RIVERA-CANCEL Chi Delta '19 (Duke)
Gamma Chapter Corporation Senior Fellow
Alannah Rivera-Cancel graduated from Duke University in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies. She has worked in Duke Center for Eating Disorders (DCED) since 2015.
Currently a Clinical Research Coordinator at DCED, Alannah oversees a team of researchers and works with Dr. Nancy Zucker and other CoPI’s on the Chompions! Treatment Study, which is designed to assess and treat Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Aside from that, Alannah is also a state-certified EMT-B who volunteers with the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department in Durham, North Carolina. The mission of this department is to protect the life and property of the immediate community. In addition, they equip the community with knowledge on the best safety and prevention practices for both inhome and public emergencies.
of eating disorders and in the lives of families affected by them. Alannah also gives back to her community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, making a more immediate impact on the lives of vulnerable community members at what may be some of their worst moments.
In her time at Duke University, Alannah has been an active member of Psi Upsilon fraternity since 2016, serving as Epistolographos and Alumni Correspondent. She also participated in Duke University Club Softball, Blue Devils United, Duke Army Reserve Officer Training Corps
“[Alannah’s] dedication to social responsibility and the betterment of her individual community, and the world, has always been present.” -Launi Brown, Chi Delta '19
As an active volunteer certified firefighter and EMT-B, Alannah is responsible for helping protect lives and property through firefighting, first-responder, emergency-medical, and fireprevention duties. She hopes to continue to serve as a valuable member of the department and take advantage of specialized training opportunities to further increase her competency. Eventually, she aspires to take on the role of training newcomers, helping them to set a foundation for future success in either the fire or emergency medical service.
Alannah's driving goal has always been to give back to her community in a meaningful way. As a researcher, her contributions help her to accomplish this by providing her with the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the field
(AROTC). Alannah's trainings and certifications include North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician Certification, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Certification, and Mental Health First Aid Training. She is fluent in Spanish and English, and her awards
include Philip R. Costanzo Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship, American Legion General Military Excellence Award, American Legion General Scholastic Excellence Award, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America Medal, Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Early intervention and prevention are currently Alannah's most passionate research interests, and she strives to advance as a clinical research professional. Since entering the field in 2015 as an undergraduate research assistant, Alannah has worked steadily to increase her knowledge and leadership abilities by taking advantage of several learning opportunities and training programs offered by Duke University. She will use the Psi Upsilon Gamma Corporation Senior Fellowship to further develop specialized professional skills that apply to her research and volunteering goals.
DR. SAMUEL FAGER, TAU '81 SENIOR FELLOW
LOGAN G. SPECTOR, PHD Phi Beta '95 (William and
Mary)
Dr. Samuel Fager, Tau '81 Senior Fellow
Dr. Logan G. Spector graduated Magna cum laude from College of William & Mary in 1995 with a BS in Biology and Spanish. He was a member of the Gamma Sigma Honor Society and received the Banner Award for Spanish, also representing the Phi Sigma Honor Society in Biology and completing a Summer Research Fellowship. For graduate school, he got his Ph.D in Epidemiology in 2002 from Emory University in Atlanta. During this time, he served as a volunteer and eventually Vice-president of the Board of Directors for Atlanta Harm Reduction Center.
Currently tenured at University of Minnesota, Dr. Spector began as a post-doctoral fellow in 2002. He is a pediatric cancer epidemiologist specializing in the etiology of leukemia, bone, and liver tumors. His goal is to conduct epidemiologic research into the causes of childhood cancer in order to effect risk prediction, early detection, and someday prevention. Since 2016 he has been a faculty member of the Biomedical Informatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, Professor and Director of the Division of Epidemiology & Clinical Research in the Department of Pediatrics and Masonic Cancer Center at University of Minnesota since 2015, and Graduate Professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at University of Minnesota's School of Public Health since 2004. He is actively affiliated with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Molecular Epidemiology Group-AACR (MEG-AACR), Children’s Oncology Group (COG), Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER), International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB), and Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS).
Dr. Spector's honors and awards include CCRF 2016 Butterfly Award in the Medical category, Suzanne Holmes Hodder Chair in Pediatric Cancer Research for 2015, 2012-2015 CCRF Chair in Pediatric Cancer Research, University of Minnesota Cancer Center Prevention and Etiology Recognition Award for 2007, first recipient of Children’s Cancer Research Fund Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Research, Masonic Dietz Family Award for Travel in 2003, 2001 Society for Epidemiologic Research Student Workshop Fellowship, and 1997 Public Health Award for the Summer Student Employment Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Spector's impressive list of current professional activities and service includes CCSS Expansion Specific Steering Committee, JNCI Cancer Spectrum Editorial Board, COG Executive Council representing non-Hematology/ Oncology, Associate Vice Chair for Career Development on the Children’s Oncology Group Epidemiology Committee, Scientific Advisory Board of the Myrovlytis trust, Birt-HoggDubé(BHD) Foundation, External Advisory Board for the Health Effects of Hydraulic Fracturing Epidemiology Research Studies being conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Chair of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund Research Advisory Committee, Children’s Oncology Group Liver Tumor Committee, Momcology Advisory Board, Panel Chair of Tobacco-Related Disease Research
Program (TRDRP) Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Review Panel, T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program in Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Research Advisory Committee at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource (HHEAR) Exposure Assessment Hub Advisory Board, Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium, and the Children’s Oncology Group Epidemiology Committee.
Dr. Spector is now embarking on an ambitious project to make Minnesota the first state, and possibly the first jurisdiction anywhere, to offer whole genome sequencing (WGS) to all its newborns. This will enable a new generation of prospective childhood cancer studies, but also be vastly useful to the science of child and adult health. This level of science, and especially offering WGS to the wider public, requires Dr. Spector to learn about public engagement in science. With his awards, he will attend and complete trainings in scientific public engagement offered by the Association of Science Communicators and the American Society of Human Genetics to broaden his communication skills. Some of the courses he has tentatively proposed may offer a certificate of completion, but it is the communication skills he seeks to gain that will enable him to communicate effectively with stakeholders within the state to accomplish his ambitious goal.
“On a personal level Logan is a loyal friend and brother, having maintained bonds forged in college for over three decades.”
The career journey of Greg Eidsness has been defined by international impact and a commitment to both economic development and innovative leadership. From managing complex economic projects in emerging markets to advising at global events, Greg has built a uniquely diverse career. His formal education began at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he graduated with a BA in Political Science in 2007. During his time at UBC, he represented the university at the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) in Shanghai and received the NUS-UBC Lee Foundation's Student Mobility Award, sending him on an internship experience to Singapore. Later, Greg pursued a Diploma in Negotiation at Simon Fraser University, and in 2019, he completed a Master of Public Administration at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Greg refers to his participation in UBC's work experience program (Arts Co-op) as pivotal. His jobs prior to joining the co-op program included everything from mowing lawns to selling knives door-to-door, to catching chickens on local farms. As part of the program, Greg had the opportunity to work for Canada's border protection agency, and pursue international internships at the National University of Singapore, and Time Warner Hong Kong. Greg has said that the Co-op program introduced him to the vast diversity of opportunities that are available in different industries. Because of these experiences, he's much less likely to stay in a job simply because it's stable or pays a decent wage.
Reflecting on his career, Greg identifies his early experiences as transformational. "Internships gave me the chance to explore different fields and parts of the world, helping me realize that each role, no matter how unconventional, contributes to your personal and professional growth."
"…get that experience with the federal government – it’s valuable. But also go and work for that tiny non-profit or small business where you will get to take on a range of tasks that you wouldn’t get at a larger organization. And hey, while you’re at, try your luck at a big corporation. You might decide never to work for one again, but at least you will know a little bit about how they tick."
- Greg Eidsness
In the years since graduation, Greg's career has spanned Hong Kong, Singapore, and Canada, with work experience that touches nearly every corner of the globe. His tenure in international economic development has taken him from projects in China, Pakistan and Botswana to helping coordinate programming for high-profile events like the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala in St. Tropez, France.
Currently, Greg serves as the Managing Director of the Government of Saskatchewan Trade and Investment Office based at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore. In this role, he helps nurture trade ties between Saskatchewan and Southeast Asia, an economic relationship valued at over one billion dollars per year. Beyond his formal role, Greg chairs the Agriculture & Agri-food Committee at the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), where he launched a dedicated committee to support Canadian agricultural interests in ASEAN. This role involves organizing forums on critical issues, such as food security, trade, and agricultural innovation, and he collaborates with industry associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen Canada's ties within the ASEAN region.
Greg remains actively involved in the UBC community, helping design and instruct a course specifically for enhancing the employability of undergraduate political science students. In recognition of his contributions to the UBC community, he was awarded the UBC Alumni Builder Award in 2021.
As a FishFund Fellow, Greg is delighted to have the opportunity to explore opportunities for personal and professional growth. He also looks forward to engaging with members of the Psi Upsilon community around the world.
"My career has shown me that the best way to grow is by stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that's in a new country, industry, or role. When you embrace diverse experiences, you build skills and resilience that serve you for life."
ADAM PARK Omega '93, (Chicago) Social Impact Fellow
Adam J. Park is a healthcare leader with 25 years of population health experience. He is an expert in all value-based finance and operations, having built several value-based organizations from the ground up. He is skilled in developing and maintaining relationships, strategic planning, provider relations, contract negotiations, education and analyses, and has extensive experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.
As a student, brother Park attended Marquette University High School, a college prep high school in Milwaukee that is dedicated to faith, scholarship and community. From there, he attended University of Chicago to study Political Science. His thesis was titled, "Hospital Marketing: The Comrade / Competitor Dichotomy of the Doctor". After graduating with a BA in 1993, he went on to Georgia State University in Atlanta where he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Health Administration (MHA).
Service Corporation (HCSC) in Chicago since 2023. HCSC is the largest customer-owned health insurer in the United States, serving over 22.5 million people and managing nearly $110 billion of medical spend in 2023. Their vision is to enable access to quality care for members no matter how they get their health insurance, and work to create equitable health outcomes for all. Adam currently manages partnerships with a broad portfolio of companies to deliver products, services, and robust clinical programs which empower whole person health across the country. In 2023, HCSC provided more than $29 million in grants and
hiring and training Market Directors while curating networks of high quality, low-cost providers. He supervised referral staff, Case Managers, Transitional Care Coordinators, Social Workers, and employed specialists while serving as the primary liaison between national payers and local markets. He was the Director of the best performing market in the enterprise, managing key performance indicators better than markets that had been established for more than 30 years.
"Following in the footsteps of Chuck Werner, who previously held a leadership position on the Board for nearly 50 years, I know I have a lot to learn. I can never lead the trustees like Chuck did. I'd like to develop my own style."
- Adam J. Park
sponsorships to community organizations to address social determinants of health.
Since then, our brother has gone on to hold many prestigious titles in the arena of public health. These include Senior Healthcare Consultant, Managed Care Executive, Vice President of Managed Care Contracting and Operations, Executive Director of Managed Care, Director of Payer Relations, and Regional Director. He has most recently been Director of Health Care
Prior to this, brother Park was Regional Director of Network Excellence at ChenMed, where he owned the cost and quality of all care provided by outside hospitals and specialists. He was a member of the Executive Team, overseeing 30 clinics in seven markets. In this role, he opened two new markets during the COVID pandemic,
On top of all this, Adam joined the Board of Alumni Trustees for the Omega Chapter of Psi Upsilon 20 years ago, and is now the President. In this role, he leads the alumni trustees in ensuring the operational and financial health of the Omega chapter house. Those who have served with him on the board for many years have been most impressed by his leadership, maturity, and dedication to Psi U. His leadership and mentorship are described as great assets to Psi U and its members. Brother Park will use his newly awarded Social Impact Fellowship to further develop his skills in the areas of fundraising, leadership, and nonprofit management. Although he is skilled and experienced in these areas, the Omega Chapter only stands to benefit from his continued development of these skills.
PAST Fellows
2020-2021
HONORARY SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Amb. Robert Beecroft Ret’d • Tau ’62 (Pennsylvania)
GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION
SENIOR FELLOW
Rico Francis • Phi Nu ’18 (Christopher Newport)
DR. SAMUEL FAGER, TAU ’81 SENIOR FELLOW
Dr. Osman J. Bhatty, M.D. • Pi ’10 (Syracuse)
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Rhoden Monrose • Beta Beta ’09 (Trinity)
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Dan Coveillo • Eta ’13 (Lehigh)
2022-2023
HONORARY SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
John D. Hatfield • Iota ’94
GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION
SENIOR FELLOW
Dr. Audrey Fisch • Gamma ’87
GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION FELLOW
Dr. Alison Munzer, PhD • Gamma ’09
DR. SAMUEL FAGER, TAU ’81 SENIOR FELLOW
Dr. Elizabeth Andresen • Chi Delta ’04
FISHFUND SENIOR FELLOW
Devon Trotter • Phi Beta ’06
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Christopher Lawrence Tang ESQ • Gamma Tau ’01
2023-2024
HONORARY SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Mark Contreras • Omega ’84
GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION
SENIOR FELLOW
Jeremiah Olney • Gamma Tau ’15
DR. SAMUEL FAGER, TAU ’81 SENIOR FELLOW
Lis Gallant • Epsilon Iota ’09
FISHFUND SENIOR FELLOW
Alex Hofelich • Gamma Tau ’98
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Paul Mokrzycki • Upsilon ’20
2021-2022
HONORARY SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Dr. Barbara Hendrie • Kappa ’80 (Bowdoin)
GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION
SENIOR FELLOW
Dr. Brian Christie • Zeta ’07 (Dartmouth)
DR. SAMUEL FAGER, TAU ’81 SENIOR FELLOW
Dr. Daniel Correa • Phi Delta ’04 (Mary Washington)
FISHFUND SENIOR FELLOW
Roberta Hunter • Epsilon Iota ’94 (RPI)
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Bri Watson • Delta Nu ’11 (Keene State)
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Rich Paul • Eta ’10 (Lehigh)
SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Mike Thibideau • Epsilon Nu ’11 (Michigan State)
UPDATES FROM OUR...
Past Fellows
2020 GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION
SENIOR FELLOW
Rico Francis, Phi Nu ’18 (Christopher Newport)
Pacers Sports and Entertainment – Indiana
Since receiving the Psi U Fellowship I have had the opportunity to lead a $850,000 partnership with the Eli Lilly & Company Foundation to support STEAM initiatives and partnerships across the State of Indiana. The program has been successful since starting in 2022 and has dramatically grown thanks to the unique blend of career development opportunities and access to high quality STEAM experiences. I was nominated for the 2024 Techpoint Foundation Bridge Builder Award, recognizing visionary leaders helping underserved students in Indiana access experiential learning that inspires the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
Francis saw the NBA Math Hoops program as an opportunity to work with Indiana schools systems rather than just give them additional work. The program provides students in urban and rural settings world class opportunities, quality entertainment and unparalleled service. Program leaders and educators use the state, city and Gainbridge Fieldhouse as an extension of the classroom to amplify STEM education and Indiana-based STEM careers. The program helps build fundamental math and social-emotional skills for students in grades 4-8 through a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, curriculum and a community program experience.
2021 HONORARY SOCIAL IMPACT FELLOW
Dr. Barbara Hendrie Kappa ’80 (Bowdoin)
After retiring at the end of 2022 from the role of North America Director for the UN Environment Program, I have been working as a senior advisor supporting adoption of an international multilateral treaty on plastic pollution, now being negotiated by the member states of the UN. I have also started a volunteer initiative helping rural cities and towns in the Mississippi Delta to access federal grant finance for economic development and infrastructure investment. After decades of international work, I am highly motivated to support rural development in distressed areas here at home.
The free program develops students’ algebra readiness for high school and strengthens important skills including self-regulation and executive function. Educators involved with NBA Math Hoops are “coaches” for the program who integrate it into their classroom routine using it as a before, during and after school tool. The program uses the diversity of NBA/WNBA staff and players to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in STEM education, and to also fight the STEM gender gap. Workforce development is also baked into the program, giving students and educators access to employees from Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Eli Lilly & Company. In his time with the program, Francis has tripled the number of students enrolled and doubled the number of school sites that signed up to participate in the program.
Since the Psi U Fellowship, I have continued with my work on More Than Bootstraps, a non-profit focused on college access and success for first-generation college students. Allow me to share some key accomplishments achieved by the program:
Key Accomplishments
• Student Success. 9/10 ’24 High School Fellows have been accepted at and will attend institutions of higher education (including Montclair, Rutgers, TCNJ, and Cornell). 6/6 College Student Leaders graduated from college within four years.
14/14 College Student Leaders remain in school and on track for graduation. This success continues to compare favorably to the Passaic Public Schools data: only 45% of graduates pursue college or a vocational program and only 21% return for a second year of postsecondary education.
• Program Growth. We will serve 16 returning high school seniors, 17 high school juniors, and 18 College Student Leaders
2020 DR. SAMUEL FAGER, TAU ’81 FELLOW
Dr. Osman J. Bhatty, M.D., Pi ’10 (Syracuse)
Rheumatologist at Advocate Health Care - Chicago
I used the stipend from the Social Impact Fellowship to purchase training and an ultrasound device which allows me to use this imaging technology to assess joints for inflammation (as a rheumatologist I am a medical specialist in inflammatory diseases that often affect the joints).
In order to gain formal certification (and to be allowed to sit for the test) many rheumatologists first enter an 8 month training program (called USSONAR) where they submit
2022 GAMMA CHAPTER CORPORATION SENIOR FELLOW
Dr. Audrey Fisch, Gamma ’87 (Amherst) Founder of More Than Bootstraps
students in Academic Year 2024-2025. Two College Student Leaders will also serve as Program Resource Fellows. Nine former Fellows have now transitioned to serving as Leaders/ mentors.
• FAFSA Support Award. We received a $27,500 award from Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) as part of the nationwide FAFSA Student Support Strategy project for Summer 2024. The funding will draw on and increase the capacity of MTB’s college students, allowing them to put their deep community connections, cultural competency, and training to work to serve the broader Passaic community and ensure fewer students leave critical Pell dollars on the table.
Some Other Highlights
• Melissa Reyes named Beinecke Scholar.
• Michelle Carpinteyro was selected for the New Jersey Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program for Summer 2024.
images to be reviewed by mentors which culminates in both a written and final examination. I am happy to say I have completed this training program successfully largely because of my access to the device and training my stipend allowed me to access. Because of this training I now have access to even more advanced equipment in the medical group I work in and will be starting a formal “ultrasound clinic” at my job where I focus specifically on using this technology.
The final step in this process is to sit for a penultimate examination this coming winter and with that final hurdle passed I will be officially certified.
In summary the program has been integral in facilitating these opportunities for me and I could not have gotten this far without this program and my brothers’ help. When I finish my final examination I will circle back to let you know as it will be the completion of this long journey I started on a few years ago.
Do You Golf?
The All-PsiU Golf Tournament will return to the Tuxedo Club in New York next September 16th, 2025!
Contact Jonathan@psiu.org or scan to answer 5 questions about your golfing interests to be included on our golf-related communications.
SCAN ME
Support the Psi Upsilon Annual Fund as a member of our Founder's Society with a contribution of $250 or higher.
CONTRIBUTORS
Jonathan M. Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00 (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Melissa Coliadis, Theta Pi ’13 (Georgia State University)
Thomas J. Fox, Omicron '00 (Illinois) Alex Senchak, Eta '06 (Lehigh)
THANK YOU!
We wish to recognize Brother Cushing Donelan, Gamma ‘05 (Amherst College) & Donelan Family Wines for their generous support of our publications, the Speaker Series, and the programs of Psi Upsilon. DonelanWines.com
FUNDING THE FELLOWSHIP
Named Fellowships have been created within the endowed fund that supports the Social Impact Fellowshp with pledges and donations above $50,000 to provide for the stipend and to operate the program.
Gifts to the fund are invested within the endowment and drawn upon according to the Investment Policy. To discuss a gift to the fund, please contact Foundation President & Chair Alexander Senchak, Eta ’06, at asenchak@psiu.org
