Psi Upsilon Beacon, published June 2020 by Psi Upsilon Fraternity

I N A U G U R A L

E D I T I O N

2O2O Scholarship Highlights

ABOUT THE

INSIDE THIS EDITION:

Letter from the Chair 1

Program History

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.

F O UN D AT I O N BOA R D OF D I R EC TOR S

PRESIDENT & CHAIR

Statistics 3

2020 Scholarships

Alexander C. Senchak, Eta ‘06 VICE CHAIR

Matthew J. Eckenrode, Epsilon Nu ‘04 C H A I R E M E R I TU S

Patrick J. Gilrane, Psi ‘83

Finkelstein Winner

Martin Brayboy, Gamma ‘84

Poor Winner 7

Graduate Winners 8

S E C R E TA RY

TR E AS U R E R

John F. H. Ong, Gamma ‘82 D I R E C TO R S

Doug Jackman, Omega ‘89 Gary G. Pan, Eta ‘86 Larry Rakers, Omicron ‘86 PAST C H A I R S / P R E S I D E N TS

Undergrad Spotlight 9

Named Scholarships

Mark D. Bauer, Omega ‘83 Charles M. Hall, Nu Alpha ‘71 Thomas T. Hanford, Gamma ‘62 Samuel J. Tinaglia, Omega ‘88

Get Involved! 14

D I R E C TO R O F M E MB E R E N G AG E M E N T

L I ST I N G COM M I T T EE

Gary Pan, Eta ‘86 (Lehigh University) • Served since 2010 Richard A. Rasmussen, Upsilon ‘72 (University of Rochester) • Served since 1991 James A. Swanke, Jr., Rho ‘80 (The University of Wisconsin) • Served since 2012 Michael Thibideau, Epsilon Nu ‘11 (Michigan State University) • Served since 2019 Alexander Senchak, Eta ‘06 (Lehigh University) • Served since 2019 Sarah Mayo, Chi Delta ‘15 (Duke University) • Served since 2020 Thomas T. Allan IV, Theta Theta ‘89 (University of Washington) • Served since 2020 Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ‘00 (Georgia Institute of Technology) • Served since 2020 Robert Dorigo Jones, Epsilon Nu ‘85 (Michigan State University) • Served since 2020

Jonathan M Chaffin, Gamma Tau ‘00

Sheree Metzner • Served since 2020

D I R EC TO R O F A DM I N I STR ATI O N

Evan Terry, Epsilon Phi ‘93 (McGill University) • Served since 1996

Bethann Taylor

ABOUT OUR

S C H O LAR S H I P

Scholarship Program

The award of Psi Upsilon Foundation scholarships is based upon demonstrated achievement in the pursuit of moral, intellectual and social excellence. Awards include a grant to be used in meeting the recipient’s qualified educational expenses. Awards in amounts greater than the grant may be provided based upon a demonstration of financial need. Applicants are not required to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify for a grant. Members of all chapters, provisional chapters, owl clubs, and colonies are eligible to apply and shall be given due consideration without regard to race, creed, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or other potentially discriminatory basis.

FROM THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

PROGRAM HISTORY

RICHARD RASMUSSEN, UPSILON ’72

& P R E S I D ENT

The Psi Upsilon Foundation Scholarship Program is one of those prominent intersections of the objectives and missions of both Psi Upsilon and the colleges and universities across the United States and Canada at which our undergraduate chapters are located. Psi Upsilon exists due to the sufferance and support of its colleges and universities. Colleges and universities are unique institutions, as are fraternities. They are among the very few institutions across the globe that can measure their longevity in centuries, not just years. Beyond that there is something more that makes us truly unique. Colleges and universities are first and last about knowledge — its pursuit and discovery, its transmission, and its wise and effective use for the betterment of society. To achieve these ends colleges and universities are totally dependent upon people. These institutions thrive because of people who are curious, willing to commit to something larger than themselves, passionate about what they do, able to work in teams and to collaborate effectively, skilled at overcoming barriers, able to confront failure and turn it into opportunity, committed to continuous learning and growth, seeking to make a difference, and determined to persist. People who demonstrate these attributes are inexorably linked to the academy’s ability to achieve its mission and to serve society. These are precisely the qualities that come from the Psi Upsilon Fraternity experience and which we celebrate through the Psi Upsilon Foundation Scholarship Program. There is no better laboratory for developing these skills than a fraternity that consistently teaches and reinforces its values and ideals. Psi Upsilon provides that opportunity to its members, not just during their undergraduate tenure, but for a lifetime. If you examine the scholarship applications, personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and service resumes of our scholarship winners you will find that Psi Upsilon has played a transformative role in shaping these young men and women into the servant-leaders they have become. It is abundantly clear that their personal experiences with Psi U have had a profound impact on their lives and one that they value dearly. They have achieved the highest levels of academic success. Beyond that, it is also clear that they exhibit a passion to pursue their chosen careers and fields of study in a manner that will enable them to be leaders in their fields and to make significant contributions to society. These honorees have also been generous with their time. They have served in multiple leadership roles within their chapters; they have contributed in significant ways to other campus organizations; and they have spent countless hours planning, leading, and conducting service projects for their communities. Perhaps most importantly they serve as role models for their chapters and beyond. The Psi Upsilon Scholarships they will receive will help them meet the financial challenges they face as they continue their education and professional training. These scholarships will also foster their continued involvement in their respective chapters and alumni organizations. For the undergraduate recipients, these funds will also encourage them to continue living in their respective chapter houses where possible so that other members may benefit from their ongoing leadership and day to day involvement. This cohort of highly successful individuals represent the very best of Psi Upsilon. They have achieved much, and we expect they will become the leaders of tomorrow. We are proud of them. We congratulate them, wish them continued success, and look forward their contributions to Psi U and the communities in which they will reside. They are the beacon light that will ever burst from old Psi U! 1

A L E X S E N C H A K , E TA ’ 0 6 P S I U P S I LO N FO U N DAT I O N CHAI R

Since 1957, a hallmark of the Psi Upsilon brotherhood has been access to scholarships applauding and inspiring the pursuit of the highest intellectual achievement of our members. The program was established following a period of great growth amongst university students in the late 40’s. The scholarship program was expanded first in the 1970’s along with the advent of nonprofit tax laws and then again in the late 1980’s with a large bequest by Paul H. Schoepflin, Pi 1912 (Syracuse). Until the late ’90s, applicants submitted applications via paper, and the committee convened in Indianapolis for a weekend-long evaluation process. Psi Upsilon pioneered web-based applications with our partner Smarter-Select (who we use to this day) to operate a fully remote application and evaluation system that has greatly expanded the reach of applicants and the effectiveness of the scholarship committee. While awarding funds is the primary purpose of the program, there are significant bi-products of the Foundation’s scholarship program, both for the individuals and the brotherhood alike. Throughout the years, as the program moved from simply need-based funding to include merit-based scholarships, the scholarship awards became more prestigious. The Fraternity still aims to celebrate the achievements of the scholars in addition to aiding them financially. The scholarships also provide an impactful and meaningful way our brotherhood can honor the legacy of our fellow brethren. Through a named scholarship our brothers, many of whom are departed, will be remembered each year through the awarding of their named scholarship to a deserving student. Now, entering into the 8th decade of the program, we innovate again by expanding the program into supporting graduate studies. This inaugural year, we are proud to endow two named awards to recognize our distinguished brothers, Lew Finkelstein Omicron ‘83 (Illinois) and Henry Poor, Gamma ‘39 (Amherst), whose commitment to our Fraternity and its future will forever be memorialized in these distinctive awards.

STATISTICS C LASS Y EA RS IN C LU D I N G GRAD STUD EN TS

2021 67%

2022 13%

2011 3%

2019 7%

L EA DE R S H I P P OS I TI O N S H E L D

BY TH E N U M B ERS

AVERAGE GPA:

2020 10%

3.478

Archon (President)

AVERAGE SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT FOR UNDERGRADS:

GENDER

Male 83%

Female 17%

$1,440

Alumni Relations Chairman of Morals and Standards Committee Epistolographos (Corresponding Secretary) Executive Vice President IFC Leader Office Held or Project Pledge Secrearay Ritual Chairman Scholastics Chair

FOR THOSE WITH FINANCIAL NEED, NEXT YEAR’S SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS HAVE AN AVERAGE UNMET NEED OF NEARLY

$8,162 AND ACCUMULATED STUDENT LOANS OF

$166,018

First Angelos Second Angelos Major Event Organizer

WE WERE PLEASED TO AWARD 30 BROTHERS WITH GRANTS RANGING FROM

$500-$3,625 THIS YEAR!

COURSES OF ST U DY

Philanthropy Organizer

FOR OUR

Grammateus (Secretary) House Manager/Steward (Acquisitions Chair) Philanthropy Chair Recruitment (Rush Chair)/New Member Education

Accounting Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics Cyber Security Government History Integrated Marketing Communications Interdisciplinary Studies (Sustainable Architecture), Hispanic Studies Philosophy, Politics, & Economics Psychology

Commerce Finance Information Management & Technology

10% Doctoral Medicine/Biology Philosophy, Politics, & Economics

13% Economics Neuroscience, Biology

30 WINNERS 43 BROTHERS WROTE 55 RECOMMENDATIONS

CHAPTERS REPRESENTED

.1 Beta Beta Trinity College Chi Delta Duke University Epsilon Nu Michigan State University Gamma Tau Georgia Institute of Technology Lambda Sigma Pepperdine University Phi Nu Christopher Newport University Pi Syracuse University Psi Hamilton College Sigma Phi St. Francis University Tau University of Pennsylvania Tau Epsilon Prov. Clemson University Upsilon University of Rochester Xi Wesleyan University Zeta Zeta University of British Columbia 2

2020-21

PSI UPSILON SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS GRADUATE RECIPIENTS: Henry B. Poor, Gamma 1939 Award

Lewis Finkelstein, Omicron 1983 Award

Julia Dennis, Gamma Tau ‘19

Don Nguyen, Epsilon Nu ‘20

(Georgia Institute of Technology)

(Michigan State University)

Psi Upsilon Foundation Graduate Scholarship Award 2020 Christina A. Del Carpio, Chi Delta ‘11, (Duke University)

Lorenzo Lindo, Zeta Zeta ‘19 (British Columbia University)

UNDERGRADUATE RECIPIENTS: J.Russell McShane, Delta 1932 Award

R. DeWitt Wallace, Epsilon 1914 Award

Henry B. Poor, Gamma 1939 Award

Francis C. Hardie, Omicron-Zeta 1918 Award

Gardner A. Callanen, Psi 1929 Award

William P. King, Omicron 1971 Award

• •

Jacob Cobankiat, Zeta Zeta ‘21 (British Columbia) Harald Erici, Tau ‘22 (Pennsylvania)

• •

Sameeha Hassan, Chi Delta ‘20 (Duke) Stefan Ranoszek, Tau ‘21 (Pennsylvania)

• •

Andrew Charman, Psi ‘21 (Hamilton) Samuel Vigneault, Psi ‘21 (Hamilton)

•

Roberto Kern, Tau ‘21 (Pennsylvania) Kyle Shope, Phi Nu ‘21 (Christopher Newport)

Joseph Finkelstein, Tau Epsilon ‘21(Clemson)

Jerome W. Brush, Jr., Delta Delta 1939 Award

Robert W. Parsons, Xi 1922 Award •

Solomon Kim, Lambda Sigma ‘22 (Pepperdine) Leart Maloku, Zeta Zeta ‘21 (British Columbia)

• •

Esme Lytle, Xi ‘21 (Wesleyan)

James Callahan, Beta Beta ‘21 (Trinity) William Danon, Tau ‘21(Pennsylvania)

R. Timothy Leedy, Phi 1957 Award

Michael D. Oberg, Theta Theta 1988 Award

Albert C. Jacobs, Phi 1921

Paul D. Friday, Theta Theta 1927 Award

Robert W. Morey, Pi 1920 Award

Eric W. Didul, Phi Beta 1990 Award

Benjamin T. Burton, Chi 1921 Award

Earl D. Babst, Iota-Phi 1893 Award

•

• •

•

• •

Jared Holmes, Zeta Zeta ‘21 (British Columbia)

•

Charles Markham, Tau ‘21 (Pennsylvania) Giovanni Palmieri, Sigma Phi ‘21 (St. Francis)

• •

Eric Potthast, Pi ‘21 (Syracuse)

•

Justin Daul, Upsilon ‘21 (Rochester) Jake Valensi, Psi ‘22 (Hamilton)

• • 3

Kevin Bonetti, Zeta Zeta ‘20 (British Columbia)

Lucas Rempel, Zeta Zeta ‘22 (British Columbia) Brendan Woodward, Zeta Zeta ‘21 (British Columbia)

Carrie Hunner, Chi Delta ‘21 (Duke)

Michael O’Hare, Psi ‘21 (Hamilton) Gianni Valentini, Beta Beta ‘21 (Trinity)

G R A D U AT E R E C I P I E N T S P O T L I G H T

JULIA DENNISS • Gamma Tau 2019 HENRY B. POOR, GAMMA 1939 AWARD

Julia is a new alumna of Psi Upsilon Gamma Tau and an active member of the Psi Upsilon Society of Georgia. She regularly attends Psi Upsilon events since graduating including two installations. She also frequently attends casual events, such as the Cheese and Music event where she performed, and Alumni Weekend. Denniss still consider herself very involved with the brotherhood and strives to find ways to continue contributing as an alumna. Julia was also very active in Psi Upsilon during her undergraduate years, serving as a member of her chapter’s Judicial Board for five semesters. In addition, she served as Recording Secretary for one semester. As Scholarship Chair, Denniss met individually with each brother at the beginning of each semester. Using each person’s syllabi, schedule, and available tutoring resources, she worked to develop an individualized study plan for them. In addition, she organized regular study hours, final exam preparation sessions, and a biannual Scholarship Banquet. This resulted in a 10% chapter-wide GPA increase during her term. In the Spring of 2019, Denniss was nominated for and received the Griffin Senior Award, an award given to a senior student who has exhibited community leadership and involvement, academic excellence, and exceptional dedication and commitment to Psi Upsilon. Outside of Psi Upsilon, she spent over 150 hours volunteering at Atlanta Medical Center in the ER, NICU, and Integrative Health department. Denniss also volunteered for over 150 hours at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home, a free cancer hospice for low-income terminal patients. In her final year at GA Tech, Denniss was fortunate to intern at the CDC, working in the Mycotic Diseases branch. She currently works full-time as an ORISE Research Fellow in the Chronic Viral Diseases Branch of the CDC. Through this

“ Much of the work we do contributes toward making existing HPV vaccines cheaper, more effective, and more accessible, though we also test experimental new vaccines and do surveillance on the efficacy of existing vaccine programs across the world.” fellowship, she works in the branch’s serology team, where she conducts research with strains of HPV. “Much of the work we do contributes toward making existing HPV vaccines cheaper, more effective, and more accessible, though we also test experimental new vaccines and do surveillance on the efficacy of existing vaccine programs across the world.” While an undergraduate, Denniss worked in three different labs. She wrote a 51-page honors research thesis on her work and presented her findings at two regional conferences in poster and talk format. Outside of her academic pursuits, Denniss was part of the Gourd Art Club. “I keep up with a range of hobbies, including sewing, drawing, writing, reading, camping, and exploring Atlanta with my friends.” Denniss will be pursuing a 4-year Doctor of Medicine degree and, although she is keeping an open mind with respect to possible specialties, she is particularly interested in psychiatry, neurology, and infectious disease.

“ What Brother Denniss was awarded was in large part paid for by brothers who are no longer with us but who believed in the mission and in a better future, paying it forward to help people they would never know.” — Charles Hall ESQ, Nu Alpha ’71 /Gamma Tau ‘91 4

G R A D U AT E R E C I P I E N T S P O T L I G H T

LORENZO LINDO • Zeta Zeta 2019 One of Lorenzo Lindo’s motivations for joining Psi Upsilon was the chapter’s significant philanthropic efforts and community service. When he first joined, Lindo got involved by starting to work with brothers Daniel Kubercyk, Zeta Zeta ’18 (former Philanthropy Chairman) and James Beaton, Zeta Zeta ’19 (former Service Chairman) while he was pledging. From these two, Lindo learned the ropes of organizing philanthropy projects and how to rally the Chapter to work together. The following year, Lindo ran for Philanthropy Chairman and was elected. “A major issue at UBC is that of student mental health - because of this, my first event was to raise funds for the Movember Foundation, which raises awareness and supports projects benefiting youth mental health.” Lindo organized and executed MoFlips, one of the most successful events the Zeta Zeta chapter has run and donated 100% of proceeds to the Movember Foundation. He also organized Psi-U-Think-You-Can-Score, a soccer tournament that raised money to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the same hospital that cured his sister’s leukemia and that cared for brother Ryan Bel, Zeta Zeta ’20 who battled congenital defects in his immune system throughout his childhood years. Lindo was also invited into Order of Omega and was elected VP of Programming. He organized Songfest 2019 and awarded the winning chapters with donations to their philanthropy of choice. At Founders Day 2019, he was nominated for Alumni President, but unfortunately had to decline. He plans to run again at Founder’s Day 2020. In his free time, Lindo enjoys hiking and weightlifting. He also started bouldering last year and is currently preparing for the Vancouver 10K Sun Run race. His other passions include playing the guitar and snorkeling. He enjoys knowledge translation of science (to help involve the public in the advancements of science) and advocating for funding of scientific research projects.

“ A major issue at UBC is that of student mental health — because of this, my first event was to raise funds for the Movember Foundation, which raises awareness and supports projects benefiting youth mental health.” As a recent graduate from UBC Lindo recognizes that Psi U was a major part of his life. He considers himself an “active alumni” of the chapter as he still visits the house and meets the new members. He prides himself in helping guide the younger students and members by providing insight on academic endeavors, career advice, and personal life. “One of the things that brings me joy is being able to mentor younger students and see them succeed, such as the case with my Psi Upsilon little brother, Lucas Rempel, Zeta Zeta ’21 who is now an active member of the Zeta Zeta, VP-External and Education on our IFC, a successful undergraduate scientist, and involved member of the UBC community. As an active alumnus, I hope to be able to inspire other young Psi U’s and guide them on their paths to success.” Lindo aspires to become a clinician-scientist in oncology, that is, to become both a cancer doctor who treats patients, and researcher, who develops novel therapeutic strategies. He has enrolled in the UBC Interdisciplinary Oncology Program to gain cancer research experience to help prepare for medical school and residency. Lindo has decided to dedicate his life to studying cancers and to develop better and more effective therapies with less side effects after watching his sister, mother, and grandmother all battle cancer and come through the other side.

G R A D U AT E R E C I P I E N T S P O T L I G H T

DON NGUYEN • Epsilon Nu 2020 LEWIS FINKELSTEIN, OMICRON 1983

Throughout his undergraduate career, Don Nguyen, held numerous positions and was a part of many projects and organizations. He served as the Vice President of Community Relations on the Interfraternity Council for Michigan State University, which raised over $110,000 from Greek Week. In addition, he served on the University Student Commission, a student government body that meets regularly with the East Lansing Mayor and other city officials. “When I have free time, I love to immerse myself in videography and photography.” Through hours of YouTube videos and reading books, Nguyen learned the pillars that make up this new age of digital media and started to master what makes a pictures and video aesthetically pleasing. “I have always loved the phrase, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words,’ because if that is true, then a video is worth a million.” Nguyen spends most of his time studying for my science courses and preparing for the MCAT, so a hobby where he can flex his creative muscles is the perfect way to switch gears. Currently, Nguyen is serving as the academic chair for the Epsilon Nu chapter at Michigan State and started initiatives that include brotherhood tutoring, Dean’s list rewards, and brother study hours. His prior positions include serving on the Justice Board for enforcing chapter rules and laws, the Housing Committee for repairing and improving house amenities, and Philanthropy Chair where he helped raise over $14,000 for a local charity in Michigan. Growing up in a household with immigrant parents, Nguyen was taught about the great value of education and thus places great emphasis on this value. It is something that he has taken pride in instilling within his own chapter. The Epsilon Nu

“ I have always loved the phrase, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words,’ because if that is true, then a video is worth a million.”

chapter’s high GPA last semester came from the brotherhood’s collaborative academic environment, and Nguyen’s special emphasis on rewarding brothers for study hours. As Nguyen begins this new decade in his 20s, he hopes to make close-knit friends that he truly connects with. As he graduates from Michigan State, Nguyen can only hope that his next destination will feel like a home just as East Lansing has over the last few years. “I may have graduated this Spring, but I will be a Spartan forever and a Psi U for just as long.” Nguyen plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in global health, which has a special focus on global perspective and research. This degree provides a base for knowledge and social policy centered around quality of health, while also preparing one for collaboration with others at the international level. He later plans to complement this degree with an M.D. degree and utilize both degrees in conjunction to treat illnesses while discovering new methods to prevent future individuals from contracting the same ailments.

“ It is inspiring to see the amazing people who decide to join and lead Psi Upsilon’s chapters across the US and Canada. Our brotherhood continues to exist because of these young leaders... and everything we can do to help with their education is a blessing” — Michael Thibideau, Epsilon Nu ’11 6

G R A D U AT E R E C I P I E N T S P O T L I G H T

CHRISTINA DEL CARPIO • Chi Delta 2011 “Christina’s driving passion in life is simple: fix things that are broken so those who come afterwards have a better experience,” says Christopher Kizer, Chi Delta ‘12, Faculty/Staff Advisor. As a pledge, Tina took an unofficial role as pledge class president where she ensured that her class exceeded expectations. Two weeks after initiation, she was elected Second Angelos. During her senior year, Del Carpio was recognized with the Chi Delta Alumni Association (CDAA) scholarship, the Francis C. Hardie Psi Upsilon Foundation scholarship, and elected as an alternate member of the Undergraduate Advisory Board at the 167th Convention at the University of Illinois. After graduation, Del Carpio began work as a lab instructor at Duke and remained heavily involved with the chapter, becoming a mentor and advisor to many brothers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds studying in STEM fields. When she entered her Ph.D. program several years ago, Del Carpio was determined to earn her degree and become a professor. Since then, her experiences as an underrepresented student navigating the challenges of graduate school has revealed how poorly institutions support the diverse populations they recruit. Del Carpio founded the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Mental Health Group focused on improving institutional support for graduate student mental health. In this capacity, she has given talks on how to access mental health care with the University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) resources. Beyond UCLA, she maintains a blog titled “the Anxious PhD Student” (www.AnxiousPhDBlog.com) with the goal of normalizing conversations around mental health in academia. She has been directly involved in mentoring

“ My family’s limited experience with higher education means that I navigate graduate school without their guidance; however, I have reached the current point in my career with the assistance of multiple mentors.” underrepresented minority students through the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). She is also a board member of the Scientific Excellence through Diversity Seminar Series program. Del Carpio is currently pursuing a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. Mentoring underrepresented minority students in the sciences is of personal interest to her as her parents are both immigrants from Latin America. “My family’s limited experience with higher education means that I navigate graduate school without their guidance; however, I have reached the current point in my career with the assistance of multiple mentors.” She wishes to continue this cycle of mentorship by working in higher education in a position focused on the retention of underrepresented students in science graduate programs. As Del Carpio continues her PhD, she has found her calling in advocating for the needs of graduate students. Del Carpio one day hopes to stand for those who are less fortunate than her to overcome similar challenges.

“Through recommendation letters of the applicants, we foster positive relations with university faculty and leaders who mentor these students and learn the impact that the fraternity is having on their collegiate experience.” — Alexander Senchak, Eta’06 7

U N D E R G R A D U AT E R E C I P I E N T S P O T L I G H T

ESME LYTLE • Xi ‘21

LUCAS REMPEL • Zeta Zeta ‘22

Growing up in the United Kingdom, Esme Lytle, Xi ‘21, had only heard stereotypical attributes about fraternities, that are commonly portrayed in the media. What Lytle didn’t know until she began pledging Xi, was that her father, Michael John Lytle, Zeta ‘90, is also a Psi Upsilon. “While we were both astonished at this coincidence, we smiled and knew that the choice we had made 30 years apart resembled a shared belief of treating others with compassion and finding community with people of diverse backgrounds and interests.” Over the last year and a half, Lytle’s preconceived notions of fraternities have been upended. While her family has struggled through divorce and been split across continents, 242 High Street and its residents have been her primary support system. “I was initially attracted to the Xi because I met international students, drama kids, and athletes who were all equally intellectually engaged and not afraid of controversial discussions. Social excellence is not simply social competence, but the ability to identify those who don’t fit in and give them a place in your circle,” says Lytle, “Psi Upsilon is not afraid of weakness because we have others whose strengths compliment those shortcomings.” This semester, Lytle has been continually impressed with her brothers’ ability to speak their mind while simultaneously listening to opposing opinions. “Moral and social excellence are intertwined in Xi and this is why I have been able to find family here; my fellow brothers are more than a ‘mighty friendship’ because I, and them, know that the respect we hold for each other has been forged through heated conflict and loving resolution, and those experiences can never be taken away.” Tom Fox, Omicron ‘00, Psi Upsilon’s Executive Director, once told Lytle that “sunlight is the best disinfectant” when she questioned him in November 2019 about Psi Upsilon’s efforts to improve diversity – racially, politically, and across genders. Recently, Lytle completed a 20-page research paper discussing these very efforts. She believes that intellectual growth stems from a critical eye on what has come before and a dissatisfaction with the status quo so that communities like the Xi can continue to grow and remain strong in socio-cultural environments. This project gave Lytle great gratification as she was able to blend her transformational experiences in the Xi with academic sources to educate others and spark their own questions. Through interviewing brothers, pledges, and alumni, as well as rousing every member of the brotherhood to complete a diversity form, she has gained a greater appreciation for Psi Upsilon and its place in the Wesleyan community.

Lucas Rempel, never intended on joining a fraternity when arriving at UBC as a freshman, but with one of his floormates being a Psi Upsilon legacy, he decided to try it and never looked back. It has been nearly three years, and he is proud to say that joining Psi Upsilon remains one of his best decisions. “Moral excellence means being able to make a positive impact on people’s lives. As a member of the Zeta Zeta chapter, I seek to make every brother’s experience in Psi Upsilon rewarding,” says Rempel. He goes beyond the requirements of his executive and officer positions to support members with their academics and personal lives. Outside of Psi Upsilon, Rempel volunteers at BC Children’s Hospital, caring for patients who have cancer and their families. He considers himself extremely privileged to have the opportunity to support them in such sensitive situations, making a positive impact on their lives. “Intellectual excellence means striving to achieve the highest level of intellectual stimulation and searching for learning opportunities to advance my academic growth,” Rempel says, “Upon joining Psi Upsilon, I was grateful to have the support of a big brother who fostered qualities that enabled me to strive for academic excellence.” Rempel has consistently ranked within the top 10% of students academically at UBC as well as achieved the highest cumulative GPA in the Zeta Zeta chapter in 2019. Beyond academics, Rempel performs regenerative medicine research in the Rossi Laboratory, in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. “Research has provided me with an avenue to challenge myself intellectually and after two years in the lab working on independent and collaborative research projects, I have become more curious, analytical, and critical,” says Rempel. To Rempel, social excellence means striving for opportunities to grow his network across campus and in his community. He has taken on four positions with the chapter in addition to serving as the Vice-President within the UBC Interfraternity council. “These positions have enabled me to broaden my network at UBC, giving me the ability to work collaboratively with members in Psi Upsilon and other fraternities in order to make a positive impact on the UBC Greek System.” Rempel’s post-undergraduate plans are to apply to an M.D./ Ph.D. program in Canada. He hopes to continue making an impact on the campus of whatever university he ends up studying, using many of the skills he has gained as a member of Psi Upsilon.

Robert W. Parsons, Xi 1922 Award

Paul D. Friday, Theta Theta 1927 Award

U N D E R G R A D U AT E R E C I P I E N T S P O T L I G H T

ANDREW CHARMAN • Psi ‘21

ROBERTO KERN • Tau ‘21

Andrew is learning to be a strong member of the Psi brotherhood. Charman’s overarching goal is to lead the Psi chapter based on Psi Upsilon’s national values. “While we believe in our brotherhood ideals, we can tend to forget what it means to aspire to moral, social, and intellectual excellence,” says Charman, “Archon’s Academy gave me the tools to lead from our values, such as Caiberian Rights, which I’ve successfully reimplemented this semester.” According to Charman, listening to each brother share personal insights is integral to maintaining their bond as a fraternity. Strength in leadership includes integrity in daily interactions, acknowledging failures, creating success. To Charman, moral excellence means balancing calmness and strength, both being fundamental to his leadership style. “I strive to lead by example through hard work and dedication. I do my best to remain levelheaded and aware of my reactions and instincts, and I’m reminded of the goodness inherent in moral excellence when some of the toxicity vanishes without incident.” Charman states that intellectual excellence means balancing the rigors of the Hamilton curriculum with meaningful interactions, participation in club sports, and holding leadership positions. Charman designed his own major titled “Sustainable Architecture,” which includes courses in art, art history, environmental studies, and physics. “I successfully defended my proposal in front of an academic committee,” Charman is proud to say. Last summer, he completed 6 weeks of intensive architecture study at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. “Psi has opened doors for me in architecture, my intended career field.” Pat Gilrane, Psi ’83, encouraged Charman to apply to Harvard’s Design Discovery Program and connected him with other Psi U brothers involved in architecture, which is helping Charman refine his interest and plan a clearer future. “For now, as I pursue two majors, Hispanic Studies and Sustainable Architecture, I’m working towards balancing personal academic achievement and community involvement developing deep-seated intellectual excellence.” As an integral part of Psi’s commitment to social excellence, Charman serves as part of the Philanthropy Committee’s plan to participate in the Hamilton Walk for Autism. “Within the Psi chapter, we demonstrate social excellence regularly. I aspire to a more continuous flow of social excellence into the greater Hamilton community and beyond.”

“There is so much that happens behind the scenes of the brotherhood, you can’t even imagine how much you can get out of this house,” says Roberto Kern. “This discovery has become an absolute truth… the driving engine behind the time and effort that I have devoted towards giving back to the house.” Since Kern joined Psi Upsilon, he has focused his tenure as Academic Chair and Brotherhood Chair / Vice-President in creating a legacy that leaves the house an even better place than he found it. The initiatives that Kern created were guided by the values of Psi Upsilon and will become part of ‘what happens behind the scenes of the brotherhood’ that empowers current and future brothers. Kern created the Tau’s Mentorship Program because he realized not everyone was benefitting from talking to upperclassman brothers as much as he was. More than just talking about careers and academics, mentees tend to be particularly interested in the moral compass that brothers have developed in college. Through this program, moral excellence is championed, as older brothers serve as role models and sources of wisdom to their mentees. “As an avid student of philosophy, intellectual debate is something that I have always cherished. As such, I found that intellectual discourse needed a formal forum for the entire brotherhood to partake and appreciate,” says Kern. He decided to start the Brotherhood Debate Series, where brothers prepare arguments to discuss issues of relevance. The Brotherhood Debate has now become a hallmark of the Tau’s Brotherhood events. The community that formed around the Tau’s literary society became the epitome of social excellence and Kern’s favorite forum for self-growth. Through discussion of philosophical and intellectual topics, the members of the literary society discussed some of their more intimate issues including their upbringing, value systems, and culture. “In no time, the discussions became an outlet for mental health within the Tau and we weren’t scared to talk about our fears and concerns. To me, this exemplifies social excellence, a tight community where we are happy to hear and support our brothers’ biggest concerns as we come together to share our opinions,” says Kern. Psi Upsilon has been the biggest vehicle in charge of shaping Kern into what he wants to be. In realizing how valuable it has been to him, he has duly assumed the responsibility to give as much as he can back to the brotherhood. “I am forever grateful for being a part of it.”

Francis C. Hardie, Omicrom-Zeta 1918 Award

Gardner A. Callanen, Psi 1929 Award

WHERE ARE THEY NOW; B I O G R A P H I E S O F PA S T R E C I P I E N T S

COURTNEY ORSBON • Chi Delta ‘10

Prior to receiving the scholarships, Sherrer was a full-time business student working forty hours a week. The scholarships allowed Sherrer to cut back on his working hours to invest more time in his personal growth and spend a study abroad year in Switzerland. Fresh out of school, Sherrer started his own Information Technology consulting company for a year before returning to Pepperdine University to pursue an MBA in Finance and Digital Information Systems. Following his MBA, Pepperdine brought Sherrer on as a staff member in the role of Assistant Director of Systems Integration. He has since been promoted to Assistant Director of Data Analysis. Sherrer continues to give back to the chapter by working with his alumni chapter to develop mentorship programs for active Lambda Sigma brothers. Sherrer wants to develop a professional development program for graduating seniors and new alumni members because he believes the best way to transcend a brother is by helping him get his first job.

Courtney is a past recipient of the Henry B. Poor Scholarship. Orsbon joined Psi Upsilon at Duke University to find a family. “Psi U helped me find a home at Duke,” as well as challenged her to develop and open her worldview. She learned to be a leader amongst her peers and where she grew her skills to work and collaborate with others. Orsbon was halfway through her undergraduate degree during the stock market crash of 2008. Receiving the Henry B. Poor scholarship not only allowed Orsbon to successfully complete her undergraduate degree and pre-med requirements, but also propelled her through her medical school applications and first year. She credits the scholarship for her ability to graduate with distinction, which ultimately set her apart from her fellow medical school applicants. Orsbon also served as the first female Archon (president) of the Chi Delta chapter. She developed her leadership style by trial and error, specifically after running for Archon the first time and not getting elected. After this, she appreciated having a new focus on the chapter needs and grew alongside the constructive criticism she received from her peers. Immediately following graduation at Duke with a degree in biological anthropology and anatomy, Orsbon married her husband. In 2011, Orsbon at the University of Chicago, and in a year transitioned into an MD and PHD program with a focus in anatomy research. She graduates in two months and will start her preliminary year in general surgery. Realizing the parallels between the current pandemic and the stock market crash of 2008, Orsbon is reminded of how grateful she was for the scholarship and is hopeful it can impact current students the same way.

JACOB SÖDERSTJERNA • Tau ‘16 Jacob is a two-time recipient of the Henry B. Poor Scholarship. Half Swedish and half German, Söderstjerna moved frequently, living in Tokyo for a while and later attending high school in Sweden. When it came time for Söderstjerna to decide where to attend college, he chose the University of Pennsylvania. Swedish colleges do not have fraternities, so to Söderstjerna “it was the best surprise ever!” He decided to rush in order to make friends and meet new people. Friendship was exactly what Söderstjerna found in Psi Upsilon. When he joined, Söderstjerna was not aware of the scholarships available to members. After learning about these opportunities from the alumni board, Söderstjerna reached out to an alumnus he had only briefly met before to ask for a letter of recommendation and gratefully found the support he needed. The scholarships allowed Söderstjerna to pursue an internship in New York at the company he currently works fulltime, Liontree Bank. Without the scholarships, Söderstjerna would not have had the opportunity to take the internship and move to New York. “It really opened doors for me,” said Söderstjerna, who never expected that kind of support from an organization. Söderstjerna moved to New York alongside nine of his Psi Upsilon brothers in total and continues to live with one of his brothers from his pledge class.

JACK SHERRER • Lambda Sigma ‘15 Jack is a two-time recipient of the Albert Jacobs Scholarship of 1921. During his time at Pepperdine University, Sherrer held multiple titles within the organization and propelled the Lambda Sigma chapter down a road of success and growth. He began his executive involvement as the treasurer and was elected president the year after. Sherrer credits his hard-working brothers with the chapter’s success in academics and community service throughout the year but was deservingly awarded the President of the Year award. He also served as one of two North American Ambassadors to the Psi Upsilon International Executive Council.

— Continued on page 11 10

ENDOW A

NAMED FUND:

— Continued from page 10 “It’s great to have a network around here, especially as an international man,” said Söderstjerna. Being awarded the scholarship twice during his undergraduate education taught Söderstjerna the importance of generosity. As a recent college graduate, Söderstjerna has a stronger urge to be more generous as he continues into his career.

Significant permanent scholarship and other program funding mainly

LARRY RAKERS • Omicron ‘86

come from endowment gifts. Through the Foundation’s endowment, the

Larry remembers being a “relatively poor kid” growing up. He was one of five kids and the first to go to college in his family. He attended the University of Illinois in an engineer program. Rakers joined Psi Upsilon to live off-campus and found an organization that exposed him to many kinds of people, and ultimately molded him into who he is today. Rakers’ mother worked at McDonalds to help put him through school, but he knew he needed to find ways to help pay for his education. He applied and was awarded the Omicron Zeta Scholarship. While Psi Upsilon molded him into who he is today, the scholarship allowed Rakers to pay his bills and increase involvement in the fraternity. He served as both the treasurer and the rush chairman as an active member. After Rakers graduated, he pursued a master’s degree in material science. He worked making semi-conductors until brother Shigeki Makino, Omicron ’88, called Rakers to see if he could live with him in Boston while working as an intern for a finance company, Fidelity Investments. Within a matter of 3 years, Rakers also began working at Fidelity Investments, where he still works today. “If I wouldn’t have been a Psi U, I would have been an engineer the rest of my life,” said Rakers. Years later, he has had the opportunity to help hire Makino’s son at Fidelity Investments. Rakers is happy that in his alumnus status he is can acknowledge the impact of the scholarship. He now works to pay forward the good fortune he had by opening a Foundation at the University of Illinois. Additionally, Rakers serves on the Psi U Foundation board. “The scholarship made it possible for me to get through school and be involved in the fraternity,” recalls Rakers, which has been a key turning point in his life still today.

gift is invested and only a portion of the interest income is used to support the scholarship. The principal is not spent so the fund and the resulting award remain in perpetuity. The donor, or group of donors, may name the endowment and pledge to fund it over time with an outright gift of cash, appreciated securities, or through a bequest in the donor’s will. The minimum amount needed to fund a named award is $50,000; an amount that will generate annual grants of $2,000–$2,500 To discuss initiating a new fund please contact Alexander Senchak, Eta’06, Chair and President at asenchak@psiu.org

The 2021-2022 Scholarship Applications will be available November 1st at PsiU.org 11

REMEMBERING BELOVED BROTHERS THROUGH A NAMED SCHOLARSHIP

The Lewis R. Finkelstein Scholarship Fund Lewis R. Finkelstein, Omicron ‘83. Brother Finkelstein served on the Executive Council and Foundation Boards since 1999. As a CPA, his accounting and audit expertise was particularly helpful to the Fraternity, and he worked diligently with both the Fraternity and Foundation to streamline operations, improve our accounting procedures, and ensure both organizations were audited properly. He was also a Brother and a friend. Always one for a little mischief, he was often the driving force behind our post-meeting social events, and we all enjoyed his company. Those who knew him knew he had discerning taste regarding food and drink, and he made his preferences well known. His passing was sudden and unexpected, and leaves us missing his expertise and talent, his wit and humor, and his love for his Brothers and his Fraternity. His loss reminds us of the need to face each day with a positive attitude, to do good and meaningful work, and to make the most of the time we have with our Brothers.

The Henry B. Poor Scholarship Fund Henry B. Poor, Gamma ‘39, Delta/Lambda/Tau/Chi, is the past executive director of Psi Upsilon Fraternity (1978-1988) and past executive director of The Psi Upsilon Foundation (1988 – 1992). He served as the Foundation’s scholarship chairman and held the singular distinction of five chapter affiliations. Psi Upsilon’s scholarship program was one of Henry Poor’s favorite and most important projects. So many Psi U’s have chosen to honor Henry that it is no accident that the Henry B. Poor Scholarship Fund is the largest fund in the history of the Psi Upsilon Foundation and it is the investment income generated by this money that funds the Henry B. Poor Scholarships. In the last few years of Henry’s life, before he succumbed to cancer, many Psi U’s felt it was appropriate to honor this special man who has meant so much to Psi Upsilon. Thus, this scholarship was created in his honor while Brother Poor was still alive. 12

Jonathan E. Persky, Omega 1985 President of Parliament Enterprises, Ltd., died Oct. 27, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer; beloved son of Beverly Persky and Seymour Persky; devoted brother of Abby Persky (Robert Delforge); loving uncle beyond compare of Madeleine and Connor Delforge. William P. King, Omicron 1973 William was an attorney in Chicago. He served as secretary and director of the Psi Upsilon Foundation from 1995 – 2000 as well as Omicron Alumni Association president. Brother King attended all but two Psi Upsilon Conventions from the time of his initiation until his untimely death. Robert W. Morey, Pi 1920 President of the Executive Council of Psi Upsilon from 1973-79, and a director of The Psi Upsilon Foundation from 1974 until his death in 1985, Brother Morey was a vice president of the Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. R. Timothy Leedy, Phi 1957 Vice President of The Psi Upsilon Foundation and a former member of the scholarship committee, Brother Leedy received the Psi Upsilon Distinguished Alumnus Award. He held senior advertising positions with Time, Inc. Magazines, was associate publisher of Manhattan, Inc. and was publisher and senior vice president of Financial World.

Eric W. Didul, Phi Beta 1990 Brother Didul served his chapter as social chairman and was manager of the campus radio station, WCWM. A native of Ardsley, NY, Brother Didul died suddenly in February of his senior year as a result of a seizure. He was 21 years old. Gardner A. Callanen, Psi 1929 President of The Psi Upsilon Foundation from 1977-1980, Brother Callanen served the Executive Council for 15 years and was recognized as an Honorary Life Member. He was president of the Psi chapter’s alumni association for more than 30 years and the former Psi chapter house bears his name. Brother Callanen was a senior partner in the firm of Callanen Foley & Hobika and was a noted trial attorney in Oneida County, New York. Earl D. Babst, Iota-Phi 1893 President of the Executive Council of Psi Upsilon from 1925-1929, Brother Babst was the chairman of the American Sugar Refining Council. Salvatore (Sam) L. Biardo, Omicron 2004 Family, friends and classmates established this scholarship in memory of Brother Biardo, who died in 2001 after complications due to a congenital heart defect. Greg E. Rohlin, Phi 1983 Family, friends and classmates established this scholarship in memory of Brother Rohlin, who died in 1985, shortly after his graduation from the University of Michigan. Francis C. Hardie, Omicron-Zeta 1918 A benefactor of Dartmouth College, the Zeta chapter and The Psi Upsilon Foundation,

Brother Hardie was the executive vice president of U.S. Steel Corporation. Benjamin T. Burton, Chi 1921 President of the Executive Council of Psi Upsilon from 1955 to 1962, Brother Burton was the founder and senior partner of Burton-Dunn and Company. Robert W. Parsons, Xi 1922 Brother Parsons served as president of the Executive Council from 1962-1967. He was chairman of the board of directors of the Charles E. Pettinos Graphite Corp, one of the leading U.S. importers and refiners of graphite. He served as trustee of Wesleyan University and was a member of the board of trustees of NYU Medical Center. Albert C. Jacobs, Phi 1921 Editor of The DIAMOND from 1937-1939, editor of the Annals of Psi Upsilon, president of the Executive Council from 1971-1973, and active in the Phi Alumni Association, Brother Jacobs was the president of Trinity College. Jerome W. Brush Jr., Delta Delta 1939 Editor of The DIAMOND from 1941-1943, President of the Executive Council of Psi Upsilon from 1967-1971, President from 1972-1977 of The Psi Upsilon Foundation, Brother Brush was a partner in Furgueson Capital Management, Inc. R. DeWitt Wallace, Epsilon 1914 Co-founder of the Reader’s Digest with his wife, Lila, Brother Wallace was a supporter of the Epsilon chapter and The Psi Upsilon Foundation.

Curtis J. Rettke, Eta 1984 In memory of Brother Rettke’s unwavering friendship, commitment to brotherhood and passion for good sportsmanship in all athletic accomplishments. His enthusiasm for life shone through during his valiant and overwhelmingly optimistic fight against leukemia, losing his battle March 26, 2005. J. Russell McShane, Delta 1932 President of the Executive Council from 1979-84, a director of The Psi Upsilon Foundation, and a leader of the Delta Corporation, Brother McShane founded Baker-McShane Packaging Company. Paul D. Friday, Theta Theta ’27 Award A native of Portland, Oregon, Brother Friday made a bequest to The Psi Upsilon Foundation, Inc. prior to his death in March 1975 allowing for a scholarship to be awarded in his name every other year. Michael D. Oberg, Theta Theta ’88 Award – to a Theta Theta undergraduate Brother Oberg served as rush chairman for the Theta Theta chapter at the University of Washington. During the summer between his junior and senior year, while traveling to a rush event he was killed in a car accident. Funds raised in his memory have made this award possible. Robert Kaiser ‘39 On Aug. 22, the Dartmouth community lost Robert Kaiser ‘39, who served as house advisor to 46 generations of Psi Upsilon fraternity members. He was 95 years old. Kaiser, who was a member of Psi U during his time at Dartmouth and a longstanding executive of the Psi Upsilon Foundation, died of complications of congestive heart failure.

INVOLVED:

GET

OUR PROGRAM RELIES ON VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU! Please consider helping the Foundation operate this program in the following ways:

Make a Gift to the Foundation

Encourage your brothers to apply to undergraduate and graduate programs

Write a recommendation for an applicant

Volunteer to serve on the scholarship committee

Contact the Director of Member Engagement Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ‘00, at jonathan@PsiU.org to learn about these and other volunteer opportunities.