The Temple Journal of Phi Kappa Theta - Fall 2018

2018

Volume 101 number 2

06 Men of Achievement

30

Making Our Move With DMB Coaching

www.phikaps.org

1963

ABOUT THE PHOTO Augustin Cardinal Bea Given Honoris Causa Membership in the Fraternity Cardinal Bea accepts membership in the Fraternity from Catholic University chapter president John S. Dooher as the Cardinal’s secretary, Father Schmidt, S.J., and Brother Kirchner look on.

This image was originally featured in the Fall 1963 issue of The Temple Magazine - read this issue and more at phikaps.org/temple.

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The Temple • Fall 2018

ON THE COVER Men of Achievement: Brother Charles “Mike” Callais (Louisiana State University, ‘84) (left) with Brother Robert S. Basso (Seton Hall University, ‘67) (right). Both recipients of the 2018 Man of Achievement Award at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL this past August.

CONTENTS FEATURES

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14

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A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

GIVE BACK TO OTHERS

MAKING OUR MOVE

Brother Ali Soufan Receives Phi Kappa Theta’s 2018 John F. Kennedy Award.

Colin Nguyen: 2018 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award Recipient.

Phi Kappa Theta Teams Up With DMB Coaching To Strengthen Fraternity Curriculum.

IN THIS ISSUE President’s Note ............................. 04

Chapter Reports ............................. 22

Faith, Family and Fraternity .............. 06

A Brother With A Bark ..................... 28

Setting Examples ........................... 08

Postcards From A Postgraduate ...... 32

Discovering A Brother ..................... 17

Bringing Back LSU .......................... 35

The Long Road Home .................... 20

We’ve Got A Lot To Learn ................ 39 The Temple • Fall 2018

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DEAR BROTHERS

Relatives: If your son is no longer in college and not living at home, please forward his permanent address to: Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity 3901 West 86th Street Suite 360 Indianapolis, IN 46268 3901 West 86th Street Suite 360 Indianapolis, IN 46268 2018317.872.9934 Volume 101, Number 2 Phone: Printed in the USA

MANAGING EDITOR

Keith D. Harshbarger Postmaster: If undeliverable,(IUPUI, please send‘06) notice on Form 3579 immediately to Phi Kappa Theta, 3901 West 86th Street Suite 360 Indianapolis, IN 46268

Deceased members’ names should be entered on the roll of the Chapter Eternal. In case of death, please clip this section and send to the above address.

Or e-mail any of this information to: executiveoffices@phikaps.org

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Change Service Requested

By the time you receive this latest issue of The Temple, the 2018 Holiday Season will Chapter of Initiation: Name: Graduation Year: already be knocking on our doors, and many of the traditional fraternity activities have been CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Please check one: observed by our chapters and alumni groups Shawn NewCramer address.(Western Theological Seminary, ‘A) Kathy Jonas (Indiana Univ., around the country: recruitment processes, Addressee is deceased.

Date‘78) of death: Jeff Addressee Jowdy (Univ. of Georgia, ‘83) is no longer at this address. outcomes and associate member initiations Matthew of Nebraska, UnableR.toMiller provide(Univ. a forwarding address. ‘12) along with their training, Alumni Homecoming Gene C. Ney (Slippery Rock Univ., ‘90) Address: events and fall collegiate tailgating and Robert W. Riggs, CAE (RPI, ‘02) Nicholas R. Scalera (Seton Hall Univ., ‘63) City/State/Zip: football games rituals.

Justin E. Sines (Duquesne Univ., ‘11) These are things that we, members of Home Phone: Phi Kappa Theta, take for granted. I want to BOARD OF TRUSTEES E-mail: President thank both collegiates and alumni who give Adrian Gonzalez (Univ. of Texas at Austin, ‘78) of their time freely and many unconditionally to provide the best possible experiences for Vice President B. Ross Walters (Univ. of Louisiana at Lafayette, ‘02) our members.

Talking about providing positive Treasurer experiences for our members, the Board of Doug Dilling (Kansas State Univ., ‘84) Trustees, the Professional Staff, our collegiate and alumni brothers alike, experienced firstSecretary hand, the curriculum of the Boysie Bollinger Leadership Academy via Dr. Michael Brown, Max Jasper (Univ. of San Diego, ‘11) PhD of DMB Coaching and his staff. This program was rolled out at our non-convention member development program called, IMPACT18 “Live Beyond Yourself,” in Orlando, Trustees Dan Bureau (Univ. of New Hampshire, ‘95) Florida, this past August.

Joe E. Przybyla (Lewis Univ., ‘01) Many attendees mentioned that this program was life changing for them personally Matt Runkle (WPI, ‘11) and its concepts can be exported to their chapters via implementation of the ideas, the Michael Van Poots (RPI, ‘96) modeling and curriculum introduced. We continue to acknowledge the generosity of Brother UGAC Chairman Boysie Bollinger (University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ‘71) who financially has underwritten Jared Grieve (Kansas State Univ., ‘19) this program via the Foundation as a continuous way to “develop our members to be effective leaders who passionately serve society, Fraternity and God.” UGAC Vice Chairman Drew Clark (Trine Univ., ‘20) What can we look forward to in moving our fraternity to meet our goals established for this year? With programs like our Fireside Chats and our Servant Leadership Summit EXECUTIVE OFFICES in Indianapolis in mid-November, our chapters will benefit in receiving more in the form of 3901 West 86th Street Suite 360 Indianapolis, IN 46268 resources via on-line programs and/or chapter visits from alumni mentors when trained.

317.872.9934 A joy for any National Fraternity President is to attend the formal installation and granting executiveoffices@phikaps.org of a charter to a new chapter. I was honored to have participated, as well as other Board www.phikaps.org of Trustee members, on September 28th and 29th, in seeing our Iowa Delta Chapter at EXECUTIVE OFFICES STAFF the University of Iowa become a full-fledged active chapter once again. Congratulations to Executive Vice President both the collegiate and alumni brothers who have worked so tirelessly these past months Robert W. Riggs, CAE (RPI, ‘02) to see their wishes and goals come true! Welcome back Iowa Delta. We hope to see you Director of Member Engagement become the leaders on your campus and within Phi Kappa Theta once again.

Isaiah P. Adona (Washington State Univ., ‘12) As always, please feel free to send your comments, suggestions and concerns into the Professional Staff and myself in order to improve our overall chapter operations and Director of Development Benjamin M. DeLost (Eastern Illinois Univ., ‘10) member experiences.

COPY EDITOR Gregory E. Stein (CCNY, ‘70)

Director of Finance and Operations Sarah A. Everhart (Indiana Wesleyan Univ., ‘05)

In the Bonds of the Phi, the Kappa and the Theta,

Director of Brand Management Keith D. Harshbarger (IUPUI, ‘06) Director of Chapter Operations Johnny Hohenstein (Belmont Abbey College, ‘12)

Adrian Gonzalez (University of Texas at Austin, ‘78) Board of Trustees President

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The Temple • Fall 2018

THE TEMPLE is published twice a year as an educational journal for Phi Kappa Theta brothers, family and friends. A digital copy is available online at phikaps.org/temple The submission deadlines are March 1 and September 1. Brothers and friends are encouraged to provide clippings, releases or notices about themselves or any aspect of Phi Kappa Theta for consideration. All submissions become property of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. Pictures cannot be returned. Letters to the Editor will be printed at the discretion of the editor.

Copyright © 2018

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The Temple • Fall 2018

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2018 Man of Achievement, Brother Mike Callais (Louisiana State University, ‘84) (left), alongside 2018 John F. Kennedy Award recipient, Ali Soufan (Mansfield University, ‘94). Both pictured at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL this past August.

FAITH, FAMILY AND FRATERN Serving Others Is A Part Of Living Life To The Fullest For Brother Mike Callais

By Jeff Jowdy University of Georgia, ‘83 Foundation Chairman

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The Temple • Fall 2018

Service to others is a part of living life to the fullest, says 2018 Man of Achievement Mike Callais (Louisiana State University, ‘84).

“Service is important for anyone – and that goes along with faith. It helps you to know that there’s something more that you can work for,” Mike believes. “Cajuns like to live life to the fullest. That’s one part of just having a happy life.”

A 1984 graduate of Louisiana State University, Brother Callais embodies the term “servant leader” and our fraternity’s

motto, “Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof.”

Today, the seasoned business leader is chairman of Abdon Callais Offshore, as well as a board member at Community Bancorp.

His diverse leadership experience includes influential roles in the real estate, automobile, solid waste and cable industries.

Mike’s late father, Harold, was a faithfilled man who helped lay the foundation for his son’s approach to life.

“He firmly believed in controlling the things you can control and not worrying

about the things you can’t,” Mike says.

“He did teach me the importance of sharing our blessings, our time, talent and treasure with others,” he adds. “It’s not for us and not from us – those blessings come from God and we’ve got to return them to God.” Mike shared that his father’s final words were profound: “God is good!”

His mother, Gloria, instilled faith into her children early on.

“My dad couldn’t go because of his work obligations, so she was the one who brought my brothers and me to church every Sunday,” Mike says. “She was the first one to teach us the importance of a spiritual life. She taught us that God is with you always.”

Mike is a board member of Phi Kappa Theta Foundation. He and his wife, Blanche, have been instrumental in the Foundation’s support, enabling the Fraternity to develop programs that provide a spiritual pillar for collegiate brothers.

Mike is actively engaged at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Golden Meadow, LA. Also involved in many nonprofit organizations ranging from Leadership Lafourche to Nicholls State University, Mike was the recipient of the Diocesan Service Award presented by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux as well as the Outstanding Rotarian Award from the Rotary Club of Golden Meadow. He is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and has been recognized serval times as Knight of the Year.

He is also instrumental in

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conversations on re-chartering the Phi Kappa Theta chapter at LSU. Like the servant leader he is, Mike accepted the 2018 Man of Achievement award with great reluctance and great humility.

We even had to enlist Blanche – our “secret weapon” – to encourage him to accept!

Mike credits his success to those who have guided him throughout his life. “ T h i s o r g a n i z a t i o n Image: Brother Callais has helped in wife, Blanche (right). the formation of many successful leaders of government and industry over the years,” Mike shared in his acceptance remarks, “so being chosen for this recognition is such an incredible honor for me. I accept it on behalf of my family and friends who over the years have inspired and guided me.”

He also encouraged his fellow brothers to invest in developing servant leaders.

“I urge you all to make a contribution – some contribution – to our Foundation,” Mike said, adding that we are each called to lift up others wherever we can.

We don’t know why we were put into this situation, but other people are put into

alongside his mother, Gloria (left) and

other, different situations,” Mike explained, “so, we need to try to remember them and help them reach their full potential as well.”

Watch Brother Callais’s speech from IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL: phikaps.org/ callais

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“We don’t know why we were put into this situation, but other people are put into other, different situations, (...) so, we need to try to remember them and help them to reach their potential as well.”

– Mike Callais, Louisiana State University, ‘84 The Temple • Fall 2018

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Brother Robert S. Basso (Seton Hall University, ‘67) delivering his Man of Achievement speech at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL this past August.

Setting Examples Robert S. Basso Recognized As Phi Kappa Theta’s 2018 Man of Achievement

“R

By Nicholas R. Scalera, Seton Hall University, ‘63

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The Temple • Fall 2018

obert S. Basso (Seton Hall University ’67) of San Rafael, California was honored by Phi Kappa Theta as a 2018 Man of Achievement at the fraternity’s IMPACT18 conference in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, August 4th.

The award recognizes

brothers who have risen to prominence in their fields of endeavor. Basso received the award for his 45 years of executive experience in the field of finance and for his many acts of charity.

In accepting his award, brother Basso recounted the major milestones in his personal life and professional career. He expressed appreciation to his parents, wife, sons and many friends who helped him along the way. Bob also emphasized the vital role played by Phi Kappa Theta in shaping his views and values.

“My fondest memories of college life, and the lifelong friendships I’ve been blessed with, have all come because of our beloved fraternity,” he said. “Giving back is perhaps the most important lesson we can ever learn, but clearly one imparted not so much in the classroom but rather in everyday life – by what we do and by the examples we set.”

Basso’s professional career included work with Loeb, Rhodes & Company, Merrill Lynch, UBS Paine Webber, Fidelity Investments, National Financial Services and Correspondent Services Corporation.

From 1969-71, he served with the US Army, including a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam.

Although a long-time resident of California, brother Basso is an authentic “Jersey Boy.” He was born and raised in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ – a popular seashore town with a traditional wooden boardwalk, amusement rides, games of chance and vendors selling world-famous Jersey Taffy.

Bob left New Jersey in 1981 to pursue a business offer in California, where he met and married Mary Healy and started a family. Mary attended the ceremony with the couple’s sons: John, who is with the FBI, and Robert, who works in finance.

Three of Bob’s lifelong friends and pledge brothers surprised him by showing up at the MoA ceremony: Raymond De Carlo ’67, Peter Riccardo ’67 and John Bland ’66. In his remarks, Basso said they “have remained as close as any set of real brothers could possibly be for almost 55 years.”

They were joined by Robert Cianciulli, a 1967 graduate of Glassboro State College in NJ. Cianciulli, whom the guys refer to as “Chinch,” was not a Phi Kap back then but hung out with his Phi Kappa Theta buddies so often that they considered him an “honorary” member. The

guys remained in touch long after graduation.

Basso thought the perfect time to initiate Cianciulli into Phi Kappa Theta was while they all were in Orlando but he didn’t tell Chinch of his plans. Instead, Bob secretly worked with the Phi Kappa Theta National Office to plan Cianciulli’s induction ceremony, which took place after the Man of Achievement event.

Cianciulli only learned of the honor when Basso disclosed it during his MoA acceptance remarks. Chinch was startled and deeply grateful. The ritual was conducted by Phi Kap trustees, national office staff and several alumni brothers.

Brother Basso said he always “held sacred” the Fraternity’s motto, Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof. “But in reality, by expecting nothing, I’ve received so much more than I could have ever imagined – let alone expected – from lifelong friendships to opportunities and experiences I could never have possibly envisioned.”

Basso served as Associate Member President and Associate Member Director, as a member of the Student Council for three years and as host of a business talkshow for the student radio station. He then ran for Student Council President but lost.

Bob described the loss as “an ironic twist of life that really set the stage for what was to become my future! Two invaluable life lessons: 1. sometimes a loss can be a huge win; and 2. service can actually have multiple meanings.”

After losing the Student Council race, Bob was appointed as the Seton Hall student representative to the United Nations – a program that included students from universities throughout the world. He said the UN position “provided insights into a global environment that I could never have imagined. And little did I know that that seminal event would be a precursor to my life’s work in NYC.” Bob and I were not at Seton Hall at the same time. But we got to know each other when he was a collegiate and I was an officer of the alumni chapter, now known as The Phi Kappa Theta Alumni Association at Seton Hall.

Brother Basso is a long-time member

of the Seton Hall Board of Regents. He’s also a generous donor to SHU, New Jersey Phi Beta Chapter at Seton Hall, Phi Kappa Theta National Foundation and numerous charitable organizations.

Bob has been a trustee of several California-based academic institutions, including St. Raphael School in San Rafael and Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield.

In 2000, Bob and Mary created the Basso/Healy Foundation, a nonprofit that helps youth-based education and social service agencies provide scholarships to needy students. In 2010, they created the Basso-Healy Endowed Scholarship to help Marin Catholic High School students attend Seton Hall.

Upon retiring in 2007, Bob founded Best Partners, an independent financial services consulting company. Later, he was a director of Poniard Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded firm.

In his Man of Achievement remarks, brother Basso said he considers Phi Kappa Theta “the single most important part of my college experience and the reservoir of my fondest memories.” He remains a loyal Phi Kap, an icon in the field of finance, a devoted husband and father, a generous philanthropist and a dedicated and humble servant leader.

Watch Brother Basso’s speech from IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL: phikaps.org/ basso

>

Above Image (Left to Right): Seton Hall University Alumni Brothers Nicholas R. Scalera (‘63), Robert S. Basso (‘67), Peter Riccardo (‘67), Raymond De Carlo (‘67) and John Bland (‘66).

The Temple • Fall 2018

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2018 Award Recipients IMPACT18, Orlando, FL

FRATERNAL DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT Illinois Alpha Omega Chapter Eastern Illinois University INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT New York Alpha Omega Chapter Hofstra University MICHAEL T. MCSWEENEY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARD RECIPIENT Missouri Mu Chapter Missouri University of Science and Technology SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT Wisconsin Lambda Chapter University of Wisconsin-Madison CARDINAL DONALD W. WUERL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT Nebraska Pi Chapter University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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Collegiate Brothers in attendance.

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The Temple • Fall 2018

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Alumni Brothers in attendance.

FOUNDERS’ CUP AWARD RECIPIENT Washington Alpha Delta Chapter Washington State University

MAN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT(S) Charles “Mike” Callais Louisiana State University, ‘84 Robert S. Basso Seton Hall University, ‘67 JOHN F. KENNEDY AWARD RECIPIENT Ali Soufan Mansfield University, ‘94 OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARD RECIPIENT Colin Nguyen University of Washington, ‘05 #PKTIMPACT18

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Friends and Family in attendance.

128

Total Attendees at #PKTIMPACT18

BBLA2019

REGISTER NOW PHIKAPS.ORG/BBLA

AUSTIN • BOWLING GREEN • OMAHA • SEATTLE

KANSAS CITY • NAPERVILLE • PITTSBURGH • MARLBOROUGH The Boysie Bollinger Leadership Academy is hosted throughout the country and is a program designed to provide members access to the best development training available. Individual development workshops include financial intelligence, interpersonal and communication skills, successful interviewing tips and much more.

Historically defined by geographic location, the Boysie Bollinger Leadership Academy allows brothers from across the country to build bonds with fellow brothers who share the same social impact interests.

The Temple • Fall 2018

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The 2018 John F. Kennedy Award recipient, Brother Ali Soufan (Mansfield University, ‘94), speaking with brothers at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL this past August.

A PART OF SOMETHING BIGG Brother Ali Soufan Receives Phi Kappa Theta’s 2018 John F. Kennedy Award

By Matthew R. Miller University of Nebraska, ‘12

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The Temple • Fall 2018

Ali Soufan applied to the FBI on a dare.

“When I joined the Bureau I didn’t think in a million years I’d be an FBI agent,” he said. “Literally it was a bet with fraternity brothers. Most of the guys in my fraternity were in law enforcement and ROTC. It was a joke to see if I would last in the application process. Actually I bet against myself.”

But Soufan did last. Over the next decade he was involved in a number of high-profile anti-terrorism cases around the world and has been described as the person who came closest to preventing the

attacks of September 11, 2001. He has published two books, Anatomy of Terror: From the Death of Bin Laden to the Rise of the Islamic State and The Black Banners: The Inside Story of 9/11 and the War Against al-Qaeda. A recent Hulu miniseries, The Looming Tower, is based on his time in the FBI. Soufan is now CEO of The Soufan Group and founder of The Soufan Center – a “nonprofit organization dedicated to serving as a resource and forum for research, analysis, and strategic dialogue related to global security issues and

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emergent threats.”

Mr. Soufan is also the most recent recipient of Phi Kappa Theta’s John F. Kennedy Award – given to brothers who have thrived in their professional careers and who inspire others to live lives

college – loyalty, trust, sacrifice friendship were things he said were vital to his work in counter-terrorism and the FBI. “Many of my colleagues who were with me in places like Yemen and Afghanistan, the streets of the Middle East or north Africa, a lot of these guys we developed our own kind of brotherhood but it’s all based on my experience that I had before in college.”

Soufan believes many people today still see that stereotypical fraternity life of parties and mindless fun, but a deeper, honest look reveals the values Phi Kappa Theta possesses, values that can and will stay with a person forever if they take them seriously.

That’s a theme Soufan keeps returning to – the time a young man spends in college does not exist in isolation from the rest of his life. Phi Kappa Theta was so important for Soufan and can be for others because it’s a framework during a foundational time.

The choices made, values acquired, the people one allows themselves to be shaped by, are all building towards a future life.

“The values of loyalty, friendship, courage, fortitude, love, faith these things nobody can take away from you,” he said. “These things won’t stop

Soufan said Phi Kappa Theta made his college experience far richer than it otherwise would have been. He was shaped, and continues to be shaped, by his college and especially his fraternal experience. It’s taken him where he is today and has given him the foundation to persevere when he needed to the most.

“If you have the brotherhood and the loyalty and sacrifice and you put them with these other values, I think you’ll be on a very strong personal and moral ground to fight and stand up against any difficulties in life,” he said.

Watch Brother Soufan’s speech from IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL: phikaps.org/ali

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of service of others, improving the world around them.

In his acceptance speech Soufan noted John F. Kennedy once said leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. Soufan explained leadership isn’t about words and lectures but about action and attitude.

Those actions and attitudes are themselves shaped by our experiences and our values – which is why his time in Phi Kappa Theta was so valuable.

“When I joined Phi Kaps, like I think most of you, I joined for the fun, for the parties, but then I realized it was way more than that,” he said. “It meant something to me to be something bigger than I am, and I’m very honored for that and will always be honored to be a brother of Phi Kappa Theta.”

The values he first felt full force in

“When I joined Phi Kaps, like I think most of you, I joined for the fun, for the parties, but then I realized it was way more than that,” he said. “It meant something to me to be something bigger than I am, and I’m very honored for that and will always be honored to be a brother of Phi Kappa Theta.”

– Ali Soufan, Mansfield University, ‘94 the moment you graduate and you leave for real life. These values will continue with you. They continued with me through my professional life… These values are the true test of brotherhood and these values are the true test of leadership and these things will continue with us forever.”

Image: Brother Ali Soufan (Mansfield University, ‘94) during a Q&A at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL ).

The Temple • Fall 2018

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Overcoming Adversity to Give Back to Others Colin Nguyen: 2018 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award Recipient

By Kathy Jonas, Indiana University, ‘78

There’s the picture of Colin Nguyen (University of Washington, ‘05) as the very definition of the American Dream.

Immigrating to the United States as Communism took over South Vietnam while just seven years old, he spent time in a camp in Thailand where he and other children took used syringes and made them into water guns.

He was the recipient of the College Success Foundation Scholarship, funded by Bill and Melinda Gates. He went on to run one of the leading real estate companies in the Pacific North West. Along the way he conceived and organized an annual toy drive to benefit children spending the holidays in Seattle Children’s Hospital.

is given to an alumnus under the age of 35 who exemplifies the ideals of Phi Kappa Theta through success and service to the community.

The journey Nguyen has traveled is as circuitous as his journey from Vietnam in 1990 and neither pictures of him accurately portray the man he has become. But a few things stand out: the love and respect of a parent, the fidelity of brotherhood and the resiliency of the human spirit.

In his speech given after receiving

“We may come from different backgrounds and families, but this amazing brotherhood of Phi Kappa Theta unites us all together as brothers in life.”

– Colin Nguyen, University of Washington, ‘05 Then there’s the Colin Nguyen who entered a gang. The promising student who dropped out of college when his mother died. The successful college grad who lost his high-powered job and his fortune when the bottom dropped out of the economy while working for one of the largest mortgage companies in the country.

Both pictures represent the qualities espoused by Phi Kappa Theta: struggle through adversity, leadership, integrity, service to others, spiritual contemplation and reflection in times of loss and failure, the forgiving nature of brotherhood and the power of perseverance and courage.

“The greatest opportunity in life is the opportunity to experience the peaks and valleys that life has to offer,” said Nguyen as he received the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation Outstanding Young Alumnus Award at IMPACT18 in Orlando, Florida. The award

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The Temple • Fall 2018

the award, Nguyen remembers his first Christmas in the United States when he and his family were at a food bank. They found themselves in line looking at used toys to take home. His mom suggested that a stuffed teddy bear might be a nice toy to select.

“That night my mom taught me a profound lesson: that our attitude and perception will often determine our outcomes in life.”

While his early years were often plagued by bullying because of his inability to speak English, he said his mother refused to give up on him despite hanging out with the wrong crowd and even finding himself being held at gunpoint.

“There are moments in life, though, when we come to a crossroads and we need to look at ourselves in a mirror and decide what path to follow.”

That moment happened after coming home from a street

2018 Outstanding Young Alumnus, Colin Nguyen (University of Washington, ‘05) (right), with Fraternity President Adrian Gonzalez (University of Texas at Austin, ‘78) (left).

fight one night and finding his mother crying at the kitchen table.

She told him she had just found out she had terminal cancer and had only three years to live. Her dying wish was for him to attend college. “Little did I know that my life would change after that.”

He got a part-time job, studied hard to bring up his D average and ended up graduating with a 3.7 GPA. He got accepted at the University of Washington only to find out his family could not afford it. The Bill and Melinda Gates educational foundation had just started and he was the recipient of a scholarship.

Nguyen entered Phi Kappa Theta his sophomore year, only attending an event there because of the appeal of free pizza. He discovered some “amazing members” who inspired him to be focused and driven.

“Just as I was getting my life together, my worst fear occurred. During my sophomore year, my mom’s fight was coming to an end.” He pleaded with her to hang on until he graduated, hoping to make her dream come true. “As she passed away right in front of my eyes, I felt alone, abandoned and empty inside.”

He dropped out of college for a time, only returning after the support and love shown by his fraternity brothers. When they got up at the funeral and helped carry the casket to her burial site, he knew these people would remain a part of his life forever.

“We may come from different backgrounds and families, but this amazing brotherhood of Phi Kappa Theta unites us all together as brothers in life.”

“A few weeks later I decided to continue the journey to finish college in honor of my mom,” says Nguyen. “Don’t run away from the pain of your past, for pain will help you build character and lead you to a new beginning.”

He admits to being pretty smug when he got his first job and began acquiring a large house, a fancy car and was quickly anticipating a six figure salary. “I thought to myself ‘this is easy.

I’ve figured out the key to success. I was an idiot to think that success could come so easy.”

He prayed to God for help, admitting he had lost his way. He didn’t go bankrupt, but learned some important lessons. “Believe me, I’m still making honest mistakes every day and learning from them,” he added.

He runs his real estate company and looks forward to time with his wife and daughter. The toy drive continues each Christmas in honor of his mother and all the children who cannot be home for the holidays. While serving thousands of children, his vision is to have a semi-truck filled with toys for the kids at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

“Today I’m grateful to be living the life my mom always believed I was capable of achieving.”

Watch Brother Nguyen’s speech from IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL: phikaps.org/colin

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The Temple • Fall 2018

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Paul G. Allen 1953-2018

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The Temple • Fall 2018

Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity is saddened to report the passing of our dear Brother, Paul G. Allen (Washington State University, ‘75). Brother Allen died from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on October 15, 2018. He was 65 years old.

Brother Allen was most recently with Phi Kappa Theta Brothers from across the country during the 2017 Biennial Convention, where he was honored with Phi Kappa Theta’s Man of Achievement Award.

During his acceptance speech, he shared his belief that we were in an era where “Each of us will feel called by different causes and opportunities to serve and Phi Kap’s emphasis on servant leadership reminds us that each one of us has the opportunity to make a difference.” Watch the full video presentation of Brother Allen’s Man of Achievement Award Presentation at phikaps. org/allen.

Paul Allen was without a doubt our most famous living Phi Kappa Theta brother. Brother Allen is famously known as a co-founder of Microsoft alongside Bill Gates. He left Microsoft back in 1983 due to health circumstances, devoting his time to philanthropy, space and tech ventures and sports. He was an avid sports fan, owning the Portland Trailblazers and the Seattle Seahawks. He was also Founder and Chairman of Vulcan Inc. Allen spurred the rebirth of the Alpha Delta Chapter at Washington State University. In 1993 he joined together with a group of collegiate brothers who sought to reestablish Phi Kappa Theta at Washington State University. He led and funded construction of the chapter house, completed in 1996. Giving life to a Fraternity that continues to promote brotherhood, leadership and lifelong friendships just as it did for him.

Paul’s vision and generosity opened the door for hundreds of Phi Kaps to enjoy the same comradery that he treasured from his days at Phi Kappa Theta.

“Our condolences go out to his family, his corporate peers and to his own chapter, Washington Alpha Delta at Washington State University, who benefited from his generosity and support the most.” Adrian Gonzalez (University of Texas at Austin, ‘78), Fraternity President.

Brother Allen was a visionary leader who changed the world through technology and served the world through impactful philanthropy.

View the statement made by Vulcan and his family regarding the passing of Brother Paul G. Allen: phikaps.org/allenvulcan

Discovering A Brother Brothers Find Each Other in Navy Officer Candidate School

By Justin Sines, Duquesne University, ‘11 Two men find themselves in the dental office during their time at Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. They begin discussing college and fraternity life and realize that they are both brothers of Phi Kappa Theta. Christian Reed (San Diego State University, ‘17), and Taylor Dreher (RPI, ‘17), were both candidates for Naval Officers at the time, and, now, they are currently roommates in Pensacola, Florida, in their first phases of flight training. Reed reminisces, “One day I sat next to Taylor in the dental office and we started learning about each other’s lives back home. Fraternity life came up and I told him I was in Phi Kappa Theta.

Without skipping a beat, Taylor extended his hand to me and gave me the grip.”

Brother Dreher recalls his time at OCS as “not being a fun place and the first couple weeks there are especially stressful,” but knows that he made the right decision to continue the tradition of his family. Both his brother, Nathan Dreher, and grandfather,

Lieutenant Richard Cappelletti, were his biggest motivators to join the Navy, but says that his father and uncles also served in the military. Dreher states that OCS is “a lot to handle,” but “meeting another Phi Kap […] instantly eliminated that feeling of being alone in a strange place.”

Brother Reed said, “Having a fellow brother in the same program […] has made my adjustment from civilian to military life much easier,” although he has wanted to serve in the military since his eighth grade field trip to Washington D.C. He remembers his intense appreciation for our men and women in military uniform as he toured the Pentagon and as he paid his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Both Dreher and Reed said that their transition into their Officer positions was made easier by remembering the motto of Phi Kappa Theta: “Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof.” Dreher articulates that, “Naval Officers are trained to be servant

leaders” and that “every choice [they] make must have the best interest of [their] sailors in mind.” Reed also conveyed the importance of servant leadership in both Phi Kappa Theta and the Navy and his commitment to setting a “high standard of honor, courage and commitment,” and “leading by example.”

It was happenstance that two brothers of Phi Kappa Theta from completely different sides of the country ended up in Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, during February 2018. It was coincidence they met at the dental office.

But it wasn’t by chance that their ties of brotherhood stood the test of OCS and helped them both graduate as Officers and will help them grow in their Navy careers.

Brother Taylor Dreher (RPI, ‘17) in his naval uniform on the left and Brother Christian Reed (SDSU, ‘17) in his naval uniform on the right with other brothers from SDSU.

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Brother Jared Grieve (Kansas State University, ‘19) flanked by brothers at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL this past August.

TRYING NEW THINGS A Look at How One Small Decision Can Impact the Lives of Thousands

By Jared Grieve Kansas State University, ‘19 Phi Kap Intern Summer 2018

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I have lived in Kansas my entire life, so if you told me I would have a chance to live in a big city over 600 miles away, I would have just laughed and called you a liar. This past summer I had the best opportunity to do just that.

This is my story, from a small town in Kansas to making an impact around the country.

Growing up, I was what some people might call your average Midwest kid. I played football, basketball, baseball and golf. Although, I was never the star athlete or the smartest kid on the block, I knew that some day I would have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around me.

After graduating from high school in 2015, I decided to attend college and pursue a mechanical engineering degree. During my senior year of high school, I decided to start looking at colleges to attend.

Because I have never lived out of Kansas, and probably because I was too scared to leave, I decide to narrow my search to only schools in Kansas.

Growing up, I thought the University of Kansas would be where I would end up.

But the minute I walked onto the campus of Kansas State University I knew that this was the place where I wanted to live.

Bill Snyder, Hall of Fame coach, and current coach of the K-State football team said, “We came to Kansas State because of the people, stayed because of the people and returned because of the people, and that remains unchanged.” I can’t say how true this was for me.

“Family” is a word used all the time at K-State and to tell the truth, I really had no idea what it meant to K-State until I arrived on campus. Manhattan, Kansas, is truly one of the best towns in the Midwest, consistently ranked as one of the “Best College Towns in America” and I am so happy to have called this place home the past few years. The people are truly the ones that make the difference. And the people here have really helped me learn what being a servant leader is all about.

During the spring of my senior year all I could think about was how excited to move into my dorm and start college.

But then I saw a letter about Greek Life at K-State. I have never considered myself to be someone who would join a fraternity, but

I was interested in the idea.

Throughout that spring I attended many different recruitment events at many different fraternities. While I did receive bids from other chapters, I knew there was something different about Phi Kappa Theta.

When I joined the Kansas Iota Chapter, there were about 40 members.

During my first year, I loved most of my experiences, but good things don’t always come easy. Throughout my first year, I could tell that the chapter was having some issues. There were groups forming in the house and many different visions of what a Phi Kap should be.

After the end of my freshman year a change had to be made. Unfortunately, that was a membership review, which took our chapter down to seven members.

Our chapter decided that everything we do should always live out our mission that “Phi Kappa Theta activity develops men to be effective leaders who passionately serve society, Fraternity and God.” To make an impact on the lives of our members, this is what had to be done. That November, I was elected to the position of Chapter President.

During the second semester of my sophomore year I started to really look at what my future had to hold for me, and really, I did not like what I saw. I knew that I could be a decent engineer, but something was missing.

Through arguing with myself, I decided to change my major to Organizational Management. I knew this was a great decision from the first day. With this new major I could really see how I could make an impact on the people around me.

That summer I had the privilege to represent our chapter at the Phi Kappa Theta Biennial Convention in Washington D.C.. During the convention I learned about the open positions on the Undergraduate Advisory Committee (UGAC).

When I heard about this, I knew that this was going to be where I can start to make a major impact. After being elected to represent the Midwest Province, I was also elected as Chairman of the UGAC. With this, I also serve as a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Board of Trustees.

Through this position, I have been able to travel to the chapters in my Province assisting with things from recruitment to governance models. With this, I started

“...take chances in your life, no matter how little, because you have no idea where you might end up. My one small decision to even consider Greek life has made a life changing experience on my life. With this, I have left an impact on thousands of people around the country.”

– Jared Grieve, Kansas State University, ‘19 to really make a positive impact on those around me.

This most recent summer was my chance to live out of Kansas for the first time. I was offered an internship with the Executive Office of Phi Kappa Theta, which meant I would be moving to Indianapolis. To say I was excited would be an understatement, but going from a population of 5,000 to 900,000 is just a little intimidating.

After getting settled, I was ready to get started. I worked on many different aspects of the Fraternity, some of which I had no idea were even a part of the operations of a not-for-profit organization. Most of my work was focused on member engagement and chapter operations, spending a lot of my time developing resources for our collegiate leadership.

With resources that we already had, I compiled and developed a day-long recruitment workshop. Not only was I able to develop the workshop, I traveled to the University of South Dakota to be the facilitator of the new program. I received great feedback from the chapter and I could tell when I left that I have made a positive impact on their chapter and possibly hundreds of members to come.

Another project that I got to work on was the planning and logistics of this summer’s national conference, IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL. The work of Dr. Michael Brown, his team of coaches, the national staff and all alumni involved made this experience an unforgettable one.

The theme of the conference was “Live Beyond Yourself” which is our fraternal commitment to servant leadership and our passion to “Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof,” Luke 6:35.

This conference was extremely beneficial to everyone who attended,

especially myself since servant leadership is such a major part of my life.

As I return to school I take back more skills and inspiration to make an even bigger impact on the world, investing in that which will outlive myself. I also take time to reflect on how all of this would not be possible if when I was in high school I just threw out the letter about Greek life.

My advice is to take chances in your life, no matter how little, because you have no idea where you might end up. My one small decision to even consider Greek life has made a life changing experience on my life. With this, I have left an impact on thousands of people around the country.

I have to say, I am truly blessed to have been given these great opportunities to make a difference in the lives of many.

Probably the most important people who have really shaped who I am today are my parents. They are my biggest role models in my life teaching how to be loving, generous, humble and are the main reason I am able to do the things I am doing today.

I will end with a few things Dr. Brown explained that will happen if you live your life as a servant leader. Your impact will outlive you, your final days on this earth will be without regrets and your example will be emulated by others who follow.

Hear more from brothers via our blog entries at phikaps.org/blog Visit myfraternitylife.org for more information on the #myFraternity initiative raising awareness of fraternities that build better men.

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The Long Road Home Remains of Phi Kap Fighter Pilot Laid To Rest After Fifty Years

By Gene Ney, Slippery Rock University, ‘90

It was on St. Patrick’s Day of 1969 that David Thomas Dinan, III (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ‘65) lost his life serving our country in the Vietnam war. A native of Nutley, New Jersey, David was born in January of 1944. He was educated and graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1961. According to his brother Charles, who currently resides in McMurray, Pennsylvania, “he was both athletic and intelligent.” David excelled in science, and, following his graduation from Seton Hall Prep, he applied and was accepted at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While at M.I.T., he majored in Physics.

As a young student at M.I.T., David attended a rush event at

been hit by an enemy attack, and he radioed in a distress message. To avoid a crash, he ejected himself from the plane with his parachute which landed in trees in a remote area. Unfortunately, the parachute tore on tree limbs and David tragically dropped to his death on the jungle floor. His plane subsequently crashed and burned.

A search and rescue team arrived, found the wreckage, the parachute and David’s remains, but had to evacuate given enemy

“When I heard that David had been killed over there, my initial reaction was of great sadness, that such a good and gentle soul, with so many gifts, should have been lost in such a place.”

– Frank Russo, MIT, ’64 the Phi Kappa Theta chapter on his campus which was chartered in 1919. According to one of his brothers, Frank Russo ‘64, “Dave was a quiet, thoughtful, solid, sober, devout young Catholic man, perhaps more so than the rest of us.” An outstanding student, and a loyal brother, David graduated from M.I.T. and enlisted in the Air Force in 1966.

Just as he had excelled in school, athletics and the fraternity, David quickly rose within the ranks of the Air Force. He became a First Lieutenant and was awarded two medals. Those medals were the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart for injuries he suffered serving our country. He was a member of the 34th Tactical Fighting Squadron.

On that very fateful day, March 17, 1969, David and another pilot were on a mission flying over northern Laos. His F-105 had

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fire. Unfortunately, neither David’s body, or any of the debris from the wreckage were ever recovered. As a man of 25, who was engaged to be married, this was an extremely tragic way to die. According to his brother Charles, “We anticipated his remains to be returned a week or two after he went down,” but that never happened.

Retired Col. Ed Sykes, one of David’s roommates at the Korat Royal Air Force Base in Thailand, and David’s biological brothers began lobbying for his remains to be located and returned for proper burial. Through their efforts and those of Leland Sorenson, who was a member of the original search and rescue mission who had identified the remains back in 1969, the group returned to Laos in March of 2014, 45 years after David’s plane crashed and burned.

On the third day of their mission near Ban Khap in the Xiangkoang

U.S. Air Force pilot David T. Dinan III (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ‘65).

Province, they discovered David’s plastic identification card. In June of 2016, an excavating crew was sent to the area where they collected his remains which were positively identified on August 7, 2017.

David’s remains were flown from Laos to Hawaii, and then to Washington, D.C., where he was interred in Arlington National Cemetery on April 25th of this year.

David was one of 600 Americans who disappeared or were lost during the Vietnam War in Laos. A total of 1,597 Americans are still unaccounted for from that war.

According to Frank Russo ’64, “When I heard that David had been killed over there, my initial reaction was of great sadness, that such a good and gentle soul, with so many gifts, should have been lost in such a place.” David now rests in peace at Arlington National Cemetery with many other Phi Kaps including our late President, John F. Kennedy.

Above: The remains of U.S. Air Force pilot David T. Dinan III (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ‘65), of Nutley, killed in the Vietnam War, proceed through Arlington National Cemetery on April 25, 2018.

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CHAPTER REPORTS Arizona State AZ AZ | Tempe, AZ

The Chapter associated twenty six new members this past September and has secured a spot in the new Greek Leadership Village. This means that they now have an official house at ASU. The Chapter beat Delta Tau Delta in the IFC basketball championships and they held their first philanthropic event where they raised over $1,000 for Children’s Miracle Network. The Chapter also had the second highest GPA in the IFC. GS

AS

In the spring of 2018, the Chapter brought back its second semester of Fry Kap, a philanthropic event featuring fried food and music. All of the proceeds were donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and is set to return in fall 2018. There were eight newly-initiated brothers in the spring. The brothers also went on a retreat and bonded at Hocking Hills, where they solidified their bonds as brothers and contemplated the future.

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Bridgewater State MA Z | Bridgewater, MA

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See a complete list of chapter reports at PHIKAPS.ORG/CHAPTERREPORTS

Case Western Reserve OH AΒ | Cleveland, OH

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The Chapter has a lot planned for the upcoming semester including recruitment. Bids were given out at the end of September, bringing in four new members, and the Chapter conducted an Associate Member ritual. There is a corn hole tournament scheduled for the whole campus in which the winners will get a prize and all proceeds will go to CMN and more specifically, Boston’s Children Hospital.

Information as of October 3, 2018

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Colorado State CO ΧΣ | Fort Collins, CO

The Chapter recently associated eleven new members. They tubed the local Fort Collins river and held a fish race tournament. Members look forward to attending the upcoming Ram Awakening retreat that is paired with Ram Catholic, the Catholic Campus Ministry organization of Saint John XXIII Newman Center. Future events include Horsetooth lake social, the annual Mac ‘N Stache philanthropy and a new parents/alumni tailgate.

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Detriot-Mercy, University of MI Ω | Detroit, MI

Cincinnati, University of OH Ο | Cincinnati, OH The Chapter is working towards building their big philanthropic event on campus in partnership with a sorority for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). They are gearing up for Homecoming with Rallycats, the UC spirit organization, and planning for an alumni event. They are expecting half to full chapter participation in the UC Dance Marathon for CMN this December.

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Officers have been working with the new faculty at the University to develop a stronger and more cohesive relationship between Greek Life and campus. Later this semester, the Chapter is planning a concert fundraiser to help support local artists and fund some much-needed home improvements. As the school year progresses, they aim to educate a large class of young gentlemen and help develop them into influential leaders not only in their chapter but their community.

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Duquesne PA AΞ | Pittsburgh, PA LEGEND: Chapters with the items listed below have completed each task.

MEMBERSHIP

Reporting

AM AM CLASS IC

INITIATION CLASS

CHAPTER OPERATIONS

Finance

Operations

FRATERNITY ENGAGEMENT

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LEGFI

AS

ASANA

C

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GOOD STANDING

AC

ACHIEVE (SPRING)

NAT’L EVENT (SUMMER)

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RLC (FALL)

(C) = COLONY

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The Chapter continued to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network through its Lenten fish fry in the student union, as well as its Monte Carlo Night event.

Three brothers attended the IMPACT18 conference in Orlando, Florida, this past August and have brought many ideas back to the chapter. In addition to its six newly initiated members, the chapter looks to continue to expand and further impact the lives of its brothers and community.

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Eastern Illinois IL AΩ | Charleston, IL

The Chapter has had a great time volunteering with the Salvation Army After School Program where they help kids in grades K-12 with their homework or play games with them. The Chapter is also looking forward to their philanthropy coming up later in the semester. They will be hosting a pumpkin carving/pumpkin smash event for both Fraternities and Sororities on their campus. They are looking forward to a great year and giving back to both their community and campus.

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Illinois, University of IL ΒΔ | Champaign, IL

Last semester, the brothers coordinated a beach themed grill out for philanthropy, along with a successful service event with Crisis Nursery where brothers helped children shop for Christmas gifts for their parents. This semester, the brothers held their inaugural Mud Volleyball Philanthropy in September. The brothers will also be teaming up with Champaign Centennial high school for service events throughout the year.

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Georgia Institute of Technology GA Γ Τ | Atlanta, GA This past year has been an exciting one for the Chapter. This fall, they managed to recruit one of the largest associate member classes the chapter has seen with fourteen new members. Their esteemed alumnus Jacky Cheng, ‘17, has been elected the Atlanta area President of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association. The future is looking bright for the next generation of Gamma Tau Phi Kaps.

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Iowa, The University of (C) IA Δ | Iowa City, IA The Chapter is in full swing this fall, preparing for their fall recharter ceremony.

Being one of the first chapters of Phi Kappa Theta, Iowa Delta is extremely excited to bring its heritage back to the University of Iowa Campus. Iowa Delta would like to thank all national staff, brothers, alumni and fellow chapters for supporting them throughout this process. The initiation was held on Friday, September 28th and the banquet was held the next day.

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Hofstra NY AΩ | Hempstead, NY

The Chapter took six new members in the fall and thirteen new members last spring.

They’ll host a Halloween Haunted House, a Toy Drive for CMN and participate in various philanthropy events. They are also looking forward to strengthening the bond of Brotherhood at their Brotherhood Retreat. The Chapter has reached an agreement with the Hofstra Newman Club to co-host various community service opportunities and a Holy Hour at Hofstra in December.

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HOW DO I SUBMIT A CHAPTER REPORT? ............................................................

Wondering why your chapter does not have a report listed? Contact temple@ phikaps.org with your report content and/or questions. Reports can include but are not limited to chapter events, a chance encounter with a brother in a distant country, a reunion or simple news of service.

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Kansas State KS Ι | Manhattan, KS

The Chapter is working on rebuilding, focusing on the Phi Kap pillars of leadership, academics and spirituality. They are looking to grow a strong foundation for their chapter through their new members.

They plan to build a chapter that is a leader academically on campus and is looked to as a group of strong, well rounded men.

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Lehigh PA A | Bethlehem, PA

Iowa State IA Ξ | Ames, IA

The Chapter kicked off the fall with twenty new associate members. The brothers look forward to their continued growth.

They have already started a successful intramural season by placing first in their curling league. In addition to this, last semester their former president, Davis Arbogast, ’18, won president of the year in the IFC community against thirty-two very qualified candidates. This is an outstanding achievement and they plan to continue to lead the greek community on campus.

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The Chapter is undergoing fall recruitment and they look to increase their presence and involvement throughout the Lehigh community. We are very excited and preparing for Movember. After finishing last semester with one of the highest average house G.P.A.’s in their chapter’s history they are striving to make this success sustainable and would like to thank Brother Jake Cooper for his contributions as Academic Chair.

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Information as of October 3, 2018 See a complete list of chapter reports at PHIKAPS.ORG/CHAPTERREPORTS

Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Μ | Rolla, MO

Louisiana-Lafayette, University of LA Ο | Lafayette, LA The Chapter initiated eight new associate members in the spring and focused time at Service, Outreach, Furniture, Acadiana: an outreach organization that helps the homeless and finds furniture for those in need. They sponsored a Crawfish Boil with Dragos to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network and are currently planning their second annual Greek Trick-or-Treat event on campus, inviting local families to bring their kids trick-or-treating at the on campus Fraternity/Sorority row.

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The Chapter held an event to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The fundraiser involved selling pizza and wings to fellow Greek life members. All proceeds (roughly $500) were donated to the hospital. Their alumni adviser, Joe Neumann, ‘07, put on a financial seminar in order to help brothers manage their money after graduation.

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Η | Cambridge, MA

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Pittsburgh, University of PA Μ | Pittsburgh, PA The Chapter planned and hosted its first Painting for a Purpose event with CMN. At the event, sororities on campus came to partner up with children from the CMN to paint murals of their favorite movies, places and/or things to do. This year, with better resources and better marketing, they hope to improve the amount of money they are able to raise, and paint even more murals with sorority teams. They added nine new brothers during spring 2018 recruitment and ten from fall 2017 recruitment.

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Northern Illinois IL Ψ | DeKalb, IL

Brothers have had a tremendous fall so far! They have volunteered their time to participate in value based recruitment events in conjunction with Northern Illinois University’s IFC. The week consisted of basketball, volleyball, cookouts and Q&A’s with the brothers. The Chapter participated in Hazing Prevention Week. Brother Evan Johnson organized the first annual campus wide three point shootout competition. All proceeds from participants and viewers will be donated to an anti hazing charity!

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The Chapter filled their house to its sixty eight man capacity for the first time since the house was completed in 2013. The annual Quo Vadis retreat was held in September, where twenty six men were associated. They partnered with Kappa Delta Sorority to put on a record-breaking philanthropy, raising nearly $8,500 for Teammates Mentoring Program and CEDARS. They’ll trek to Indianapolis with the Lambda Chapter for the FOCUS SEEK Conference in January.

AM

The Chapter had a successful fall recruitment. They received fifteen associate members; their largest class in three years.

They’re excited to work with their new associate members to convert them all into dedicated brothers throughout the fall semester. They’re continuing their strong academic track record within MIT and have seniors already getting full-time offers from top firms for next year. It’s looking to be a great semester for their chapter!

From 2017-2018 the Chapter welcomed a strong, involved class of new brothers.

The Chapter has benefited CMN through GreeksCare and GreekSweep. They were involved in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, their THON family (the Arevalo’s) and IMPACT18. Their President and Treasurer attended and brought back invaluable ideas and skills to help the Chapter flourish and grow in the right direction.

Nebraska, University of NE Π | Lincoln, NE

MassachusettsDartmouth, University of MA ΚΘ | Dartmouth, MA The Chapter has accomplished a lot this past year including giving hugs around campus for self-harm awareness day, volunteering time and donating around $350 for polar plunge New Bedford, assisting in fundraising along side a sorority to raise money for a family whose house burned down, partnering with Arniethon to create a dance marathon for CMN, adding twelve new members from both semesters and seeing Brother Eliel Mares, ‘20, create a Snapchat lens of the Fraternity crest.

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Pennsylvania State PA ΒΓ | State College, PA

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Purdue IN Ζ | West Lafayette, IN

The Chapter continues to grow in numbers and stresses academics and student leadership so as to make a well rounded brother and leader. They are in the top five for Purdue’s IFC all men’s average grades and ranked number one the semester prior. They hope this upcoming year is fulfilling and hope the Chapter and the National Fraternity as a whole can carry on the mission and vision of Phi Kappa Theta.

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CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT ............................................................

University of Nebraska Quo Vadis The retreat took place just outside of Ashland, NE with all 78 of our actives and associates in attendance.

We held ritual and discussed the direction of our chapter, reflecting on our progress. The next day Fr. Matya, the pastor at the Newman Center for UNL, celebrated Catholic mass.

Seton Hall NJ ΦΒ | South Orange, NJ

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NY Σ | Troy, NY During Summer 2018, Brother Vignesh Babu, ‘19, led a group of eight brothers in the Troy Pig Out, a local barbecue competition where professional and amateur groups compete. This year the chapter took home the People’s Choice Award for a second year in a row. Since then, the Chapter has volunteered at various events for the city of Troy and continues to serve the community.

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The Chapter is already planning their Pirate Queen, which is their big semester event.

It is a pageant where the contestants are judged based on who is the most wellrounded student. Recruitment is also right around the corner for the fall and they have many fine young men interested in joining the brotherhood which sparks huge excitement for the Chapter. The Chapter is growing at a good rate and is looking forward to a great school year.

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Saint Francis PA Τ | Loretto, PA

The Chapter has been continuing to finalize the reconstruction of chapter operations.

Many needed changes have taken place allowing the Chapter to run smoother.

Their big focus this year is to better their philanthropic efforts through new events during Movember and a large project at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for CMN in the spring.

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Syracuse NY Τ | Syracuse, NY

Last semester the Chapter took a new member class of nine, increasing their membership from eight to seventeen.

This semester, they intend to continue growing their membership numbers and increase their presence on campus. They are currently communicating with other organizations across campus to participate in numerous philanthropic and community service projects. In addition, they are also promoting Movember and developing philanthropy projects of their own.

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Texas at Austin, University of TX ΑΠ | Austin, TX

South Dakota, University of SD ΑΞ | Vermillion, SD The Chapter added a new philanthropic event for the fall, the Phi Kappa Theta Car Show for Kids. This charity car show allows the chapter to engage with the University and Vermillion communities while fundraising for CMN. Many sponsors have emerged from the local community businesses and the first event was held September 22nd. The chapter looks forward to its upcoming elections and building off a great start to our academic year.

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The Chapter met with the brothers of the Texas Tau Mu chapter in UT RGV to run through and better organize their active initiation ritual. Two brothers from PKTAAA (the PKT Alamo Alumni Association) were there to oversee the ritual and give advice to the chapters. It was a great bonding experience for all chapters involved, and it was a chance to take a step back and see what they can improve on as a chapter regarding ritual.

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Information as of October 3, 2018 See a complete list of chapter reports at PHIKAPS.ORG/CHAPTERREPORTS

Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of TX ΤΜ | Edinburg, TX The Chapter had brothers participate as hot dogger’s for Oscar Meyer Weiner. Some interned for LyondellBasell and researched a new snail species. They also oversaw the creation of an alumni association there in South Texas. For right now, they are almost done with the recruitment and selection of associate members. For the future, they have a social, highway clean up, hazing prevention event and a new group of associate members.

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Washington State WA A Δ | Pullman, WA

This past summer, President Hogan Leffel, ‘20, Vice President Justin Binkley, ‘20, and Associate Member Educator Chase Barbre, ‘21, represented the chapter at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL. Meeting fellow brothers from all around the nation gave them a better insight on how well they are represented nationally. The Chapter received the 2018 Founders’ Cup, which was a goal of theirs from the start of 2017.

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This past spring semester, the Chapter initiated six new brothers. They held a year end Quo Vadis meeting where brothers were able to self-reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses as well as their Chapter’s strengths and weaknesses.

They look forward to working on the goals that came from that event. This fall, they’ve held several recruitment events, and are hopeful in their current new member prospects.

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Washington, University of WA ΒΔ | Seattle, WA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute MA Λ | Worcester, MA

The Chapter has had a great summer. Most of the brothers traveled around the world, either for business, academics or just to relax. For this upcoming year the Chapter looks to strengthen the brotherhood and welcome incoming members. They hope to volunteer at the Seattle Allstate Hot Chocolate 5K run this March.

The Chapter participated in the annual Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research and had three brothers complete full marathons. They hosted two “Bro Brunches” with other fraternities as a way to bolster interfraternal relationships and look forward to hosting two more this fall.

In May, the Chapter welcomed a new member into the fraternity – Diesel, a guide dog puppy in training that the brothers will be raising for the Guide Dog Foundation for the remainder of the year.

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Wisconsin–Madison, University of WI Λ | Madison, WI

Trine IN Α Γ | Angola, IN

Last spring the Chapter hosted several philanthropic events including Steuben County Special Olympics and a benefit dinner to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network. They had a slow year of recruitment but are ready to bounce back this year and really focus on recruitment.

For the fall, they have a new recruitment schedule that they are really excited about.

They also plan on continuing to do small philanthropy projects around town and on campus throughout the semester.

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AS A BROTHERHOOD, IT IS THE RITUAL THAT BONDS US ALL TOGETHER. HOWEVER, NOT ALL OF OUR BROTHERS ARE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE OUR RITUALS THE WAY THEY WERE MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED. WE RECENTLY SURVEYED OUR CHAPTERS AND ONLY TWELVE OF THEM SAID THEY HAD MOST IF NOT ALL THE TOOLS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RITUAL PROPERLY. SEE IF YOUR CHAPTER IS ONE OF THEM:

ORDER SUPPLIES

Ritual

PHIKAPS.ORG/

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A Brother With A Bark Phi Kaps Train Dog to Be Servant Leader

By Gene Ney, Slippery Rock University, ‘90

Our brothers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute recently gave out a bid, but it was a bid to a “rushee” who can’t sign his name.

For that matter, he doesn’t talk, and he walks on four legs. WPI’s newest pledge isn’t human, he is a dog. Yes, that’s right, a dog!

For some time, our brothers at WPI had talked about having a chapter dog or pet around the house. According to Jake Scheide (WPI, ‘19), “Having a chapter dog is a long commitment. A dog can live for many years. Who is to say that our brothers 10 years from now would want the responsibility of taking care of a chapter dog.” Not only that, the Aquinas Association, which is their local alumni association that owns the house has a stipulation in their lease which does not allow pets. This chapter is perhaps best known for two most outstanding alumni, John F. Kennedy and William R. Grogan.

dog needs. Through their efforts, the cost of preparing Diesel for his life’s work will save countless dollars. Not only do the qualifying dogs need to be well disciplined, they need to be well socialized, and cognizant of their surroundings. They need to be able to assist those with special needs as well as to fend for themselves as needed.

Scheide, a native of Adelaide, South Australia is majoring in computer science, and is currently studying abroad this semester in China. During his absence, his other brothers are educating Diesel in not only fraternity history, but also in social skills

“Letting go of him after one year will be difficult, but hopefully, we will get a new four legged pledge next fall.”

– Jake Scheide, WPI, ‘19 Despite concerns from the alumni, Diesel was granted an “exception,” and was allowed to move into the Chapter house.

Rushing Diesel was a project spearheaded by Scheide, and he was recruited from the Guide Dog Foundation. The Guide Dog Foundation was established over seventy years ago in Smithtown, New York. The foundation’s mission is to breed and train dogs to assist those who have visual disabilities or other special needs.

According to the foundation, “it costs over $50,000 to breed and train dogs to assist those in need.” The concept of assisting “those in need” follows our motto of “Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof.”

Not only that, but it follows in line with our mission to develop brothers who are servant leaders and who work for the betterment of society. Our brothers at WPI are assisting in the Guide Dog Foundation’s mission in providing the necessary training that the

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which will ultimately lead to his placement with a deserving recipient.

Diesel will be under the supervision, care and training of his Phi Kap brothers for approximately one year. Following his initiation and graduation this spring, he will receive additional training and evaluation before he is deployed for active duty.

According to Scheide, “Letting go of him after one year will be difficult, but hopefully, we will get a new four legged pledge next fall.” Upon successful evaluation of Diesel by the Guide Dog Foundation, all brothers will be invited to his graduation in New York.

Brother Jake Scheide (WPI, ‘19) and Diesel.

THE NEXT ISSUE

BOYSIE BOLLINGER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2019 // PHIKAPS.ORG/BBLA Recap the event.

AUSTIN, TX 2019 // PHIKAPS.ORG/CONVENTION More information on our 2019 Convention.

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Dr. Michael S. Brown of DMB Coaching speaks with brothers at IMPACT18 in Orlando, FL this past August where he and his team facilitated.

Making Our Move Phi Kappa Theta Teams Up With DMB Coaching To Strengthen Fraternity Curriculum

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By Shawn Cramer, Western Theological Seminary, ‘A

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hi Kappa Theta runs at the front of the pack in terms of personal development and servant leadership. A large piece of this engine driving that forward is the partnership between Phi Kappa Theta and DMB coaching.

At the core of this

“Every individual I meet - every volunteer, every board member, every alumnus, every collegiate member of Phi Kappa Theta, they are just extraordinary human beings. I absolutely love being immersed in the culture of this fraternity.”

– Dr. Michael S. Brown, DMB Coaching

partnership lies a story of two men who started as strangers, then moved to acquaintances, then colleagues, now business partners and good friends.

We conducted an interview between Dr. Michael S. Brown of DMB coaching and Robert Riggs, CAE (RPI, ‘02), Executive Vice President of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.

Rob, how and when did you meet Michael? What were your first impressions?

Michael and I met at a conference called Connect Marketplace in 2015.

Connect Marketplace is a meeting space for those who hold and host conferences.

Initially, my first impressions were, “Whoa, this guy has a ton of energy.”

Michael, what were your first impressions of Rob? My first impression of Rob was he was incredibly thoughtful and inquisitive. He asked some really good questions not only about our campus, but about my personal interests and passions as well.

How and when did the Phi Kappa

Theta/DMB Coaching partnership actually transpire and become official?

Rob: We continued to meet at Connect Marketplace over the next few years. I mentioned how much anxiety I would get having to think about writing curriculum and workshops. He told me about DMB Coaching and his specialty in designing curriculum and educational conferences for college-aged men. I was like, “Tell me more!”

Michael: We began talking more about our common interests in the development of college men and began to realize quite quickly that these passions were very similar. Rob asked to view some of my past developmental content and create unique content for Phi Kappa Theta.

The rest is history!

Michael, why did you decide to accept Rob’s invitation to partner with Phi Kappa Theta?

My personal mission statement is clear in that my work and the investment of my life is primarily about helping young men discover a positive and progressive masculinity that will shape every area of their life. It was immediately clear that Rob’s invitation to partner was exactly in line with my passions.

Rob, what has been the most enjoyable aspect of working with DMB Coaching?

For me I really enjoy the collaboration and the full trust that we have in each other with regards to our roles. Michael and I are able to discuss what we’re envisioning for the organization, then collaborate about it, and he comes back with some excellent curriculum that really resonates with our target audience, and that’s the most important thing.

Michael, what has been the most enjoyable aspect of working with Phi Kappa Theta?

Honestly, the question should be, “What has not been enjoyable?” Every

individual I meet - every volunteer, every board member, every alumnus, every collegiate member of Phi Kappa Theta, they are just extraordinary human beings.

I absolutely love being immersed in the culture of this fraternity.

Rob & Michael, what do you envision for this partnership and relationship in the years ahead?

Rob: I’m very excited for what the future may hold between us. I am envisioning that we create a situation in which our fraternity brothers are able to work seamlessly with DMB Coaching and Phi Kappa Theta to strengthen themselves as individual men.

Michael: It is my hope that my organization and my coaching team and the fraternity would be connected, quite honestly, for decades to come. We have a common mission, common core values and a common commitment that we share in helping young fraternity leaders become the best version of themselves both now and after graduation.

Rob & Michael, are there additional opportunities for individual chapters, collegiates, alumni, volunteers and/or board members in regards to working with DMB Coaching?

Rob: I would highly encourage other chapters to utilize their chapter endowments to bring in a member of the DMB coaching team to work directly with their chapter.

Michael: The sky’s the limit! Our team is prepared to visit every individual chapter across the country! I would personally prioritize any work that would come through the Phi Kappa Theta brotherhood because of the powerful friendship we have established.

The best days of Phi Kappa Theta are still yet to come. For more information on how you can personally or as a chapter tap into these opportunities, please contact executiveoffices@phikaps.org

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Brother Jesse Greaves (RPI, ‘18) enjoying the view of Prague in the Czech Republic.

POSTCARDS FROM A POSTG Jesse Greaves Explores the USA and the World

By Kathy Jonas Indiana University, ‘78

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As an astronautical engineer, Jesse Greaves (RPI, ‘18) will be focused on the space above, but the last few years have given him the opportunity to appreciate the ground below.

Realizing he might not have a break for quite a long time, the recent graduate of Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, embarked on a journey that would take him across the United States and Europe prior to classes starting at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he is working on a Ph.D. Eventually

he wants to work for a large space company and then become a professor.

In December, after completing a co-op at the MIT Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts, he flew out to Los Angeles to visit a friend who was working at a NASA jet propulsion lab, and they started a road trip across the United States. The two of them would later go on to backpack across Europe following graduation.

“I traveled some as a kid, but this was so much fun,” says Greaves. “Seeing new cultures and experiencing new landscapes

of my life, but the house gave so much to me; I had to give back to the house.”

Through a brother, he was able to apply for the internship at the Lincoln Lab. “I fit in with Phi Kap because it was the friendliest, most personable place,” he says. “We support each other. No matter what anyone gets into, we have each other’s back.”

A few of Jesse’s travel tips (he has a lot more):

• Watch a sunset in Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah, which Greaves says is more impressive than the Grand Canyon with canyon after canyon after canyon created by the Colorado River. Sunset at Zion National Park in Utah is also gorgeous • Go to the WWII Museum in New Orleans • Drink real absinthe in Barcelona. The strong, licorice-tasting drink is sipped after putting cubes of sugar on a fork, squirting water on the sugar to dissolve it in the drink and partaking in the famous concoction as did Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh • Try to find the hidden architectural pieces in Prague, a city that Greaves found surprisingly vibrant and exciting • Listen to Mozart in a small church in Vienna • Go ahead and indulge in the pasta and pizza in Italy and Rome in Jesse, fifth from top right, with his Chapter back in 2015. particular. It’s a nice ubiquitous, inexpensive treat following a visit to the Vatican and the spectacular St. As someone who skied before he Peter’s Basilica, which he called the walked, Greaves, 23, enjoys hiking, most awe-inspiring cathedral, with ice climbing, white water rafting, rock Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia climbing and photography, so travel was a Basilica (slated to be finished in 2026 natural thing for him. after 144 years in the making) the most artistic and impressive • Cliff diving in Naples on the Amalfi are awe inspiring.”

Coast. What better way to end a trip?

As a collegiate brother, Greaves said he joined the fraternity in his sophomore year after leaving the lacrosse team.

He says the team did not provide the exploration and variety he was looking for in college in order to expand his horizons.

The fraternity provided those opportunities.

At Phi Kappa Theta, he became the Chapter’s scholarship chair and then served as Vice President of Operations, maintaining the house by waxing floors, painting and making sure the property was kept in good shape. “It was a stressful year

GRADUATE

“I fit in with Phi Kap because it was the friendliest, most personable place... We support each other. No matter what anyone gets into, we have each other’s backs.”

– Jesse Greaves, RPI, ‘18

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Callais also believes that students would benefit from the opportunity to give back to others. A candidate for a six-year term with the Greater Lafourche Port Commission,

Brothers attending the Louisiana State University Christmas event.

“Everybody needs something; they just need help getting it.”

– Mike Callais, Louisiana State University, ‘84

CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Louisiana State University Chapter Has Always Been Going Strong Despite Closure

By Kathy Jonas Indiana University, ‘78 Every Christmas, Phi Kap brothers from Louisiana State University get together at the historic Court of Two Sisters restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans to celebrate the holiday, each other and their fraternity.

It’s not just a luncheon for a few friends, though. Last year, about 70 brothers gathered at the restaurant, thanks to the work of people like Glenn Bergeron (Louisiana State University, ‘70), who has been running the lunch after taking over from the late Leslie Schouest (Louisiana State University, ‘72), who had the idea back in 1981, with a structured event starting a few years later. “I was Leslie’s roommate and vowed to continue it in his honor following his death in the late 80’s.”

“It was a challenge to get the guys there at first,” admits Bergeron. Today, Phi Kappa Theta members travel from as far as

New York and Arizona to attend, while the main nucleus is the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area.

This year’s holiday social is scheduled for December 13.

And although the restaurant is known for its Creole-Cajun fare, Bergeron says the preferred menu for the luncheon is more “meat and potatoes” type of food.

One of the topics discussed

by Phi Kappa Theta alumni gathering in New Orleans is the possible recolonization of the fraternity, which lost its charter in the late 80’s.

Charles “Mike” Callais (Louisiana State University, ‘84), says the effort is in its beginning stages and last year Robert Riggs, CAE (RPI, ‘02), Executive Vice President of the Phi Kappa Theta Executive Office, came to the luncheon to discuss the possibility. Brother Callais said, “There certainly needs to be a Catholic presence on campus. For many students, college is the first time they’ve been away from their family. They need something to keep them grounded.”

An active alumni base is important in order to get the process started, adds Callais. “We are making slow progress.”

Callais was hammering signs along the highway while talking about the fraternity.

A former CEO of an offshore business, he gives back through his church, Catholic Community Services, the Rotary Club where he has served as past president, and is involved with the Knights of Columbus.

When he volunteered to fill a Port Commission opening, this was said about him: “Mike’s humble leadership and mind for business will be an asset to our board…

He is a valued resource in our community,

and we appreciate him volunteering his services to the Port Commission.”

Callais readily admits that this leadership mindset might not have been top of mind while in college, but believes it can be reinforced while in the fraternity.

“Everybody needs something; they just need help getting it.”

Interested in colonization efforts? Visit phikaps.org/lsu

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Above Image: A blueprint of the proposed chapter house.

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A.P.R.E.S. Ski

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RPI Alumni Brothers Create Event Subsidies Program

By Justin Sines, Duquesne University, ‘11

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he Board of Trustees of the New York Sigma Chapter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created an Alumni Program for Regional Event Subsidies, or A.P.R.E.S. Ski, to help

John Guerriero, Scott Noguiera, Chris Miller and David Fogg attending an event funded by the A.P.R.E.S. Ski program. They are enjoying a brief respite from torrential downpours in Newport, RI.

Within the first few months, events have been held in Boston, MA, Newport, RI, Portland, OR, and the San Diego area, with a regional Alumni Weekend in Austin, TX and a pledge class reunion for the class of ’96 scheduled in the upcoming months. The program is forecasted to see an increase of 50% attendance to alumni chapter sponsored events over its first year.

The pilot program is funded through the Board of Trustee’s Alumni Chapter General Fund, and Fogg believes this to

“Based on the early success, we expect alumni to continue their enthusiastic support of the program.”

– David Fogg, RPI, ‘00

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Brothers interested in sponsoring events in their areas can find additional information and applications on the NY Sigma Chapter website: pktskilodge. org/apres-ski, or contact the program administrators at apres_ski@pktskilodge. org The Chapter is known on campus as “The Ski Lodge”. Après is French and means “after”, so although A.P.R.E.S. is an acronym for “Alumni Program for Regional Event Subsidies”, the name A.P.R.E.S. Ski means “After Ski”, or how brothers become alumni after the Ski lodge.

Brotherhood extends past the time spent as a collegiate member in college.

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‘represent an investment in ourselves.’ A four year commitment to the pilot program provides stability until the program becomes established. Members of the Alumni Chapter trust that the program will continue to be funded by alumni donations, whether to the general fund or via earmarked donations to APRES Ski. Fogg states, that “based on the early success, we expect alumni to continue their enthusiastic support of the program.”

establish and fund alumni programing for graduated RPI brothers and their families. With the creation of this four year pilot program, members of the RPI Alumni chapter hope to establish a strong and engaged alumni base.

Brother David Fogg (RPI, ‘00) states that APRES Ski “incentivizes brothers to organize events in their areas by removing the financial burden of event costs.” He believes that by creating more alumni social opportunities, not just in the New York region but across the country, that his brothers will continue to be connected to and value the Fraternity and be more inclined to “Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof.” APRES Ski founders also hope that they can use this momentum to create a series of annual or recurrent events outside of the Troy, NY area and ultimately increase total annual donations.

Since the unveiling of the program in May 2018, they have already exhausted the first allotment of semi-annual funding.

The APRES Ski program hopes to increase brother participation in Alumnisponsored events, and create a larger group of alumni who continually participate in those activities.

Image: Event logo from 1996.

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SEEK 2019 Phi Kap College Students Develop Spirituality

By Kathy Jonas, Indiana University, ‘78 “It was formative for me because I learned how to pray and have a relationship with God.” – Aaron Siehr, University of Wisconsin-Madison Thousands of college students, including Phi Kappa Theta brothers, will head to Indianapolis during Christmas break to follow the teachings of Matthew 7:7: Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

SEEK is an every-other-year conference organized by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) to provide outreach to college students looking for answers to life’s big questions.

“It was formative for me because I learned how to pray and have a relationship with God,” says Chapter President, Aaron Siehr (University of Wisconsin-Madison), who attended SEEK 2017 in San Antonio, Texas.

“Everybody gets something different from it,” according to TJ Kessler (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Vice President of Spiritual Development. “It makes you more confident to grow in your faith on campus.” Kessler attended his first SEEK conference in Nashville, Tennessee, as a freshman and went back to San Antonio, Texas, two years ago. He plans to travel to Indianapolis in January.

“My personal opinion is that every good relationship has a spiritual component.” Kessler adds that this philosophy coincides with the Phi Kappa Theta pillar of Spiritual Development. The conference, attended by approximately 17,000 two years ago, provides an opportunity for Phi Kaps in attendance to explore and develop the spirituality aspect of the fraternity’s mission. Kessler says that in 2017 about half of the brothers in the house attended the conference.

This year’s gathering in Indianapolis features well-known speakers and entertainers. It builds in free time for socialization and opportunities for attendees to explore the city’s attractions.

Indianapolis, for example, is home to 11 professional sports teams, is the “Racing Capital of the World” and is home to the Executive Office of Phi Kappa Theta. Indianapolis successfully hosted the 2011 Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium and is well equipped with hotels rooms, museums and restaurants – all in walking distance.

“Today’s culture tells us we need power, we need to feel good and we need to be happy,” says Siehr. “Those are not always bad things, but they are not an end in themselves. Faith allows us to get outside of ourselves and believe in something bigger. It is not easy. But it is a way to better understand ourselves rather than just blending in and following.”

Register for SEEK19: phikaps.org/seek

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1st Top Image: Arizona State University Brothers and University of Nebraska Brothers with the University of South Dakota sweetheart at SEEK 2015 in Nashville, TN. 2nd Top Image: University of Wisconsin Brothers at SEEK 2017 in San Antonio, TX. 1st Bottom Image: University of Nebraska Brothers with Sarah Swafford, one of the speakers, at SEEK 2017 in San Antonio, TX. 2nd Bottom Image: Colorado State University and University of Nebraska Brothers at SLS 2018 in Chicago, IL.

WE’VE GOT A LOT TO LEARN Going Slow, To Grow

By Robert Riggs, CAE RPI, ‘02 Executive Vice President Over the last 10 years, we’ve shared with our Temple readers many expansion updates. A vast majority of those articles shared exciting news of new expansion leads, new colonies and chartering of new chapters. The intent was to keep the excitement and tone positive relating to the growth and expansion of our Fraternity.

Fraternity President, Adrian Gonzalez (University of Texas Austin, ‘78) (right), presented Iowa Delta President, Colton Miller (University of Iowa, ‘20) (middle), with the Chapters’ Charter at the University of Iowa on September 29th, 2018. The brothers are pictured alongside National President-Elect Doug Dilling (Kansas State University, ‘84) (left).

students contact us about expanding and then lose interest. The reality, the number of times we’ve failed nearly triples the number of flags we’ve planted over the last decade.

We also haven’t shared with you the number of chapters that have struggled to sustain themselves. In the last year, we closed our doors at seven chapters; three of

“Commitment. Purpose. Passion. Grit. Perseverance. All great buzz words and elements one might argue are necessary for a group of young men to come together to build a Mission-aligned chapter. But how do we measure these things?”

– Robert Riggs, CAE, RPI, ‘02 This is not one of those articles.

What we haven’t written about is our struggles to expand to new campuses.

We haven’t shared with you the number of expansion leads we get that net zero results. We haven’t shared the number of expansions presentations we’ve given to campuses who have invited us, only to be rejected. We haven’t shared the number of times students have approached us to bring Phi Kappa Theta to their campus, only to be denied recognition by the host institution.

We haven’t shared the number of times

which were chartered or rechartered within the last twelve years; Temple University (2006 - 2017), Georgia Southern University (2012 - 2017) and the University of AlaskaAnchorage (2016-2017).

Where once we thought we had a good Recipe for Success, we must now own that we didn’t have it all right. Again, we’ve got a lot to learn.

This September, we celebrated the recolonization of our Iowa Delta chapter at the University of Iowa. This is the second recolonization of the Iowa Delta Chapter

in the last 30 years. Originally chartered in 1914, the chapter closed in 2006. Its first recharter was in April 1989.

We’re already asking ourselves, how do we learn from our past to prevent future failures? How do we ensure Iowa Delta not only sustains itself, but is successful for the next 20, 50, 100 years? Who is it that we need to invest in to support Iowa Delta?

How do we support them and with what resources? How do we ensure we do not lose them or that they lose their way?

Commitment. Purpose. Passion. Grit.

Perseverance. All great buzz words and elements one might argue are necessary for a group of young men to come together to build a Mission-aligned chapter. But how do we measure these things? How do we know if a University is the right fit for Phi Kappa Theta? How do we know if interested students are willing to invest their own time, talent and energy? How do we know if alumni who want us to recolonize their chapter are going to invest their time, talent and energy?

All these questions must be answered.

It’s not impossible, and we’re ready for the challenge. Let the journey begin.

To stay involved, visit phikaps.org/ grow

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Relatives: If your son is no longer in college and not living at home, please forward his permanent address to: Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity 3901 West 86th Street Suite 360 Indianapolis, IN 46268 3901 West 86th Street Suite 360 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317.872.9934 Printed in the USA Postmaster: If undeliverable, please send notice on Form 3579 immediately to Phi Kappa Theta, 3901 West 86th Street Suite 360 Indianapolis, IN 46268

Name: Please check one: New address.

Addressee is deceased. Date of death: Addressee is no longer at this address.

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Address: City/State/Zip: Home Phone: E-mail:

Deceased members’ names should be entered on the roll of the Chapter Eternal. In case of death, please clip this section and send to the above address.

Or e-mail any of this information to: executiveoffices@phikaps.org

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