The Temple Journal of Phi Kappa Theta - Spring 2011

SPRING 2011 VOLUME 94 NUMBER 1

www.phikaps.org

Helping Others to Help Themselves Alumnus Establishes Scholarship in Daughter’s Memory

PRESIDENT’S NOTE National President’s Note Dear Brothers, Recently, I spent the typical evening with a Phi Kappa Theta Chapter. It began with the chapter meeting. Once a month this chapter’s meeting is formal. All the brothers wear jackets and ties. Each time a visitor came into the meeting, the brothers would rise in respect. The meeting was conducted according to the ideals of the fraternity: Fraternal, Intellectual, Spiritual, Social and Leadership. The agenda followed the ideals. Each of the chapter’s activities were in line with the ideals.

Next, we went to dinner together in the university’s main dining hall. Throughout the meal other students would approach us to say hello, to discuss a class assignment or a campus issue. These young men are at the center of life there. They are respected, they are sought out, they are making a difference. Our evening continues, we head to the chapel on campus. Many of the brothers joined us for Catholic mass. Over the years, I have been able to attend mass many times with my Phi Kappa Theta brothers. Our brotherhood was founded by Catholic men who were refused by the other fraternities because of their faith. They choose to create a fraternity based on the values of their faith. Those young men at mass that evening are the next generation of brothers who have embraced those values and are living them everyday.

Recently, I spent the typical weekend with some of my Phi Kappa Theta brothers. The Phi Kappa Theta National Foundation held its board meeting to guide its activities. Around that table were men of different ages, professions, backgrounds and even different faiths and yet all are united in the brotherhood of Phi Kappa Theta. The weekend began with a gathering of alumni from the local area and from chapters from all across the country.

We celebrated our common bond of brotherhood. Collegiate brothers shared experiences with brothers who fought in Word War II who in turn gave the young men insight into the history of their lives. We discussed the success of our Regional Leadership Conferences where brothers learned the skills necessary to become better leaders and in turn better men.

We also realized the need to be able to expand programs like these conferences.

These brothers are dedicated to raising the necessary money to fund the programs of our fraternity. Their life experience tells them that Phi Kappa Theta makes a real difference in the lives of its brothers.

In the issue of the Temple you will see examples of how Phi Kappa Theta is developing leaders. Phi Kappa Theta continues to address the needs of our future leaders focusing on developing brothers. Brothers we can all be proud of. I choose not to use the names of the brothers in these stories because we encourage you to attend our National Convention this summer. There you can meet these brothers who live our values. At our annual awards dinner we will celebrate the accomplishments of our brothers. Also you will see that with Phi Kappa Theta, the commitment is for life.

Yours in the Bonds of Phi Kappa Theta,

Kevin Lampe, (Western Illinois, ‘83) National President THE TEMPLE is published twice a year as an educational journal for Phi Kappa Theta members, family and friends.

Postmaster: If undeliverable, please send notice on Form 3579 immediately to Phi Kappa Theta, 9640 North Augusta Drive, Suite 420, Carmel, IN 46032 Submission deadlines are March 1 and September 1 of each year. 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 © 2011

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Spring 2011 Volume 94, Number 1 MANAGING EDITOR Keith D. Harshbarger (IUPUI, ‘06) COPY EDITOR Gregory E. Stein (CCNY, ‘70) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bob Forbes (Purdue, ‘70) John Hohenstein (Belmont Abbey, ‘12) Gene Ney (Slippery Rock, ‘90) NATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES President Kevin J. Lampe (Western Illinois, ‘83) Vice President Nathan G. Rues (Missouri S&T, ‘01) Treasurer Mark C. Anthony (Georgia Tech, ‘90) Secretary Father Owen J. Mullen (Univ. of San Diego, ‘A) Trustees Dr. Dan A. Bureau (Univ. of New Hampshire, ‘94) Larry F. Dorocke (Purdue University, ‘68) Joshua J. Gisi (Univ. of Kansas, ‘96) Rick Maggiore (Univ. of Georgia, ‘68) UGAC Chairman Thomas M. Jasper (Univ. of San Diego, ‘11) UGAC Vice Chairman Kevin J. Hakenewerth (Missouri S&T, ‘10) EXECUTIVE OFFICES 9640 North Augusta Drive, Suite 420 Carmel, IN 46032 317.872.9934 FAX: 317.879.1889 executiveoffices@phikaps.org www.phikaps.org EXECUTIVE OFFICES STAFF Executive Vice President Robert W. Riggs (RPI, ‘02) Director of Operations Sarah A. Harris (Indiana Wesleyan University, ‘05) Director of Member Development Anita L. Kerlin (Bowling Green State University, ‘03) Assistant Director of Member Development Gretchen E. Stahl (Valparaiso University, ‘04) Director of Communications and Marketing Keith D. Harshbarger (IUPUI, ‘06) Accounting Clerk Bill T. Ryan (Indiana University, ‘79) FOUNDATION STAFF Assistant Director of Development Allyson L. Clarkson (Centre College, ‘01)

Contents SPRING 2011

On the cover: Brother Robert LaBlanc (Manhattan College, ‘56) speaking at the college president’s going away party.

Features 06 Wuerl Now Cardinal Alumnus Donald W. Wuerl was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI on November 20, 2010.

Not sure what those boxes are?

They’re QR codes.

Here’s what to do with them.

1. Download the app QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be read by smart phone cameras. Search “QR code” to find a free QR app for your phone.

2. Scan the code Hold your phone over a box. The app will use your camera to read the code.

3. Enjoy The codes will direct your phone to an email address, information update, or registration page in this magazine.

09 PKT in 2011 Looking at what lies ahead for Phi Kappa Theta in Expansion, Leadership, Service, Social Justice and more.

20 Back to the Future Alumnus Seeks to Re-colonize His Own Chapter

25 Michael MacFarlane Scholarship Dinner in Brother’s honor raises over $10,000 for Chapters’ Foundation.

Brothers from the East Central Regional Conference in Indianapolis, IN discuss fostering a leader at the Jameson Camp this past January. Story on page 12.

PAGE

04 Daughter Honored Through Memorial Scholarship Alumnus Robert LaBlanc establishes Memorial Scholarship in Daughter’s Honor and reflects on how Phi Kappa Theta has impacted his life.

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Phi Kap in Focus

Helping Others to Help Themselves Robert E. LaBlanc

By Gene Ney Slippery Rock, ‘90 When it comes to someone who likes to help others help themselves, Phi Kappa Theta’s Robert LaBlanc (Manhattan College, ‘56) fits the role. How brother Bob helps others to help themselves is through sponsoring scholarship funds for inner city high school and college students in New York.

Born during the Great Depression to a father who would go on to fight in World War II, and a mother who espoused a strong work ethic, this native of Queens, New York attended local Catholic schools.

For high school, Bob enrolled at LaSalle Military Academy where he was taught by the Christian Brothers. An outstanding student, he won scholarships to both M.I.T. and Manhattan College, (now Manhattan University). After much thought, Bob decided to accept the scholarship from Manhattan College not only because it was located close to home, but also because it was run by the Christian Brothers who oversaw LaSalle Military Academy. The Christian Brothers, long distinguished as leaders in education, maintain strong faith based academic curricula and discipline in their schools.

As an electrical engineering major at Manhattan, Bob discovered the Phi Kappa chapter on campus, and pledged during his sophomore year. The New York Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Kappa was chartered on November 25, 1950. Bob joined a chapter of about 35 fellow brothers, who all keep in close contact even today. As an undergraduate Phi Kap, he served for two years as chairman of the Phi Kappa Ball, and although he never held any administrative positions, he actively involved himself in all aspects of chapter life and activities. According to Bob, “much of my success in life is directly related to the academic preparation of the Christian Brothers, and the strong code of moral values instilled upon me through Phi Kappa. There was no promiscuity.

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“You were expected to be of strong moral character at all times, and if you weren’t, not only would you be expelled from Phi Kappa, but also from Manhattan College.”

—Robert LaBlanc Robert LaBlanc and his wife Betty.

Mass was mandatory. Premarital sex and drugs were unheard of and unacceptable.

You were expected to be of strong moral character at all times, and if you weren’t, not only would you be expelled from Phi Kappa, but also from Manhattan College.”

Bob graduated from Manhattan in 1956 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree. In addition to his degree from Manhattan, he also has a Master in Business Administration degree from New York University and has had extensive technical training at the Bell Telephone Laboratories.

After leaving Manhattan College,

Bob served as a second lieutenant in the Air Force, spending a little more than two years in Newfoundland where he was responsible for overseeing the base telephone system, the submarine cable telephone line to Europe and monitoring the Russian satellite Sputnik. Monitoring Sputnik was very important to national security in that it was seen as a Soviet communication advantage over the United States and potential security threat to the free world. It was not until 1962 that the United States launched Telstar, the first American telecommunications satellite.

After leaving the Air Force,

Bob began climbing the corporate ladder with an emphasis in the area of telecommunications. He was introduced to his wife of over 40 years by his mother, and is the father of 4 children. However, it was through tragedy that moved Bob to perhaps his greatest accomplishment in life. It was in 1982 that Bob’s daughter, Jean-Marie LaBlanc had just graduated from St. Catherine’s Catholic school, and was scheduled to attend high school at the Academy of the Holy Angels.

Unfortunately, one day when outside playing, she was involved in a freak accident and was crushed to death under the wheels of a garbage truck. “The death of our daughter devastated our family,” according to Bob. In dealing with their daughter’s death, one of the things Bob and his wife remembered was that Jean-Marie, although happy to be attending Holy Angels in the fall, was very troubled by the fact that one of her closest friends would not be able to attend because her family could not afford

the tuition. In memory of his daughter, Bob and his family set up the Jean-Marie LaBlanc Scholarship to assist deserving students with the opportunity of a Catholic education. Since its inception, the scholarship has grown significantly in size, and has helped over 200 mostly inner-city youths attend Catholic high schools, and over a dozen inner city high school graduates attend Manhattan College.

The Scholarship Fund for Inner City Children which was initially set up in memory of his daughter is perhaps Bob’s proudest accomplishment. As he puts it “this scholarship allows good students a chance for a quality education that they otherwise wouldn’t have.” He

attributes his persistence in advancing this scholarship directly to “what Phi Kappa Theta and the Christian Brothers instilled in me. God put us here to give back. If we do not give back, we have not fulfilled our mission in life.”

Currently, Bob is President of the Robert E. LaBlanc Associates, Inc., an information technologies consulting and investment banking firm, and is active in the field of venture capital. Prior to founding the LaBlanc Associates in 1981, he was Vice Chairman of Continental Telecom, Inc., a diversified telecommunications company providing service to over three million customers in 2,000 communities in 37 states and the Caribbean (Contel is now part of Verizon).

Brother Bob is the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award given by the New York University Graduate School of Business Administration and has been named an Outstanding Engineering Graduate by Manhattan College School of Engineering. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa

by Manhattan College where he also serves as Emeritus Trustee.

When not working, Bob and his wife vacation in Pompano Beach, Florida.

“God put us here to give back. If we do not give back, we have not fulfilled our mission in life.”

—Robert LaBlanc

Above Left: Robert with his daughter JeanMarie in the winter of 1981.

Below Left: Jean-Marie La Blanc in 8th Grade. June 1982.

Below Right: Robert pictured with his wife Betty and Brother Thomas, the last president of Manhattan College.

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Wuerl Now Cardinal

Archbishop Donald Wuerl Elevated to Cardinal

By Greg Stein CCNY, ‘70 Pope Benedict XVI appointed 24 new cardinals in November 2010. One of them was alumnus Archbishop Donald Wuerl (Fairfield, A’) of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Cardinal Wuerl became Archbishop in 2006, replacing Cardinal Theodore McCarrick (Catholic University, ‘63), who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75. As a member of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Wuerl becomes a papal elector until he is 80, ten years from now. He also became a member of the Congregation of the Clergy and his titular church is St. Peter in Chains, home of the famous Michelangelo sculpture, Moses.

Cardinal Wuerl is no stranger to Rome. It was there that he became a member of Phi Kappa Theta. The circumstances were unique and the degree team extraordinary. He was initiated in July 1971 as Father Wuerl, Secretary to John Cardinal Wright (WPI, ‘A), who was stationed in Rome as Prefect of the Congregation of the Clergy. The ceremony was held in the catacombs under St. Agnes, once the titular church of Cardinal Stritch, also a Phi Kap. On the degree team was Cardinal Wright; the American Ambassador to Burundi, Dr. Thomas Melady (Seton Hall, ‘62), who was later to become ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican), Edward J. Kirchner (Ohio

State, ‘35), who organized the event, Thomas Williams, (Fairfield, ‘70), who became the PKT National Foundation’s Secretary and myself and several other Phi Kaps who were in Rome to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pax Romana, Above Left: Cardinal Wuerl receives his hat. Pope Benedict is pictured in which included the background. (Associated Press file photo) a semi-private audience with Above Right: Cardinal Wuerl receives a biretta from the Pope. (Getty) Pope Paul VI. Cardinal Wuerl is currently a trustee Phi Kappa Theta to start a chapter there. emeritus of the Phi Kappa Theta National (The Pennsylvania Alpha Xi chapter was Foundation, having served for nine years re-chartered in 2003.) He has written as an active trustee and was very generous several other books, the most recent of to our scholarship program. Then Bishop which is entitled “The Mass: The Glory, Wuerl was selected as the foundation’s The Mystery, The Tradition”, published in Man of Achievement in 1988 at the Lehigh January, 2011. His next book is due out in University Management School. He hosted April, coinciding with the beautification a dinner for the foundation trustees in of the last pope, “The Gift of Blessed John Pittsburgh in January 2000.

Paul II, A Celebration of His Enduring Cardinal Wuerl became an Auxiliary Legacy”.

Bishop to Archbishop Hunthausen in As Cardinal of the Archdiocese of 1985 and became Bishop of Pittsburgh Washington D.C., he serves 580,000 in 1988, serving there until 2006. He Catholics and is particularly interested in has had a stellar career. While serving as education and service to the poor. He is Cardinal Wright’s secretary from 1969-79, Chancellor of the Catholic University of he earned a doctorate in theology from America, his Alma Mater. He also serves the Pontifical University of St. Thomas as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Aquinas. As Bishop of Pittsburgh, he Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, had a television show, “The Teaching and is a member of the Committee on of Christ”, which also was the title of Evangelization and Catechesis. an adult catechism he wrote. It is a best We send him Warmest Fraternal seller among religious books and has Greetings and best wishes! been translated into ten languages and is still in print. He also taught at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and encouraged

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God, Country and Fraternity The Life of Dr. Medford H. Shively

By Gene Ney Slippery Rock, ‘90 When it comes to a lifetime of service, the name Medford H. Shively (Indiana University, ‘49) is the first one to come to mind to most mid-west Phi Kaps who attended college between the 1990’s and early 2000’s, or any Phi Kap who attended a national event during that same period.

Dedicated and driven, Brother Shively has a long history of helping others.

Born in Elwood, Indiana, which is more commonly known as “the heart of Hoosierland,” Medford attended local schools, and upon high school graduation, enrolled at Purdue University to study business and accounting. However, Uncle Sam had other plans. Toward the end of his freshman year, he was drafted into the Army. As Medford put it, at that time “if Uncle Sam knocked on your door, you had to answer it.”

When he answered that door, he found himself being called to serve in the Cannon Company, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 42 Infantry Division, which landed in Marseilles, France on December 9, 1944, and he continued to serve in France until March 19, 1845. For his service during World War II, Medford was awarded the Bronze Star, the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He also earned his Combat Infantry Badge and a Rifle Sharp Shooter Medal.

Following the war, Medford returned home to his native Indiana, where he enrolled at Indiana University at Bloomington with help from the G.I. Bill. Continuing his studies as a business and accounting major, he decided to attend a rush event at the Indiana Alpha Alpha chapter of Phi Kappa, and pledged in the fall of 1948. He was initiated as a brother of Phi Kappa on February 21, 1948.

As an undergraduate, Medford held several positions within the chapter including house manager and chapter historian. The position of house manager was especially rewarding to Medford.

Dr. Medford Shively received the French Medal of Honor in December of 2010.

Since the house was new, he had to learn item in the Temple, Medford volunteered all of the ins and outs of managing the to serve as a District Governor for Phi physical structure. According to Medford, Kappa Theta students at the Kansas “I was able to apply a lot of the business Epsilon Chapter at the University of and accounting concepts Kansas. He was soon I learned in class to promoted to the position running the house. It of Mid-West Province was almost like an President, overseeing internship that I didn’t undergraduate Phi get credit for.” As Kaps at all Midchapter historian, Western colleges and —Dr. Medford Shively universities. “Phi he also feels that he “played a unique role Kappa Theta helped me in documenting the early days of Indiana grow personally and professionally, and as Alpha Alpha.” His early record keeping a province volunteer, I want to ensure the remained with the chapter until its demise. current undergraduate membership has the After graduating in 1949, same positive experience.”

Medford received a Master of Business In December of 2010, Medford was Administration degree from the University awarded the French Medal of Honor, of Denver in 1952 and his Ph.D. from and named by the French Republic as a Western Colorado University in 1973. It Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion of Honor, was also in 1949 that he married Juanita and presented the award by Major General Hansen, his wife of 60 years, and mother Tod Bunting at his local American Legion of their six children.

Post. The National Order of the Legion Professionally, Medford worked for of Honor was established by Napoleon the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the Bonaparte, and recognizes eminent service United States for 17 years before becoming to the Republic of France. The order is the a professor of Business Administration highest decoration in France. at Kansas Wesleyan University. After 11 A resident of Lawrence, Kansas, years as a professor, he moved with his Medford is a member of Corpus Christi family to Topeka to work for the Kansas Catholic Church, a Life Member of the Corporation Commission. After his Indiana University Alumni Association, an retirement as Personnel Director for the Indiana Pioneer, a Fourth Degree Knight Kansas Neurological Institute in 1989, he of Columbus and a Member of American wanted give back to the community.

Legion Post 400. As Medford looks In his spare time, he realized that toward the future of Phi Kappa Theta, he Phi Kappa Theta had chapters at both the sees an increasing need in today’s society University of Kansas and Kansas State. for an organization which fosters values, Since “Phi Kappa Theta had given me discipline, academics and a positive social the foundation of discipline and direction experience. “Phi Kappa Theta is at the root which ultimately helped me succeed of my success, and I hope it will continue professionally in life,” the idea of doing to be the root of success for the young men volunteer work for the fraternity was of the future.” especially appealing. In response to an

“Phi Kappa Theta is at the root of my success.”

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50 Years of Phi Kaps Assembled Conventions (yellow starred) 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001

French Lick, IN French Lick, IN Hamilton, ONT Washington, D.C. Toronto, ONT St. Louis, MO Atlanta, GA New Orleans, LA Cincinnati, OH Champaign-Urbana, IL Chicago, IL Indianapolis, IN New Orleans, LA Kansas City, MO Providence, RI New Orleans, LA Pittsburgh, PA St. Louis, MO San Diego, CA Chicago, IL New Orleans, LA

Leadership Institutes (red starred) 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

Seattle, WA Louisville, KY Indianapolis, IN Columbus, OH Indianapolis, IN

1966 1968 1970 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Bloomington, IN Detroit, MI Memphis, TN Dayton Beach, FL Dayton Beach, FL Bethlehem, PA Ft. Lauderdale, FL Indianapolis, IN Atlanta, GA Indianapolis, IN Houston, TX Cincinnati, OH Washington, D.C. Buffalo, NY Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ St. Louis, MO

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Please send us your photos from past Conventions. They will be used at this years Event.

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Ph1 Kappa Theta Nat1onal Convent1on 2011 / August 4-7 H1lton 1nd1anapol1s Hotel & Su1tes / 1nd1anapol1s, 1N Register now: www.regonline.com/2011nationalconvention Join us in Indianapolis for the 2011 Biennial Convention and have your voice heard!

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Register for Convention from your mobile device or go online to the left.

PKT in 2011

By Dr. Dan Bureau Univ. of New Hampshire, ‘95

I joined Phi Kappa Theta in 1991, and for two decades, I have been a steward of the fraternal movement. Choosing to work with fraternities and sororities can be an exciting and daunting career choice: no other college student population presents as many opportunities and challenges at one time. I was recently recognized for an article I wrote in the Association of Fraternity/ Sorority Advisors Essentials, a monthly online magazine for the Association’s members. The article focused on the concept of relevance and how can fraternities and sororities maintain (and some would say achieve and prove) relevance. I think it’s important that alumni of Phi Kappa Theta understand some of the ways we can be relevant. Therefore, I offer a few words of advice as a fraternity/sorority life advocate, higher education professional and Phi Kappa Theta brother.

Higher Education values diversity; therefore, to be relevant to colleges and universities we must also respect diversity.

Higher education continues to demonstrate how expanding the worldviews of students is a priority. Through increased demographic diversity, emphasizing study abroad, internship programs and service learning and providing high standards of community expectations, colleges and universities are asking students to demonstrate civility and concern toward each other. Fraternities have not been historically viewed as open and welcoming organizations. This has to shift in order for us to be seen as valuable by our host institutions.

I think diversity presents both an opportunity and challenge for Phi Kappa Theta. Our Catholic heritage should be recognized and embraced. For some chapters, it is a powerful niche to help connect students. However, for many campuses, our chapters are not Catholiccentric. We have students who are Methodists, Muslim and atheist all coming together under the guise of our mission. It is also my perspective that religion may be one of the most segregated aspects of our society; therefore, by nature of our heritage, we may also be restricting our expansion of racial and ethnic diversity. Finally, as Tim

Clark and Anita Kerlin write in “It Gets Better”, students are dealing with issues of sexual orientation. Some will say that our religious heritage conflicts with nonheterosexual orientation; however, I believe that supporting our members regardless of their orientation and not discriminating based on one’s identity as common sense in 2011. These issues of inclusion, increased demographic diversity and promoting intercultural and global competence must be attended to in order for the fraternity to be relevant to higher education.

Collaboration is pivotal to our success; therefore, campus fraternity/ sorority life professionals, fraternity headquarters, alumni and even important stakeholders such as parents need to work closely with undergraduate members to ensure our valued part of college and university campuses. As a campus fraternity/sorority life advisor, I valued opportunities to work with alumni in particular. I know that all my colleagues are not as in tune with creating these partnerships, and I challenge them to prioritize these relationships. That said, maybe each Alumni Board or Housing Corporation President should extend the olive branch. I often get the impression alumni hold on to a sense that university administration is “out to get them” and the students are not getting a fair deal. In some cases you may be right, but let’s be the adults and challenge our students to really examine responsibility. Let’s commit to open and honest relationships with our higher education partners. Such collaboration may increase perceptions we are complementary, not antagonistic, to higher education goals.

We are most relevant when we fill our distinct role; therefore, we should be mission and values oriented at all times.

When fraternities (and sororities) were first founded, there were not that many things for students, particularly those who lived on campus, to do. Today, the world is so different. I can be a member of religious, honorary, musical, ethnic, political and service organizations. I can find meaning in spending time speaking on Skype to my

friends at other campuses. I can kill a few hours on Facebook or Twitter and feel a distinct connection with people I have never met. I might also need to work to afford school, so my time outside of class and studying is spent working at the local Gap versus hanging out at the house. Therefore, fraternities must understand the role they have on campus and the role they play in the lives of each member. Fraternities foster deep connections grounded in shared goals, which are highlighted in their rituals and ceremonies. They hold up missions and values that espouse high ideals. This is what we need to do better than anything!

I love Phi Kappa Theta’s ritual. It is deeply meaningful when done right. Our mission and values are certainly tenets our members can and should support. We have worked hard at the Executive Offices and Board of Trustees level to steward a strategic plan that positions us as relevant: “Phi Kappa Theta actively develops men to be effective leaders who passionately serve society, Fraternity and God” and our strategic objectives of leadership, intellectual, fraternal, social, and spiritual reflect goals that are likely welcomed by any higher education community. If we focus on a well-rounded approach for each of these goals, of course tailored to the specific culture of each chapter, then we may prove we are contributing and valued parts of our campus community.

We have work to do! There’s a lot of things we have to continue doing: provide leadership training, support the academic goals of members and offer opportunities to interact socially with others. However, we must also recognize our responsibility to contribute to the goals of higher education, specifically valuing diversity, working toward shared goals and demonstrating our niche of being values-centered organizations. Our Executive Offices are committed to these goals. I hope the students and alumni who stand committed to the ideals of the Fraternity will also increase their commitment to realizing the goals of the college and university campuses on which we exist.

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PKT in 2011

A Southern Revival

With spring comes a promise of renewal and new growth. As such, a great movement has been taking place in our southeast region of the country that promises a bright future for our fraternity.

We are proud of the two established collegiate chapters that are growing and thriving at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Gamma Tau) and the University of Georgia (Georgia Delta Rho). With the recent colonization of Georgia Southern University, we proudly welcome our newest collegiate expansion to the Phi Kappa Theta Family.

When we talk about our fraternity growth, we naturally think of the growth of the collegiate chapters. However, in addition to steady activity at the collegiate level, there has been active growth of the alumni chapters over the last few years. Our recently established alumni association is an example of that growth.

Phi Kappa Theta has nearly thirty-five thousand alumni throughout the country.

For many of us, being ‘active’ in Phi Kappa Theta ended when we graduated from our respective colleges. However,

we are seeing a healthy resurgence of alumni who are starting to remember that our Brotherhood is a lifelong journey, one that continues beyond graduation. For this reason, Phi Kappa Theta has started to provide the support of new alumni activity. Alumni associations are starting to sprout up around the country, including right here in the South. The Delta Rho Alumni Association was formed just two short years ago and has been steadily reengaging our alumni back with Phi Kappa Theta.

Since the early founding of Georgia Delta Rho, there has been the presence of a housing corporate board. When Delta Rho alumni initially met to discuss the establishment of an association, there was a lot of discussion about separating ourselves from our housing corporate board. We realized that the role of the housing corporate board should solely focus on the management of the physical property.

We recognized that there was an essential need for a separate entity that provided alumni the opportunity to be involved in the development of the collegiate chapter and its members. With this understanding, we established the alumni association with a simple mission: to keep alumni brothers active in the fraternity by providing an outlet to reconnect with their peers and

By Justin Moseley University of Georgia, ‘06

“We established the Alumni Association with a simple mission: to keep alumni Brothers active in the Fraternity.”

—Justin Moseley

support the collegiate chapter through mentorship, networking and monetary support.

One of our priorities during the formation of the alumni association was to ensure each entity remained connected with each other in order to provide mutual benefit for all invested parties. This was achieved by placing the presidents of the association, housing corp and collegiate chapter on the boards of each of the three entities. This allows open communication between all of our groups allowing us to remain intertwined as each entity focuses on our collective future.

The alumni association held its first event this past fall in Athens, GA. The association sponsored event coincided with our Homecoming game against Vanderbilt University. The event was a great success, drawing many alumni to return and engaged with both collegiate and fellow alumni for the first time in many years.

We even had an alumnus who flew in from New York for the event!

Moving forward, our focus will be on connecting with more alumni. One of our strategies to grow our alumni involvement will be to expand beyond Georgia Delta Rho alumni. This summer we will be coordinating efforts to host an Atlanta Area reception. Recognizing that we are a national fraternity, we understand our role in creating a Phi Kappa Theta community for those brothers now living around Atlanta, GA. The event is currently scheduled for June 11 from 5-8pm. More information about the event will be coming soon on the www.phikaps.org website.

Are you interested in establishing a Phi Kappa Theta community in your geographic area? Visit Phi Kappa Theta’s website at www.phikaps.org and click on the (iServe) Network link off the homepage or email us at executiveoffices@ phikaps.org.

Top Left: Sign outside Delta Rho house.

Left: Alumni members attend chapter event.

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Expanding PKT in 2011

By Gretchen Stahl Assistant Director of Member Development 2011 has already proved eventful for Phi Kappa Theta in terms of expansion as the organization continues to add new colonies and install new chapters. In addition to the Massachusetts Zeta colony at Bridgewater State which in its first semester of being a colony boasted the highest GPA on campus, the most recent addition is the Georgia Lambda Chi colony at Georgia Southern University.

They have begun recruiting on campus this semester and are eager to join the Phi Kappa Theta family. Both colonies have been working hard to set themselves up for success both in programming and operations, and Phi Kappa Theta can expect great things from both of these new groups. In addition, the voting delegates of Phi Kappa Theta have recently voted to re-install Louisiana Omicron at The University of Louisiana-Lafayette and they will celebrate receiving their charter in May of 2011. The petition for Pennsylvania Iota at Temple University is currently being voted on as well.

Finally, Phi Kappa Theta was able to celebrate the installation of South Dakota Alpha Xi at the University of South Dakota during early 2011. On February 25th staff members Gretchen Stahl and Anita Kerlin, and National Vice-President Nathan Rues (Missouri S&T, ‘01), made the trip to Vermillion, South Dakota to celebrate the hard work of the men involved in

the chapter. The men initiated 7 new members the morning of the 25th with the assistance of chapter members from Iowa Xi at Iowa State University. Following initiation, the chapter celebrated with a banquet in the newly renovated Al Nueharth media center on campus.

The chapter and their guests enjoyed a lunch before the program began.

Speakers included the Student Body President, former colony Presidents Bryan Palmer (South Dakota, ‘10), and Matt Adamson (South Dakota, ‘09), current President Alex Johnson (South Dakota, ‘13), Gretchen Stahl and Nathan Rues. In addition, the current executive board officers were officially sworn in, and the chapter was presented with its charter, chapter gavel and set of Ritual books.

The chapter had an excellent showing of campus representatives, parents and friends here to celebrate their hard work. President Alex Johnson said of the weekend “It felt so great to finally be initiated into Phi Kappa Theta and see the culmination of our hard work. Celebrating with parents,

“It felt so great to finally be initiated into Phi Kappa Theta and see the culmination of our hard work.”

—Alex Johnson

friends, staff and guests was a great way to begin our time as an official chapter.”

Below Top: National Vice President Nathan Rues (Missouri S&T, ‘01) photographed with Alpha Xi’s Chapter President, Alex Johnson, and the Alpha Xi chapters’ charter.

Below Middle: Members of the newly installed Alpha Xi chapter of Phi Kappa Theta holding up their Charter.

Below: Members of the newly installed Alpha Xi chapter of Phi Kappa Theta with the Brothers of Iowa State University

SPRING 2011

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PKT in 2011

Regional Recap

In 2010, the national fraternity did a restructuring of its educational programming which most heavily impacted the Presidents Academy and regional meetings. In previous years, Provinces would host their own meetings in January and February at a chapter facility with little assistance or support at a National level.

The national fraternity would typically host a Presidents Academy in early January where all newly elected Presidents would be trained in areas that would benefit them in their roles.

In an effort to provide more effective and beneficial training to more collegiate members, this January the Executive Offices planned and implemented four regional leadership conferences in various locations across the country.

Each regional leadership conference boasted the same training, only with a different facilitation team and a different group of chapter members. We made the move from chapter houses and hotels to camp sites where brothers stayed in lodges with bunk beds and enjoyed time away from campus and the reminders of life’s stressors. There were two educational tracks provided, one for presidents and one for the other collegiate attendees.

Presidents spent time on Friday identifying their leadership style and how that can impact their time as president. In the survey responses, one president noted “I have learned new ways to improve my style of leadership in order to carry the

fraternity forward in a positive direction.” the stereotypes of Greek life.” Brothers In addition, they learned delegation also engaged in deep and meaningful techniques, discussed the importance one on one discussions revolving around of fostering younger leaders and tactics topics relating to spirituality, morality to do so, as well as how to effectively and their personal beliefs. The feedback communicate with all from this activity the stakeholders in their was overwhelmingly chapter and maintain positive both onsite and strong relationships with after the conference others. Another president was over. One brother noted in his feedback, noted, “I liked being “Delegation has been an able to talk to different issue for us in the past brothers about their and it was reassuring beliefs and morals. The for us to find out how spiritual discussion to delegate and that it questions made me is essential to being reflect and relate to the happy and successful other brothers well.” as president and not At a different regional, burning yourself out.” a brother shared that The other even though he spoke members in attendance with a majority of his engaged in some very own chapter brothers, —Regional Attendee he still learned so many serious discussions revolving around Greek things about them that stereotypes and how they could help he didn’t know that greatly impacted him alter how the world views Greeks. One and would likely positively impact their brother noted in his survey, “I liked how relationships. we discussed what we can do to actually There were some vital pieces of improve and hopefully completely change education where all attendees participated

Top Right: Attendees solving problems.

Below: Attendees make plans on how to foster leaders.

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SPRING 2011

By Anita Kerlin Director of Member Development

“I liked being able to talk to different brothers about their beliefs and morals. The spiritual discussion questions made me reflect and relate to the other brothers well.”

East Central Regional Conference Attendees

together on Saturday. In an effort to ensure that we provided some programming in each of the five developmental areas, there was a Survival Challenge on Saturday morning where attendees were broken up into teams and asked questions about survival in four categories and included two team challenges. This served —Regional as an entertaining and engaging way for the attendees to learn more about wilderness survival and served as their Intellectual Development programming. Saturday afternoon led the group into discussions about their values, the values of Phi Kappa Theta and discussions about how in alignment we are with those values.

Participants reviewed news articles and discussed how those activities reflected on the values that we share. There were also significant discussions surrounding alcohol and drug abuse as well as the Bystander Effect and accountability.

On Saturday evening, members had an opportunity to select topics for roundtable discussions where members could openly share ideas and discuss concerns about topics ranging from recruitment to risk management. The topics that were selected varied at each location and conversations lasted up to two hours.

One attendee noted, “It was very open for all members to discuss their experiences within their chapters and to learn how different chapters handle or do things that are successful.”

Overall, more than 140 collegiate members and 10 different facilitators

attended the four regional leadership conferences this January. This number is an increase from last year’s January programming where 46 collegiate members attending in Dayton, Ohio, and in January of 2009 only 27 members received training at this level. Based on survey feedback completed by attendees Attendee conference at each of the regional leadership conferences, the feedback was extremely positive. The programming presented and the way it was presented positively impacted our members personally and in their roles in Phi Kappa Theta. One attended said, “Having staff and experienced alumni there was a big plus! It was nice to have immediate answers to anything you wanted to know about the fraternity! I feel that I really had an advantage being at this conference.” Another attendee said that “This conference is one of the highlights of his Phi Kappa Theta experience.”

Almost all of our chapters were able to send representatives to a regional leadership conference and we will work hard to continue to enable our chapters to participate in these opportunities in the

“I really had an advantage being at this conference.”

future. Looking to 2012, the structure of the regional leadership conferences will remain the same but the education will change to accommodate those who wish to attend for a second year in a row. Dates and locations for the 2012 conferences will be announced at Convention this summer.

BY THE #’s 140: Number of regional attendees 18: Number of educational sessions 13: Total inches of snowfall 12: Number of attendees who flew to attend a Regional 10: Number of accreditation requirements/programs provided

Below: Attendees burning bad traditions.

Bottom Right: Attendees working through wilderness activities.

Right: Eastern Regional Conference Attendees

SPRING 2011

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PKT in 2011

Leadership in Action

Phi Kappa Theta president Nathan Nguyen (George Mason, ‘11) of the Virginia Gamma Mu chapter at George Mason University has been volunteering at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, DC since the fall of 2010. While juggling a full course load and finishing up his senior year at George Mason University, the 21-year old has been an active volunteer tour guide at the monastery. Nathan, an Information Technology major, leads guided tours of the monastery on a weekly basis.

In addition to serving as president of Phi Kappa Theta and volunteering at the monastery, Nathan is an active member of the Vietnamese Student Association.

He has also participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, which raises money for cancer research. He’s also involved with the Children’s Miracle Network, an organization that raises money for children’s hospitals.

“The first time I gave a tour I found it a bit nerve-racking and yet rewarding.

It’s great giving information to visitors who clearly enjoyed the experience,” says Nathan as he recounts his first experience as a tour guide.

A native of Ashburn, VA, Nathan felt at home when he visited George Mason

University (GMU) during his college searches. He chose GMU for its excellent academic reputation and strong Information Technology program. It was also close to his home and his major was offered there.

Nathan, a Phi Kappa Theta member since his freshman year in 2007, was first drawn to the fraternity because of its strong moral and social values. As his senior year approached, his fellow brothers looked to him to spearhead the fraternity. With his positive personality, likeable demeanor and strong leadership skills, Nathan embodied the type of leader Phi Kappa Theta was in need of.

Nathan chose Phi Kappa Theta because “it had the right group of guys” with whom he really enjoyed spending time. He was also attracted to the Catholic heritage of Phi Kappa Theta and its emphasis on Spiritual Development, Intellectual Development, Social Development and Fraternal Development.

He was inducted in fall 2007 in the Tau class with 12 other pledge brothers. The ideals of Phi Kappa Theta and its wide diversity taught Nathan how he can better himself as a person, learning how to take a vision and get others in his organization to implement that vision. Nathan states, “Phi Kappa Theta has called me to make positive connections with my brothers for years to come. The experience I’ve acquired from Phi Kappa Theta will give me the social and leadership tools

SPRING 2011

Brother Volunteerism Stems from Fraternity Commitment

By John Sebastian George Mason, ‘00 that I can use for the rest of my life, thus strengthening my leadership skills.” He expects to graduate in fall 2011 and plans to work at an IT security company utilizing the skills he has gained from his college experience. Nathan’s future plans are to enjoy life and move to San Diego.

Nathan’s continued involvement with the monastery is a testament to his strong leadership skills which he will carry on into the next stage of his life. His time at the monastery follows in Phi Kappa Theta’s mission of developing men to be effective leaders who passionately serve society, fraternity and God. The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land and Phi Kappa Theta share a long history together, dating back to 2000. I then began my post as Secretariat of the Franciscan Monastery and was also selected to join the fraternity. My involvement with the fraternity helped strengthen the two organizations’ relationship. It is my hope that Nathan’s current brothers will follow in his footsteps and continue to volunteer at the Franciscan Monastery.

“Phi Kappa Theta has called me to make positive connections with my Brothers for years to come.”

—Nathan Nguyen

Left: Brother John Sebastian (George Mason, ‘00) giving Nathan Nguyen (George Mason, ‘11) a leadership certificate.

Below Left: Nathan Nguyen gives a tour.

Below: Induction Ceremony in Dec. 2010.

Giving Back, Yet Receiving So Much More

The True Meaning of Giving in Action

Waking up on December 19th, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. seemed terrible because I knew I could have gotten a few more hours of sleep. Thinking of that now, I would have regretted if I hadn’t woken up because of what I learned and experienced that day.

Entering the My Brother’s Keeper facility we were immediately given the jumpers position. The jumpers would be given the tickets, which contained a number which helped categorize the 2,400 families who were waiting to receive gifts for their children because they didn’t have the money to do so. It also contained the number of bags that was going to the family and whether they were getting ham or turkey. Once we received the tickets we would go digging through thousands of black bags to find the bags we needed to have them delivered to the families on time.

While searching, I stopped and spoke to someone who had been doing this and had been a part of this company for five years. What he told me stuck with me, “I think to myself every year and realize that we all have problems but there are people in this world, people in your backyard, people in your neighborhood, who have it worse off than you do. I think to myself and thank goodness for all I have… There are people in this world who can’t afford gifts for their children. Do you know how it would feel not being able to give your children who are excited to see what Santa got them in the morning have nothing underneath the Christmas tree because they couldn’t afford it?”

Once he had walked away, I stood there and absorbed all of it and it hit me like a gust of wind ready to blow me away.

powerful. I took away to always be grateful for everything I have, to give to those who can’t give to themselves as well as the ones they love.

Everything I took away from that day goes hand in hand with our Fraternity’s Motto, “Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof.” Which is what we did today, we gave but never expected to receive any reward for doing so. But, as I think about it, we did receive something, the gift of knowing to be grateful for all that God has blessed us with. We received the gift of humbleness, and we received love and joy from those whom we impacted today.

I’m truly blessed and humbled to go through that experience and also glad to have shared it with my brothers of Phi Kappa Theta. I know it was something that we will all remember for our entire lives.

Always give thanks for all you are blessed with in your life.

By John Rodriguez Bridgewater State, ‘12

I was moved by this place and what people do to help one another.

So then we were asked if we wanted to go on the road to deliver the gifts and we jumped at the question. We packed a white van full of bags for 4 different families in the neighboring town of Brockton. Brockton is known for its poverty and violence, and I was interested to see firsthand how it was to actually deliver these gifts to the families.

Matthew Foss (Bridgewater State, ‘12), Dylan Shirley (Bridgewater State, ‘13) and I got on the van with a volunteer and we were off to our first stop. When we arrived to the home, I grabbed a bag and we entered the building. The woman immediately smiled and looked so happy to see that there are good people in this world. She invited us inside. I looked around and there was nothing. No furniture, just the bare minimum consisting of a fridge, stove, and table. The room was cold and we had handed her the two bags, the ham and gift card and she looked at each of us and said, “Thank you so much! You have no idea what this means to us. God bless.”

Before I drove home, I sat in my car and closed my eyes and thought of how happy and grateful I am for my family and all I have, and I think my brothers felt the same way. I took so much from this experience. I took away that we can’t be selfish because giving a few hours of your time to make someone’s day special is so

“We did receive something; the gift of knowing to be grateful for all that God has blessed us with.”

—John Rodriguez

Please help by donating to My Brothers Keeper: www.mybrotherskeeper.org/ View more from the Massachussets Zeta Chapter here: bsuphikaps.wordpress.com/ Below Right: Executive Council Members Matthew Foss, John Rodriguez and Dylan Shirley take a picture while taking a break after being hard at work.

Matthew Foss, (Bridgewater State, ‘14) digs through gifts to find the correct bag.

SPRING 2011

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PKT in 2011

It Gets Better

Shining Light on Social Justice and Human Dignity

This article is written as a dialogue between Tim Clark, Anita Kerlin, and Father Owen Mullen. In reality, it was a string of emails exchanged between the three that was turned into an article to reflect the importance of love and tolerance in society.

friend Matt asking me to “step into his office” which was the bus bathroom. It was then that he told me he was gay and I was the first and only person that knew.

When I asked him why he told me he said, and I’ll never forget these words, “I know you won’t judge me. I know you won’t treat me differently and I know you’ll still love me as a friend like you always have since 4th grade.” I watched him and another friend play straight all through high school. Matt was better at it than my other friend Ryan and he was harassed all the time for being gay. All those hideous slang words thrown at him down the hall, the jocks threatened to beat him up all the time, I knew it was rough on his self esteem.

My best friend growing up was a hardcore Christian and I went to church with her on occasion because I was not raised in a spiritual or religious environment.

At her church they told us that God loved everybody, even the non believers.

However, they also told us that being gay was wrong. This is where I become confused. If God loves everybody, doesn’t that include gay people?

Tim Clark The worst bullying used over many generations comes from those who wish to use the bible or religion

as a defense for their actions or beliefs.

Slavery, segregation, anti-Semitism and homophobia have all been defended by many, pointing to specific literally interpreted biblical or religious writings.

We must continue to move our social thinking forward guided by the principle that we should endeavor to never inflict pain upon our fellow brethren.

Tim Clark During our regional leadership conferences this January, I was privy to a debate amongst my collegiate brothers. It centered upon the use of such expressions as “that’s so gay” or “you fag” etc. I was astonished that the vast number of collegiate members took the position that such word usage was not acceptable because regardless of the intent-- hurt would be inflicted. As an older gay brother I wince every time I hear such expressions because it is a form of bullying--passive or otherwise intended. Bullying is nothing more than aggression and victimization where some jockey to improve their social status at the expense of others.

When I was a collegiate member, my chapter held open discussions on what we would do to remove a brother if he were gay. Out of fear, cowardice and weakness, I joined in these conversations with great vigor. The pain that I felt those many years ago drove me to attempt suicide with a .22 caliber revolver. Obviously I’m still here.

We must take better care of each other if we wish to retain our humanity.

Anita Kerlin Wow Tim! I had no idea. When I was in high school I was always the girl that the guys came out to. I’ll never forget being on a choir trip to Canada and my

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SPRING 2011

By Tim Clark (Iowa, ‘93) and Anita Kerlin, Director of Member Development Additional Input from Father Owen J. Mullen (USD, ‘A)

“We must continue to move our social thinking forward guided by the principal that we should endeavor to never inflict pain upon our fellow brethren.”

—Tim Clark

Anita Kerlin I think just because somebody doesn’t agree with the lifestyle that you live doesn’t give them the right to bully you. What happened to tolerance? We don’t have to accept or agree with how others live, but you should tolerate it. I wonder what Father Mullen would think about all of this.

Father Mullen The Roman Catholic Church has never discriminated against gays and lesbians. The policy has always been - being gay or lesbian is a sexual orientation and it should NEVER be discriminated against. As you probably know - extra-marital sex (in the Catholic Church) is frowned upon between all non-married people. It is supposed to be

Below: One of a number of discussions at regional conferences that touched upon various Phi Kappa Theta topics.

between two married people. This policy is the same for gays. It is the gay sex life that is frowned upon as it is for nonmarried heterosexuals.

I have been around high school and college athletics for 45 years. In my years in high school athletics (1964-1979) there were strong feelings against homosexuality at that time. There were negative comments made often. It bothered me then very much but we did little or nothing to stop it.

However, in the past 20 years, I feel that all that anger has dissipated and frankly it is not discussed in or outside the locker room. When homosexuality is mentioned even in normal conversation someone will usually say - “I have a friend who is gay and he is “cool.”

I have been a chapter advisor for many years in Phi Kappa Theta. I know that there have been brothers who are gay.

Not one brother speaks about it and when it was known before initiation, no one objected.

Catholics and other Christians use the New Testament of the Bible as a guide for life. Simply, we use Christ as our mentor and use Him as an example of how we should be living our life. Throughout the New Testament, Christ tells us that we are all one Body - one Body in Christ. That

In September 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better.

Two months later, the It Gets Better Project (TM) has turned into a worldwide movement, inspiring over 10,000 user-created videos viewed over 35 million times.

would include ALL peoples regardless of race, creed, religion and, I would think - sexual orientation. Therefore, anyone or any group that discriminates is not following our Christian thinking. Christ gave us an example in the way He picked His apostles and disciples.

The twelve that He picked were simple people fishermen, tax collectors, one who was a politician and even a coward.

He became a huge historical and religious figure because He firmly believed that ALL people are worthy of His love.

anger and fear and not enough love or understanding. Love is so hard, and hate seems to be so clean and easy in our larger society. Deep in the hearts of so many people there is an emptiness that nothing of this world can fill; an emptiness which makes it impossible for them to love. But if we open our hearts to God’s love, it fills that emptiness. “In the evening of our lives, the only question that will matter is, ‘Have we loved enough?’”

(St. Matthew’s Gospel). That’s the message and it hasn’t changed in over twothousand years. What has changed over the past few decades is our larger human community, and I observed that outcome at the PKT regional conferences. Our young men today embrace a broader and deeper definition of brotherhood; one that believes that a moral absolute exists that all should be approached with respect regardless of our differences. They exemplify what I believe has been happening all along—that things really were getting better.

“In the evening of our lives, the only question that will matter is, ‘Have we loved enough?’”

(St. Matthew’s Gospel).”

—Tim Clark

Anita Kerlin A perfect example of tolerance and loving everybody. We should be doing the same – showing love and compassion to everybody and not harassing them (in front or behind their back) because they are different or because they live their lives in a way we don’t agree with. Who are we to judge others?

Tim Clark It occurs to me that the world has become such a frightening place—so much

IT GETS BETTER P R O J E C T

TM

IT GETS BETTER . ORG SPRING 2011

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PKT in 2011

Our Fraternal Network

A Myth or Our Reality?

I still remember the day I first learned about Phi Kappa Theta. It was a bright Tuesday afternoon in September of ‘98; I had just gotten back to my dorm from soccer practice. I walked into my room to find a pile of ‘rush calendars’ that had been slipped under my door. On top, was a bright orange ‘Rush Ski Lodge’ calendar, informing me that the chapter was hosting a barbeque and volleyball event that afternoon. After cleaning up, my roommate and I headed to 107 Sunset Terrace to learn a little more about ‘Ski Lodge’ and of course, enjoy some noncafeteria food.

Upon our arrival, I was greeted by several members and immediately offered a tour of the chapter house. As I listened to the well-rehearsed tour, I quickly learned about the benefits of becoming a brother at Ski Lodge; a strong sense of brotherhood, lower cost of living than the dorms, an opportunity to become a leader and a strong network of brothers throughout the country. Within the first year of becoming a brother, almost all of these benefits had been proven. However, twelve years later I am still waiting for that last one to become a reality.

I would be willing to bet that almost every brother was told that Phi Kappa Theta offers a strong network of brothers throughout the country. How much of a reality is that statement for you personally? Think of all of the brothers you’ve remained in contact with since graduation. How many are outside of your own pledge class? How many are brothers who graduated outside of the timeframe you attended chapter? How many of them are brothers from chapters other than your own? How big is your Fraternal Network?

Phi Kappa Theta’s Fraternal Network in 2011 is not what we envisioned when we established our desired End State for Fraternal Development.

Phi Kappa Theta maintains it relevance through a valuable network of

collegiate and alumni members.

-Fraternal Development, Our Vision

as a potential next step to establishing a true entrepreneurial network of alumni.

Brother Mitchellette has been working with entrepreneurs nearly his entire career and brings a well of knowledge and experience to the table.

Brother Zuckerman’s idea of establishing an entrepreneurial network is just an example of how we could be leveraging our greatest asset, the knowledge, resources and experiences of our 35,000+ alumni. The establishment of this entrepreneurial network is just the beginning; we look forward to hearing from more of our alumni with ideas that will help us establish a truly valuable network of collegiate and alumni members.

Think about those brothers who are still on your list from above, if there even are any left. How many of them would you identify as part of your valuable network?

For many of us, our network consists of one or two pledge brothers and if we’re lucky, maybe we find out a co-worker is also a Phi Kap from another chapter.

Knowing that this is our current reality, Phi Kappa Theta recognizes that our members are our most effective resource.

Through leveraging your ideas, interests and experience, we will be able to successfully determine the best strategies for establishing a truly valuable network.

One alumnus, Michael Zuckerman (Carnegie-Mellon, ’07) has already shared an idea to strengthen our network; establish an opportunity for Phi Kappa Theta business owners and entrepreneurs to collaborate with each other to strengthen their businesses. “After starting my own company, I realized that having a network of other Phi Kap entrepreneurs and business owners to help mentor the process would have been extremely valuable” said Zuckerman. “With the support of such a network, we would have been able to establish Atechs (his company) much more effectively and would have been able to avoid some of the mistakes along the way.”

This concept of an entrepreneurial network has already started to develop organically within a sub-group under Phi Kappa Theta’s professional network on LinkedIn. Brother Zuckerman, along with alumnus, Ron (RJ) Mitchellette (Missouri/ Colombia, ’58) continue to discuss the concepts of establishing a Virtual Incubator

“Phi Kappa Theta recognizes that our members are our most effective resource.”

—Robert Riggs

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SPRING 2011

By Robert Riggs RPI, ‘02

If you have an idea for growing our valuable network, contact us at executiveoffices@ phikaps.org Learn more about Michael at www.mikezuck. com/ or www.atechs.com/ For more information on Brother Mitchellette visit www.newventurecoach.org/ Join Phi Kappa Theta’s Professional Network at: http://www.linkedin.com/ groups?mostPopular=&gid=57197 Join Phi Kappa Theta’s Entrepreneurial Network at: http://www.linkedin.com/ groups?mostPopular=&gid=2124999 Participate in the Virtual Incubator Survey at virtualincubator.questionpro.com

Continuing Education Opportunity Monthly Online Roundtable Discussions with Phi Kappa Theta Topics for virtual roundtables: April 20th -

Personal Finances

May 18th -

Accreditation

June 15th -

Navigating Convention

July 20th -

Recruitment

To register please visit http://phikaps.org/news-events/

Protecting Our Values.

Supporting Our Programming.

Providing Quality Products.

Visit GreekLicensing.com to find Greek Licensed Vendors.

On the third Wednesday of each month from 8-9PM EST Phi Kappa Theta will host an online roundtable where collegiate and alumni members are invited to gather to discuss and learn about varying topics.

Discussion topics will rotate throughout the year based on requests from our members and needs based on important happenings in the organization.

Contact Anita Kerlin, Director of Member Development at anita@phikaps.org with questions or topic suggestions.

DON’T FORGET! Chapter Accreditation 2010-2011 must be completed by 11:59pm on May 31.

When you purchase from a licensed vendor, you are supporting efforts in protecting the values and identity of Phi Kappa Theta.

Login now at: http://phikaps.org/our-mission/

Licensed vendors assure a quality product at a competitive Price — with a portion of the proceeds directly benefiting the programming and guidance offered by Phi Kappa Theta.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognized at the National Convention in August. Register for Convention on page 8.

Look for the Official Licensed Product Logo and feel confident that your chapter, brother and legacy will be receiving the best of the best.

SPRING 2011

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Back to the Future

Alumnus Goes Back to His Roots to Help Re-Colonize His Chapter

By Gene Ney Slippery Rock, ‘90 As a young boy growing up in post World War II Chicago, Don Ramey (University of Illinois, ‘63) was your typical south side Irish kid. The product of a hard working Irish Catholic family and the neighborhood Catholic schools, Don grew up with a strong sense of God, family and country. After high school graduation, Don applied for and was accepted at the University of Illinois. Like many freshmen in college, being away from home, friends and familiar surrounding for the first time was a new concept. In an attempt to meet new people and to become involved on campus, Don attended a rush event sponsored by the Theta Kappa Phi Fraternity on campus which ultimately led to him pledging in the fall of 1958.

The Theta’s at Illinois numbered at about 30, and their house was small. Little did Don know that fall that he would be among the final group of men to pledge Theta Kappa Phi, for it would be on April 29 of 1959 that Theta Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Fraternities would merge to form Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. What was unusual about the University of Illinois was that it was home to both a Theta Kappa Phi chapter and a Phi Kappa chapter. The fact that both chapters were represented on campus and the effects of the merger had a “unique and positive impact” on Don. According to Don, “the Theta’s tended to be a smaller organization, more involved in academics, and less popular. The Phi Kaps on the other had had a much larger house, more social events and were more athletically inclined.” In his words, the merger between the two fraternities “posed no problems or disagreements; everything came together smoothly.”

With the merger of the two fraternities, combined active membership rose to over 70, and Don found himself being called to serve the chapter in a variety of roles. He served as rush chairman for two years, social chairman

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SPRING 2011

for a year, and then as the chapter president in 1960. In his words, “the chapter was a very close knit group of Catholic guys from all sorts of backgrounds.

Perhaps that chemistry was what made the merger at Illinois so successful.”

After he graduated, Proud father Don Ramey at his daughter Anne’s wedding in November of Don worked 2009. for US Steel at its Gary, Indiana works. He decided to pursue embarked on an aggressive project to education beyond his undergraduate degree re-colonize their chapter at the University and attended DePaul University where he of Illinois which closed a number of years earned his Master’s degree. In 1971, he ago due to deteriorated chapter conditions. was awarded a Ph.D. degree in economics Currently, there are over 500 alumni from from Washington State University. Aside the Illinois chapter who have committed from working for a short period of time in one way or another to assist with the for the Pacific Northwest division of Bell re-colonization effort. It is the goal of Don Telephone, Don spent and the core group of most of his career alumni spearheading teaching at DePaul, this project to have a Puget Sound University re-chartered chapter at and the University of the University of Illinois Washington. within three years.

While teaching When not doing at the University of volunteer work for the Washington, Don fraternity, Don lives became the chapter with his wife in the state advisor for the Phi of Washington where he Kappa Theta chapter enjoys sailing. He and on that campus, and his wife just recently in retirement, still celebrated the birth of maintains active their grand daughter involvement as an in Scottsdale, Arizona. advisor. According Don sees “Phi Kappa to Don, the main Theta as giving a sense differences between of direction and stability undergraduates today for young men in from back when he college,” and “attributes was in school are that the fraternity for his “students are more focused on academics determination to stay in school and his and jobs today. With technology, the success in life.” degree of social interaction and closeness has been sacrificed for things like text messaging and face book.”

Aside from his work with the University of Washington chapter, Don, along with some other alumni, have

“The chapter was a very close knit group of Catholic guys from all sorts of backgrounds.

Perhaps that chemistry was what made the merger at Illinois so successful.”

—Don Ramey

Phi Kaps Cares

From Outcasts to Role Models

By Stephen Lee Lewis University, ‘10 This article is the first installment of the “Philanthropy Kaps Care” series.

The purpose of this section is to spotlight Phi Kaps who have created their own ripple effect of good in the surrounding community and beyond.

Here’s the scenario. It is the summer of 2009. You and your brothers have travelled across multiple states to attend the Phi Kappa Theta National Convention.

This event has been on your calendar for months, and your group has spent a considerable amount of time and money to attend. It is a joyous occasion, as hundreds of your closest brothers from all over the nation have gathered to settle some business and celebrate the school year that was.

Yeah, it wasn’t the most productive year for your chapter, but there is still hope that your boys will be going home with some hardware. Then suddenly, you hear the news… Due to your chapter’s significant struggles, you’re group is now facing a Show-Cause Hearing with the board of trustees. During this hearing, you must prove to the board members that your chapter is willing to work to maintain your charter and be recognized as a chapter of the fraternity. The result: you have maintained your chapter’s charter, but have been placed on colony status, the proverbial smack in the jaw.

Still woozy, you step outside to catch your breath. The phone in your pocket is silent, for now. But just wait until the brothers back home catch wind of this…

If you are a member of Missouri Kappa Kappa at St. Louis University, then we are talking about you.

“The Chapter had really lost sight of Phi Kappa Theta’s mission.” Kevin Lampe, National President, explains. “By placing the chapter on colony status, we gave them the sense of urgency that was needed to let them know that they had to quickly align their culture with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. We gave them a period of

one year to rebuild their foundation” The brothers knew they had to make intense changes in order to survive. “At first, the news was devastating”, explains Donovan Stabler, a sophomore at the time.

“However, as I sit here talking to you today, it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to us.”

The colony swiftly elected a new president, Joseph Anderson, and charged him with the daunting task of turning around the ailing group. Next, the executive board was completely restructured, and six newly appointed “advisors” were sworn in.

With new blood in leadership roles, the brothers took on the arduous task of tackling $8,000 in debt that had been looming over the local fraternity for quite some time. The red ink came as a direct result of the chapter’s overly large emphasis placed on social programming.

“We had to buckle down and cut our social budget, Anderson explained. “Little by little, we gradually paid off the debt.”

With the financial situation stabilized, the brothers soon negotiated a lease for a new fraternity house, a first in the chapter’s storied history (which dates back to 1985).

This was done in spite of all the turmoil that had penetrated the group. Many saw this as a huge gamble, but the brothers saw it as determination.

Soon, the group found themselves firing on all cylinders.

The group’s executive board established six new developmental workshops for the brothers, effectively changing the culture of Missouri Kappa Kappa.

Next, the focus turned to Philanthropy, something that seemed to be lacking in years prior.

The colony orchestrated a highly

PHILANTHROPY KAPS CARE OKO

successful Movember campaign to raise awareness for men’s health, after reaching out to five other fraternities, plus the men’s soccer team. Momentum was building.

The fraternity volunteered at a local halfway house and eventually created a program aimed at building confidence for the less fortunate.

They also held a Father-Son Golf Tournament which raised substantial funds for Children’s Miracle Network.

Soon, the brothers began to take on community service projects individually, on their own time.

Andrew Taetz, the previous Vice President (Social) and current senior, donated his entire summer in Thailand to help teach English to underprivileged children. Nick Isom, the group’s current Vice President (Intellectual), recently spent a week in Honduras helping malnourished children.

Zach Zipperer, the current President, gives his Saturdays coaching children’s basketball in downtown St. Louis.

In just a short time, these young men went from outcasts to role models, simply by living the humble motto of Phi Kappa Theta. They took a crisis and converted it into an opportunity for growth and improvement. They selflessly served the people in their community and beyond, never asking for anything in return. The Brothers in this story truly are Philanthropy Kaps who Care.

“By placing the Chapter on Colony status, we gave them the sense of urgency that was needed to let them know that they had to quickly align their culture with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.”

—Kevin Lampe

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NEWS FROM YOU

Cans For Love

Playing for the President

Phi Kappa Theta Nu Omega at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana wanted to give back to the community this semester. The guys brainstormed together and came up with the idea of Cans For Love, a canned food drive held around Valentine’s Day. “We wanted to come up with something different,” said Jason Anderson, Vice President for Nu Omega. Everyone does a canned food drive for Thanksgiving, which is great of course, but we needed something unique to grab everyone’s attention for a different holiday. That’s when one of our brothers suggested a canned food drive geared around Valentine’s Day.” The canned food drive with the tagline “Can you feel the love?” ran on February 10-11 and again on the 14-16. Nu Omega, along with the help of local alumni, was able to collect approximately 125 to 150 cans in this time frame, and all donations were given to the Thibodaux Food Bank.

Given the event’s inaugural success, they are planning to make the event an annual occurrence in the Thibodaux area and are hoping to get more businesses involved next year.

UTPA’s Mariachi Aztlan was invited to play for President Obama at the Oct. 19 signing ceremony at the White House of an Executive Order renewing and enhancing the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

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SPRING 2011

LA Omicron Chapter Pays off Mortgage The oldest chapter on campus of the University of Louisiana – Lafayette has another great distinction; it has paid “in full” its mortgage on the chapter house on fraternity row. Insured for over $600,000, it now houses members of our great fraternity; all, I might add, in good standing with the university and our national organization.

The Alumni Association of Phi Kappa Theta owns the property and officially has over 150 participating alumni; from 1952 – 2010. Charlie Hardy ‘69, served as Alumni President from inception to 2010 and today

Brother David Moreno is a trumpet player with mariachi Aztlan, and they have won many championships, awards, and have been invited to play at various events. The recognition and talent of the group also attracted the attention of the Houston Grand Opera (HGO). The HGO had a concert performance by the world famous Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, in Nov. 2010. Mariachi Vargas’s musical director José “Pepe” Martinez with lyrics

by Leonard Foglia composed the first mariachi opera. Besides Mariachi Vargas, UTPA’s Mariachi Aztlan was the only group considered to play for the premiere of the first mariachi opera. Brother Moreno’s accomplishments & performance for President Obama, have made the Texas Tau Mu chapter very proud to call him a brother of Phi Kappa Theta.

David Allen “2008” is at the helm, now as President, steering this great ship to the next horizon.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana in late 2005. The Omicron Chapter House and Dorm served as headquarters for the National Guard who were activated to help our good Louisiana citizens, who lost their homes during these storms and were being cared for in the ULL Cajundome, adjacent to Fraternity Row on campus.

Dr. Ray Autherment, Theta Kappa Phi in the late 1950’s, and a very helpful alumnus, went on to serve as our University President from 1974-2008. He actually co-signed the first ever mortgage on our chapter house (different locale then now) in the early 60’s. During the Vietnam war, fraternity memberships plummeted across the board, financially, times were tough and the bank foreclosed on the fraternity house in the early 70’s. This is when the alumni formed its formal organization and assumed financial responsibilities that, in the end, brought this wonderful conclusion to a very long and interesting story.

CONVENTION 2011 RECAP Summary of the 2011 Biennial Convention + Award Winners REGIONAL CONFERENCES 2012 Dates and Locations of the 2012 Regional Conferences AND MUCH MORE!

Volunteer Profile

Lenny Chan Finding the Light of Phi Kappa Theta

By John Hohenstein Belmont Abbey, ‘12

Lenny Chan speaks about Reframed Leadership at the 2010 Phi Kappa Theta Leadership Institute in St. Louis.

A graduate of Slippery Rock University (‘95), Lenny Chan currently serves as Coordinator for Student Life at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.. Lenny has worked as a student affairs professional for the past 10 years, working at various institutions throughout Pennsylvania. Lenny brings a unique point of view to his position, not only from his professional experience, but also his personal experience in the field and as a brother of Phi Kappa Theta. During his first year at Slippery Rock University, Lenny identified himself as an individual, not feeling the need to join a Greek organization.

After befriending a brother he was properly recruited by the PA Sigma Rho chapter of Phi Kappa Theta. He was impressed that brothers did not only associate themselves with other brothers – they branched out into the community.

Learning there is more to fraternity life than the old cliché of “buying your friends,” Lenny found himself being drawn to the light of fraternity life.

One year after completing the associate member process, one of the older brothers suggested that Lenny run for vice president. “I strongly believe that if I was not elected vice president of the PA Sigma Rho chapter of Phi Kappa Theta I would not have had the undergraduate experience that lead to my current career,” Chan says. After being awarded the position, leadership roles continued to become available for him. He later became president of the chapter, vice president and then president of the Interfraternity Council. Lenny also served as a senator

on Student Government and as the first student president of the Town & Gown Association, an organization that brought the student body and the community of Slippery Rock together.

Post-graduate life for Lenny was initially focused on a career in law enforcement. However, after four years, something just did not feel right; something was missing, “I missed the experience I had as an undergraduate. I enjoyed my experience as a student leader working with various administrators at the University.” Realizing that his involvement with other students was the missing piece to the puzzle, Chan then pursued a career in Student Affairs – his first position was Director of Greek Life at Washington & Jefferson College.

Lenny’s focus on his employment took an unfortunate toll on his involvement with Phi Kappa Theta. However, his professional life and fraternity life were about to cross paths.

Lenny attended a fraternity advisors conference in Arizona while working at Washington & Jefferson. Nervous about what he was going to face at the conference, he was relieved to look at the list of attendees and see another brother of Phi Kappa Theta on the list: Dr. Dan Bureau. Dan and Lenny still keep in touch and see each other during various Fraternity events. Eventually, in 2007, Lenny attended his first convention and has since made connections with alumni and undergraduate brothers alike. In 2009, he served as Parliamentarian at the 57th biennial convention.

“I feel the person I am today is because of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.”

—Lenny Chan

When asked about his involvement with the Fraternity, Lenny remarked “Joining the fraternity is a lifelong commitment and if you live up to your commitment, the fraternity will continue to enrich your life.” These are words Lenny strives to live by giving as much as he can, while allowing the fraternity to continue to nurture his past experiences as a member of Phi Kappa Theta. Lenny can be seen at many regional conferences and conventions, helping collegiate members with issues such as successful recruitment. At the 2010 Convention in St. Louis, Lenny gave an eye-opening presentation on “Followership,” or how to be a good follower which can lead to more effective leadership. Throughout the month of January, Lenny helped chapter presidents and leaders with problems that he faced himself while he served as chapter president. When asked about the rumor of possibly serving on the board in the near future, Lenny has this to say: “While I have not heard anything directly from the nominating committee, I would be honored to serve in this important leadership role for the fraternity if given the opportunity.”

“I feel the person I am today is because of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.”

Lenny became a Phi Kap at the age of 18.

Outside of family, he says that it is his longest relationship to date and since he has gotten more involved with the National Office, it has made him more adamant to give back as much as he can. Lenny Chan can serve as an inspiration to all Phi Kappa Thetas, both undergraduates and alumni.

His journey reminds us that no matter where you go, you will find a brother; no matter how long you stay away you will always be drawn back into the light of the brotherhood.

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FOUNDATION

Top 20 Metropolitan Areas The list below comprises the 20 metropolitan areas with the greatest concentrations of Phi Kappa Theta alumni. The numbers represent the approximate number of alumni in the area.

Chicago, IL New York, NY Saint Louis, MO Philadelphia, PA Boston, MA Pittsburgh, PA New Orleans, LA Houston, TX Los Angeles, CA Washington, DC Kansas City, MO Cleveland, OH Atlanta, GA Detroit, MI Cincinnati, OH Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Columbus, OH Seattle-Tacoma, WA Houma, LA San Diego, CA

2,200 1,600 1,400 1,000 1,000 900 800 750 750 700 700 650 500 500 500 450 400 400 350 350

Foundation Plans Strategic Growth

By Allyson Clarkson Assistant Director of Development This is an exciting and dynamic time for Phi Kappa Theta! The fraternity continues to provide ever more valuable development opportunities for our members.

Consequently, the Foundation is stepping up in order to achieve its mission to support the fraternity’s programming and enable further growth and refinement.

This February 25 - 27, the Phi Kappa Theta National Foundation Board of Trustees held its spring meeting in San Diego, California. With 19 of our 22 Trustees and 2 Trustees Emeriti attending, it was the largest meeting in the foundation’s 50+ year history. At the board meeting, Brother Jeff Jowdy (University of Georgia, ‘83) presented a proposal for an advancement plan for the foundation. The central focus of the plan is to engage more of our members. Key methods for accomplishing this goal include more relevant communication, such as resurrecting the Rising Sun (a newsletter for key alumni), and also focusing on creating opportunities for more face-to-face meetings between brothers.

More specifically, the foundation hopes to encourage the development of thriving Phi Kappa Theta communities

in metropolitan areas where there are concentrations of Phi Kap alumni (see the sidebar for a list of the 20 metropolitan areas with the greatest numbers of alumni).

To this end, we are helping alumni all over the country to plan and hold alumni gatherings. It is our hope that this will allow alumni to reconnect with one another and to form new bonds of Brotherhood. We also hope to encourage a deeper connection with and loyalty to the Phi Kappa Theta family as a national organization, beyond the boundaries of individual chapters.

We have already experienced some success in this endeavor. On February 25, an alumni reception was held at O’Toole’s lounge on the University of San Diego campus. It was the first regional alumni event held in the San Diego area. More than 60 brothers, both collegiate and alumni, representing nearly 20 schools, attended the reception. Many of our trustees, in town for the spring meeting, also attended. Many brothers who attended expressed an interest either in attending or in helping plan future events to further the development of a Phi Kappa Theta community in the southern California region. In the coming months, there are plans to hold events in Atlanta, Georgia (June 11); Chicago, Illinois, N.Y.,N.Y.; and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

We are seeking Brothers to help plan, host, and assist with alumni events, especially in the metropolitan areas listed in the sidebar. If you are interested in helping with or attending an alumni event in your area, please contact the foundationstaff@ phikaps.org or call Allyson Clarkson at (317) 872-9934 ext. 2504 for more information.

Foundation Board Meets Seated Left to Right: Anthony Zinnante (Houston, ‘62), Edward Solvibile (Temple, ‘63) [Emeritus], Dr. Thomas Patton (University of Wisconsin, ‘71), Foundation President Stephen Hollander (Kansas State, ‘82), Steven Welch (USD, ‘84), John Covert (Georgia Tech, ‘72), Walter Kronzer (Houston, ‘76) Middle Row: Fraternity Executive Vice President Robert Riggs (RPI, ‘02), Dr. Cameron Smith (Houston, ‘78), National Fraternity President Kevin Lampe (Western Illinois, ‘83), Lawrence Czajkowski (Fairfield, ‘68), Jeffrey Jowdy (University of Georgia, ‘83), Edward Fulford (University of Florida, ‘79), James Dickow (Purdue, ‘65) David Bjerke (Truman State, ‘91) Back Row: Dr. Eugene Ney (Slippery Rock, ‘90), Jeremy Perque (Nicholls State, ‘03), Douglas Dilling (Kansas State, ‘84), Patrick Wiseman (Georgia Tech, ‘09), Sammuel Castalano (Nicholls State, ‘84), Tim Clark (Iowa, ‘93), Gregory Stein (CCNY, ‘70) [Emeritus] Not Able to Attend: Trustees Michael Duplantier (Loyola of New Orleans, ‘68), Gerald Morris (WPI, ‘65), Gerald Traigle (Nicholls State, ‘87)

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SPRING 2011

Michael MacFarlane Do One Thing That Scares You Every Single Day

By Brian Stanton UMass Dartmouth, ‘10 Massachusetts Kappa Theta at UMass Dartmouth was founded on April 20, 2002. Since its founding, it has experienced tremendous growth in its mission, brotherhood development and campus presence. The one factor that distinguishes this and many other chapters across the country from other fraternal organizations is the depth and diversity of its brotherhood. It is those who are so different from ourselves from whom we usually learn the most. Different people bring different perspectives which build strength and character. Michael MacFarlane (UMass Dartmouth, ‘10) was a brother with a unique perspective and a passion for life which was as contagious as it was inspiring. When Mike passed away as a senior in the spring of 2010, the wind had been taken from our chapter’s sails and the reality of the situation opened an opportunity for the active members to learn what a brotherhood is truly about.

Michael MacFarlane was born on March 25th, 1987. He was accepted to UMass Dartmouth as an incoming freshman for the fall of 2005 semester and joined Phi Kappa Theta in 2008.

Majoring in History and Political Science, he could often be found watching the history channels at all hours of the night or sparking debates over current events.

He was a creative scholar and held a true appreciation for experiencing all that life had to offer. He dedicated each day to his love of adventure, music, travel and history and had recently returned from a semester studying abroad in Australia and New Zealand. Michael’s carefree spirit,

infectous smile and warm heart graced the lives of those who knew him. He was as kind as he was wise, which made his willingness to seize each day and take chances in a world of uncertainty remain to be an inspiration for many.

When Mike passed away, about one month prior to graduating from UMass Dartmouth, it inevitably left his family, friends and fraternity in a prolonged state of grief. He was a charismatic and compassionate man with a promising future who was sure to make history of his own. On April 1, 2010 just as he was about to embark on his journey, he was stripped of his opportunity to do so.

As one of the best brothers our chapter had ever seen, Mike lived in his truth. He did not tell us how to live, he proved it with his actions by allowing his heart and soul speak volumes more than one’s words ever could. He was honest, daring and not afraid of the unexpected.

He did not simply live up to a fraternity’s standards; he set them. It would not be enough for us to pass on Michael through stories. MA Kappa Theta wanted to remember Michael in the best way we knew how, which was to keep his legacy alive. In partnership with the MacFarlane family, we worked together to create the Michael W. MacFarlane Scholarship Foundation. This foundation awards scholarships to student leaders at UMass Dartmouth who plan to study abroad and view the world from a global viewpoint, just as Michael did.

The 1st Annual Michael MacFarlane Scholarship Dinner was held on November 20, 2010, just seven months after Michael’s passing. Over 250 family members, friends, alumni and university administrators were in attendance. The night started off with kind words being said about Michael and his lasting impact on those he had met. In honor of Mike’s witty sense of humor, the main act of the night was Comedy Central’s George DeMartino.

Following this act, was a raffle drawing inspired by Michael’s love for adventure, where items like sky-diving and ski trips, hot air ballooning and sporting events were given away. This event provided closure and provided a very successful outlet

“He did not tell us how to live, he proved it with his actions by allowing his heart and soul speak volumes more than one’s words ever could” —Brian Stanton

Michael MacFarlane passed away on April 1, 2010. The Michael MacFarlane Scholarship Dinner in his honor raised over $10,000 for the UMass Chapter Foundation.

for remembering him. The scholarship dinner put together by the MA Kappa Theta chapter raised over $10,000 for the foundation.

This money will be awarded in the fall of 2011 at the 2nd Annual Michael MacFarlane Scholarship Dinner. With such great support from the community and those that loved Michael, we will now be able to give back to the university and have a direct impact on the lives of other students with the same intellectual ideals.

The loss of Michael Wayne MacFarlane will always be devastating for all that had met him. It is only with the passing of time and grieving that will eventually get us to the phase of acceptance. The versatility and strength of our brotherhood was tested when a strong link suddenly disappeared. It was through the bonds we were able to pass on his legacy in honor of the life changing impact he had on our chapter. Mike was a legend and a great example of how to live through our ideals. Because of him, we will continue to take chances and live with passion. As Michael always said, “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” Do not be afraid to push yourself, because it is through tackling challenges and daring to be better that we find ourselves and make a difference to others. Don’t be afraid to dream or follow what you are passionate about. If it’s from the heart, then the rest will be history.

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Chapter ETERNAL

Chapter Eternal — April 2010 to March 2011

The following is a listing of those Phi Kaps who have passed away throughout the past year. Please let us know

if you encounter inaccurate information while reading the chapter eternal. If there is a brother that is missing from this time period who has passed away please contact us.

SPOTLIGHT Former Army Lieutenant Passes Away Wilton L. (Sonny) Clay (Louisiana State University, ‘43) age 90, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at Wilton L. Clay East Jefferson Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 29. He was a graduate of LSU School of Engineering and member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. (As a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers in World War II in England, France, Belgium and Germany. A native of New Orleans, he was a retired professional engineer having worked for New Orleans Public Service and Gulf Engineering Companies; he also helped develop the Saturn Boosters at the Michoud Assembly Facility with the Chrysler Space Division. In the latter years of his career, he worked with several consulting engineering firms in the New Orleans area. A long standing resident of Lakeview before Katrina, he was a member of St. Dominic’s Ushers and Holy Name Societies. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a devoted fan of the LSU Tigers and the N. O. Saints. Most of all he was a devoted family member.

Wilton was a beloved husband (52 years) of the late Marian Mouledoux Clay. Devoted father of 8 children, 23 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and was uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Belmont Abbey College Leo S Frawley ‘71 • Case Western Reserve University Wesley J Bartlett ‘41, William J Munley Jr ‘56 • Catholic University G Joseph Maiuri Jr ‘51 • Duquesne University Jeff A. Mudryk ‘10 • Fairfield University William J Lucas ‘69 • Ferris State University Paul Richard Doherty, David Vincent Wilson ‘93 • Georgia Institute of Technology Hugo A Aguilera ‘69, John A Gretzinger ‘75 • Indiana Institute of Technology John J Schimes ‘65 • Indiana University of Pennsylvania James Christop Cardarella ‘90 • Kansas State University Scott M Taylor ‘39, Archie E Armstrong ‘48, Donald W Weberg ‘58, Charles F Klesath ‘67, Keith E Soltis ‘77, Charles A Warnica ‘78, Jarold L Steere ‘87 • Kent State University Alfred B Mancini ‘54 • Lehigh University John J Conway Jr ‘48, Andrew E McGuire ‘50, John L Dean Jr ‘53 • Louisiana State University Wilton L Clay ‘43, Julius A Le Blanc ‘44, Michael R Lewis ‘75 • Manhattan College Gary J. Kelleher ‘59 • Marquette University Thomas J Tuder ‘72 • Missouri University of Science and Technology Harry J Sauer Jr ‘56 • National At Large Paul L Fehrenbach • Nicholls State University Vern A Pitre ‘66 • North Texas State University Allen A Coco Jr ‘64 • Northern Illinois University Russell J Hogan ‘56, Paul Kinniry ‘56, James J Zilis ‘57, James J McCabe ‘69 • Ohio Northern University Robert A Knox ‘50, Charles R Shoemaker ‘61, John J Simon ‘63, James Michael Schneider ‘77 • Ohio State University Adam B Hahn, DVM ‘50 • Ohio University Arthur T Fattibene ‘48 • Oklahoma State University Leo Edison Jr ‘54, Robert F Heidlage ‘59, Paul M Adkins ‘69, Michael W Stroud ‘80 • Pennsylvania State University James W Fry ‘39, John S Osen ‘59, Hugh G Walsh ‘60 • Purdue University Volney A Cheney ‘40, Richard E Jansing Jr ‘41, Clifford L Ross ‘49 • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Francis M Collins A memorial gift to the Phi Kappa Theta ‘40, Raymond S Kukfa ‘50 • Saint National Foundation in the name of a brother Francis University Paul J Kohutka who has passed to chapter eternal is a ‘62, Michael J Pilot ‘63 • Saint Louis wonderful tribute and long-lasting opportunity to remember the life of a brother. All gifts to University Donald J Minneman ‘48, the Foundation are tax-deductible.

Milton F Svetanics ‘60 • University of Georgia Kenneth L Kendrick ‘71, To make a gift, mail a check payable to: Michael J Martin ‘74 Thomas R Butchko Phi Kappa Theta National Foundation ‘76 • University of Houston Thomas C 9640 N. Augusta Dr., Suite 420 Hoeffner ‘70 • University of Illinois Carmel, IN 46032 John J Brandlin ‘36, Robert Lambert Please include on your check the name of ‘79 • University of Iowa David A Ryan the Brother you wish to remember.

‘54 • University of Kansas Daniel W Hogan Jr ‘47, James E Bannister ‘50, or contact the foundationstaff@phikaps.org

RETRACTION: In the Spring 2010 Issue of the Temple Magazine, Francis J Horan from the Mass Lambda Chapter (WPI, ‘55) was accidentally included in the listing. Brother Horan is alive and well in Shrewsberry, MA. We apologize for this oversight and the problems it may have caused.

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SPRING 2011

MEMORIAL GIFTS

or call 317.872.9934 to make a gift using a credit card or bank account.

Eugene J O’Neill ‘56, John P O’Connell ‘62, Gregory E Bell ‘68 • University of Louisiana at Lafayette Noah D Robert ‘47, Edward L Arroyo ‘70 • University of Maine Richard T Munce ‘29 • University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Michael W. Macfarlane ‘10 • University of Mississippi Robert Lynski ‘53 • University of Missouri at Columbia James H Doyle ‘51, John L Fitzgerald ‘51, John F Rolwing ‘51, Robert X Weidenbenner ‘51, Bruno S Puscian ‘56, Bob J Frank DDS ‘60 • University of New Hampshire Albert Sanford Hislop ‘69 • University of New Orleans Mark LaBorde ‘85 • University of Oklahoma Julian M Niemczyk ‘42, John J. Dulin ‘43 • University of Pittsburgh John J O’Donnell Jr ‘50 • University of San Diego Irving W Parker ‘51 • University of Texas at Austin John M Young ‘65 • University of Texas-Pan American Juan Llanos ‘84 • University of Wisconsin James B Timbers ‘29, John A Gill ‘48, Ernest J Mullen ‘58 • Worcester Polytechnic Institute Edward J Powers ‘48, David A Bisson ‘54, Mark S Simpson ‘69

SPOTLIGHT

John Patrick “Pat” O’Connell

Former National Trustee Passes On John Patrick “Pat” O’Connell (University of Kansas, ‘62), age 71, Topeka Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2011.

He was a member of the Kansas Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Theta. Pat was born May 4, 1939 in Coffeyville KS, the son of the late Thomas Harold and Garnet Caroline O’Connell. Pat attended Holy Name Catholic Grade School and Conception Abbey, Conception MO. He was a graduate of the University of Kansas with a major in Music. While a student, Pat played in the KU Marching Band and was a member of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.

He earned his Masters Degree from Emporia State Teachers

College, Emporia KS. Pat taught music in Boise ID and was the Choral and Band Director at Seaman High School in Topeka. He was an insurance agent with American United Life Insurance Co. in Topeka. For several years, Pat joined the Pete Fountain Marching Band at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Pat served on the National Fraternity’s Board of Trustees from 1993-1995.

After his retirement, he worked part time at the Barnes and Noble Book Store in Topeka.

Pat was very active in the Topeka community. He was a founding member of the Topeka St. Patrick’s Day Committee and for many years was involved with planning the parade, the entertainment and added to the festivities with his beautiful Irish tenor voice.

Scot Hill (University of Kansas, ‘94), an alumnus from Pat’s Chapter stated, “Although I haven’t seen Pat in quite a few years, I can still hear his laugh and see his smile. He brought a lot of joy with him wherever he went.” Another alumnus, Paul Leahy (University of Kansas, ‘95), stated that, “Pat was always nicely dressed in a shirt & tie, and at all times wore a Phi Kap lapel pin. He was always smiling, and completely willing to help and listen to the chapter members. He was an excellent intermediate between the Alumni and the Chapter, and always advocated for the students. His main focus was community service and maintaining the image of our fraternity. We were all very appreciative to have him around.”

Pat is survived by his brother, William O’Connell, Capt. USN (Ret.) and his wife, Philomena, of Clifton VA, his sister, Virginia Seidel of Coffeyville and nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Visit www.phikaps.org and click on “Vendors” at the top then “Jester “Online Store”” to start shopping!

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Apparel & Accessories SPRING 2011

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9640 North Augusta Drive, Suite 420 Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317.872.9934 Fax: 317.879.1889

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Focusing on Phi Kaps Do you know of a brother who is living our mission? We would love to share his story in the Temple! The very cover story of this issue was brought to life because of a brother contacting us.

Please contact us at Temple@phikaps.org so that we can share more inspiring stories about our members with the rest of the Brotherhood.