THE • PI • KAPPA • PHI • FRATERNITY
Omegalite AUGUST 2015
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Chapter on cusp of 2,000th initiate
Mary Beth and David Lane accept a resolution from the Omega chapter from Greg and Maddie Linder in Clearwater, FL, in June. Linder was the first Omega alumnus to be named Mr. Pi Kappa Phi and Lane the second.
Lane becomes Mr. Pi Kappa Phi
An Omega graduate described as the ideal alumnus recently became the 50th member to receive the national fraternity’s highest honor. David Lane (Omega 835) was named Mr. Pi Kappa Phi on June 13, 2015, at an alumni gathering in Clearwater, FL. “He was the perfect alumnus because he never turned me down when I asked him to do something for the fraternity – from expansion to disciplinary matters at the chapter level as well as all points in between,” said Durward Owen, national CEO-emeritus, who attended the ceremony. “He was the perfect alumnus is the only way I can say it. He’s the type of alumnus everybody wants and few people get.” Lane, who was initiated in 1968, joined Greg Linder (Omega 951) as the only Purdue alumnus to receive the distinction. “The Mr. Pi Kappa Phi Award shall be recognized as the highest and most prestigious honor bestowed upon a member,” a c c o r d-
ing the Gold Book national laws. The national council selects the recipient. Lane started his volunteer work with the national fraternity in 1973 on the Pi Kappa Phi Properties Board, including one term as president. Pi Kapp Properties work with new and existing chapters to secure and maintain local fraternity facilities. He served as a trustee for the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, too. Furthermore, he was on the national council for more than a decade as chancellor. Later he returned to the council as vice president and president-elect. He led the national fraternity for the year leading up to the national centennial and presided at the 2004 Supreme Chapter in Charleston, SC. “It is an exciting tribute,” Lane said. “I’ve served the fraternity (including Omega Chapter) as a volunteer in various roles since 1973. Most will tell you my prefer-
Continued on Page 2
The Omega chapter is on the cusp of an historic initiation. Omega will have its 2,000th initiate on Oct. 24 at Purdue. Alumni are encouraged to attend this milestone initiation. The Purdue chapter will become only the third in the nation to reach that initiation number. It joins Omicron (Alabama) and Alpha Epsilon (Florida) as chapters with 2,000 initiates. CEO Mark Timmes plans to attend a banquet honoring the historic event. The fraternity will host a 6:30 p.m. banquet at the Purdue Memorial Union’s West Faculty Lounge. Alumni, undergraduate members and their guests are encouraged to attend. We are hopeful that fraternity parents – particularly parents of those being initiated that weekend – will be able to attend, too. Tentative plans call for a members-only viewing of the special initiation following the Saturday banquet. A presentation explaining the history and significance of the initiation ceremony will be done for all members, too. The October weekend is a bye week for the Purdue football team. Thus, hotels will be more affordable and will not require a twonight stay. You may reserve banquet reservations by returning the enclosed registration slip. The cost is $30 per person. Alumni who attend will have the opportunity to speak at the banquet about their fraternity experiences. Other milestone initiates – No. 1,000 (Ken Buchanan) and 1,500 (Steve Sirovica) – have made tentative plans to attend, too.
OMEGALITE Omega of Pi Kappa Phi, Inc. Housing Corporation P.O. Box 2700 West Lafayette, IN 47996-2700 Chapter Web address: http://www. purduepikapps.com Corporation Officers JAY SEEGER PRESIDENT 3817 Old Farm Road Lafayette, IN 47905 765/742-4529, work 765/474-1986, home jseeger@SeegerForbes. com
BRANDT HERSHMAN VICE PRESIDENT 6142 Maderia Lane Lafayette, IN 47905 574/581-2000, cell b.hershman@comcast.net
STEVE BOHNER TREASURER 194 Twin Springs Ct. Carmel, IN 46234 317/846-3008, home 317/844-2250, work 317/844-2296, fax steve@langdonand company.com PAT KUHNLE SECRETARY 720 Chelsea Road W. Lafayette, IN 47906 765/743-1111 ext. 205, work 765/743-6087, fax 765/743-1256, cell pkuhnle@gmail.com The Omegalite is published at least once a year by the Omega of Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation for its alumni. Address corrections should be mailed to us at the contact information listed at the top of this box.
AUGUST 2015 From Page 1 ence is to use the award to recognize those who have demonstrated exemplary service. Being president as we celebrated the fraternity’s 100th anniversary in 2004 was recognition enough, but it’s really nice to be included as part of the Mr. Pi Kappa Phi ‘club’ with many of my friends. I know (or knew) most of the 50 members.” Lane, a Washington DC-based attorney, said his chapter experience while at Purdue changed him. “My undergraduate experience at Omega (1967-71) was a turning point in my life,” he said. “I would not be where I am today but for the brothers (and others) whom I came to know in those years. I learned some lessons and had many terrific experiences.” The variety of brothers and the opportunities he encountered proved invaluable for Lane. “If you are inclined to learn, the leadership opportunities at the chapter provide training not available elsewhere, except perhaps in the Armed Forces,” he said. “Just as in post-graduate life, one has to live and cooperate with individuals of various backgrounds to an extent not experienced during high school years. These circumstances, if fully appreciated, increase sensitivity to the importance of leadership and the circumstances of others less fortunate.” Lane said many brothers influenced him while at the local chapter level. They included the late Tom Pearson (Omega 748), a Purdue student who died while serving in Vietnam, and his pledge pop, Preston “Skip” McDaniel (Omega 794). Others included John Lovell (Omega 751), C J Frame (Omega 823) and the late chapter advisor Ken Wark (Omega 429). “Being his pop was a very easy job since
Bob Lane, of Iowa State, poses with his brother, David, and sister-in-law Mary Beth in Clearwater, FL.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
David Lane and executive directoremeritus Durward Owen. he picked up on the ins and outs of the fraternity and stayed out of trouble,” McDaniel said. “About the only time I can remember that he needed some guidance was when he was questioning his decision to join Pi Kappa Phi.” McDaniel said the two talked about that decision. An influential factor was that Lane’s other brother, Bob, was a Pi Kapp at Iowa State. “Boy when David makes a commitment, he’s all in,” McDaniel said. “With leadership roles from the chapter level to the national organization and with contributions of time, energy and financial support, David is an outstanding role model for those inside and outside Pi Kappa Phi. “He shows us what one person can do to brighten the lives of many,” McDaniel said. After the 1987 fire that severely damaged the fraternity house at 330 N. Grant St., Lane worked with Herb Meyer (Omega 69), Paul Swafford (Omega 74) and Gus Riggs (Omega 69), who were initiated in the 1920s. Those men, along with many others, helped raise more than $400,000 to help rebuild the house. On the national level, Lane cites former executive director Owen and Kelley Bergstrom from Iowa State as his mentors. Owen has known and worked with Lane for nearly five decades. “Why did it take so long (for him to receive such an honor)? Owen said. “He didn’t just become deserving recently. He’s been deserving from the years of his involvement in the affairs of the fraternity. Of all the people who have received it (including Owen), he’s been equal to them in his contribution.” And for Owen, his relationship with Lane has been special. “We are very close,” he said. “He’s much like a blood brother as he’s a fraternal brother.”
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Some alumni make career in media a brief time in TV working on a 24hour local cable television news channel in Rochester. Now, for more than a decade, Finnerty has been the chief communications officer at the Rochester Institute of Technology where he manages internal and external communications. “I often tell people that I got my degree from The Purdue Exponent because of the amazing hands-on experience,” he said. Finnerty served as reporter then sports editor at the campus newspaper. In the fraternity, Finnerty was vice archon in charge of new member recruitment. “This taught me the value of sales and marketing,” he said. “You have to be good at selecting the right people for the organization. This later helped me with employee recruitment.” While at the Exponent, he worked with several other Pi Kapps including Brandt Hershman (Omega 1196), Rod Young (Omega 1175), Jim Bebbington (Omega 1153), Don Porth (Omega 1180), Steve Sistrunk (Omega 1117), Mark Sistrunk (Omega 1235) and Bob Finnerty poses with a RIT Doug Griffiths (Omega 1211). publication. In addition to Finnerty, three others worked in the communication industry including three in newspapers. Hershman, now an Indiana State Senator, was a photographer and assistant managing editor at the Exponent. He later worked in Jim Bebbington speaks to a group of Cox Media the White House editors about the Dayton Daily News about new communications media. Here, he talks about Twitter feeds of vari- office under ous news organizations vs. The Cleveland Plain President George Dealer and WJW-TV.
Despite not being renowned for such, Purdue has produced some notable journalists. Pi Kappa Phi has among its alumni a few journalists. Five of the six fraternity alumni who have gone into the media at some point in their careers started their careers at the Purdue student newspaper, The Exponent. “When I visited campus my senior year in high school, I picked up the Exponent,” said Bob Finnerty (Omega 1160). “I was impressed that it was five days per week, so I made the choice to study communication and business.” Finnerty spent 13 years in journalism while at the Rochester (NY) Democrat and Chronicle. He spent
H.W. Bush. Bebbington was a reporter for the Exponent and worked with various Ohio-based newspapers. Griffiths, an Exponent reporter and editor, worked for two decades as editor of Gold and Black Illustrated, a publication covering Purdue athletics. And Mark Sistrunk sells advertising for the Baltimore Sun. The eight Pi Kapps who worked at the Exponent, also recruited its publisher Pat Kuhnle (Omega 1197) to serve as chapter advisor in the 1980s. “I was close to failing out of Krannert my junior year while at the same time my Pi Kapp buddies were recruiting a new chapter advisor,” Bebbington said. “We had chewed up and spit out the last in about six months.” Bebbington got out of management and into communications, thus following his fraternity brothers to the Exponent. His professional career started as education reporter at the Lorain (OH) Journal. He then attended graduate school in Columbia University’s famed journalism program. Since that time, he has freelanced, was a reporter at the Dayton Daily News and managing editor at the Springfield News-Sun. Now, he manages local digital products for Cox Media Group, which owns the Dayton Daily News, WHIO-TV and a radio station. “I see a lot of parallels between my career in newsrooms and living in a fraternity community of 60 other people,” Bebbington said. “At Purdue, there were guys from all over the country and from different backgrounds – farm guys, yuppies, New Jersey wise-guys, church goers, jocks, nerds, crazies and ROTC… the whole gamut. “I saw incredible accomplishments by teamwork between men who otherwise had very little in Continued on Page 4
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
From Page 3 common. Looking back, I now realize it is where I first began to appreciate how varied the real world is and what it takes to succeed at any complex Griffiths goal.” After leaving Gold and Black Illustrated in 2011, Griffiths now works closer to his northern Indiana lake home. He continues in journalism as a sports writer for the Pilot News Group (Plymouth, IN) and Columbia City (IN) Post & Mail. He also is facilities manager, activities director and schedule coordinator for The Zone Sports Complex of Northern Indiana. Griffiths said it was his Pi Kapp connection that led him into journalism. He followed Finnerty to the Exponent. “He needed someone who had a knowledge of sports to pull (Associated Press) wire to fill the agate page in the paper,” Griffiths said. “He approached me, twisted my arm a little and the rest as they say is history. After assisting with placing wire stories in the paper, Griffiths started reporting. “I've loved sports my entire life and have had a passion for covering sporting events and interview2014-15 PURDUE STATISTICS Interfraternity Council (IFC) 3,019 Multicultural Greeks (MGC) 118 Natl Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) 70 Panhellenic Association (PHA) 2,648 Total Greek membership 5,855 21.3 percent of undergraduates Undergraduate enrollment Men Women Professional enrollment Graduate enrollment Grand total
27,510 15,709 11,801 943 8,163 36,616
Indiana resident enrollment Non-resident enrollment
17,408 19,208
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
ing the athletes who play sports since I was in college,” he said. Pi Kappa Phi helped prepare Griffiths for being a reporter and editor. “As a journalist, it is critical to be a good people person, which is really a lost art,” he said. “I feel that I got an excellent foundation to be just that at Pi Kappa Phi. One Omega alumnus who was not part of the ‘80s-vintage alumni and had stints in journalism was William Hokanson (Omega 572). He came to Purdue after starting college at Indiana University. At Purdue, he joined Pi Kappa Phi and left three semesters shy of a civil engineering degree. He went back to IU, where he became editor of the Indiana Daily Student, the student newspaper Hokanson there. “What led me to pursue the degree in journalism (Purdue did not have such a degree option) was my experience as Omega chapter historian and editor of the Omegalite in 1954-56,” Hokanson said. It was during that era that the Omegalite was chosen as the best chapter newsletter in all Pi Kappa Phi.
After IU, Hoakanson made the military a career with a respite as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. “After several months (at the Wall Street Journal) I decided that I liked the Army better,” he said. “When I decided to give up journalism for a military career, I justified it to myself that both fields required a great deal of versatility – not being a narrow specialist, but having to know a lot about everything.” In the Army, he was an engineering officer, a platoon leader and held various other staff positions. He was a company commander of a construction unit in Vietnam and commanded a combat engineer battalion in Germany. He started three different mimeographed military newspapers. “I survived and prospered in the Army Corps of Engineers without an engineering degree because I could write and give good briefings,” he said. After his military career, he moved back into media. For seven years, ending in 1988, Hokanson was the director of communications for the Harvard Business School. After Harvard, he moved to Michigan, where he resides now. There he wrote and edited a trade magazine and a professional journal.
UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT BY PURDUE COLLEGE/SCHOOL Engineering Health and Human Sciences Technology Science Liberal Arts Agriculture Management Exploratory studies Pharmacy Education Veterinary medicine Temporary
PURDUE AVERAGE IFC (41 chapters) MGC (11 chapters) NPHC (7 chapters) PHA (20 chapters)
All-Undergraduate GPA All-Men’s GPA All-Women’s GPA All-Fraternity GPA
7,318 3,905 3,112 3,112 2,643 2,547 2,530 858 572 495 228 190 2.94 2.85 3.08 2.89
CHAPTER SIZE
74 11 10 132
HOW PI KAPPA PHI RANKS AT PURDUE Spring membership 152 No. 2 out of 41 chapters Philanthropy dollars $7,979 No. 2 out of 41 Average GPA 3.02 No. 7 out of 41, top chapter 3.08 PI KAPPA PHI NATIONALLY 2014-15 No. 5 out of 184 chapters in size No. 9 in Push fund-raising No. 3 in all-time Pi Kappa Phi initiates
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Fraternity celebrates graduation
Pi Kappa Phi members graduated with various degrees during the May 15 to 17 ceremonies at Purdue. The group accepted a wide variety of jobs, including: Auditor, commodity trader, computer information technologist, hotel management trainee, product development engineer, biomedical engineer and sales. Those pictured in the photo to the right include (left to right in the Omega): • Ben Sommer, from Carmel, IN, marketing and management major has accepted a job as an analyst with Nielsen Co. • Nolan Xahn, Florissant, MO, mechanical engineering, Cook Research Inc, mechanical testing engineer. • Chris Price, South Bend, IN, computer information technology, Microsoft, information technology. • Zach Geswein, West Lafayette, IN, accounting, ArcelorMittal, internal auditor. • Justin Cook, Rensselaer, IN, accounting, ArcelorMittal, internal auditor. • David Scott, Louisville, KY, professional flight, undecided. • Brant Fettig, Carmel, IN, selling & sales management, Kadet Products, sales. • Michael Duefel, North Aurora, IL, electrical engineering, undecided.
• Andrew Lemna, Noblesville, IN, agribusiness, Bunge, commodity trader. • Doug Breuckman, Hebron, IN, mechanical engineering technology, undecided. • Eric Miller, Fort Wayne, IN, biomedical engineering, undecided. • Nick Herhusky, Zionsville, IN, mechanical engineering, Ford, product development engineer. • Kamron Mortazavi, Carmel, IN, applied exercise & health, undecided. • William Cooke, Carmel, IN, ag business management, Journey of Hope 2015, undecided. • Brandon Mattox, Noblesville, IN, industrial engineering, Eaton Corp., manufacturing/quality engineer. • Tripper Carter, Champaign, IL, hospitality & tourism management,
Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, manager in training. • Matt McKee, Baldwinsville, NY, agribusiness management, Journey of Hope 2015, CBG Enterprises, commodity merchandiser. • Jordan Broschard, Hershey, PA, mechanical engineering, Ford, product development engineer. Not Pictured: • Mayank Bhattari, Boston, MA, aeronautical engineering, Eaton Aerospace, quality engineer for new development. • Josh Nahley, Sugar Grove, IL, industrial engineering, Amazon, area manager. • Blaine Roberts, Zionsville, IN • Cole Romanyk, Zionsville, IN. • Nick Eckstein. Carmel, IN
Chapter competes in BMOC
Pi Kappa Phi’s entry in a Greekwide talent competition garnered it a Top 10 finish. Johnny Fullerton was joined by Kyle Marpe, Bon Sommer, Pat Rivelli and Kyle Boland during the March 6 show in Purdue’s Elliott Hall of Music. Pi Kappa Phi performed a Justin Timberlake medley, “JT Through the Years” in front of nearly 4,000 audience members. Pi Kappa Phi was among the 32 fraternities that participated in the event. “The experience was an incredible one,” said Fullerton, who sang
solo and danced alongside his fraternity brothers. “Months and months of hard work and preparation led up to one night of fantastic performances.” The event raised more than $124,000 for breast cancer research for Zeta Tau Alpha’s BMOC (Big Man on Campus). “I met women and families of survivors over six months while we were involved in BMOC (Big Man on Campus) who inspired me to take life one minute at a time because you never really know what’s in store for you,” Fullerton said.
“I participated in BMOC for all the families and individuals affected by the disease, and in particular for my girlfriend’s grandmother, Idelma Pescara, who will celebrate her fifth year cancer free this June. She’s a fighter, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.”
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Chapter ties record in number of JOH participants formerly known as Push America. Purdue’s 10 team members tie for the most ever from a single chapter. In 2008, the Colorado chapter had 10 members participate, too. Pi Kappa Phi has nearly 200 chapters nationwide. Led by project manager Kyle Marpe (Omega 1872), a former JOH alumnus, four other Boilermakers joined him on the north team. They included: Patrick Hobbins (Omega 1916), Mike McBride (Omega 1904), Dillon Pike (Omega 1925) and Jarrod Wagner (Omega 1919). Chapter members on the south team were: Billy Cooke (Omega 1900), Mark Fanelli (Omega 1955), Dan Heinenkamp (Omega 1892), Matt McKee (Omega 1868) and James Wooldrige (Omega 1940). There was also a trans-America team, Jarrod Wagner appears on Fox 32 WFLD-TV but no Purdue chapter in Chicago during his team’s July 23 visit members are on it this year. there. Screenshot from myfoxchicago.com.
The riders and crew made stops along the way known as Friendship Visits to interact with people with disabilities along the way. “We had a lot of fun (at the first such visit) and got a glimpse of what the Friendship Visits are like created a lot of excitement for the many more to come,” Pike wrote on June 4 blog entry. Pike is one of many recounting his ride through blog entries: https://journeyofhopedillonpike.w ordpress.com/ Fellow North teammate McBride also wrote a blog: https://mikesjourneyofhope.wordpress.com/blog/ “I have thought about the Journey of Hope every single day for the last year,” he wrote on June 7. “There are 27 riders and nine crew from universities all over the country (on the north team), but we share one common goal that instantly bonded us together. I’m just now beginning to get a grasp on the magnitude of this adventure.” McBride spent the spring in China during a Study Abroad semester.
WHEREAS, Lane’s service to his frat e rnity has come at critical times and in numerous capacities that include multiple terms as a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Properties Board of Directors, including one term as its president; as a Trustee of the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation; and for the National Council serving as National Chancellor, National Vice President, and ultimately as the fraternity’s 33rd National President from 2002-04. WHEREAS, during his term as National President he presided over the fraternity’s Centennial Celebration in Charleston, South Carolina in 2004, which was the largest gathering of fraternity members and friends in Pi Kappa Phi’s history, as well as oversight of the fundraising and construction of the fraternity’s bell tower gift to the College of Charleston; and WHEREAS, in his final year as National President he spearheaded a Risk Management Task Force which led
to dramatic changes in the fraternity’s approach to risk management through the offering of resources and tools consistent with our education and self governance model that encourage students to make responsible and safe choices around alcohol; and WHEREAS, in light of the aforementioned contributions, he was recognized with the Merit Citation for exceptionally meritorious service by the 41st Supreme Chapter in 1987; therefore, NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that Brother Lane be extended Pi Kappa Phi’s deepest appreciation for his proven love of and devotion to his fraternity; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Council of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, acting with the authority entrusted to it by the Supreme Chapter, does hereby declare Brother David Girdon Lane to be Mr. Pi Kappa Phi 2015.
Ten members from the Purdue chapter participated in the 2015 Journey of Hope, tying a record for the most ever from one chapter. In June, the fraternity brothers embarked on a cross-country cycling ride that took them from the West Coast to Washington, DC, on Aug. 8. Three teams made up of 76 riders, 20 crew and three project managers crossed the country on the annual Journey of Hope trip that raised money and awareness for people with disabilities. The event is sponsored by The Ability Experience (abilityexperience.org),
Mr. Pi Kappa Phi resolution WHEREAS, the Supreme Chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity has established the Mr. Pi Kappa Phi Award as its highest and most prestigious honor to be bestowed upon a member; and WHEREAS, David Girdon Lane was initiated into the Omega chapter at Purdue University on April 21, 1968; and WHEREAS, during his student years, Lane served as Omega’s Archon, among other roles, that helped build a stronger and more resilient chapter that today stands among the fraternity’s best; and WHEREAS, Lane provided critical leadership following Omega’s devastating house fire in 1987, lending his counsel and expertise to the fundraising and construction efforts that reconstituted the house which, subsequently, has served as a home away from home for hundreds of students who have had the privilege to join Pi Kappa Phi; and
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Moms learn of chapter accomplishments
A beautiful early spring afternoon greeted moms as they watched their sons arrive for the annual 100-kilometer cycling ride on April 18, 2015. That event kicked off a day filled with fun for more than 300. The 16th annual Pi Kapp 100 saw nearly 30 riders and crew arrive at at the fraternity house at 330 N. Grant St. Nearly 100 people lined the street to see the riders bring their mission of helping people with disabilities to campus. Participants committed to raising money and awareness for the fraternity’s national outreach program, The Ability Experience, formerly known as Push America. After the ride, guests and members alike ate appetizers, including shrimp cocktail, chips & salsa, meatballs, cold meats & crackers along with various fruits. At 3 p.m., the chapter hosted a reception that had more than 200 attendees. One of the day’s favorite events – the annual auction of moms-made or moms-purchased things – started in the Great Hall at 4 p.m. More than 25 items went through the open bidding process and a similar amount remained downstairs for a silent auction. Items included homemade jewelry, designer purses, a knife set, original artwork and a snack basket to name a few. The last item up for bid – a customized cooler compleete with cups, T-shirts and sun visors for the beach – brought in the highest bid, $1,201. In all, the silent and public auctions raised $9,851 for the Ability Experience, a house improvement fund or to cover the day’s expenses. Then at 6:30 p.m., a record 280 people attended the moms day buffet, in the south ballroom of the Purdue Memorial Union. Attendees watched a slideshow of the fraternity’s activities during the school year. They also heard from president Andrew Lemna (Omega 1858), Ability Experience chairman Jarrod Wagner (Omega 1919) and
A crowd of 280 filled the April 18 Moms Day banquet in the Purdue Memorial Union’s south ballroom.
Chapter members presented their moms red roses while the the Pi Kappa Phi Sweeheart song was sung.
Moms Day keynote speaker Pat Figley receives a Harry’s “Go Ugly Early” sweatshirt as a keepsake from his Purdue visit.
Journey of Hope alumnus Luke Millen (Omega 1869). The keynote speaker was Tampa native Dr. J. Patrick Figley, a former national president and Mr. Pi Kappa Phi of the Chi Chapter (Stetson). Lemna praised his chapter brothers for their accomplishments. He said the chapter was a finalist for the RB Stewart Award as Purdue’s best fraternity for eight straight years, winning six of them. It was one of 15 Founders Award winners this year, the highest honor the national fraternity can bestow on its 200+ chapters. And he said the fraternity rose to No. 3 in grades in the fall with an average of 3.14 GPA. The academic achievement included 62.2 percent at a 3.0 or higher, 33.9 percent on the dean’s list and/or
semester honors as well as 4.7 percent with a 4.0. “We have a unique blend of members here,” Lemna said. “We have guys from all across the country who share common values. We are men dedicated to service and a selfless brotherhood.” When Wagner spoke, he pointed out the philanthropic efforts within and outside the Ability Experience events. Wagner spoke of a moment when he worked with a special needs student at Lafayette Jefferson High School. “After adding 5 plus 5 four times, he recorded his answer,” Wagner said. “He realized he just used mul-
Continued on Page 8
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
From Page 7 tiplication and then the student responded, ‘I didn’t know I could do that’ … it was a very touching and powerful experience for me.” Wagner focused his closing remarks on how he and his fraternity brothers, can make a difference in society. “I believe in this world, you are not here for yourself or to help yourself,” he said. “You are with seven billion people and you’re bound to make a difference in someone’s life.” Millen told parents and audience members about his experience in the Journey of Hope. He focused on one interaction near the end of his 2013 trip. “One guy, in particular, stands out among the rest – Zack from Pittsburgh,” Millen said. Zach, 26, who has the looks and size of a 10-year-old, suffers from Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome. The condition causes lack of muscle control and leads to possible self-mutilation habits. When Millen tried to interact with Zack, he was greeted with profanity and disdain. Nonetheless, Millen found common ground while the two ate lunch – baseball and sunglasses. “More than any other person that summer, Zack taught me what it means to be tough,” Millen said. “At 21 years old, I don’t know if I could handle the things that Zack faces
Almanac Died 203 Bruce McCandless, 2/24/15, at age 100 707 James Cridge 12/11/14 708 John D. Miller 1/28/15
daily. I can tell you I know someone who I look up to and emulate in finding beauty and joy in life, no matter what.” In his keynote speech, Figley praised the chapter for its commitment to service. He cited the fact that the fraternity will have had 52 riders in the Journey of Hope by 2016. “You are almost like the ideal Ability Experience chapter,” Figley said. “I don’t know of any chapter that has participated as immensely and wholeheartedly as you. I applaud and appreciate that effort.” He recognized the parents for “teaching them how to be the young men they are today. You are the true reason that the Omega chapter is successful.” “Mothers, dads, you have a right to be proud for these are emerging men of virtue,” Figley said. “Each of you, men of Omega, will be faced with challenges and you don’t even expect to happen in your life,” he said. “How you will be able to deal with diversity will be influenced in no small extent by how you deal with others along the way. What you get will depend a lot on what you give. “The fraternity gives you a running start. The men of Omega are indeed the truth behind that statement. Gentlemen of Omega, I am proud to be your brother.”
1204 Shawn L. Steinke Died 12/17/14 (traffic accident) 1427 Nathan Malher 4/4/15 (leukemia) Married Greg Jourdan (Omega 1639) and Elizabeth Kelley, Sept. 6, 2014. Chad James
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
(Omega 1775) and Laura Bohlander, Nov. 8, 2014, Craig Vargo (Omega 1676) and Katie Johnstone, Nov. 8, 2014 Matt Anderson (Omega 1632) and Becca Greiter, May 9, 2015 Kevin Hofer (Omega 1394) and Laurie Zellmer,
The 2015 Pi Kapp 100 arrival.
Omega participants in Purdue University Dance Marathon.
Fall 2014 initiation class.
June 13, 2015
24, 2014.
Dan Cronin (Omega 1702) and Stephanie Boyle, June 20, 2015.
Kinsley Anne Kramer, son of Bob and Erin Kramer (Omega 1516), Dec. 26, 2014
Robbie Staton (Omega 1746) and Christian Walls, July 19, 2015 Children: Kayla Bliss Hartz, son of Phil and Ann Hartz (Omega 1602), Sept.
Hannah Lynn Hackney, son of Josh and Katie Hackney (Omega 1542), Jan. 20, 2015 Submit your alumni news to: pkuhnle@gmail.com
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Fraternity honored at school board meeting
Pi Kappa Phi was recognized for its service to students with disabilities at a local school board meeting on Jan. 12, 2015. The fraternity, in conjunction with its national outreach program, presented a check for $3,942 to assist special needs classes at Lafayette Jefferson High School. Chapter leaders and the special needs teacher addressed the board during the Lafayette School Board’s January meeting. A total of 15 fraternity members attended, too. “Tonight we stand before you with a ch e ck to help show our appreciation for the special education students as well as the teachers and administrators who support them,” said Andrew Lemna (Omega 1858), archon. The donation represents onefourth of the fraternity’s 2013-14 fund-raising. Chapter members conduct a variety of events that raise awareness and funds for people with disabilities. They include the 72-Hour David Feltner Memorial Bike-AThon, the War of Roses and the Pi Kapp 100 among others. Over the last six years, the chapter has donated $22,689 to Jefferson High School’s special needs classes. Since it started raising funds in 1980 for the Ability Experience, formerly known as Push America, the chapter has raised $189,392, including $15,768 last school year. The fraternity’s donations are used for various outings and supplies – including tickets to an Indianapolis Indians game, an iPad used for non-
Homecoming info Tickets are now available for the Nov. 7 Homecoming game vs. Illinois. The game will start at noon. The housing corporation takes ticket orders until Oct. 1 for people who want to sit in the Pi Kappa Phi alumni group. Tickets are $75 each for prime seating tickets (Purdue charges $65 per ticket plus a $10 “legacy” fee). Less expensive tickets are available, too. Pirces for side-
Chapter members pose with a check for $3,942 payable to the Lafayette Jefferson High School on Jan. 12, 2015. Members of the school board accepted the check for special needs classes. verbal students, luncheon outings as well as field trips to a local candy store and ice cream shops. Furthermore, fraternity members volunteer almost every school day in the classroom and during the students’ outings. That relationship started in 2008. “The impact of the fraternity’s donation truly makes a difference in our community, the school and most of all for my special needs students,” said Alyssa Montgomery, special needs teacher. “Oh behalf of myself, my colleagues and my students at Jefferson High School we would like to say, ‘Thank you, Purdue guys’ from the bottom of our hearts. “Thank you again for your sincere kindness and overwhelming generosity.” Jarrod Wagner (Omega 1919), Ability Experience chairman, said that the fraternity’s programming
during 2013-14, touched nearly 2,500 people. That total included more than 1,000 during the chapter’s spring War of Roses, which features empathy events along with a large campus Greek-wide talent competition. “Through these outreach efforts, we were able to communicate the abilities – not disabilities – of those we serve,” Wagner said. He also told the board that the fraternity members receive more in return than the servant leadership they display. “While we may help the students with life skills and academics, the lessons we have learned about friendship, happiness and the value of thankfulness are truly immeasurable,” he said. Photos from the check presentation may be found at: https://purduepikapps.celect.org/si te/albums/40832
line, but not prime seating are $65, $55, $45 or $45 per seat, depending on the location. Once you buy tickets through the housing corporation (and let us know what type of seating you want) they will be available for pickup at the house prior to the game. We do not mail the tickets to you. Alumni can purchase tickets on their own, but by doing so you will not be sitting next to your alumni brothers. The Nov. 7 homecoming
schedule includes: • 9 a.m. to noon, open house and ticket distribution, 330 N. Grant St. • 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. , pregame lunch in house basement. • N o o n, Purdue vs. Illinois game in Ross-Ade Stadium. • 4 to 6 p.m. , open house at fraternity. • 5 p.m. , completion of Second Annual David R. Feltner Memorial Bike-a-Thon to benefit The Ability Experience at the chapter house.
OMEGALITE
AUGUST 2015
2014 Annual Housing Corporation Report In 2014, alumni made 69 gifts for $12,180 to support the Omega chapter. Alumni donations can be designated or non-designated. The designated funds for 201 include: $535 to support the printing and mailing costs of the Omegalite, $1,975 toward a future building fund, $1,275 toward the CIF account and $3,025 to support the chapter’s annual Ability Experience fund-raising. A total of $4,370 was undesignated. The CIF (Chapter Investment Fund) is an account held by the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation in Charlotte that assists the chapter in educational needs – student scholarship needs including educational fees for conferences. The CIF account balance stood at $55,459.91. That total represented $900 in grant payouts, $2,179.63 in fund growth (less management fees) and another $1,150 in donations (Note: There was one donation for $125 received in 2014, but not posted until 2015). For those who wish to make direct donations to the CIF account, contact chapter advisor Pat Kuhnle (Omega 1197) for additional information. There were no bequests given to the housing corporation in 2014. In 2013 by comparison, the chapter received a $50,000 bequest that was put into the future building reserve fund. Alumni interested in learning more about naming Omega in your will, should contact housing corporation president Jay Seeger (Omega 897), a local attorney. Seeger’s contact information is located on Page 2
of the Omegalite. Non-designated gifts in 2014, were applied to Omegalite printing and mailing help fund housing corporation maintenance projects. Each summer, the housing corporation under the leadership of Dustin Zufall (Omega 1443) identify improvement projects. For example, the largest project in 2014 included window replacement throughout the house. In 2015, the third floor restroom was renovated. Air conditioning capacity in the second floor cold air and the first floor Great Hall was doubled. Sink faucets and toilet fixtures were replaced throughout the house. And, the entire house – study rooms and public areas – were repainted. $10,000 or more None $2,500 to $9,999 None $1,000 to $2,499 462 John Gaydos 1077 Steve Bohner 1370 Kurt Schulenberg $500 to $999 696 Dennis Trescott 722 Jack Berlien 1031 Mark Higgins 1034 Tom Miller 1488 Brent Wunderlich $250 to $499 506 James Jackson 509 Duane Davis 448 Kelley Carr 852 Kim Tubergen 1457 Peter Todd 1461 Kevin Johnson 1506 Phil Leslie $100 to $249 360 John Gumpper 399 Eldon Knuth 464 Robert Rust 517 Robert Wingard 520 Al Kirchner 522 David Griffiths
528 533 580 612 621 629 672 683 688 740 819 836 858 951 1030 1119 1180 1272 1312 1461 1659 Psi
562 596 620 636 727 769 813 862 956 970 1154 1197 1210 1270 1481 1643 286 613 948 Xi 588 720
Lawrence Hines Jack Silvius Larry Reed Michael Kerr Hugh Flanagan Edwin Gruwell Ronald Lema Andrew Kotulski Mike Eberhart John McDonald Jim Berlien Ted Coyle Bernard Platt Greg Linder Lars Kneller Rick Bonar Don Porth Todd Spaulding Brent Peacock Kevin Johnson Brian Heiwig Bill Newell $50 to $99 Gerald Ward Jerry Davee John Pop Fred Lyijynen David R. Davis Jay Hackleman Glenn Manich R. Michael Little Larry Metzler David Sternfeld Kurt Takara Pat Kuhnle Rich Prestholt Casey Price Jeff Hanson Josh Stolarz $25 to $49 Donald Adams Donald Katter Doug Kunnemann Durward Owen $10 to $24 Hilton Henry Warren Cline
2014 election results Jay Seeger, president 38 in favor, 0 write-ins Brandt Hershman, vice president 38 in favor, 0 write-ins Steve Bohner, treasurer 38 in favor, 0 write-ins Pat Kuhnle, secretary 39 in favor, 0 write-ins
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Omega resolution honoring Lane
WHEREAS, Omega initiate David G. Lane has been bestowed the highest honor the national fraternity can convey upon one of its members, and WHEREAS, Lane has supported the Omega chapter continuously since his initiation on April 21, 1968, and WHEREAS, Lane was the national chairman of the Campaign for Omega chapter house re-building project during 1987 to 1988, and WHEREAS, Lane has served the greater fraternity as a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Properties, Pi Kappa Phi Foundation and Nationl Council, and WHEREAS, Lane has provided counsel and support for the Omega chapter and its housing corporation continuously since his initiation, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Omega of Pi Kappa Phi, Inc. Housing Corporation, alongside with the alumni and undergraduate members collectively and individually, hereby congratulate Brother Lane on being the second Omega alumnus and 50th member in the history of the fraternity in being honored as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi. Dated: May 10, 2015 • Jay Seeger, president • Brandt Hershman,vice president • Steve Bohner, treasurer • Pat Kuhnle, secretary • Andrew Lemna, 2014-15 archon • Tyler Ochs, fall 2015 archon