THE STAR
AND
SWOOP
of the Theta Pi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at the University of Texas at Tyler
Featured in this Issue
Three Generations in Theta Pi
Theta Pi & Gear up Florida
Annual Rose Ball held in Fort Worth
Student Chapter Archon’s Report
Alumni Chapter Report
Alumni Spotlight
Join the Alumni Chapter
“Remember When?” photo
Pictured above (from L to R): Tab Dupree, Garrett Dupree, Wendell Anderson
Three generations represented in Theta Pi Three generations of a single family are now represented in the Theta Pi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at the University of Texas at Tyler. Tab Dupree and Wendell Anderson, the father and grandfather of student member Garrett Dupree, were initiated into the fraternity on April 9th, 2016. Garrett got the idea to introduce them to Pi Kappa Phi after his mother grandmother were alumni initiated into his sister’s sorority, Alpha Phi. “I how much they enjoyed that experience, so I asked my dad and grandfather if they were interested and they jumped all over opportunity.”
and saw my the
Joining Pi Kappa Phi will be another opportunity for this family to bond, Tab says. “I saw how much it meant to Garrett to be a part of this fraternity, so when he asked us to be a part of it and to share that with him, it definitely meant a lot to the both of us.” Spring 2016 | ISSUE TWO An annual newsletter Published by the Theta Pi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. The Theta Pi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, nor Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity is liable for errors or omissions © 2016
Tab says it’s easy to see why his son cares so much about Pi Kappa Phi. “I have learned a lot through our interactions and the events that he tells me that he participates in through the fraternity. I was able to meet with some of his friends as well as his chapter advisor and could tell they were all very close.” Tab is also excited to get involved with the fraternity’s philanthropy. “Whenever Garrett explained what The Ability Experience is about I knew that the group of guys that he surrounds himself with had a good head on their shoulders and were people that you would want your son hanging around.”
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Theta Pi Chapter member to cycle for disability awareness in Gear Up Florida This summer the Theta Pi Chapter is sending one of their members to the annual Gear up Florida cycling trek. Austin Doyle was accepted to participate in the upcoming cycling journey and has raised over $4,000 in charitable funds towards the campaign while passing his initial goal of $3,500. This 800-mile cycling event kicks off on the shores of Miami, travels through the Florida orange fields, reaches the Gulf coast, passes through Orlando, comes back to the Atlantic coast and culminates at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. The team spreads a message of acceptance and understanding to communities in Florida through newspapers, radio and television, civic groups and community leaders, reaching millions of people annually.
Theta Pi chapter traditions, accomplishments celebrated at Rose Ball in Fort Worth Theta Pi Chapter’s annual Rose Ball was held on April 23, 2016 at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Chapter members, alumni, and their dates joined the celebration and festivities. Each year the chapter selects the fraternity sweetheart, known as the Rose Queen. This honorary title is bestowed upon one woman who embodies class, character, and elegance. Shelby Goforth was crowned the 2016 Theta Pi chapter Rose Queen. She was presented with a bouquet of red roses, the official flower of the Fraternity, while members and alumni performed the traditional serenade, ‘The Rose of Pi Kappa Phi.’Other active members won some awards that night as well for their involvement within the chapter. Below are the awards and the members that received them. Mr. Theta Pi- Jacob Van Der Schans IM- Gage Nippert Best Committee Chair- Garrett Dupree
Star and Lamp- Taylor Kemp Best EC- Shane Conway Rose Queen – Shelby Goforth
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Student Chapter Archon’s Report: Shane Conway Throughout this semester, we have continued to succeed in areas concerning the Ability Experience, on-campus representation, and student leadership throughout the community. Whether it be through hosting a 24-hour bike-a-thon, or participating in ramp builds across the town, the Theta Pi chapter is continuing to take steps forward in being recognized in the Tyler community as more than just a Greek organization at the University. Moving forward, the chapter has goals of expanding events that can raise more awareness for the Ability Experience, as well as Theta Pi as a whole. Recruitment is fast approaching, and we are striving for a 25man pledge class. The continued growth of the chapter is vital, and we are working diligently to allow this chapter to succeed for years to come.
Alumni Chapter Report: Joshua White Fraternally yours,
This is a very exciting time in the alumni chapter’s journey. As a founding father of both the active and alumni chapter, it’s incredible how far both chapters have come in such a relatively short time. Our current focus is on membership expansion, The Archon retention and savings. We’re on path to hosting our first ever alumni event, and we’re encouraging alumni to attend active chapter events when possible. I’m Shane Conway encouraged by the strides the active chapter is taking to continue to lead on campus. It’s always a joy to hear how many brothers you’ve initiated each semester and the ways you’re helping the community. Keep up the awesome work!
Theta Pi Alumni Spotlight: David McAlpin David McAlpin graduated from UT Tyler in 2010, completing his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication. He joined Theta Pi as a founding father in 2007. Since graduation, David has moved to Hong Kong where he currently works as an English teacher at St. Paul’s College Primary School. He earned his Master of Education from Hong Kong University, and he continues to work on his Post Graduate Diploma in Education. David loves to hike, travel, sea kayak and Urbex (Urban exploring of abandoned buildings). He also enjoys explaining his pro-gun stance to non-US citizens. He has plugged into the community as a volunteer at two NGOs in Hong Kong, Crossroads and Inner City Ministries.
Theta Pi Alumni Spotlight: Austin O’Kelly Austin O’Kelly joined the Theta Pi chapter as a founding father. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and earned his Master in Business Administration. Austin currently lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Michelle. He works as an IT Systems Analyst for Zephyr Environmental and volunteers at the Capitol Area Food Bank.
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Join the Theta Pi Alumni Chapter today! Your alumni dues help fund alumni mailings, events, and support the student chapter. Dues are $50 annually, however members are welcome to give beyond that amount. If you have not yet paid your dues for 2016, please print & detach this page and mail along with payment to: Theta Pi Alumni Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Attn: Alumni Dues, P.O. Box 131222, Tyler, TX 75713 CURRENT ALUMNI MEMBERS:
Austin Castleberry Justin Davenport David McAlpin Daniel Granvold Dylan Groce Austin O'Kelly Austin Fisher Joshua White Todd Knowles Jeff Chandler Zach Intlehouse Bryan Okland Brandon Okland Rene Hernandez Blake Bristow Charles Burroughs Martin McKown
Don’t see your name? Join the Alumni Chapter today to support our student leaders!
FULL NAME: _________________________________________________________________ INITIATION NUMBER: ______________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________ CITY: ________________________________
STATE: __________ ZIP: _____________
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REMEMBER WHEN? Theta Pi Greek Week Champions, April 2011. Source: Theta Pi Chapter archives
THETA PI ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY President: Austin Castleberry Vice President: Dylan Groce Treasurer: Justin Davenport Secretary: Jeff Chandler Director of Alumni Events: Zach Intlehouse Director of Alumni Communications: Joshua White Director of Special Projects: Daniel Granvold