The Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi - Spring 2022

THE

DIARY

PAGE 4 AKPsi Returns to In-Person Events

PAGE 12 Eileen & Scott Howell Pledge $1M Gift to AKPsi

PAGE 37 The Great Restructuring

of Alpha Kappa Psi

A GIFT FOR THE FUTURE OF PRINCIPLED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

HOW THE HOWELL + WENDROFF PROFESSIONAL CENTER IS JUST THE BEGINNING. S PRIN G 2022

FIRST LOOK

Smile!

Grace Giitter, Creighton '12, gets her picture taken before giving her presentation at the 2022 Principled Business Leadership Institute.

This winter, Alpha Kappa Psi went back to in-person principled business leadership development events and members were excited! After suspending in-person events for nearly two years, AKPsi members were prepared to don their masks and use a lot of hand sanitizer to see their fellow members from across the country.

TH E DIARY OF AL PHA K APPA P SI

VOLUME 110 NUMBER 1

CONTENTS

FE ATURES pg. 12 A Gift for the Future of Principled Business Leadership

Alpha Kappa Psi THE PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS FRATERNITY

www.akpsi.org mail@akpsi.org (317) 872 – 1553

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

facebook.com/akpsi youtube.com/akpsi1904 twitter.com/akpsi1904 instagram.com/akpsi1904 linkedin.com/company/ alpha-kappa-psi facebook.com/ AKPsiFoundation

One decision led to Eileen and Scott Howell donating a $1M gift to AKPsi, and the naming of the Howell + Wendroff Professional Center.

pg. 16

The Great Restructuring You may have heard of “The Great Resignation.”

Now employees and companies face “The Great Restructuring.”

DEPARTMENTS

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Natalie Simon, Stetson ‘07 (above center), is named the first Black American woman referee to earn a FIFA badge.

PG. 3 ON-BOARDING Fraternity news, notes and insights

PG. 18 MEMBER DEEDS The best in chapter news and member accomplishments

PG. 21 AUDIT ETERNAL PG. 22 LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF Former AKPsi Foundation Board member Greg DuRoss, Wayne State '70-Life, provides life lessons and advice to his younger self.

PG. 24 INTERVIEW Get to know Calista Tucker, South Carolina State '15, a self-described “Talent Fairy Godmother.”

T HE D I A RY O F A L PH A K A P PA PSI S PRIN G 2022

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FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity Shaping People, Shaping Business Since 1904 VISION Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders

CORE VALUES In developing principled business leaders, Alpha Kappa Psi adheres to these lifetime values:

Brotherhood Trust, respect, cooperation, companionship, and aid to brothers is the expected norm Knowledge Education and experience is emphasized and shared Integrity All actions, whether in business or in life, are guided by honesty, ethics, and fairness Service Sharing of time, talent, and treasure with society and with our fraternity is a priority Unity A common understanding of our vision and values that transcends chapter, is utilized to anticipate and create the future

Timothy W. Daniels, Indiana ’06–Life, Chair

Mathew D. Johnston, Boise State ’12–Life, Treasurer

Alison Jennings, Oakland ‘02, Vice Chair

Jacqueline Ginarte, Florida International ‘04–Life, Member

Stephen E. Smith, Florida ’86–Life, Secretary

Eliza J. Hernandez, North Carolina-Charlotte ’09–Life,

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Nick Myers, Florida ’99-Life, Member Rodney C. Turner, Alabama State ’93–Life, Member

FRATERNITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eileen L. Howell, Wisconsin-Milwaukee ’78–Life, Chair

Jane A. Azzinaro, Maryland ’10–Life, Member

David P. Wendroff, Portland ’79–Life, Member

Micheal E. Dickson, Central Washington ’02–Life, Vice Chair

Debbie E. Barrett, Montclair State ’98, Member

Kenneth B. Hastey, Saint Louis ’76–Life, Director Emeritus

Michael G. Dickerson, Virginia Tech ’04–Life, Secretary

Miriam V. Tomaselli, Marist ‘97, Member

Donald T. Sechler, Arizona State ’96-Life, Treasurer

Lane N. Velayo, Cincinnati ’00–Life, Member

FRATERNITY MANAGEMENT TEAM Thomas N. Tran, Penn State ’02–Life, President Heather D. Robinette, Kansas State ’09 – Life, Vice President Divya Achtani, Georgia Tech ‘13, Manager Amanda K. Belcher, Western Kentucky ‘08, Manager Maya S. Richardson, Arizona State ‘02, Area I Vice President James A. Fuller III, Clemson ’08-Life, Area II Vice President Andrea Nemeth, Montclair State ’91–Life, Area III Vice President M.C. Moore, Virginia Tech ’86-Life, Area IV Vice President

Kimberly Y. Lewis, Nova Southeastern ‘08, Atlantic Gulf Coast Regional Director Kaylah Grant, Syracuse ‘17, Atlantic Metro Regional Director Linwood Jones, South Carolina State ’07-Life, Carolina Coastal Regional Director Joshua S. Machtinger, Binghamton ‘07, Central Atlantic Regional Director Shane M. Wakerling, Cal Poly State ‘06, Central Pacific Regional Director Michael J. Schmidt, Chapman ’01–Life, Desert Southwest Regional Director Courtney P. Ball, Buffalo ’12–Life, Eastern Great Lakes Regional Director Jennifer L. Adamany, San Diego ’05–Life, Eastern Great Plains Regional Director

David B. Greenberg, Connecticut ‘11, Northern Atlantic Regional Director Sahil Maherali, Texas at San Antonio ’16, Northern Rio Grande Regional Director Wendy A. Wendroff Tri-State ’80–Life, Pacific Northwest Regional Director Tim Veigle, Central Florida ’04–Life, Southern Bluegrass Regional Director Clarence W. Seal, Tennessee Tech ’85– Life, Southern Delta Regional Director Jacob S. Drees, Toledo ’11–Life, Valley Crossroads Regional Director Seeking Nominations, Western Great Lakes Regional Director Scott D. Todd, Central Washington ’02-Life, Western Great Plains Regional Director

PROFESSIONAL STAFF C. Steve Hartman, CAE, Miami University ‘16–Honorary, Chief Executive Officer Brian D. Parker, CAE, Indiana ‘93–Life, Chief Operating Officer Kim Olesker, MPA, Foundation Executive Director Jessica R. Seitz, CAE, Auburn ‘02–Honorary/Life, Director of Development and Alumni Engagement Jason R. Pierce, CAE, CMP, Director of Education Melinda S. Rosenthall, Boston ‘18– Honorary, Director of Student Services

Jane Williams, Executive Assistant Liz Buttner, Stetson ‘11, Associate Director of Communication Mackenzie Lauka, Toledo ‘10–Life, Associate Director of Education Alec K. Morand, Loyola Marymount ‘13, Associate Director of Member Engagement Ciera Fernandez, Lipscomb ‘19, Chapter Educational Resource Coordinator

Je’Nai Lee, North CarolinaGreensboro ‘19, Chapter Educational Resource Coordinator Coral N. Petersen, Toledo ‘15, Chapter Educational Resource Coordinator Finley Lambouris, Michigan State ‘19, Digital Education Coordinator Terry Fuller, Accounting Administrative Assistant Kelly Lewis, Accounting Administrative Assistant

Brianna Hellman, Tennessee Tech ‘18-Life, Chapter Educational Resource Coordinator

Stephanie M. Bentley, Foundation Administrative Assistant

Tria Designs, Design and Layout

To access the fraternity archives, visit akpsi.org/diary

THE DIARY OF ALPHA KAPPA PSI C. Steve Hartman, CAE, Miami University’16–Honorary, Editor in Chief Liz Buttner, Stetson ‘11, Associate Editor Alec K. Morand, Loyola Marymount ‘13, Associate Editor Finley Lambouris, Michigan State ‘19, Associate Editor

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Member

The Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi is published two times annually.

Non-profit Standard postage paid at Bolingbrook, Ill. and additional offices.

Alpha Kappa Psi provides lifetime subscriptions of The Diary to Life Members (U.S. and Canadian addresses). Copies of the magazine are also distributed to donors to the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi 8001 East 196th Street Noblesville, IN 46062 mail@akpsi.org

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ON-BOARDING

SOWING THE FUTURE

SHAUNL/ISTOCK

By CEO Steve Hartman

“One generation plants the trees, and another generation gets the shade.”

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his old proverb has come to mind several times as we look forward to AKPsi’s future.

The most obvious reason is the recent Open House event at the newly named Howell + Wendroff Professional Center.

AKPsi officially named the building and acknowledged the $1M gift of Eileen and Scott Howell to further AKPsi’s endeavors to develop principled business leadership. However, the proverb also applies to many other investments we see in AKPsi and beyond. The thousands of hours of volunteer time dedicated to supporting chap-

ter officers, speaking at an event, or serving on a business panel. These contributions are investments in others.

Finally, the same can be said for the many alumni and chapter stories in this edition of The Diary — the articles and acknowledgments are worthy of our collective accolades, but magic is found in the actions of AKPsi brothers and chapters. These modest gestures (and some, not so modest!) collectively represent our version of tree-planting, and they capture the spirit of supporting others which is at the core of AKPsi.

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ON-BOARDING INBOX

Alpha Kappa Psi Is Back To In-Person Events!

PRESIDENTS ACADEMY AND FRATERNIT Y ADVISORS CONFERENCE

January 7-9, 2022 Orange County, CA More than 100 chapter presidents and advisors took what they learned through their personalized Birkman Method Assessments and applied their results to what it means to be a servant leader. At right is what attendees had to say about their experiences.

PRINCIPLED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

February 11-12, 2022 February 25-26, 2022 Baltimore, MD, Jacksonville, FL, and Chicago, IL More than 700 students and alumni interacted with top professionals in business industries and gained insights on critical industryrelated skills. At right is what one participant had to say about their PBLI experience.

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“I learned what it takes for a community to come together and learn about themselves in business.

It is important to take away what we have learned at PBLI and translate it to our lives personally and professionally. I learned a lot about myself and what role I have in areas such as networking, social responsibility, and team dynamics.”

–Z ayna Bardawil, Iowa State ’20 (above)

“Leaving the Presidents Academy and Fraternity Advisor Conference, I feel much more confident in my abilities as a leader to create positive change while leaving a lasting impact. I’m so grateful that I still had the opportunity to attend from home, and I would highly recommend others to attend in the future.”

– Amanda Dang, Seattle ’19 (above) “The best part of my weekend at Presidents Academy was surrounding myself with other like-minded individuals.

Everyone was there to learn how they can better lead their chapter and create principled business leaders.

The connections I made will continue into the future, and I am looking forward to seeing all the presidents succeed in leading their chapters.”

–A nonymous Participant

Later this year, AKPsi is looking forward to hosting the 61st Convention in Miami, FL! Don’t miss your chance to see members in person at this one-ofa-kind AKPsi experience.

PRIDE JOURNAL This hardcover journal is perfect for capturing your notes, ideas, and sketches while at work, in transit, or reflecting on the day. $11.95 each

COAT OF ARMS BANNER OR GREEK LETTERS FLAG

The Traveler There is nothing quite like summer travel.

Whether you are studying abroad, visiting brothers in a new city, or doing some solo travel, here are some items you will want to take to display your Alpha Kappa Psi pride on the go.

TRAVEL MUG Keep your water cold or your coffee hot with the 16 oz.

AKPsi Travel Mug. Refills not included. $11.95

Take your AKPsi pride to new heights when you bring your Coat of Arms Banner or Greek Letters Flag with you on your summer hikes! $24.95

LUGGAGE TAG This durable AKPsi luggage tag will save you from grabbing the wrong bag at baggage claim, or worse yet, from someone grabbing yours! $2.95

shop.akpsi.org

AKPsi MARKETPLACE Look for an exciting new look for AKPsi's online store coming this summer, located within the MyAKPsi community.

Members and guests can shop for both themselves and purchase gifts for AKPsi members. Still with the great benefits of bulk discounts, free shipping on orders over $50, and an improved user experience.

T HE D I A RY O F A L PH A K A P PA PSI S PRIN G 2022

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ON-BOARDING ACCOLADES

“WE LIVE IN DEEDS, NOT YEARS.” Each year, Alpha Kappa Psi members and chapters are recognized for their achievements and deeds to their communities, institutions, and the Fraternity.

While members live by the line in the creed, “We live

in deeds, not years,” Alpha Kappa Psi understands the importance of recognizing members and chapters for their contributions and achievements. Congratulations to the Fall 2021 award winners!

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is the most prestigious award conferred upon Alpha Kappa Psi members. To be recognized with a DSA, a member must have performed praiseworthy service to a chapter, region, Alpha Kappa Psi, or the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation.

The following members received their Distinguished Service Award since the last issue.

Bronze: First Degree Owen Blemlek, Saint Joseph’s ’20 Lischna Castor, Stetson ’19 Jonathan Chiang, Texas ’18 Andrew Cornes, Baylor ’17 Kalliopi Efstration, Saint Joseph’s ’18 Lauren Goldsmith, Christopher Newport ’19 Cristian Guerette, Connecticut ’21 Natali Hall, Tennessee Tech ’18 Haley Luft, William and Mary ’19 Morgan Westbrook, Fort Hays State ’20 Derek Saldaña, Texas at San Antonio ’19 Suleiman Tahir, William and Mary ’19 Silver: First Degree Diana D. Correia, Syracuse ’14-Life De’Sean Keys, Middle Tennessee State ’13-Life Silver: Second Degree Jacqueline Ginarte, Florida International ’04-Life Stephen Vasquez, Arizona State ’72-Life David Yorita, Arizona State ’83-Life

ABOVE: Executive Vice President Heather Robinette, Kansas State ’09-Life, presents awards to the Garden State Alumni Chapter Past President Diana D. Correia, Syracuse ’14-Life, and President, J’Ream Lewis, New Jersey Institute of Technology '17.

OUTSTANDING LEADER AWARDS Winners of these awards were nominated by their peers and chosen to receive recognition by the Awards Committee.

Outstanding Leader in Brotherhood, Knowledge, and Unity Natali Hall, Tennessee Tech ’18 Outstanding Leader in Integrity Taylor Walker, Toledo ’19 Outstanding Leader in Service Chris Fleming, Colorado ’19 Outstanding Advisor Kaylah Grant, Syracuse ’17

ABOVE: Emily Barnett, Tennessee Tech ’21, Natali Hall, Tennessee Tech ’18, and Mikayla Bumgarner, Tennessee Tech ’21, are pictured with the Zeta Upsilon Chapter’s awards.

OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PROGRAMMING AWARDS Winners of these awards were nominated by the chapter’s leadership and chosen to receive recognition by the Awards Committee.

Outstanding Programming in Brotherhood and Service Middle Tennessee State Outstanding Programming in Integrity and Knowledge Stony Brook Outstanding Programming in Unity Tennessee Tech Outstanding Organizational Partnership Pittsburgh Outstanding AKPsi Chapter Partnership Toledo Outstanding Alumni Chapter Programming in Brotherhood and Service Garden State Alumni

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Award Spotlight FIZKES /ISTOCK

NATALI HALL , TENNESSEE TECH ’18

Outstanding Leader in Brotherhood, Knowledge, and Unity and Bronze Distinguished Service Award recipient It is not every day you meet a member with a story like Natali Hall’s (below, left). In her award nominations, Natali’s peers describe her as “an incredible person, an incredible leader,” and having “demonstrated all AKPsi core values” through her work to grow the Zeta Upsilon Chapter.

Natali was the only member remaining when she decided to rebuild the Tennessee Tech chapter. She ran the chapter’s social media, recruitment efforts, Bridge to Brotherhood program, chapter finances, and so much more.

She did it with a smile and never buckled under the pressure.

Thanks to Natali’s efforts, she singlehandedly grew the chapter by eight members, a feat when you manage everything yourself, setting the chapter up for future success.

“She is an incredible person, leader, and AKPsi is lucky to have someone like Natali Hall in their corner.”

BEST & WORST ...

CAREER ADVICE

Alpha Kappa Psi asked its audience on LinkedIn to anonymously share the best and worst career advice they’ve received. Here’s what they had to say!

BEST:

WORST:

f Walk your own path.

Why it’s good: Everybody and their mother has an idea of what’s best for you, but life doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution to fulfillment and success in your career. Something that worked for others may not necessarily work for you, and it’s dire to follow your own path.

f Stick it out. Why it’s bad: It’s

f Inspire others by the example

you set. Why it’s good: Nobody likes to be preached to by a “do as I say, not as I do” type of person.

The best way to set expectations for others is to meet them yourself.

f Always be open to

a conversation. Why it’s good: You never know where career advancements or learning opportunities will come from.

Plus, you may end up making a good friend!

important to trust your gut. If something is telling you that a position or a company is not a good fit for you, move on.

f Suffer it out another year; it’ll look better on your résumé.

Why it’s bad: Trusting your gut is important, but it’s also not enough.

It’s equally important not to base critical life choices on what you think will look best to others. f Work smarter, not harder. Why it’s bad: Working smarter is always a good practice, but it shouldn’t come in lieu of working hard — a combination of the two leaves you feeling most competent and satisfied.

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ON-BOARDING R E T R O S P E C T I V E reprint from

THE DIARY: JANUARY 1922

Is Alpha Kappa Psi An Honorary Fraternity?

Submitted by the University of Cincinnati, Eta Chapter

1922

“A

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t the start we will say no. The status of Alpha Kappa Psi as compared with other fraternities seems to be widely disputed among the Chapters. Fraternities in general are divided into Social, Professional and Honorary. To which class if any, does Alpha Kappa Psi belong?

This subject is timely and important for two reasons: (1) If we are not of the same opinion, how can we expect other fraternities to agree as to our position; and (2) If we cannot tell a candidate for membership exactly what the Fraternity is, how can we expect him to successfully carry out

the aims of the Fraternity. Eta Chapter presents herewith her conception of the Fraternity in hope that others will present theirs and thereby agree as to what the fraternity really is.

In order that we may understand to what class we belong, it becomes necessary

Fraternities in general are divided into Social, Professional and Honorary. To which class if any, does Alpha Kappa Psi belong?

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he world is very conscious of the words and definitions used for specific peoples and groups.

Defining oneself and our values is increasingly important for members and Alpha Kappa Psi. While this phenomenon may seem like a recent feature of today’s culture, this article from January 1922 shows that members have pondered the question of how to define ourselves as an organization since the early days. In this article, the Eta Chapter at the University of Cincinnati offers an internal analysis of how AKPsi should define itself. Today, in contrast, simply having Greek letters sets the tone for how the organization is perceived.

It is true that many AKPsi chapters have selective recruitment, all chapters have member dues and attendance requirements, and all chapters are required to follow an organized new member education program. These attributes overlap with those of a traditional social Greek-lettered organization.

However, AKPsi has also made strides to differentiate its membership and culture from traditional social Greek-lettered organizations. In the fall of 1950, members saw the removal of the restrictive race and creed clause from the Fraternity’s Constitution. In 1976, the organization ushered in This article from the admittance January 1922 shows of women into that members the Fraternity. have pondered the In 2007, AKPsi opened memberquestion of how to ship to include define ourselves non-business as an organization majors, as the Fraternity believed since the early days. principled business leadership education could impact every student, regardless of major.

It is thanks to these changes that Alpha Kappa Psi has a diverse international membership that makes it unique today. AKPsi does not simply foster friendship, but also seeks to support the professional and academic ambitions of its membership.

TODAY

for us to know the distinctive features of each class. We speak of a Social Fraternity as one whose primary object is to house its members while at school and furnish social activities. Surely Alpha Kappa Psi stands for more than this.

A Professional Fraternity is one wherein the interest of the members is limited and narrowed down to one particular profession and while they devote some time to social affairs, the bulk of their efforts are concentrated on research work in their profession. While Alpha Kappa Psi leans in this direction, she cannot be strictly termed a Professional Fraternity.

An Honorary Fraternity is one wherein the only requirement, as a rule, is the achievement in study of a fixed standard, and membership is looked upon as a reward for a higher average resulting from diligent concentration and study of a science. Far be it from Alpha Kappa Psi to be classed among these.

What then is Alpha Kappa Psi? We believe it is in a special class as it resembles any one of the above in one form or another.

1. We are social in that we have our fraternity houses and devote a part of our time to social development. “The object of the Fraternity shall be to further the individual welfare of its members.”

2. We are professional in that we “foster scientific research in the fields of commerce, accounts and finance.”

3. We are honorary in that certain scholastic requirements are demanded before membership will be granted and the candidate declares the intention of working for a degree.

It is therefore evident that while related to all three in one form or another, we are more closely related to the professional fraternity, next to the social and slightly to the honorary.

Finally let us suggest that Alpha Kappa Psi be termed a Semi-Social and Professional Fraternity.”

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ON-BOARDING

PAST & PRESENT

Presidents Academy “Because we had that diverse group of people, I got to meet people I would have never talked to before” – C.J. Gonzalez, Georgia ’15

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n 2016, Alpha Kappa Psi launched the pilot program of its weekend-long leadership training event, the Presidents Academy. Each year the event is hosted in a different city, with past events being held in locales such as Denver, Phoenix, and Indianapolis.

Chapter presidents can take the practices they learn and implement them to bring the best out of themselves and their fellow members. Presidents who attend will experience the Birkman Method, an in-depth assessment to learn your personal leadership style, as well as how to better embody AKPsi’s unique style of servant leadership.

AKPsi alumnus C.J. Gonzalez, Georgia ’15, served as chapter president during his time as a collegiate member. He attended the inaugural Presidents Academy in Indianapolis as well as the following year’s event.

“The best part of the Presidents Academy experience is that I got to get perspective from all these chapters across the country,” Gonzalez said.

“It was a better chance for us to get together as leaders and discuss how we see our chapters and

Above: Chapter Presidents and Professional Staff at the pilot Presidents Academy in 2016.

good ideas we may want to incorporate across those different chapters.”

Gonzalez recalled that the first Presidents Academy was used as a testing ground to bring together members from diverse regions across the country.

“Because we had that diverse group of people, I got to meet people I would have never talked to before,” he said. “I still have lifelong friends that I met at the Presidents Academy. I felt a lot of camaraderie that I didn’t expect, and I’d encourage any chapter president to attend.”

When the Presidents Academy began, Jacqueline Ginarte, Florida International ’04-Life, was serving as Regional Director for AKPsi’s Atlantic Gulf Coast Region, one of the two regions chosen to help pilot the program. She saw the positive impact the program had on the chapters under her direction.

“I’ve seen troubled chapters recover significantly after their presidents attended the Presidents Academy,” she said. “They got off probation, they started recruiting better, they started seeing more success.”

“I’ve seen troubled chapters recover significantly after their presidents attended the Presidents Academy” – J acqueline Ginarte, Florida International ’04-Life

“The tough conversations taking place in the corporate world are also taking place in our chapters,” she said. “To have meaningful discussions about something like diversity, the chapter presidents are looking to us to show them how to navigate those topics in an honest, healthy way.”

As the world continues to change, these skills will help guide them through whatever comes next. The Presidents Academy will keep evolving to stay relevant to the needs of AKPsi members, empowering them to run their chapters, careers, and lives successfully.

PEOPLEIMAGES/ISTOCK

Since the pilot the curriculum has evolved to remain relevant to the challenges chapters are facing at the time, but the content has always focused on translatable leadership skills like team building, empathy, and communication.

Unlike the content formerly presented at officer trainings, which can now be found on-demand in the MyLearning section of the MyAKPsi community, the Presidents Academy curriculum empowers presidents to use their own judgment and decision-making to guide their chapters, rather than following a rigid script.

REFRESH

NEGOTIATING YOUR COMPENSATION PACKAGE Why is it important to learn how to negotiate your compensation package?

YOU WILL HAVE TO NEGOTIATE COMPENSATION TIME AND AGAIN.

Learn to do this effectively early and the benefits will multiply over time.

Even if you stay with the same company for years, you will need to be able to negotiate compensation as job responsibilities change, promotions are earned, and organization objectives evolve.

YOUR BENEFITS WILL MULTIPLY.

$10,000 more in yearly salary earned in your first job can be worth $500,000 more over the course of your career through the magic of compounding.

NEGOTIATING EARLY CAN HELP OBTAIN CRITICAL BENEFITS.

These benefits can expand your professional potential and earning power early in your career. For example, obtaining employer assistance to earn a professional degree, time off to study, and mentorship through the company will make you more valuable to the organization and enhance your earning potential.

COME PREPARED WITH THE FACTS.

Your approach will be respected if you come prepared with an honest case based on facts that your value deserves higher compensation. Companies want to hire and support high-performing individuals, and high performing individuals are expected to negotiate.

Read the full interview with Mike at AKPsi News on www.akpsi.org and check out the “Negotiating Your Best Compensation Package” webinar in MyLearning available in the MyAKPsi community.

Mike Morand is a retail and leadership professional with 30+ years of demonstrated success as a former retail and leadership professional with experience from part-time sales to store and regional management.

Since leaving his retail career, Mike continues to leverage his experience to help develop the next generation of business leaders by serving as a mentor.

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A GIFT FOR THE FUTURE

OF PRINCIPLED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

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by Riley Manning

HOW THE HOWELL + WENDROFF PROFESSIONAL CENTER IS JUST THE BEGINNING. OPPOSITE: The Howells and the Wendroffs shared what AKPsi has meant to them with attendees at the Open House. LEFT: Future vision for the Common Area at the Howell + Wendroff Professional Center.

develops leadership programs like Brotherhood Unbounded, it has become clear that the Fraternity needs to expand and grow creative spaces and tools used to achieve its vision of the future.

A Need to Grow and the Gift That Helps Make It Possible From the beginning of its search for a new location, AKPsi leadership envisioned a space that offered more than office space for in-house staff.

AKPsi's new headquarters needed to enable AKPsi to expand its in-person and virtual training opportunities, bolster chapter development programs like the Presidents Academy and expand its Brotherhood Unbounded learning and other leadership development initiatives.

A

lpha Kappa Psi has come a long way since the Fraternity established its first professional headquarters, conducting operations from a rented office space in an Indianapolis bank building in 1923. AKPsi moved to several locations over the subsequent decades, eventually finding its new home at 8001 E. 196th St., in Noblesville, Indiana, in February of 2021.

This move signaled much more than a change of address for AKPsi. The new facilities were immediately put to

Thanks to a $1 million gift by esteemed alumni Eileen and Scott Howell, the largest donation in AKPsi history, this vision is one major step closer to becoming a reality. use to enhance how AKPsi pursued goals connected to the core values of brotherhood, knowledge, integrity, service, and unity.

At the current office location, AKPsi continues to expand principled business leadership training programs and chapter development initiatives so all members may gain the knowledge, insight, and social skills that lead to professional and personal success at all stages of life.

Even as the Fraternity transitions into new opportunities and further

Eileen and Scott met through AKPsi in Houston, where they helped establish an alumni chapter. The two enjoyed successful careers, Eileen as a tax specialist for various international companies and Scott as a specialist in the energy industry, among other roles, including owning his own business. Eileen's work has taken them across the world. The couple has resided in Texas, Singapore, and the UK throughout her career.

Throughout the years, Eileen and Scott have remained heavily involved with AKPsi as volunteers and donors,

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serving in several capacities over the decades. Eileen has served as Chair of the AKPsi Foundation Board of Directors and has chaired the AKPsi Fraternity Board of Directors on two separate occasions.

Beyond their work with AKPsi, the Howells volunteer with the PGA and "Together in Pink," a nonprofit aiding breast cancer survivors.

"If I'm able to give back, that makes me feel good," Eileen said of her involvement with the organization.

"It's my way of staying in touch with my friends. So many of our friends are AKPsi people. AKPsi is like the glue that keeps everybody together."

One relationship has been particularly special for the Howells: their friendship with fellow AKPsi alumni Wendy and David Wendroff.

Eileen and Wendy met at a Midwest Regional Conference in 1981. They worked together on projects like Indy Adventure, an annual historical event that brought students and alumni to visit AKPsi's central headquarters in Indiana during the 1980s and 90s.

Wendy has served in multiple volunteer roles as an alumna, including regional director, section director, and chapter advisor. Most notably, since 2000, she has served as Convention Chair. She also previously worked for AKPsi as Director of Member Services.

David also has a long history of volunteer service. In addition to multiple regional-based roles, he has served as Chair of the AKPsi Fraternity Board of Directors and Chair of the AKPsi Foundation Board of Directors.

The Howells and the Wendroffs grew close over the years. Wendy is godmother to the Howells' daughter.

Multiple generations of the families have taken part in weddings, played active roles in their children's lives, RIGHT: Future vision for the Patio Area at the Howell + Wendroff Professional Center.

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and made a point to visit one another when they can.

"They've been part of our lives forever, and we treasure their friendship," Eileen said.

As a gift to the Wendroffs, the Howells chose to name AKPsi's new headquarters after their lifelong bond: The Howell + Wendroff Professional Center. David served on the original exploratory committee and the building planning committee, where he proved instrumental in envisioning the new space. Yet the Howells' gift came as a surprise.

"Our connection to the Howells is much more than AKPsi," Wendy said.

"I can say that about so many of the relationships I have started with AKPsi. They have evolved way beyond that."

Building For the Future The Howell + Wendroff Professional Center will play a critical role as AKPsi expands its vision and mission for principled business leadership development. The Howells' gift will contribute to several initiatives to provide value and support to both students and alumni, even as the world faces drastic change.

Learning Lab and Retreat Center: A renovation of the current headquarters will include a new space for in-person and virtual leadership development programs for all brothers, training for

students and alumni, and other faceto-face gatherings. It will also provide the facilities needed to provide highquality videos, webinars, podcasts, and other remote learning materials for principled business leadership development.

Chapter Achievement Pathway: Chapter growth and development are critical when cultivating principled business leadership qualities in its members. Instilling the right principles within individual chapters helps students carry those qualities into the workplace after graduation. AKPsi will use the Howell + Wendroff Professional Center to continue developing programs like the Presidents Academy, Fraternity Advisor Conference, The Academy, and regular training for chapter officers.

Brotherhood Unbounded: AKPsi will continue to provide principled business leadership development through its Brotherhood Unbounded initiatives. These resources include an inventory of personal leadership training content, a certificate program in principled business leadership, and the further development of the MyAKPsi Community.

The Howell + Wendroff Professional Center will help AKPsi continue to evolve and provide more value and support to students and alumni. It will serve as a reminder that relationships lie at the heart of success.

LEFT: The Howells and the Wendroffs stand next to the new sign after it was revealed at the Open House, honoring the couples, and their friendship, on March 12.

"Many things I learned when I was a college student in the fraternity were things I didn't learn in class," David said. "I learned how to organize events, work in teams, work on projects, and how to work in the business world. I also had a network of fraternity brothers I could rely on. Forty years later, those fraternity brothers are still my friends."

The Howells agreed on the importance of a centralized space. The Howell + Wendroff Professional Center will save the cost of outside venues, and it will also hold AKPsi's archives and history and provide a centralized space for producing new media.

"It allows us to have a closer brotherhood, a closer network of future leaders because we won't be Striking the Right Balance constrained to a geographic area. It doesn't matter where you are. You AKPsi CEO Steve Hartman said the can join in on a conversation," Eileen headquarters will allow AKPsi to make said. "You still need the most of inface-to-face, as well. person and virtual Sometimes just opportunities.

Support reading the tone and "Amid all this chaos the Vision! listening to what around how jobs people say makes an The generous gift for are changing and impact and leads to the Howell + Wendroff work evolves with other questions or Professional Center is video and virtual, conversations." where the organization we want to have begins to provide principled Steve agreed. To stay somewhere we can business leadership relevant to the needs of still do retreats and opportunities for students, the evolving business meetings," Steve alumni, and stakeholders. world, leaders must be said. "We need a To support the vision of able to adapt to shifts this world-class facility, physical presence, and take advantage upgrades are slated and on top of that, allowing the Center to of new technologies we want to produce be the cornerstone for without losing the soft things professionally leading the way. skills that constitute that wouldn't need the foundation of For more information, to be synchronous leadership ability. contact Kim Olesker or asynchronous or Jessica Seitz at AKPsi will continue to from a learning foundation@akpsi.org. create curriculums and point of view."

resources that impart guiding principles that lead to success in any environment and any industry.

"As a friend or colleague or acquaintance, you still rely on the values of trust, integrity, knowledge, and excellence," he said. "We have to be well-organized. We still have to be able to break down problems with critical thinking. We still need to communicate well. To us, all those things are just timeless."

The Howells foresee a future where principled business leadership plays a significant role in the fraternity and the broader business world. They hope that future generations will take on the lessons they learn and carry them into a global business environment.

The fraternity will continue to develop a strategic approach to keeping members involved, listening to what they have to say, and developing their leadership skills.

"Your affiliation with AKPsi is more as an alum," Wendy said. "That alumni part has been the best. You can join the marketing club, the management club, and the finance club, but when you graduate, your affiliation is over.

Not with AKPsi. There are so many opportunities to give, volunteer, and attend events. AKPsi membership is a lifelong proposition."

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The Great Restructuring YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF "THE GREAT RESIGNATION." NOW EMPLOYEES AND COMPANIES FACE "THE GREAT RESTRUCTURING."

T

by Riley Manning

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he impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and their employees led to crisis-mode approaches to avoid the worst outcomes. Organization leaders had to adapt by reinventing many internal practices and building infrastructure to adjust to staff working from home.

An economic downturn fueled by the pandemic impacted countless organizations. The Brookings Institution reports that beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, the U.S. saw two consecutive quarters of GDP decline,

with a record 9.1% drop in the second quarter of 2020.

The same report states that COVID-19 job losses erased 113 consecutive months of growth during this period, with a loss of 20.5 million non-farming jobs in April alone.

Even as the economy has seen growth over the past two years, millions of Americans have quit their jobs to retire early or seek better employment opportunities. This was coined "the great resignation."

Businesses now must attract new talent

and decide the future of their organizations in the face of this mass resignation, in what is now being called "the great restructuring."

This presents an opportunity for leadership to shift their approach to meeting evolving worker expectations and staying profitable in the current economic landscape.

WHAT THE GREAT RESTRUCTURING MEANS FOR EMPLOYEES In a job market where many are switching positions and companies have had to adjust to changes spurred by COVID-19, employees can take advantage of more adaptability in how companies acquire and retain talent.

This is not limited to remote work options but also includes many quality-of-life adjustments. These accommodations include policies and procedures to protect employees' physical and mental wellbeing, competitive salaries and benefits packages, and other value propositions between companies and employees.

When negotiating for your workplace needs, it's crucial to gather objective data that answers the right questions.

Before leaving your job, take a critical look at why you want to go and what you can gain by seeking a position elsewhere.

Does your company offer work from home or other family arrangements or quality of life accommodations, benefits, or otherwise meet your needs?

Do you feel you can no longer grow with the company?

Are other top performers leaving the company for greener pastures?

When you're sure you're ready to quit, don't burn bridges with your employers; although we've adopted a more fully digital work environment, a resignation via Zoom meeting is better than an email. Give your boss specific, detailed reasons without getting personal or insulting the company.

Standing out in a job market where millions of Americans are changing jobs can be daunting. However, you can do a few things to put your best foot forward.

The first is to note why you're looking for a new position and what you need out of your work that you think you'll get with

Questions for Employees How does the salary you're seeking compare to others in your industry?

How are competitors handling working from home and other family accommodations?

How can a company meet your needs with an acceptable level of flexibility?

Does your research reflect that you understand the demands and needs of the company while also showing your expectations are reasonable?

What does the company gain by acquiring or retaining you as an employee, vis-à-vis what they'd give up by meeting your terms?

Questions for Employers When employees leave the company, what reasons do they give?

How can you improve employees' quality of life and wellbeing so that they feel valued?

What is the talent pool for your industry seeking in terms of flexibility, comfort, value, and company culture?

Do you offer remote work options that match the expectations of top talent?

the companies you apply to. This allows you to build an honest, forward-facing narrative to tell interviewers about your employee vision.

Companies will also be looking at talent acquisition through the lens of COVID-19. You may have an opportunity to discuss new skills, roles, or certifications you've gained during the pandemic or challenges you've overcome.

How will the lessons you've learned help you in a new role? And how will that make you an asset?

BUILDING A BUSINESS WHERE EMPLOYEES WANT TO WORK Adapting to the evolving expectations of a post-COVID workforce while maintaining profitability can present many challenges.

An important lesson for business leaders to consider is the human nature of their companies and what it is their employees are genuinely seeking.

Many are now facing increased physical and mental health challenges due to COVID-19, and it's more important now than ever for business leaders to show employees they value their workers and are willing to provide accommodations and benefits that address these challenges. When adjusting between a digital, in-office, or hybrid workspace, discuss potential changes with employees to gauge the potential backlash and what works best for your team.

Most importantly, COVID-19 has allowed organizations to uncover potential weaknesses and address this: the relationship between employer and employee.

THE AKPSI BLOG Alpha Kappa Psi's blog has years' worth of personal and professional development articles available to you on akpsi.org for free. If you are considering a career change, need a refresher on networking tips, or want to know what you should do to clean up your social media before applying to a new job, visit the AKPsi blog to find these articles and more.

Didn't find what you were looking for on the blog?

Email communication@akpsi.org to submit your request.

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TIM NWACHUKWU/GET T Y IMAGES

MEMBER DEEDS

STETSON

First Black Woman to Earn FIFA Badge In December 2021, Natalie Simon, Stetson ‘07 (above center), was named the first Black American woman referee to earn a FIFA badge.

Natalie is one of four American women holding a FIFA badge, the highest ranking a referee can aspire to and one that clears her to work in international games and tournaments.

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AMERICAN

The Lambda Nu Chapter hosted a Marketing Panel virtually that included Senior Marketing Manager at Panera Bread Karen Dawit, Creative Strategist for Artemis Ward Courtney Newcomb, American ‘16, Marketing Manager at The Hollywood Reporter Lauren Van Fleet, American ‘14, and Account Coordinator at Yes& Agency Madeline Merrit. Each panelist shared their experiences and how each of them got to where they are today professionally.

CHAPMAN

STANFORD

Forbes 30 Under 30

Severino Kai Silvestre, Chapman ‘18, Kevin Cho, Chapman ‘20, and Jack Dawes, Chapman ‘19, assisted with digital marketing and significantly impacted the primary product at an up and coming company, Mintro. Mintro helps individuals introduce themselves and learn about one another in a more convenient way to facilitate the discovery of new friendships.

DAYTON

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE

Shantavia Webb, Middle Tennessee State ‘03 (left), was recently featured

by Kroger during Black History Month. She shared her experiences since beginning her career and how much her heritage means to her.

Chapter Anniversary Milestones This year, eight chapters will celebrate significant anniversary milestones, with three of those chapters reaching 100 years since their original charter dates.

Congratulations to the following chapters on these significant milestones in each chapter’s history.

100 YEARS

Alpha Epsilon–University of Georgia Alpha Eta–University of Minnesota Alpha Iota–University of Utah (rechartered in 2016) 75 YEARS

Beta Sigma–St. John’s University (rechartered in 1993) (original installation bandquet pictured above) 50 YEARS

PHOTO BY ART STREIBER

Bridget Momper, Dayton ‘18 (right), was named the first female senior manager of the University of Dayton’s Davis Center for Portfolio Management since 2005. The Davis Center was recently named the largest student-led investment fund in the country, where students manage nearly $60 million, and the money goes towards the university’s endowment. After graduation, Bridget looks forward to returning to Jefferies, where she interned during Summer 2021, as an Investment Grade sales trader.

Scott Kazmierowicz, Stanford ‘15, was named to the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Finance category, and is the co-founder and CEO of Cardless. According to the website, “Cardless builds customized credit card programs, enabling brands to reward their customers with experiences, merchandise, and exclusive offers."

Iota Xi–Arizona State University Iota Pi–Christopher Newport University 25 YEARS

Omicron Sigma–Radford University Xi Psi–Illinois State University

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MEMBER DEEDS LOUISIANA STATE

CINCINNATI

Facetime IOWA

It’s My Pleasure!

The Beta Chi Chapter invited Carlos Gindi, Loyola New Orleans ‘13, to speak about his experiences owning a Chick-fil-A franchise. The group discussed the history of Chick-fil-A, franchising opportunities, corporate roles, and various roles with Chick-fil-A of Louisiana.

Carlos shared his experience on his LinkedIn profile and offered this thoughtful reflection after the event: “Being a part of Alpha Kappa Psi during my undergraduate education at Loyola University New Orleans was extremely valuable in contributing to my growth as a professional. It was my pleasure to spend time with such a bright group of students and contribute to their success in Baton Rouge.”

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Amelia Balk, Iowa ‘21, and Sophia Rupert, Iowa ‘20, (above) competed in the Startup Games and took first place with their business idea HYRD. The three-day event for Iowa students from all areas of study allowed them to pitch their ideas to have an impact and for a chance to win cash prizes.

Interested in hearing more member deeds?

Check out AKPsi’s Business Edge podcast. Each week, new guests walk through their personal and professional experiences to give you an edge in the marketplace. Listen on AKPsi.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In February, the Eta Chapter held its exclusive spring career fair. This allowed the chapter’s corporate sponsors to meet the members and network with potential employees. It also gave members a chance to gain face-to-face time with professionals in their fields of study.

AUDIT ETERNAL APPALACHIAN STATE Donald D. Price, ‘86-Life (6/17/2016)

MIAMI David W. Faulk, ‘63-Life (12/15/2021)

ARIZONA Thomas H. Browning, ‘60-Life (11/24/2021) Fred A. Davison, ‘54 (2/8/2022)

MICHIGAN–DEARBORN Andrew Knieriem, ‘17 (9/27/2020)

ARKANSAS John C. Davis, ‘75-Life BOSTON Robert I. Nordstrand, ‘49 (12/12/2020) CANISIUS Anthony N. Diina, ‘68 (10/25/2021) CINCINNATI John D. Wilson, ‘59-Life (11/7/2021) CLARKSON Robert A. Plane, ‘84-Honoray (8/6/2018) Peter R. Prescott, ‘64-Life (1/29/2022) COLORADO Kent R. Hastings, ‘62-Life (8/27/2021) CSU-LONG BEACH James Lee, ‘18 DENVER Lawrence E. Hegstrom, ‘48 (10/4/2021) William S. Hoebel, ‘66 (11/18/2021) DRAKE Frederick O. Larson, ‘08 (12/26/2021) EMORY David M. Butler, ‘49-Life (11/17/2021) FLORIDA STATE William C. Brubeck, ‘88-Life (12/13/2021) GEORGIA STATE Patrick M. Rayburn, ‘69-Faculty (12/28/2020) HAMLINE Donald R. McCormack, ‘60-Life (12/29/2021) IDAHO C. John Pederson, ‘67-Life (12/16/2021) IDAHO STATE M. J. Ambrose, ‘58-Life (12/1/2021) INDIANA George E. Hahn, ‘57 (10/9/2021) IOWA STATE Holmes M. Brown, ‘60-Honoray KENTUCKY Andrew Wallace, ‘15 (1/21/2022) MARQUETTE William R. Goldammer, ‘54-Life (8/17/2021) William C. McCamy, ‘64 (1/28/2022)

MINNESOTA Donald F. Allen, ‘45 Ronald S. Almquist, ‘42 George E. Anacker, ‘47 (6/28/2021) Norman M. Andersen, ‘45 James A. Anderson, ‘47 James F. Anderson, ‘42 Nolan D. Asleson, ‘47 Samual M. Atcherson, ‘47 (1/29/2017) Gilbert B. Basnik, ‘48 (8/5/2021) John R. Baxter, ‘46 Burton T. Belleson, ‘41 (10/4/2011) Donald M. Berthelsen, ‘47 Paul E. Bruce, ‘47 (12/13/2007) Paul R. Buhl, ‘47 (6/11/2020) Roger E. Carlson, ‘42 Lynn I. Clare, ‘42 Robert J. Cluff, ‘45 Owen E. Cort, ‘41 (9/12/2012) David T. Corwin, ‘46 (9/18/2017) David G. Cronquist, ‘41-Life Donald E. Dahl, ‘43 Loris F. Dow, ‘47 (4/11/2015) Themeo G. Ellis, ‘46 (1/5/2015) Lyle F. Farrow, ‘38 Glenn W. Faus, ‘28 Clarence W. Flink, ‘42 (8/17/1995) Eugene R. Flug, ‘46-Life (1/3/2010) Oliver E. Frederick, ‘41 Marcell J. Gagnon, ‘40 B.L. L. Garnaas, ‘42 E. W. Geckler, ‘37 Arthur W. Glessner, ‘45 Gerald E. Goulet, ‘59 (5/1/2017) Gordon W. Haglund, ‘47 (10/26/2015) Harold A. Halgrimson, ‘42 Sigurd T. Haugan, ‘41 (7/29/2016) Harris K. Haugen, ‘47 (9/29/2009) Kenneth A. Hausler, ‘47 (11/12/2017) Maynard M. Helmeke, ‘47 Waldo J. Helmeke, ‘46 (5/21/2020) Albert P. Herschler, ‘26 John A. Higgans, ‘38 David R. Johnson, ‘42 Emmett C. Johnson, ‘45 Robert G. Johnson, ‘42 Roy C. Jones, ‘31-Life (2/9/2008) Leonard M. Kaercher, ‘23-Life (11/14/1982) Richard A. Kallio, ‘62 (7/18/2021) James R. Kelly, ‘46 Walter A. Krueger, ‘46 (7/29/2021) Axel E. Laine, ‘39 Harold R. Lang, ‘42 Howard J. Lang, ‘42 Roger B. Lillehei, ‘47 James L. Lipovetz, ‘33 Wallace E. Lunden, ‘46

Leo G. Majerus, ‘65-Life (2/9/2021) M. William Mattson, ‘42 Thomas O. McKenzie, ‘40 Edward D. McPadden, ‘47 (10/25/2013) Robert C. Meacham, ‘45 Alden O. Meland, ‘45 (2/19/2012) Winston L. Molander, ‘28 Hugh W. Morris, ‘43 Blair G. Nelson, ‘38 (5/16/2012) Lloyd A. Nelson, ‘37-Life Stewart R. Nelson, ‘46-Life Edwin C. Nokua, ‘47 (1/29/2020) Donald E. Nooleen, ‘46 (8/12/2021) John R. O’Keefe, ‘43-Life Kenneth A. Olsen, ‘42-Life William H. O’Shaughnessy, ‘45 (1/26/2018) Fredrick G. Ostland, ‘46 Donald E. Peterson, ‘33 Richard N. Peterson, ‘38 John B. Randolph, ‘40 (8/18/1983) Carroll A. Ray, ‘46 Thomas L. Roddy, ‘42 Vernon R. Ruotsalainen, ‘43 Warren M. Schofer, ‘42 John T. Schwartz, ‘42 Robert F. Shimota, ‘57-Life (2/18/2021) Reuben D. Silverson, ‘42-Life Charles G. Skinner, ‘47 Norman R. Skog, ‘26 Elmer W. Smith, ‘43 Merrill R. Smith, ‘42 Archie J. Stein, ‘39 Lorray M. Strandemo, ‘46 (8/14/2001) Alan L. Tanley, ‘46 Norman O. Thompson, ‘45 Robert W. Thomson, ‘45 James M. Walsten, ‘47 (8/1/2015) Robert J. Wassmund, ‘32 Vern A. Wickre, ‘45 Marvin D. Winter, ‘38

MONTANA Richard S. Biggerstaff, ‘50-Life (3/2/2021)

A

lpha Kappa Psi has been notified that these Brothers have finished their course on Earth and have moved on to the Audit Eternal. The listing here represents information received

by Alpha Kappa Psi between 9/2/2021 – 3/6/2022. A special thank you is extended to the Twin Cities Alumni Chapter for providing information for so many Brothers from the University of Minnesota.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Robert L. Day, ‘47 (2/26/2014) SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Richard J. Dandeneau, ‘61-Faculty (10/8/2020) STONY BROOK Jamie Liang, ‘15 (10/10/2021) TEXAS Merrill P. O’Neal, ‘55-Life (3/22/2021) TOLEDO Thomas R. Nawrocki, ‘70-Life (11/23/2021) TRI-STATE Leonard Sheffield, ‘69-Faculty (10/17/2019) NORTH CAROLINA-CHAPEL HILL William K. McCombs, ‘67 (4/24/2021) NORTH CAOLINA-CHARLOTTE Bethany M. Burch, ‘11 (2/5/2022) UTAH STATE Garwood H. Walton, ‘56 (8/27/2021)

NEBRASKA William J. Shields, ‘57-Life (4/29/2021)

VIRGINIA TECH Clarence Waskey, ‘59-Life (11/10/2019)

NIAGARA George V. Galullo, ‘57-Life (12/4/2021)

WASHINGTON Shannon P. Pratt, ‘55-Life (11/26/2021)

PENN STATE Neil Patel, ‘20 (8/1/2021)

WESTERN KENTUCKY David D. Faxon, ‘67-Life (12/7/2021) Russell A. Hopper, ‘65 (8/30/2021)

REGIS M. Kevin McLaughlin, ‘70-Life (9/5/2021) SAM HOUSTON STATE Mark J. Rummell, ‘84-Life

WICHITA STATE Wesley F. Troutt, ‘60-Life (5/20/2021) WINTHROP Gabrielle Kelly, ‘20 (7/2/2021)

SETON HALL Arthur J. Sabatini, ‘61-Life (4/5/2021)

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LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF

Dear Greg

As a brother of AKPsi, you will be tested and challenged.

Some of the lyrics from a popular Frank Sinatra song, I did it my way, sets the tone for the life I hope you will live if you choose to follow the path I have taken. You may want to take a moment and Google Frank Sinatra and listen to the lyrics on YouTube:

I’ll state my case, of which I am certain I’ve lived a life that’s full I traveled each and every highway And more, much more, than this I did it my way Regrets, I’ve had a few But then again too few to mention …

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I write to you as an older and wiser man, to share life lessons emanating from fifty years of hindsight, with the hope that they might provide a smidgen of helpful insights for the life that awaits you, should you choose to follow the path your old man has chosen.

Here are a few pearls of wisdom.  Seize the moment, seize the opportunity.  Don't live a life that leads to regrets.  Step outside your comfort zone.  Find a way to say YES instead of NO.  Manage your fear so it doesn't manage you  Be a change agent, but don't make changes just for the sake of change.  Pay it forward.

You’re 20 years old and about to transfer to the School of Business at Wayne State University.

One day you see a flyer advertising Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Decision time — do I choose to pursue a life beyond going to classes, working and commuting?

Should you say yes to an invitation to join, many great life experiences await you. Your campus life will become as important as your classroom learning. As a brother of AKPsi, you will be tested and challenged. As Chapter President, you will have to deal with declining student membership and brothers who are not pulling their weight.

You will rally the student brothers and reverse the trend. You will learn people management as well as meeting management skills which will serve you in your career, improve your public speaking skills, and teach you how to motivate and lead by example. But it won’t be all work as you allow the relationships

built in AKPsi to provide balance in your life.

You will take road trips, attend regional meetings and national conventions, making new friends along the way. You will find satisfaction in giving back as a volunteer leader following graduation.

Your continuing involvement will help you bridge the generation gap as time marches on.

One particular challenge will be coming to grips with the reality that you are gay.

Upon graduation you will begin a rewarding career, working at two universities, several professional trade associations and non-profit organizations, finishing out your career with ten years at FEMA — the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Along the way you will face adversity and challenges but there will also be rewarding achievements. One particular challenge will be coming to grips with the reality that you are gay. Given the fear of rejection, non-acceptance, hatred and violence directed toward gay people in the

1970s, you will move away from family and friends and start a new life in Charlottesville, VA. In 1979 you will participate in a massive march and rally by tens of thousands of people demanding equal rights for gay people. This will be a transformative moment as you realize that life would be better living in a big city. To that end you will relocate to Washington, DC, then to Los Angeles, and back to DC. Along the way you will drift away from fraternity life as you redirect your resources — time, energy and money — to a life that includes community engagement, charitable giving, and activism for causes that work to improve life for those less fortunate, with a particular focus on your life as a member of the LBGTQ community.

Upon retirement you will embark on your next adventure in living, moving to the Rehoboth Beach–Lewes, Delaware area, the site of many happy vacations in your 30s. But after five years you will conclude that those memories will remain fond memories, and you come full circle, as you make a decision to return to your roots in Michigan. Then, one day in your 71st year, someone will reach out to you and ask if you would write a letter to your younger self.

As you reflect on the decades past you will hopefully conclude, as I have, that you have lived a full and satisfying life with only a few regrets, because I was able to do it my way. I hope you can too.

WAYNE STATE '70 - LIFE

GREG DUROSS • Wayne State University and University of Virginia • Non-profit sector: multiple professional trade associations and social service organizations • FEMA — Federal Emergency Management Agency

ONE DECISION Writing a letter to my younger self turned out to be one of my more challenging writing assignments. Along the way I have concluded that much of what I have accomplished in life has roots in One Decision: Becoming a brother of Alpha Kappa Psi. And so, it was an easy decision to say yes when invited to serve on the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation Board of Directors, to give of my time and my treasure in support of something critical to my development and my success. Over the years, my charitable contributions have been mostly small, and sometimes I thought that my $25 or $50 gift alone did not make a difference.

Still, I realized that, when leveraged by the power of many, $25 can quickly become $25,000. If every brother made an annual $25 gift upon graduation, $25 becomes part of $125,000, a truly transformative amount of annual giving to support the work of Alpha Kappa Psi. So today, I ask those of you who are reading this and who have not previously contributed to the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation to make One Decision: Pay It Forward and make that first $25 gift.

Gifts can be made online at www.akpsifoundation.org or via The Diary's insert.

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INTERVIEW

“Get all the exposure you can to industries you like.”

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE ’15

CALISTA TUCKER  “ The Talent Fairy Godmother” making magic for small to mid-size businesses to connect with and retain top talent.  T hrough Talent Consulting, Training and Development and Recruitment, CalistaPhair.com's assessments, implementation and execution strategies help businesses.

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lumna Calista Tucker, took her experiences with the fraternity and used them to become a real-life fairy godmother.

To be more precise, Calista became a "Talent Fairy Godmother"—a moniker she coined referring to her experience helping companies "Make Magic," acquire talent for hard-to-fill positions, improve retention, develop robust training, and achieve diversity initiatives.

Even before her success, Calista had the ambition that led her to seek out others like her. Calista's journey to AKPsi as a graduate student isn't typical.

"When I found Alpha Kappa Psi, I saw that the fraternity had an international presence," Calista says. "The more I looked into it, I kept finding founders of companies and successful executives who were Alpha Kappa Psi members, which spoke to me."

Once she became a member, she became the VP of alumni relations and led an initiative to foster connections between other chapters in South Carolina. The chapter traveled to Clemson, Winthrop, and other schools to build camaraderie, networking, and principled business leadership opportunities.

The Kappa Upsilon Chapter was the first Historically Black College chapter established in AKPsi, and both Calista and the chapter take pride in that fact.

Calista left grad school before completing her degree to launch her own business, putting the building blocks in place to become "The Talent Fairy Godmother" that she is today.

Calista urges AKPsi members to "get all the exposure you can — to industries you like, industries you're not familiar with, all different types of people. Participate in the education and events offered by AKPsi." Calista believes AKPsi offers tremendous value to all students, no matter their major.

Calista’s new member class had students majoring in business, biology, marketing, history, and education. Calista herself was a political science major in undergrad.

"It is helpful to learn how to be highfunctioning in a job and represent yourself well," she says. "I see a presence about someone who's an AKPsi member that resonates well in the corporate world."

Calista’s Favorites FOOD: What is your

go-to comfort food/ meal?

Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Spinach and Cesar Salad BOOK: What book

are you currently reading?

Strengths Finder 2.0

by Tom Rath

MUSIC: What are

you currently listening to?

Kehlani, Alex Isley & Jack Dine, Jazmine Sullivan, Jhene Aiko TV: What show are you currently binging?

I rarely watch TV. The shows I need to catch up on are Queen Sugar, and Sisters.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AKPSI EXPERIENCE? Going to Clemson with my chapter for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, attending their Mid-Courts, engaging, and having a wonderful time with my brothers.

MEMBER PROFILE

LOU BARKMAN MICHIGAN STATE ’98 - LIFE

Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory Principal

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hen Lou Barkman joined Alpha Kappa Psi during his sophomore year at Michigan State, he did not expect his fraternity experience to change his career plans.  “I originally planned to be a hospitality business major,” Lou said. “But I took some accounting courses along with some of my pledge brothers. They struggled, but I was pretty good at it, so I helped coach them and thought, ‘Maybe I should look into this further.’”  Lou took full advantage of the AKPsi experience at Michigan State, living in the chapter house and serving as chapter president.

Lou was an Academy Fellow in 2001, where he met leaders of chapters across the country to share experiences, stories, and challenges.  He and his chapter created a fund to send future members to AKPsi’s Principled Business Leadership Institute (formerly known as “Success Institute”) and the College of Leadership. The fund is named after business school Dean James Rainey, who served as the Gamma Mu Chapter’s advisor for many years, and with whom Lou worked with closely as chapter president.  As he continued his studies, a few

“As a team leader at my job, my AKPsi experiences taught me how important it is to consider other people’s perspectives and bring them together.” older fraternity members went on to work in large accounting firms, and after getting his master’s at Michigan State, he followed their lead. As he found his way in the corporate world, his Alpha Kappa Psi experience helped him thrive.  “Taking leadership positions was valuable, in terms of getting people behind your initiatives and getting them involved,” he said. Lou credits the fraternity with molding him to succeed in his career, and he helps enable that for others by donating each year faithfully. He sees it as his legacy of giving back. “The skills and experiences you learn through AKPsi help students be successful in the long run, from building relationships to budgeting to project managing,” Lou said. “Getting involved is key. As you get out there and meet people and ask questions, you’ll see more places that might interest you or lend themselves to you and your talents.”

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