CHI PHI RETURNS TO FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHARTERS AT TAMPA Chi Phi is continuing its great legacy in the state of Florida.
“I first visited the University of Tampa campus back in the
This spring, the Nu Delta Chapter at Florida State University
spring of 2015,” said Brother Azarian. “Since then, we recruited
made a triumphant return to campus, and the Upsilon Theta
a solid group of young men in fall of 2019. This group has
Chapter at the University of Tampa received its Charter.
continued to excel, and this was shown at their amazing
The Nu Delta Chapter returned to a campus with a thriving Greek life community. Along with support from the university
Chartering ceremony.” We look forward to watching the continued success of the
staff in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Chapter
Nu Delta and Upsilon Theta Chapters. These newest additions
has an extensive network of dedicated Alumni to offer the new
to our Brotherhood will continue Chi Phi’s legacy of Building
members guidance. Alumnus, Stephen Lemerand, Nu Delta
Better Men.
2020, said that he was very proud to have Nu Delta back at FSU. “Nu Delta was one of Chi Phi’s largest Chapters and won Fraternity of the Year at FSU in 2015. I am so thrilled to see this Chapter reach its potential of serving Chi Phi’s mission of Building Better Men as a whole and supporting Chi Phi’s future success and growth efforts.” South of FSU, Chi Phi established an Associate Chapter at the University of Tampa in 2020. Thanks to the guidance of local Alumni and the leadership and recruitment efforts of the current members, Upsilon Theta is now a permanent Chi Phi Chapter. The Chartering ceremony, attended by Grand Alpha Steven Hopkins, Nu 1999, and Executive Director Michael Azarian, Psi Delta 1997, took place on February 12, 2022.
Brothers of the Upsilon Theta Chapter receiving their Charter on February 12, 2022.
Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
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By Grand Alpha Steven Hopkins, Nu 1999 COVID-19 presented an unprecedented challenge for our Fraternity. As we socially distanced, the pandemic rendered Chi Phi a social fraternity that was unable to socialize. However, since last fall, the leadership of Chi Phi has been
Grand Council and Educational Trust reception at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten in Charlotte, NC.
back out on the road and re-engaging in-person with our undergraduates and Alumni. Since my election as Grand Alpha last July, I decided to begin traveling the country in a series of Chi Phi Alumni receptions called “Meet the Grand Alpha.” So far, I have met Brothers in the cities of Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, and Philadelphia. These events have afforded me the opportunity to meet Chi Phi men from over 20 Chapters. Coming out of a world of social distancing, these get-togethers have taken on special meaning. I have been moved by the enthusiasm that our Alumni have shown for, as the song says, gathering as Brothers. While these events help Brothers to reconnect, the goal is also to increase overall Alumni engagement within the organization. Our Chapters are strongest where they have involved and positive Alumni support. To that end, my goal in holding these receptions is to increase the number of Chi Phi Clubs across the country, and to reinvigorate Alumni Associations to do their important work in both fostering Alumni engagement, and providing essential support to our undergraduates.
“Meet the Grand Alpha” reception with the Philadelphia Chi Phi Club at Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia, PA.
Going forward, my aim is to incorporate these receptions as part of all future Grand Council meetings in order to provide our
In order to succeed in this mission, we must always strive to listen
Alumni with the opportunity to connect with our Fraternity and
to our undergraduates, and tear down any artificial barriers that
Educational Trust leadership. Open communication is essential
may impede effective and open communication. To that end, I look
to our long-term success, and it is vitally important that our
forward to many more undergraduate-focused events at future
Alumni have the ability to interact with our leadership. Looking
Grand Council meetings.
ahead, our Fall 2022 Grand Council meeting will be held in Los
promise there has never been a better time to do so. If there are no
in conjunction with that meeting (more details to follow), and I
Chi Phi Clubs or Alumni Associations in your area, consider starting
am very much looking forward to meeting with our West Coast
one by reaching out to the National Office at chiphi@chipi.org.
Alumni at that time. My desire for increased in-person interaction is not just limited
This is a tremendously invigorating era for our Brotherhood as we approach our 200th anniversary in 2024. There is a palpable
to our Alumni. As part of our recent Grand Council meeting in
sense of excitement as we prepare to become the first men’s
Charlotte –co-sponsored with the Chi Phi Educational Trust– we
social fraternity to reach that milestone. Looking ahead, I cannot
also hosted a meet-and-greet reception for the undergraduates
wait to show the world what a healthy, vibrant, values-based social
of the Psi Delta Chapter at UNC Charlotte. Over 30 undergraduate
fraternity looks like going into its third century of existence.
Brothers from the Psi Delta Chapter attended this first-of-its-kind event. The members of the Grand Council and Educational Trust volunteer their time in order to ensure that our undergraduates have the same phenomenal Chi Phi experience that we all did.
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If you are an Alumnus looking to re-engage with Chi Phi, I can
Angeles from October 14-16, 2022. We will be holding a reception
Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
For the Chi Phi Fraternity, our best days lie ahead. I firmly believe in our future because society needs what we do now more than ever. And what do we do? We Build Better Men. May we always continue to do so.
Alphas and Thetas Academy Sponsored by a grant provided by the Educational Trust, the Alphas and Thetas Academy took place January 7-9, 2022, in Atlanta, GA. It was a weekend full of education, goal setting, and Brotherhood. We take pride in the commitment of each Alpha and Theta as they embody Chi Phi’s values of Truth, Honor, and Personal Integrity.
#BuildingBetterMen Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
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By the Numbers Founders Day Totals
$126,060 Total Raised 383 Total Donors
115
1 Time Donors st
$317
Average Donation
Top States By Total $$$ Raised
CA | $22,788
GA | $22,675
TX | $15,442
Top States By Total Donors
Florida | Georgia
40 Donors Each 4
Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
Top Chapters Total $$$ Raised
$9,144
$6,125
University of Florida
University of Rochester
Total Donors
25
University of Rochester
Donors
University of Florida
22
UMass Dartmouth
Donors
University of West Georgia
19
Donors
Cornell University
8 Total Challenges | ALL UNLOCKED
$14,087
55 Donors Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
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Join us for the 11th Annual Watts Gunn Memorial Golf Tournament taking place on Thursday, July 21 at Union League Liberty Hill.
For 11 years, the Watts Gunn Memorial Golf Tournament has raised thousands of dollars to support leadership development programs benefiting Chi Phi students across the country. Chi Phi’s leadership education programs continue to experience recordbreaking attendance as they prepare our Brothers to become better leaders. Proceeds from this tournament enable the Trust to invest in the future of our Fraternity through the expansion of our leadership education programs. These programs help our Brothers navigate and address complex challenges, and instill within our young men values-based leadership skills. A variety of player registration and sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit give.classy.org/WattsGunn2022 to learn more and register. Registration is limited to 16 players and are available on a first come basis – so don’t delay, register today! For questions or concerns regarding the Watts Gunn Memorial Golf Tournament, contact Educational Trust Executive Director Laura Landry at landry@chiphi.org or at 404-231-1824.
Scan QR Code to Register!
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Chi Chi Phi Phi Chakett Chakett News News Spring Spring 2022 2022
Chi Phi’s Psi Chapter at Lehigh University, in Bethlehem,
undergraduates to Alumni members –some of which
PA., the oldest Greek organization on the campus,
graduated in the 1950s. Grand Alpha Steven Hopkins, Nu 1999,
celebrated its 150th anniversary on February 22, 2022.
said, “When you get to see generations of Chi Phi Brothers
In honor of this momentous achievement, members of the Brairfield Alumni Association planned a weekend of celebrations including a social gathering at Tally Ho Tavern and
come together and interact, I mean, you just can’t put a price on that.” As the oldest social fraternity in existence, having a Chapter
a brunch held at the Chapter house. The weekend’s festivities
that reaches 150 years is remarkable, said Executive Director
culminated with an anniversary banquet at the historic Hotel
Michael Azarian, Psi Delta 1997. “We don’t have very many
Bethlehem.
Chapters that are 150 years old. Having that kind of Chapter
“150 years is an incredible milestone,” said Matt Scheller, Psi 2007, the president of the Brairfield Alumni Association. “I wanted to create this special opportunity to get all of our Alumni back together and celebrate with each other.” The event hosted over 200 Brothers ranging from current
with that kind of longevity gives us a great reason to honor and celebrate them.” The entire Chi Phi Brotherhood congratulates the Psi Chapter on 150 years of excellence. We look forward to celebrating more Chapters on their longevity in the future. Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTE ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES
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A | Brody Stogdill Alpha-Pi 2020 Brother Stogdill married his wife, Bergndi, on December 18, 2021.
B | Delta Pi The Delta Pi Chapter is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. The Chapter was founded on May 27, 1997. The Brothers will be holding a celebration in June.
A
B
C | Michael Davis Alpha-Pi 2016 Brother Davis was selected for the Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2022. The county only selects 40 people each year.
D | Nu Chapter On March 26, 2022, Nu Alumni from the 1960’s reconnected in Austin, TX. The reunion, organized by Bill Royle, Nu 1964,
C
G
Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
undergraduate brothers at the Nu chapter house, a lunch on the University of Texas campus, and a group dinner. Grand Alpha, Steve Hopkins, Nu 1999, presented six brothers with 50-year Chi Phi pins.
E | Derrick L. Hinton, II Alpha-Pi 2017 Brother Hinton started a new job as the Coordinator for Student Organizations
D
E
featured a meet and greet breakfast with
and Fraternity and Sorority Life at DePaul University in January 2022.
F | Kenny Brighton Theta Delta 2010 Brother Brighton has been recognized by the University of Florida as “40 GATORS UNDER 40 AND ON TOP OF THEIR GAME.” He is head of philanthropy for the Chordoma Foundation, a global cancer
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research foundation dedicated to curing the rare and often aggressive types of cancer.
G | Mu Chapter Mu Brothers hitting the links at Pine Hurst. Brothers pictured: Doug Howie, Mu 1983 | Dave Verdonck, Mu 1980 |Armand Matejunas, Mu 1983 | Tom Stringer, Mu 1985 | Mark Hrozenchek, Mu 1984 | Tim Olsen, Mu 1987 | Ben Piela, Mu 1987 | Martin Hutton, Mu 1985
Joselin Houser joins the Chi Phi National Office as the new administrative assistant. She has been married to her husband Joshua for six years and is the mother of two beautiful children, Micah (5) and Melina (18 months). When not on “mommy duty,” she enjoys spending time outside going on nature hikes, playing golf, exploring new restaurants, and watching different series on Netflix. Joselin is excited to be a part of the Chi Phi team and working with the Brotherhood.
WELCOME JOSELIN Start Networking Today! Connect with Chi Phi Brothers from around the country on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/groups/40664/
The New Chi Phi Educational Trust Website Now Live! www.chiphitrust.org The Chi Phi Educational Trust is excited to announce that our new website launched on May 2, 2022. Chi Chi Phi Phi Chakett Chakett News News Spring Spring 2022 2022
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As time ticks by, we continue to be more and more
opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
that, an understanding and acknowledgment of our storied
Chapters with Brothers of this ilk are amongst our most
heritage must prevail. It is easy in the modern world to lose
successful.
connection to the meaning of our Brotherhood, yet this
In recent years, we have dedicated a renewed effort to our
meaning is the magic that connects us all. It is embodied in
Ritual and witnessed the positive impact it has on our order.
our Ritual and heritage.
We have made great strides in providing opportunities for
Chi Phi is a social organization built on friendship; however,
both undergraduates and Alumni to re-socialize themselves
its purpose far exceeds that. Chi Phi is a Brotherhood; a
with our Ritual’s importance. We are putting an emphasis
group of men that have an undeniable bond that transcends
on incorporating aspects of our Ritual into everything we
friendship. This bond creates a feeling of connectivity with
do: national programming, Chapter visits, Alumni events,
all Chi Phi Brothers, even those we have never met. Why?
celebrations, and more. If we live it and make it a part of the
Because we are all linked through the power of our Ritual.
conversation, it will become the light that leads us to long-
Our Ritual is a product of our heritage that defines our values,
term success and sustainability.
commitment, and purpose, creating the uniting bond of Brotherhood. Preserving the sacredness of our Ritual requires a
On the horizon, debuting this fall to all Chapters is a brand-new Custom Book (a.k.a. Three-Star Book). While it will look the same, it has been reinvented to become an
dedication to understanding, performing, and reflecting
enhanced learning tool for our Ritual. This multi-year project,
on it. The ceremonies of our Ritual are not intended to be
spearheaded by volunteer Brothers, is a one-stop-shop to
transactional. They are intended to evoke an emotional
understand how to perform and connect with our Ritual.
connection on the deepest level. They define and remind
Additionally, the Regional Ritual Retreat program (RRR) is
us of the heritage of Chi Phi. Some ceremonies are
beginning again this summer with three locations: Texas,
historical reflections of our past while others are symbolic
Pennsylvania, and a location in the Southeast (still to be
transformations. Perhaps the most defining and important
determined). This free programming is run exclusively by
experience in our Chi Phi journey is our Initiation, the
volunteer Brothers and is an immersive dive into everything
purest example of a transformative moment. This moment
related to our Ritual and heritage. We perform and discuss
exemplifies the magic of our Ritual and establishes the bond
all of Chi Phi’s ceremonies, talk about their modern-day
of Brotherhood. It does this through the Oath of Membership,
relevance, and teach all the secrets and history of the
when we all make lifelong promises to ourselves, to each
Fraternity. Brothers, nearly without exception, leave the
other, and to the Fraternity. The Oath clearly articulates the
weekend reinvigorated with a renewed connection to Chi Phi.
expectations of membership. Interestingly, the same Oath
Lastly, we have been working on redeveloping the Goliard
we take today, with few modifications, has been taken by
program, an opportunity for undergraduates and Alumni to
Brothers as far back as the 1860s during the time of the Civil
be certified as Ritual experts. Our grand vision is to utilize a
War and the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
national Goliard network to educate our Chapters and Alumni
Ritual is Chi Phi’s foundation on which everything else is built. Through the years there have been, and will continue
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of forging an emotional relationship with Chi Phi. It is the
distant from the moment Chi Phi was founded. Despite
across the country. In summary, it is never too late to pause to remind
to be, many cultural shifts that require our Fraternity to
yourself of the commitment you made to Chi Phi through
swiftly adapt. The one constant, however, that never needs
our Ritual. The stronger our collective bond is to our
to change, is our Ritual. It is our guiding light. Members that
heritage, the more rewarding our experience will be and
connect with our Ritual have the remarkable experience
the more successful our organization will become.
Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
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156TH CONGRESS
JULY 22 - 24 PHILADELPHIA, PA Join us at the historic Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia on July 22 - 24 for the most important Chi Phi event of the year. Visit chiphi.org/congress for more information on registration.
Scan QR Code to Register! Chi Phi Chakett News Spring 2022
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The Chi Phi Chakett News Editing Manager Steve Giannino, ΦΚΣ Fraternity Director of Communications
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