Vol. 146, No. 1 | Fall 2024
The 176th Ekklesia (p. 29)
Gamma Delta Is Not for College Days Alone (p. 33)
Recap of the 176th Ekklesia in Chicago, Illinois
The Gamma Tau Chapter at Georgia Tech received seven Fraternity awards for the 2023 calendar year, including the Cheney Cup.
The Phi Gamma Delta magazine is published semi-annually by The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, 1201 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY 40504.
Circulation: 124,495
Editor: Rob Caudill (Akron 2004), rcaudill@phigam.org
Director of
Communications: Erica Carlson ecarlson@phigam.org
Phi Gamma Delta was founded at Jefferson College, in Canonsburg, PA, on May 1, 1848. 212,820 men have been initiated into the Fraternity since its founding. International Headquarters �� 1201 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY 40504
859-255-1848
phigam@phigam.org
www.phigam.org
Change of Address: To update your address, email address@phigam.org or call or mail the International Headquarters. Connect With Us:
Postmaster: Send address changes to: Phi Gamma Delta, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY, 405444599. Return undeliverable
When faced with a dilemma that needed attention, I was encouraged by a colleague to pause for a moment to remember what I know. The suggestion, while seemingly simple became one of the challenging tasks of the day. The colleague then, with a more assertive tone, said that it might be helpful to take a deep breath and reflect to consider what might provide a hint of a solution.
The challenge to remember what we know has been made complicated by the age of instant communication. Opinions, suggestions, and proposed solutions to life’s challenges are plentiful and freely presented to us from numerous sources at a rate we cannot keep pace with.
The opportunity to test the importance of reflecting on what I know presented itself when I was challenged to describe what brotherhood means. I missed the mark when I tried for a quick and witty response. I do have a sense of what brotherhood means, which originated when I was extended an invitation to membership in our Fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta.
Brotherhood flourishes when there is a clearly defined and articulated set of values that guide and enrich its power. In Phi Gamma Delta those values are friendship, knowledge, service, morality and excellence.
From the moment of initiation through our graduate years, we come to understand that friendship is built on compatibility, vulnerability and accountability. Through compatibility, we learn to get along. We learn the value and importance of supporting others. Through vulnerability, we learn the power that ensues when we are willing to seek help from others and return support when asked. Through accountability, we enforce a healthy discipline on each other. Friends should make you better and not allow for mediocrity.
With knowledge, we encourage ourselves and others to pursue education as a path to a fuller and richer life.
With service, we acknowledge the synergy between work and service. As those privileged to attend college or university, we have a responsibility to use our time and talents to the benefit of our communities.
With morality, we know the difference between right and wrong and choose right. We strive to practice the Golden Rule and extend that to treating others as we want our families to be treated.
With excellence, we come together as friends who support each other and are willing to hold each other accountable. We strive to do our best academically and develop all our abilities. We work together to serve others and have a tremendous impact when we work together. We commit to being gentlemen, treating others with respect.
Our values are timeless. They were important in 1848, and I can argue that there is a greater need in today’s climate. They also provide a powerful definition of brotherhood.
I am convinced that if we maintain those values in our daily lives and within our Fraternity, our future is bright, and our best days are ahead.
Fraternally,
Tim Kilduff (Kent State 1968), Archon President
Perge!t
In August, the Archons appointed Daniel P. Mossop (Akron 1989) as the Fraternity’s Director of Volunteer Advancement & Engagement. In this new Appointed Volunteer Leader position, Dan advises the Archons and staff on the implementation of volunteer recruitment, support and training initiatives. He provides updates on the status and needs of volunteer Section Leaders and chapter-level advisors, and he coordinates efforts to develop initiatives with the Section Leader Executive Committee (read more about this role on page 33). Prior to Dan's appointment, he served the Fraternity as Section Leader, from 202024, and as a BCA member for the Alpha Omicron Chapter, from 2006-10. Professionally, he has served Momentive Technologies as Vice President & Chief Information Officer since May. Previously, he served as the Global Director of IT Vendor Management for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He is also the District Deputy Grand Master of the 22nd Masonic District of Ohio.
Introducing Our 2024-25 Field Secretaries
#223 Brian Hand (Pittsburgh 2023)
Year & Assignment: 2nd; Expansion
Education: BS in psychology, economics; chemistry/neuroscience minors
Chapter Activities: President; Corresponding Secretary; Judicial Board member
Other Activities: IFC President; American Red Cross volunteer; clinic research (MACRO)
Graham Hess (Akron 2021) departed staff in August after serving for over three years. Graham first joined staff as a Field Secretary in June 2021, serving for nearly two years. Then he served as Director of Fraternal Growth from March 2023 until August 2024. Graham is now pursuing his MBA at the University of Kentucky, where he serves the College of Medicine as Philanthropic Initiatives Coordinator. Taelor McCarthy assumed the role of Director of Fraternal Growth upon Graham's departure in August. In this position, Taelor is primarily responsible for leading all expansion projects and finding opportunities for the Fraternity to establish or re-establish chapters across North America. She also oversees recruitment resources and educational programming, including the Built to Lead Growth System. Previously, Taelor served as an Assistant General Manager at Cyclebar, as the Director of Fraternity Growth at Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and as a Chapter Consultant at Phi Mu Sorority. Taelor earned her BS in psychology from the University of Cincinnati, where she joined Phi Mu, and her MS in education, higher education and student affairs from Indiana University. Taelor lives and works in West Chester, Ohio.
#224 Ben Cunningham (Missouri State 2023)
Year & Region: 2nd; West
Education: BS in exercise & movement science
Chapter Activities: Historian; Grad Relations/Pig Dinner Chair; New Member Education board member
Other Activities: IFC VP - Member Development; MSU LEAD facilitator
#225 Jack Cunningham (Missouri State 2023)
Year & Assignment: 2nd; Expansion
Education: BS in business administrative management; economics minor
Chapter Activities: Built to Lead Chair; Brotherhood Chair; Grad Relations/Pig Dinner Chair
Other Activities: IFC Judicial Board member; MSU LEAD facilitator
#226 Cameron Wilk (EmbryRiddle 2024)
Year & Region: 1st; Northeast
Education: BS in aerospace engineering; spacecraft operations, computer-aided design minors
Chapter Activities: Historian; Built to Lead Chair; New Member Educator; Judicial Board member
Other Activities: Engineering Fundamentals TA; ERAU Rocket Club member; JDRF volunteer
#227 Justin Mojica (Illinois Wesleyan 2024)
Year & Region: 1st; East Great Lakes
Education: BA in psychology
Chapter Activities: President; Recruitment Chair; Built to Lead Chair; Philanthropy Chair
Other Activities: Peace Garden President; Psi Chi Honor Society President; Collaborative Solutions Institute counseling intern; conference services manager
#228 Henry Sergent (Christopher Newport 2024)
Year & Region: 1st; North Central
Education: BA in communications; leadership studies, Spanish minors
Chapter Activities: Service Chair; head of marketing
Other Activities: CNU golf club president; Washington Golf & Country Club pro-shop attendant, range manager
#229 Caleb Strong (Idaho 2024)
Year & Region: 1st; South Central
Education: BS in marketing
Chapter Activities: Public Relations Chair; Campus Involvement Chair
Other Activities: IFC Judicial Boardt
In 2022, Phi Gamma Delta began an incredible journey to move away from the pledging model of joining to a modern approach of recruitment, assimilation and member development. Our New Model, Built to Lead, recognizes the changing higher education and enrollment landscape, strengthens our values-based recruitment approach to identify and fully evaluate prospective members before they join, reduces inherent power dynamics which more easily provide opportunities for hazing to exist, and provides a framework for continuous member development.
The 174th Ekklesia, held August 2022 and comprised of 96% undergraduate delegates, voted to eliminate pledging effective July 1, 2024, and to immediately allow chapters to initiate new members without the probationary period known as pledging. Delegates at that Ekklesia, 96% of which were undergraduates, did so while making an honest assessment of the past and the present.
This provided a two-year implementation window, with 90% of chapters opting in before it
was required as Early Adopters. During that period, Early Adopters outpaced their pledging-model counterparts in men initiated into their chapters, men retained during their joining semester, and men retained to graduation.
While all chapters are now required to adopt a joining model that does not involve pledging, full implementation and full realization of its benefits will take time. The early adoption phase suggested that it generally takes a chapter three academic terms (1.5 years) for our New Model to take hold, and many chapters are still learning how to best implement. The key factors in success are willingness of the chapter and the engagement of graduate volunteers to guide their implementation.
Our Built to Lead educational framework will also continue to evolve, with a goal of offering our brothers best-in-class opportunities for growth and selfactualization and providing more graduates more opportunities to be involved in a meaningful way beyond formal advisory roles.
(Compared to fouryear historical averages, 2022-24)
• Early Adopters: +20%
• Pledging Model: +12%
(Joined during 2022-24 and remained on roster through graduation or still on roster)
• Early Adopters: 97.1%
• Pledging Model: 91%
Through our history, the Fraternity has shown its ability and willingness to adapt to changing environments and needs, making it stronger over time. Our new model is no exception and is showing many early wins and tremendous promise for the future. t
Please keep in mind that news continues to come in, even when an issue has gone to press. While it may seem dated to include events from the previous semester or school year, our goal is to recognize all our brothers.
ITALICS = Provisional Chapter
OH
On May 29, Jacob Parkomaki (2024) was inducted into Order of Omega.
| Edmonton, AB
⮝ The Epsilon Alpha Chapter hosted their annual graduate brother vs. undergraduate brother hockey game. This year, the Chapter decided to turn this event into a philanthropy benefitting the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). They held a 50/50 raffle and raised $250 for the CMHA.
For Upsilon Alpha's spring philanthropy week, brothers raised over $12,000 for Shriners Hospital for Children. The Chapter organized a sorority volleyball competition, a call-a-thon asking graduate brothers for donations, and a percentage night at a graduate brother's Poke restaurant in Tucson.
⮞ Tobi Adigun (2024) earned an Undergraduate Award of Distinction from the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). Tobi, a chemical engineering major, is a leader in the fraternity
community. He has held roles in his chapter and the IFC, including Risk Manager and Diversity,
Chairman. Tobi has been a leader with a club soccer team, a volunteer with Campus Pantry, president of the prestigious campus senior honorary Bobcats and representative to the University Advisory Council.
Pictured: NIC President & CEO Jud Horras (left) presented Tobi Adigun (right) with his award at the 176th Ekklesia.
Bardia Mostafizi (2026) was inducted into the Order of Omega on April 1.
| Lewisburg, PA
The Delta Chapter created a fundraiser in memory of Christian Samay (2024), who died on campus on March 30. Christian was scheduled to graduate in spring 2024. The GoFundMe campaign covered funeral costs, memorials inside and outside of the Phi Gamma Delta house, and funds for future events dedicated to him so that his memory will live on forever. Christian's family asked that the remaining proceeds be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. The 774 donations raised $63,070 toward the original goal of $25,000.
Berkeley | Berkeley, CA
⮟ In November 2023, Conner McGraw (2024) donated stem cells to a man
battling Myelodysplastic Disorder after being identified as a match at his chapter's 2021 Gift of Life Marrow Registry Drive.
Davis | Davis, CA
⮞ This fall, Delta Chi continued their Adopt-ABlock community service tradition, where brothers meet on 3rd Street to clean and pick up trash every Saturday.
During the 2023-24 academic year, the Chapter held Pie Gamma Delta in support of the Sacramento Food Bank. People who donated got to throw a pie at their chosen brother’s face.
Brothers also participated in Pi Beta Phi Sorority's Arrowjaw dance competition philanthropy event. After weeks of hard work and practice, Delta Chi earned 2nd place.
Irvine | Irvine, CA
On May 22, Jake Matityahu (2024) was inducted into the Order of Omega.
| Orange, CA
On April 21, Omega Chi hosted their annual Purple Tie philanthropy event for OC Make a Wish. The event was hosted at Dana Point and was an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of needy children. Graduate
and undergraduate brothers raised over $100,000 for OC Make a Wish. The Chapter is now able to provide 20 full wishes to children in need.
| Newport News, VA
Nate Dietrich (2026) was inducted into the Order of Omega on March 26.
| Clemson, SC
⮟ Tae Delaware (2026)
(far left) traveled to Guatemala for a dental service trip on May 16 to May 30.
Joseph Gamzo (2025) and Gibson Lusk (2025) were inducted into the Order of Omega on May 9.
⮟ This spring, Beta Kappa hosted a Back from Break/ Easter dinner at their newly acquired lounge property. Brothers cooked
ham, mashed potatoes and gravy while enjoying activities like watching TV, playing pool and playing video games.
Epsilon Iota won the University of Evansville Bike Race on April 13. This marked the Chapter’s first win in decades. The Phi Gam team surged ahead early in the race. At the end of the race, Phi Gam finished nearly a half-lap ahead of the second-place team.
Jeffrey Herrera (2024) was inducted into the Order of Omega on April 10.
⮝ Gamma Tau hosted its inaugural Cookout for Cops to show appreciation
for the Georgia Tech Police Department. They had almost 50 people from across the Georgia Tech Police Department attend, including the department chief.
Matthew Erickson (2027), Alex Guigou (2027), Kanav Kumar Kakkar (2027), Jack Ready (2027), Jackson Richardson (2027) and Jackson Rosero (2027) were inducted into the Order of Omega on April 30.
| Gettysburg, PA
Yaman Acharya (2026) is an international student from Nepal who is double majoring in physics and mathematics. Last summer, he interned at Fermilab, a particle physics laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, as part
of the Summer Internships in Science and Technology (SIST) program. He worked with the Particle Astrophysics Department on studying the impact of evolving dark energy on cosmological parameters using Large Scale Structure (LSS) simulations.
⮟ Mu Iota initiated 32 men this fall, the largest new member class of any University of Idaho fraternity and the Chapter’s largest in decades. Recruitment Chairmen Brandon Eaton (2027) and Luke Messerly (2027) led a summer-long, all-house effort across the state that utilized graduate support, multiple events and closing-week contributions from Nate Hastriter
(2027) and key incoming freshmen. Mu Iota now has 66 live-in members and already is reaping benefits as its freshmen have taken leadership positions on committees.
This spring, eight Alpha Deuteron brothers made the Dean's List: Cody Bushohl (2027), Logan Faith (2026), Victor Appavu (2027), Michael Ashton (2027), Justin Mojica (2024), Bennett Jennings (2025), Dominic Parise (2026) and Brady Poisal (2027)
During fall 2024 recruitment, the Alpha Iota Chapter welcomed and
initiated 39 new members. Before the September Iowa State University vs. University of Iowa rivalry football game, Alpha Iota and Mu Deuteron at Iowa continued their tradition of running a football from Ames to Iowa City, raising over $2,000 for the local Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Sam McMillan (2026), Gabriel Schmitt (2024) and Parker Suyko (2024) were inducted into the Order of Omega on April 16.
Madison | Harrisonburg, VA
Mu Chi raised $1,100 for the charity Tunnels to Towers by climbing 1,500 flights of stairs. The charity honors firefighters who fell on September 11, 2001.
| Lawrence, KS
In April, the Pi Deuteron Scholarship Committee awarded 11 scholarships during the Chapter's annual scholarship dinner. Charlie Howgill (2025), Mitch Waldo (2026) and Alex Evans (2027) received the David E. Norris Leadership Award ($400 each). Joseph Torrey (2027), Jack Barker (2027) and Ben Heise (2027) won the Helen Moore Honor Initiates ($250 each). Joe Guehlstorf (2024), Ty Hall (2025) and Joe Riley (2026) won the Lee Phillips Scholarship ($200 each). Cameron Karaba (2024) received the Robert P. Radcliffe Senior Award ($250), and AJ Romero (2025) earned the Payne Family Scholarship ($2,500).
⮝ Chi Deuteron at Kansas State held another successful Island Week philanthropy from April 7-12. On Monday, brothers raised over $1,100 by holding a car wash. On Tuesday, the Chapter hosted a volleyball tournament in the University's recreation center and raised $440. On Wednesday and Thursday, brothers raised $3,100 through Crowd Change. And on Friday, the Chapter hosted a carnival at the chapter house, which raised an additional $600, bringing the total amount raised to $5,240. All proceeds from Island Week were donated to the USO.
This summer, Nathan Klump (2026), a mechanical engineering major, earned a global supply chain internship in operations at the wet pet food
plant in Tonganoxie, Kansas.
| Lexington, KY
⮝ Brandon Rutland (2026) started his co-op at Toyota Boshoku America, which manufactures automotive interior systems, in January. He is excited to have such a great opportunity to gain experience for his future engineering career.
| Flint, MI
⮞ Maxwell Battist (2025) earned an Undergraduate Award of Distinction from the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). Maxwell serves as both Chapter President and IFC President. He completed a mechanical engineering degree (earning a 3.98 GPA) and co-op employment requirements
in aerospace technology while staying involved with fraternity and campus.
Montevallo | Montevallo, AL
On April 2, James Long (2026) was inducted into the Order of Omega.
Raleigh, NC
Gabe Hunstman (2026) was named the 2024
recipient of North Carolina State's John & Linda Leazar Award in Entrepreneurship. Gabe, a business administration major and science communication minor, is the founder and CEO of Afuse, a mobile app designed to
connect prospective students with colleges.
On April 29, Will Craig (2026) was inducted into the Order of Omega.
Columbus, OH
Omicron Deuteron held
several brotherhood events this fall, including one at Top Golf.
⮜ The Chapter has also been involved in many different service events to help its local community, such as helping the Friends of Goodale Park maintain the park and the grounds keeper house.
⮟ On September 5, Omega Deuteron held its Not for College Days Alone event at Cogan's. Brothers are grateful to the graduates who have continually shown that their fraternity bonds extend far beyond their college days.
Blake Broszus (2024) competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics Men’s Foil (fencing) event for Team Canada.
In April, the Pittsburgh Greek community concluded Greek Week 2024 with their Greek Sing competition. The Pi Sigma Chapter was partnered with the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity in the competition. The team performed a "Battle of the Bands" themed number, winning them the best theme award.
| Terre Haute, IN
⮞ This fall, Rho Phi hosted the Pie-A-Phi fundraiser. Donations supported Happiness Bag in Terre Haute. The organization provides education and recreational resources for people with disabilities. The event started on a smaller scale in the Chapter’s yard a few years ago. Since then, the event has grown from raising a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
Christian Dūh (2025) has been elected IFC President and will serve through the 2024–25 academic year.
Houston | Huntsville, TX
⮟ The Sigma Eta Chapter hosted their first Moms Day event on March 23.
During the fall semester, the Chapter recruited the largest number of men out of all fraternities on campus.
Colby Astor (2024) ran in the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority's Ronald McDonald Run and won 1st place.
On March 22, Glen Volkert (2025) threw the first pitch at the University's baseball game.
Alex Gialanella (2026) and Bennett Hilbrands (2026)
were inducted into the Order of Omega on May 1.
| Knoxville, TN
On April 6, Cooper Jopling (2026) was inducted into the Order of Omega.
Christian | Fort Worth, TX
⮟ Dominic Mendlik
(2025) was elected Student Body President. This marks the first time a Tau Chi member has held this role.
During the spring 2024 semester, Tau Chi had a 3.505 cumulative GPA, and 16 brothers had a 4.0 GPA.
Tau Delta has seen immense growth in membership, brotherhood, graduate brother involvement, and IFC relations in just one year. In fall 2023, the Chapter had only 11 members, compared to the campus's 45-man average fraternity size. Since then, the Chapter has seen a 227% increase in
membership and a 180% retention rate thanks to IHQ's support and the hard work of Nikit Arya (2026), Jadon Grimes (2025) and Ragan Kalyango (2027), who led dynamic recruitment. The Chapter now has 36 brothers.
⮟ The Chapter re-established their campus-wide philanthropy projects such as the Phi Gam Car Bash, where students and staff make a small donation to bash a junk yard car. All proceeds are donated to the American Red Cross.
Additionally, the Chapter restarted their Pig Dinner tradition, led by President Abhi Chilukuri (2025) and Treasurer Valentijn
Van Overveld (2026), who oversaw the planning and execution of the event. This Pig Dinner sparked interest in the Chapter's graduate brother network and led to the BCA forming once again, helping the Chapter grow. Special thank you to Section Leader Jade Metcalf (Washington State 1992), Grant Pollett (2019) and the Tau Delta cabinet for this amazing accomplishment.
On March 20, Nikit Arya and Jadon Grimes were inducted into the Order of Omega.
In April, Tau Upsilon
completed their Phi Gam Beach Week philanthropy. One of their brothers had recently lost his mother to a muscle disease. The Chapter decided to raise money for the University of California San Francisco Department of Rheumatology, which worked every day with his mother. The Chapter was able to raise $5,500.
During the spring 2024 semester, Rho Alpha initiated 19 new brothers. The Chapter also received two awards from Virginia Tech Fraternity & Sorority Life (VT FSL): The Chapter
Collaboration Award, and Purple Legionnaire Dana Hesse (1986) was honored with the Henry S. Mattox Outstanding Fraternity Alumnus of the Year award. The Chapter participated in several service and philanthropy events this spring. Brothers volunteered throughout the local community with VT FSL's Greeks Giving Back event. Brothers volunteered with the VT YMCA by helping turn old clothing into tote bags. Additionally, brothers volunteered with VT's Big Event, a student-run day of service in Blacksburg. Thanks to student efforts, nearly 1,200 service projects were completed throughout the community.
During the Chapter's Pig
Dinner luncheon, several brothers were acknowledged with academic awards. This includes: Jaime Nebot (2026) for Highest New Member GPA - spring 2023; Hayes Gelsomino (2027) and Ben Ogletree (2027) tied for Highest New Member GPA - fall 2023; Michael Mancuso (2026) and Rashed Abdulrahman (2026) tied for Highest New Brother GPAspring 2023; Luke Bitsko (2027) for Highest New Brother GPA - fall 2023; Adam Nobrega (2025) for Most Improved GPA fall 2022 - spring 2023; Gill Williamson (2024) for Most Improved GPA - spring 2023 - fall 2023; Spencer Just (2026)
for Highest Sophomore Cumulative GPA; Nathan Brown (2025) for Highest Junior Cumulative GPA; and Joseph Ciemniecki (2024) for Highest Senior Cumulative GPA.
Additionally, three brothers won scholarships: Daniel Cao (2025) and Colby Black (2025) were named the Five Values Scholarship winner ($1,500) and honorable mention ($500), respectively, and Bryce Marcantonio (2025) received the McMahan Family Persistence Scholarship ($2,000).
| Crawfordsville, IN
⮟ In April, Paul Van Ness (1977) and Kevin
O'Shaughnessy (1977) hosted 11 of Psi Chapter's graduating seniors at Paul's Indiana farm. In addition to grilling burgers, the brothers planted an Overcup oak to commemorate their upcoming graduation.
Pictured (L-R): Camden Cooper (2024), Brett Driscoll (2024), Drake Hayes (2024), Will Keeling (2024), Matthew Brooks (2024), Clayton McPeek (2024), RT Hall (2024), Eli Widmer (2024), Sam Foster (2024), Thomas Joven (2024) and Richard Pan (2024)
| West Chester PA Ethan Baratz (2026) was inducted into the Order of Omega on April 17.
| Bowling Green, KY
During Western Kentucky's Greek Community 2024 Annual Awards Convocation, the Chi Eta Chapter received several Chapter Achievement Awards, including the Alumni Development, Outstanding Intramurals, Philanthropic Service, Scholastic Achievement, Campus Involvement & Achievement, Chapter Development and Greek Involvement Awards. The Chapter also earned second place among fraternities in Greek Week 2024. Additionally, Trey Englehardt (2024), Joel Hornback (2024) and Callan Jones (2024) were inducted into the Greek Hall of Fame.
The Chapter partnered with the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority to compete in
the Kappa Delta Sorority's Shenanigans on Broadway philanthropic competition. The Chapter's team won the event, which benefits Bowling Green's Family Enrichment Center.
On April 26, Cavin Ashman (2026), Daniel Campbell (2027), Dillon Cox (2026), Ryan Dilts (2026), Aiden Hornback (2026), Callan Jones, Salvador León Golib (2026), Thomas Mitchell
(2026) and Tanner Redmon (2026) were inducted into the Order of Omega.
⮝ Ryan Spychalski (2025) completed a summer internship with GE Appliances, a Haier company. During the internship, he worked on a PVM variance analysis tool for all micro enterprises within the company.
Ryan Healy (2026) was inducted into the Order of Omega on April 25. t
Would you like to see your chapter's and brothers' good news featured in the next issue of The Phi Gamma Delta Magazine or The Friday Letter: Good News Edition or on the Current News website at www.phigam.org/News? Submit news and photos online at www.phigam.org/ SubmitNews.
During fall 2024, the Fraternity completed an establishment project at Samford University and a re-establishment project at Washington & Jefferson College.
| Homewood, AL
Staff: Field Secretaries Jack Cunningham & Jarrett Keyton
GPA: 3.69
Founding Fathers: 48 (pictured below)
Fun Facts:
• The Provisional Chapter had the second most accepted bids on campus this fall.
• Seventy-six men returned for the final round of formal recruitment, the highest number on campus this fall.
| Washington, PA
Staff: Field Secretary Brian Hand
Founding Fathers: Recruitment in progress at press time
Fun Facts:
• The Alpha Provisional Chapter hosted a networking event during Homecoming, with over 30 graduate brothers in attendance (pictured below).
• In November, members coordinated a canned food drive with the LeMoyne Community Center (LCC). Members also actively volunteer at LCC by handing out food and reading to children in the after-school program, helping to increase youth literacy rates in the area.
At press time, Phi Gamma Delta has received an invitation to reestablish the Upsilon Phi Chapter at the University of Florida. The Archons approved it for expansion during the spring 2025 term.
Plans are always subject to change, and additions to our expansion schedule will be posted on www.phigam.org/Expansion. If you know men at Florida, please contact us at phigam@phigam. org to let us know.
Florida | Gainesville, FL
Re-Establishment
Original Charter Date: June 28, 1940
Founded: 1906
Enrollment: 34,924
IFC Fraternities: 25 t
Date: October 19, 2024
Chapter President: Nicholas Cariquitan (2025)
Purple Legionnaire: Alec Quintero (Cal State Long Beach 2020)
Legate: Chad Brown (California Irvine 1990)
International Fraternity Delegation:
• Ed Gabe (Hanover 1990), Former Archon Secretary, Archon Councilor and Ritualist
• Nolan Balocco (Arizona State 2026), Archon Councilor
• Josh Laufenberg (Illinois 2008), Ritualist
• Dennis Whitcomb (California Riverside 1986), Section Leader
• Todd Rotgers (Minnesota 2011), Assistant Executive Director
• Ben Blacklock (Sam Houston 2015), Director of Chapter Services
- East
• Ben Cunningham (Missouri State 2023), Field Secretary
Ritual Team: Brothers from the Arizona State and California Irvine chapters
Charter Members: 45
The Provisional Chapter was founded with 13 members in fall 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these difficult times, the Provisional Chapter maintained an average membership of 30 men, who are actively involved on campus and excel in service.t
The Archons established the Distinguished Fiji Award in 1964. It is presented annually to no more than six graduate brothers who shall be deserving of recognition for their faithful and unselfish service to Phi Gamma Delta or their special contribution to mankind and society at large. The award was renamed the William A. Martin III Distinguished Fiji Award in 2019, upon Bill's retirement as Executive Director. To date, 483 Phi Gams have been honored with the Distinguished Fiji Award.
Brother Douglas served Phi Gamma Delta as Archon President from 2016-18. His positive impact as a graduate volunteer began as Purple Legionnaire for his Theta Tau Chapter from 1999-2007. In five of those years, he earned Durrance Award recognition for outstanding service as PL, including first place in 2005. From 2005-10 he served as a Section Leader, earning recognition four times in the Haynes Award for outstanding service in that role, including first place in 2007. He chaired the Section Leader Executive Committee from 20082010. In 2010 Brian was elected Archon Councilor by the 162nd Ekklesia and was named Archon Secretary at the 2012 Ekklesia. He rotated off the Archonate in 2014 but returned in 2016 when he was elected Archon President by the 168th Ekklesia in Boston. While president, he led the initial development of the Fraternity’s Strategic Plan 2030. In his professional life, Brian has held multiple senior management positions with Bridgestone
Tires since joining the company in 1999 and currently serves as Executive Director of Off-Road Sales for Bridgestone Americas.
Brother Holcomb is currently serving his second term as Governor of Indiana, having been elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. After graduation, he served six years of active duty in the U.S. Navy and then in 1997 joined the staff of U.S. Congressman John Hostettler (Rose-Hulman 1983) of Indiana. From 2003-11 he served on the staff of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (Purdue Graduate Initiate 2013), rising to the role of Deputy Chief of Staff and managing Governor Daniels' 2008 gubernatorial campaign. In 2011 he was named Chairman of the Indiana Republican Party and in 2013 became the state Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Dan Coats of Indiana. At the time of his first election as governor, he was filling an unexpired term as lieutenant governor, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Mike Pence
(Hanover 1981). In 2018 The Hill named Brother Holcomb one of ten governors shaping the future of politics. Among many initiatives, he has transformed state support for local health departments and improved access to mental health resources. Indiana ranks fourth in the nation in renewable energy sources under construction, and in 2023 Forbes magazine recognized Indiana as the best state in the U.S. to start a business. Brother Holcomb serves on the executive committees of both the National Governors Association and the Republican Governors Association.
Brother Jessell is President of Florida International University (FIU), a public research university with over 56,000 students and seven campuses, with the main campus in Miami. He was appointed president in October 2022 after serving as interim president since January 2022. He is also a professor of finance in the College of Business Administration. Brother Jessell had served as Senior
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer since arriving at FIU in 2009. Previously he worked for 26 years at Florida Atlantic University, starting as an assistant professor in the Department of Finance and Real Estate and gaining broad experience as he advanced through several leadership roles to serve as Senior Vice President for Financial Affairs. He holds three degrees from Florida State University, a bachelor’s in political science, an MBA and a PhD in finance. He served as House Corporation President for the Phi Sigma Chapter at Florida State from 1979-83.
Brother Paxton’s service to Phi Gamma Delta as a graduate brother is distinguished in both longevity and scope. He served on the Board of Chapter Advisors for his Phi Tau Chapter for 30 years, including 15 years as chairman. He was president of the House Corporation from 1978-81. He has been a constant presence in the Arlington Graduate
Chapter, serving five years as president. At the international fraternity level, he was a Section Leader for a total of 14 years, most recently from 2010-18, and served on the Section Leader Executive Committee from 2012-16. He was Legate for the chartering at the University of North Texas in 2010 and has twice served as Parliamentarian of the Ekklesia. He was elected an Archon Councilor by the 2006 Ekklesia and Archon Secretary by the 2008 Ekklesia, completing his service on the board in 2010. Orsen is retired following a successful law career in Arlington, Texas. He was president of the Arlington Bar Association, cofounder of the Arlington Elder Law Clinic, and adjunct professor of business law at the University of Texas at Arlington and is a Sustaining Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.
Brother Polis is an entrepreneur, education leader, philanthropist and public servant currently in his second term as Governor of Colorado. While still an undergraduate, he
co-founded American Information Systems, an internet access provider that was sold in 1998. In 1996 he cofounded a free electronic greeting card website, bluemountain.com, which was sold in 1999. In February 1998, he founded ProFlowers, an online florist later renamed Provide Commerce, Inc., which went public in December 2003 and was acquired by Liberty Media Corporation in 2005. In 2004 he founded the New America School, a public charter high school in the Denver area serving recent immigrants and their families and children. To address the educational challenges of teens struggling with homelessness and other unstable living conditions, he co-founded the Academy of Urban Learning in Denver in 2005. His first role in public service was as a member of the Colorado State Board of Education from 200107. In 2008 he was elected to the first of five terms (2009-19) in the U.S. House of Representatives for Colorado’s second district. He was first elected Governor in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. He currently chairs the National Governors Association.t
Presented to the most outstanding graduate chapters with over 75 members and under 75 members.
Over 75 Members:
1: Houston Texas Graduate Chapter
2: Seattle Washington Graduate Chapter
3: National Capital Fijis Graduate Chapter (Washington, DC)
Community Outreach & Involvement:
Recognizes the graduate chapter best demonstrating community service and involvement through its members and activities.
W: Seattle Washington Graduate Chapter
Events & Programming:
Recognizes the graduate chapter excelling in communication and engagement with local graduates.
W: Southeast Florida Graduate Chapter
Under 75 Members:
1: Southeast Florida Graduate Chapter (Miami, FL)
2: Alberta Graduate Chapter (Edmonton, AB)
3: Columbus Ohio Graduate Chapter
4: Southwest Florida Graduate Chapter (Naples, FL)
Recruitment & Outreach:
Recognizes the graduate chapter with the most active and diverse calendar of events, engaging a wide variety of graduates with different interests.
W: Alberta Graduate Chapter
Undergraduate Support:
Recognizes the graduate chapter that best assists area undergrads, strengthening their Phi Gam experience.
W: National Capital Fijis Graduate Chapter
Coulter Cup
Awarded for service to an undergraduate chapter other than as Purple Legionnaire.
W: Daniel Best (Colorado 1986), Colorado
DS: Mitchell Sonnen (Idaho 1986), Idaho
Crowder Cup
Presented to the most outstanding faculty advisor.
W: Don Shelton (Idaho 1976), Idaho
DS: Tianna Cervantez, Knox
Durrance Award
Given to the most outstanding Purple Legionnaire.
W: Chris Hupe (Kansas State 1994), Kansas State
DS: Dana Hesse (Virginia Tech 1986, Western Kentucky GA), Virginia Tech
Presented to the most outstanding Section Leader.
W: Dave Willmer (Akron 1992)
DS: Brad Whiting (Washington 1980)
Wilkinson Award
Presented to the most outstanding senior.
W: Jose Garcia (Akron 2023)
Cheney Cup
Awarded for the greatest all-around efficiency in scholarship, relationships and collegiate activities.
1: Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech
2: Upsilon Alpha at Arizona
3: Mu Iota at Idaho
SP: Sigma Tau at Washington
Chi Eta at Western Kentucky
Baker Cup
Awarded for religious, ethical and social service activities.
1: Mu Iota at Idaho
2: Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech
3: Upsilon Alpha at Arizona
SP: Alpha Omicron at Akron
Kappa Deuteron at Georgia
Sigma Tau at Washington
Chi Eta at Western Kentucky
Awarded for the best demonstration of "Not for College Days Alone."
1: Sigma Tau at Washington
2: Alpha Omicron at Akron
3: Mu Iota at Idaho
SP: Upsilon Alpha at Arizona
Kappa Deuteron at Georgia
Chi Eta at Western Kentucky
Condon Cup
Awarded for the greatest overall improvement.
1: Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech
2: Omega Chi at Chapman
3: Mu Upsilon at Miami
SP: Sigma Mu at Mississippi State
Awarded for the best chapter publications.
1: Mu Iota at Idaho
2: Upsilon Alpha at Arizona
3: Sigma Tau at Washington
SP: Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech
Gamma Deuteron at Knox
Jordan Bowl
Awarded to the chapters with the highest scholarship.
1: Mu Iota at Idaho
2: Sigma Mu at Mississippi State
3: Upsilon Alpha at Arizona
SP: Epsilon Rho at Embry-Riddle
Chi Eta at Western Kentucky
Certificate of Academic Achievement
Awarded for the greatest improvement in scholarship.
1: Beta Mu at Johns Hopkins
2: Sigma Mu at Mississippi State
3: Rho Alpha at Virginia Tech
SP: Alpha Omicron at Akron
Awarded for involvement in student government, campus newspaper and extracurricular activities.
1: Chi Eta at Western Kentucky
2: Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech
3: Sigma Tau at Washington
SP: Alpha Omicron at Akron
Upsilon Alpha at Arizona
Kappa Deuteron at Georgia
Awarded for exceeding the all-men's average of its fostering institution.
• Theta at Alabama
• Pi at Allegheny
• Upsilon Alpha at Arizona
• Omega Chi at Chapman
• Lambda at DePauw
• Epsilon Iota at Evansville
• Phi Sigma at Florida State
• Mu Iota at Idaho
• Chi Iota at Illinois
• Mu Deuteron at Iowa
• Alpha Iota at Iowa State
• Beta Mu at Johns Hopkins
• Pi Deuteron at Kansas
• Kappa Upsilon at Kent State
• Upsilon Kappa at Kentucky
• Alpha Gamma at Kettering A
• Gamma Deuteron at Knox
• Psi Mu at Missouri State
• Epsilon at North Carolina
• Nu Eta at Northeastern
• Omicron Deuteron at Ohio State
• Theta Deuteron at Ohio Wesleyan
• Epsilon Omicron at Oregon
• Gamma Phi at Penn State
• Tau Deuteron at Texas
• Tau Chi at Texas Christian
• Tau Delta at Texas Dallas
• Tau Upsilon at Tulane
• Upsilon Sigma at Utah State
• Mu Pi at Virginia Commonwealth
• Chi Kappa at West Chester
• Kappa Mu at Western Michigan
Awarded for exceeding the all-men's average of its fostering institution for five or more consecutive years.
• Alpha Omicron at Akron 8
• Alpha Upsilon at Auburn 63
• Chi Alpha at Clemson 8
• Delta Kappa at Davidson 12
• Epsilon Rho at Embry-Riddle 12
• Kappa Deuteron at Georgia 55
• Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech 41
• Zeta at Indiana 65
DS: Distinguished Service; SP: Standout Performance; W: Winner
• Chi Deuteron at Kansas State 5
• Sigma Mu at Mississippi State 10
• Sigma Omicron at Oklahoma State 35
• Lambda Iota at Purdue 24 • Psi at Wabash 61 • Chi Eta at Western Kentucky 15
• Rho Alpha at Virginia Tech 13
Sigma Tau at Washington 65
Rho Tau at William & Mary 7
Awarded to the chapters that demonstrate efficiency in operations, adhere to Fraternity Laws and promote Phi Gamma Delta's high standards.
• Chi Nu at Christopher Newport 1
• Chi Alpha at Clemson 2
• Mu Beta at Coastal Carolina 4
• Gamma Kappa at Colorado School of Mines 3
Nu Sigma at North Carolina State 1
Nu Alpha at Northern Arizona 2
Omicron Deuteron at Ohio State 10
Sigma Tau at Washington 40
Zeta Deuteron at Washington & Lee 1
Pi Mu at Washington State 2
Delta Mu at Wayne State 2
• Phi Kappa at Colorado State 3 • Chi Kappa at West Chester 2
• Delta Kappa at Davidson 8
Theta Deuteron at Ohio Wesleyan 1
Nu Omega at Oklahoma 2
Chi Eta at Western Kentucky 8
Kappa Mu at Western Michigan 1
• Delta Iota at Drake 2
• Lambda Pi at DePaul 2 • Sigma Omicron at Oklahoma State 21
• Epsilon Rho at Embry-Riddle 4 • Epsilon Omicron at Oregon 4
• Epsilon Iota at Evansville 8 • Kappa Omicron at Oregon State 3
• Kappa Deuteron at Georgia 31 • Gamma Phi at Penn State 2
• Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech 37 • Pi Sigma at Pittsburgh 2
• Tau at Hanover 4
• Kappa Rho at Rhode Island 2
• Mu Iota at Idaho 1 • Rho Chi at Richmond 2
Zeta Phi at William Jewell 2
Kappa Chi at William Woods 2
The Leadership Institute is a four-day leadership development experience for emerging leaders. Participants work through real-time issues in their chapter and bring back an action plan. Besides their plan, they bring back new fraternal connections and ideas for chapter-wide conversations.
“We have brought back a lot of the team building activities that we did day one at The Leadership Institute, and with the new model, it helped bring our newer members in with our existing chapter.” - Carson Dailey (Texas Tech 2026)
The Leadership Institute not only helps brothers bring back leadership skills to the chapter, but it also allows individuals to develop their passion for leadership. Many participants serve their chapter and campus community after attending.
“This was wonderful. I have a lot of passion built from this experience. I found out a lot about myself and I truly have a drive to want to be president. I didn’t realize how passionate I was to make a change in my chapter and get excited about our history and values. There was plenty of information that is going to help me get there.” - Anonymous Survey Response
We want to thank those who donated to the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation, making this experience free for participants.
“I would thank [all donors]; the opportunity that they gave me to attend was something I am so grateful for. My time at the Institute was fun, educational and experiential.” - Mason Engelke (EmbryRiddle 2026)
Session 2: July 18-21 170
Undergraduate Participants from 85 Chapters & Provisional Chapters
28
Facilitators
"Talking with peers from different chapters about their experiences and their problems helped me get a better view and standpoint of the problems that need to be fixed in my chapter."
"Meeting other chapters and seeing what they do differently than our chapter; being able to speak with facilitators about ongoing issues in our chapter; getting advice on how to lead better."
"The Leadership Institute helped me understand how the values of Phi Gamma Delta relate to my own life and those brothers around me."t
This summer, Chicago, Illinois was the site of the 176th Ekklesia at the Marriott Marquis on August 8-11, 2024. This marks the first time Ekklesia was hosted in Chicago since 1990.
Phi Gamma Delta has held five conventions in Chicago. 1896 approved the first salaried employee, a clerk. Those of 1907, 1915 and 1946 set attendance records. 1990 was the largest in 36 years. While not the largest attendance, the 176th Ekklesia is an important milestone for the Fraternity as it continues to push forward with the implementation of the new model to Build Courageous Leaders.
For those who were unable to attend, here are some event highlights and updates from the 176th Ekklesia:
602 brothers and guests were in attendance. This included 369 undergraduates from 127 chapters and provisional chapters.
The Ekklesia began with graduate volunteers participating in the Graduate Leadership Forum on Thursday, August 8. Over 100 graduate volunteers spent their day learning about proposed
amendments, Ritual amendments, volunteer recruitment and retention, as well as updates to the Fraternity’s strategy.
At Thursday evening's Opening Banquet, undergraduate Archon Councilor Zach Berard (Kansas State 2024) opened Ekklesia festivities, and host committee chair Mike Sacks (James Madison 2004) welcomed our brothers to Chicago. The dinner was sponsored by the Phi Gamma Delta
Educational Foundation. The evening featured the presentation of our undergraduate chapter awards recognizing our chapters' accomplishments throughout 2023 (see winners on page 23).
On Friday afternoon, the Fraternity continued the tradition of giving back to our host city through Project Phi Gam. Brothers volunteered at The Greater Chicago Food Depository. The Depository, through its network of partners, serves nearly 800,000 adults and children each year in the Chicago area.
A highlight of the event was having over 500 brothers and guests attend the Crosstown Classic: Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field. Attendees got to experience a great Chicago tradition and beautiful weather, including taking the “L” to and from the ballpark.
Our brothers accomplished
significant business in Chicago!
The 176th Ekklesia passed the Fraternity’s biennial budget and elected a new Archonate. Most significantly, the Ekklesia debated many changes to our Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual, notably making subtle but important revisions to the Initiation ceremony to align with our new model to Build Courageous Leaders.
committee chair Mike Sacks and included recognition of the Fraternity’s graduate chapters and individual award winners (see winners listed on page 22-23). This included remarks from Wilkinson Award winner Jose Garcia (Akron 2024)
The Ekklesia Closing Banquet was guided by emcee and host
The Fraternity looks forward to brothers participating in the 178th Ekklesia in Phoenix, Arizona on August 6-9, 2026! t
Tim Kilduff (Kent State 1968)
Tim was elected Archon President by the 176th Ekklesia in 2024. Previously, he was elected Archon Vice President by the 174th Ekklesia in 2022 and Archon Councilor by the 172nd Ekklesia in 2020. Prior to his election, Tim served the Fraternity as a Section Leader for 10 years, which included serving on the Section Leader Executive Committee. He also was a key member of the 168th Ekklesia Boston Host Committee. After graduating from Kent State, Tim worked as the Fraternity’s Assistant Executive Secretary under Bill Zerman (Michigan 1949). Professionally, Tim has over 40 years of experience in corporate affairs, organization management and internal/external communications with focuses on crisis communications, media and marketing. He is the founder of the 26.2 Foundation, which supports marathoning. Tim and his wife, Kathy, reside outside Boston, Massachusetts.
1987)
Matt was elected Archon Vice President by the 176th Ekklesia in 2024, after being elected Archon Secretary by the 174th Ekklesia in 2022. Previously, he served on the Educational Foundation Board of Directors for eight years, most recently serving as Chairman. Matt has also served the Fraternity in several other roles including Field Secretary, Director of Redevelopment and Section Leader. He was also President of the Mu Deuteron Chapter. He earned his BA in business from the University of Iowa and his MBA from Pepperdine University. Matt has had a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry, having worked 25 years for BP Oil. He is currently Chief Transformation Officer and leads strategy for Lyondell-Bassell Chemical, another
Fortune Global 500 company. Matt’s dad, Ralph (1952), uncle, Richard (1955), and brothers, Steve (1977) and David (1981), are all brothers from the Iowa Chapter. Matt and his wife, Renee, reside in Sugar Land, Texas.
Kevin was elected Archon Treasurer by the 176th Ekklesia in 2024. Prior to his election, Kevin served on the Fraternity’s Financial Advisory Board and on the Educational Foundation Board of Directors (2014-23), most recently as Finance Chairman (2019-23). Kevin earned his BA in political science and philosophy from Jacksonville University (JU), where he served his chapter as President and Treasurer. He also earned his MBA in finance from Johns Hopkins University. Professionally, Kevin has worked in finance for over 20 years and currently works as a Director of Asset Liability Management for National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. He also sat on the JU Alumni Board of Governors from 2012-19. Kevin resides in Stafford, Virginia with his two children.
Robert was elected Archon Secretary by the 176th Ekklesia in 2024. Previously, he was elected Archon Councilor by the 174th Ekklesia in 2022. He has served the Fraternity as a Section Leader and his chapter as House Corporation President and Co-Chair for the house capital campaign. As an undergraduate, he served his chapter as Recording Secretary and President. He has three degrees, including an MBA from Harvard University. Robert had a long and successful career with American Express International, serving as President of Japan and Head of the Japan, Australia & New Zealand Region
before retirement. Outside his career, he served in several board positions, including board member and president of the Charleston Symphony and board member of Temple University, Japan. Robert has three Phi Gam brothers, Lee (Louisiana State 1977), Ken (Southern Methodist 1981) and Tod (Mississippi State 1983). He and his wife, Helen, reside near Charleston, South Carolina.
Nolan was elected Archon Councilor by the 176th Ekklesia in 2024. Currently, he is the Corresponding Secretary of the Alpha Sigma Chapter at Arizona State, where he is majoring in construction management. Outside his chapter, Nolan is a member of Order of Omega, Sigma Lambda Chi Construction Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership & Success, and he made the Dean's List every semester in college. He also serves the Associated Schools of Construction as President. Additionally, Nolan is the Founder & CEO of Benchmark Advisory and an Eagle Scout.
in August 2023. Aaron is double majoring in mechanical engineering and engineering design at RoseHulman, where he joined the Rho Phi Chapter. Currently, he serves his chapter as Historian. Additionally, Aaron attended the 2022 Academy, The Leadership Institute 2022, the 174th Ekklesia in 2022, the 2023 Academy and the 176th Ekklesia in 2024.
James Neilson (Akron 1991)
Michael was elected Archon Councilor by the 176th Ekklesia in 2024. He has served the Fraternity as a Section Leader and on the Board of Conduct, and he was a member of Oklahoma State’s BCA and House Corporation. As an undergraduate, he served his chapter as President and Recording Secretary. Professionally, Michael is an Associate General Counsel for Verizon, where he provides legal services to the wholesale services division. Additionally, Michael has served on the board of directors for Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, and he currently serves as the Chair of the Tulsa Police Foundation. He and his wife, Sandy, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Aaron was appointed Archon Councilor by the Archons
James was elected Archon Councilor by the 174th Ekklesia in 2022, after being appointed Archon Councilor in July 2021. He has served the Fraternity as a Section Leader, member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and Field Secretary. He has a BA in business communication from the University of Akron, where he served the Associated Student Government as President and his chapter as President and Recording Secretary. James has more than 28 years of experience in human resources in a variety of industries. Today, he is the Managing Partner, Owner and Founder of Driving People Operations, a boutique business coaching and human capital management consulting firm. James and his husband, Mike, live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jon was elected Archon Councilor by the 174th Ekklesia in August 2022. Before his election, Jon served the Fraternity on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and he served the Alpha Mu Chapter as a BCA member and as House Corporation President for 20 years. As an undergraduate, he served his chapter as President. Professionally, Jon has had a long career with the Boy Scouts of America, where he has served as the CEO of the Capitol Area Council in Austin, Texas since 2012. He is also heavily involved with the Rotary Club of Austin, as well as his church. Jon and his wife, Shelly, live in Round Rock, Texas t
The long-term success of any organization is often hinged on a few key tenets. Phi Gamma Delta is no different. Both at the International Fraternity and undergraduate chapter levels, the involvement of graduate brothers is the common thread of prosperity.
Our ethos that membership is Not for College Days Alone is more than a slogan we learned upon joining. It is a mind-set that is shown and seen at chapters’ annual Pig Dinners, in photos of reunion events, and in brothers’ continued interest in what is happening in the Fraternity. Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes it is subtle, like choosing to call ourselves graduate brothers as opposed to alumni members. (Alumnus has a connotation of someone who is a former member – they have left. Graduate simply means you have earned your degree.)
Understanding the important role that graduate brothers play, the Archons renewed the Fraternity’s focus on the vital role our graduate volunteers play in its strategic objectives. Phi Gamma Delta aims to best position and equip volunteers to support the Fraternity and
its chapters. We seek to create a more effective and engaging framework providing the necessary educational structure and resources to recruit and support successful volunteers.
Through the work and recommendations of two committees in the last biennium, the Fraternity has rolled out a new Board of Chapter Advisors model, refocused the primary expectations of two critical roles in our Section Leaders and Purple Legionnaires, and in early 2025 will launch revamped training opportunities for all graduate advisors – all to better meet the modern needs of our chapters and our volunteers.
Another significant step was taken in August 2024 when the Archons appointed Daniel P. Mossop (Akron 1989) as our first Director of Volunteer Advancement & Engagement. Dan, a long-time chapter advisor and later Section Leader, is guiding the Fraternity’s efforts to best recruit, support, and enrich the volunteer experience. Through the work of the Volunteer Advancement & Engagement committee, Phi Gamma Delta is also working to better engage with ALL graduate brothers and
identify MORE opportunities for brothers to be meaningfully involved. Through these efforts, the Fraternity seeks to cement that our Not for College Days Alone motto is in deed (in fact) and indeed (without question). Your skills and talents can be utilized in more ways than you can imagine. Brothers who volunteer for the Fraternity have a tremendous impact on the lives of our brothers regardless of how small or large the volunteer role. Whether you are able to commit to an undergraduate chapterfocused advisory role, leverage your professional experience to facilitate a personal development workshop, help to organize a gathering for local graduates, or spend an hour a month mentoring a younger brother, your fraternity needs your help.
If you have wondered about volunteering for Phi Gamma Delta or would like to learn more about our volunteer opportunities, visit www.phigam.org/Volunteer or contact the International Headquarters at 859-255-1848 or phigam@phigam.org
Graduate volunteers are the lifeline of Phi Gamma Delta and play an important role in the Fraternity’s and individual chapters' success. Brothers in these roles have a tremendous impact on undergraduate members, providing mentorship and ensuring there is proper support provided to the men in each chapter.
Section Leader: A regional volunteer, Section Leaders are charged with identifying, recruiting and supporting chapter-level volunteers within their Section.
Purple Legionnaire: They serve as the primary advisor to each chapter and monitor chapter efficiency, providing guidance, support and counsel.
Board of Chapter Advisors (BCA): BCA members serve as specialized advisors for certain areas of operation and work directly with officers/chairmen of the undergraduate chapter. They provide counsel on various areas of operation, such as the New Model (Foundations of Courage, Built to Lead and Recruitment), finances, graduate relations, public relations, etc.
House Corporation (HC): HCs typically own and/or operate undergraduate chapter house facilities and seek to provide safe, comfortable and competitive housing for the chapters they support. HC members come from a variety of occupations/professions to oversee the corporation's finances, insurance coverage, repairs and overall business operations of the facility.
(As of Oct. 15, 2024)
• Massachusetts/Northeast: University of Maine, Northeastern University, University of Rhode Island, WPI
• Central Pennsylvania: Bucknell University, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania Western University
• Philadelphia, PA Area: West Chester University, University of Pennsylvania
• Richmond, VA Area: James Madison University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Washington & Lee University
• Lexington, KY Area: University of Evansville, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University
Purple Legionnaire
• Bradley University
• Chapman University
• Christopher Newport University
• Clemson University
• DePauw University
• Illinois State University
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Pennsylvania State University
• University of California Irvine
• University of California San Diego
• University of Illinois
• University of Tampa
• Wabash College
• Washington & Lee University
Dave Willmer has been an active volunteer for the Fraternity for over 25 years. He has served twice as Section Leader in central Ohio for the chapters at Ohio University, Ohio State University and Ohio Wesleyan University, and has also served his Alpha Omicron Chapter on the Board of Chapter Advisors and House Corporation. One of his main goals as Section Leader is to help re-establish the Sigma Chapter at Wittenberg University and help his chapters reach a GPA above the all-men’s average on their respective campus. Dave was presented with the Fraternity’s Haynes Award in 2024 as its most outstanding Section Leader.
Dave has also volunteered for the Fraternity in other ways, including as an at-large member of the Executive Director Selection Committee in 20182019, Chairman of the Expansion Committee at the 2024 Ekklesia, and as a member of the Nominations Committee at past Ekklesiai (2000 and 2002). Prior to his volunteer work, he served the Fraternity as a Field Secretary and as Director of Programs on the Headquarters staff.
Outside of his volunteer work for Phi Gamma Delta, Dave also volunteers his time in and around the New Albany, Ohio area. He is actively involved with the New Albany Special Olympics, New Albany Buddy Up, and the Church of Resurrection 2023-2028 Capital Campaign. Professionally, Dave works for Robert Half, a global consulting and staffing firm, a company he has been with for 26 years. He serves as the Senior District President of their National Technology Accounts.
“Since the day I was initiated, the Fraternity has given me so much; my time and effort as a volunteer is my attempt to pay back this enormous debt I owe to Phi Gamma Delta.”
When asked why he continues to volunteer for the Fraternity, Dave said, “Since the day I was initiated, the Fraternity has given me so much; my time and effort as a volunteer is my attempt to pay back this enormous debt I owe to Phi Gamma Delta.”
Dave and his wife, Kelly, live in New Albany, Ohio, and they have a daughter, Tori (22), and son, Brady (21). He also has a Phi Gam brother, Dan (Akron 1993), who resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. t
If you want to express interest in volunteering or learn more about our volunteer roles, complete our Volunteer Interest Form at www.phigam.org/ Volunteers or scan this QR code.
| Akron, OH
Dr. Rick Wilson (Akron 1992), professor of marketing at McCoy College of Business at Texas State University, has been honored with the Outstanding Editorial Board Member Reviewer Award by the Journal of Advertising.
| Meadville, PA
In July, Al Trezza (2001) was one of four new members added to Allegheny College's (AC) board of
trustees. Al is an investment strategist at the Bank of New York Mellon. He and his wife created the Anthony J. Lo Bello Scholarship & Student Support Fund for AC students, and they are consistent annual leadership donors.
| Peoria, IL
(1994) coordinated the Chicago-held event on July 27. Congratulations to Joe Stornello (1993), Craig Smith and Jim Issa (1996), who were the winning team.
(1995), Joe Stornello (1993), and Mike Flanagan (1996).
| Lewisburg, PA
In May, graduate brothers hosted their 41st consecutive golf reunion in Hilton Head. This year's group was the largest ever, with 21 brothers in attendance.
⮟ Bradford Myers (1950) (left) received his Diamond Owl, celebrating 75 years as a Phi Gam. The certificate was presented to Bradford at his home in Oahu, Hawaii by Director of Graduate Engagement Johnathon Allen (Indiana State 2007) (right).
Pictured: Jason Altschul (1994), Craig Smith, Jon Winter (1994), Jim Issa (1996), Brian Weiss (1993), Jason Preston (1995), Dan Manata
⮝ A group of Beta Pi graduate brothers started an annual golf outing, The Alvin Wilcox (1994) Rusty Hammer Memorial Golf Outing. Craig Smith 4
Irvine
| Irvine, CA
⮝ From September 27-29, 20 Iota Chi graduate brothers, representing the classes of 1988-95, gathered in Palm Springs, California for their 3rd annual reunion.
| Cleveland, OH
⮟ Robert Koch (1953) received his Diamond Owl certificate, celebrating 75 years as a brother.
Last fall, John Vanek
(1970) released his fifth book, Epiphany, in "The Father Jake Austin Mystery Series." For more information about the book series, visit www.
JohnVanekAuthor.com
| Davidson, NC
John Bryan (1971) wrote the book, Angelina's Shakea-Stick! A Grandfather's Immersion into Autism in America, which was released in November. The book is a philanthropic project to spread Autism awareness, education
and advocacy. The book's preface was written by Chris Banks, CEO of the Autism Society of America, and the afterword was written by Andy Shih, Chief Science Officer for Autism Speaks. John's personal involvement with Autism began in fall 2017, when his 18-month-old granddaughter, Angelina, started exhibiting signs of Autism. After she was diagnosed, John founded the national online Autism Grandparents Club (autismgrandparentsclub. com), and he conducted the 2021 National Autism Grandparents Survey, with assistance from the AARP and Autism experts nationwide.
| Denver, CO
⮟ Captain Adam Bashaw (1987) (pictured with his wife) retired from the U.S. Navy on May 1, following
a 38-year career including 12 years active duty and 26 years in the Reserve force. Adam served three combat tours in Kuwait, Somalia and Afghanistan, two tours as commanding officer at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Navy Office of Information New York City, and two tours as executive officer at U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Navy Office of Community Outreach. His retirement ceremony was held on April 20 at the Pennsylvania House aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia and was presided over by Rear Admiral John A. Robinson.
| Greencastle, IN
Paul Germann (1952) received the Diamond Owl certificate, commemorating 75 years of membership.
| Gainesville, FL
Capers Jones (1961) was the keynote speaker on the topic of artificial intelligence at a conference in Beijing. The conference was held in August and was attended by approximately 1,000 people from 40 countries. Capers is a retired IBM Global Risk Consultant, and he has published 20 books and 250 articles on computers during his career.
| Athens, GA
Keith Wayne Mason's (1984) horse, Dornoch, won Churchill Downs and Belmont Stakes, and he had two horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
| Atlanta, GA
Russ Chandler (1967) anonymously wrote Jesus in His Own Words: A Layman's Perspective.
| Gettysburg, PA
⮝ In April, the Fraternity presented Bill Matz (1961) with his Distinguished Fiji Award. Although Bill won this award in 2020, it took the Fraternity four years to schedule the presentation due to the pandemic and scheduling conflicts. The presentation was held at Gettysburg with the help of
Alumni Director Joe Lynch (1985), who coordinated the event.
Pictured (L-R): Joe Lynch, Senior Director of Graduate Engagement Dionysis Protopapadakis (Appalachian State 2017), Bill Matz, BCA Chairman and House Corporation President Dave Moran
(1986) and Chapter President Geoffrey Meadville (2025)
| Moscow, ID
On October 18, several brothers were honored at the University of Idaho (UI) Recognition Gala. Kent Valley (1962) joined
the 1889 Society for his contributions to UI and for being a founding partner of the Land of the Free Foundation, a nonprofit supporting the members and families of the Armed Forces. J.D. Rowell (1948), who has recently passed ad astra, joined the 1889 Society for his contributions to UI. Jim Hawkins (1958) was honored for his contributiong to the UI Foundation for more than 50 years and for twice serving as its president.
| Riverside, CA
⮟ On May 4, the Graduate Chapter held their 48th Pig Dinner, with 75 Riverside area and Rho
Upsilon graduate brothers in attendance. The Chapter's 49th Pig Dinner will be held May 3, 2025.
Beta Mu brothers gathered at the President’s Garden on Homewood Campus (aka Fiji Island) after the University's lacrosse team won their Homecoming game. Brothers in attendance were Tom Bloomer (2002), Akaash Suresh (2024), Dennis Gagomiros (1975), Ned Miller (1975), Danny Organek (1994), Tom Wojeck (1989), Steve Cicchino (1992), Mitch Clarvit (1974), Chris McCormick (1989) and James Miervaldis (2006).
Chris Hupe (1994) was one of the recipients of the North American Fraternity Institute's (NIC) 2024 Advisor Awards of Distinction. These are awarded to advisors who exemplify excellence in the fraternal experience. Chris has served the Chi Deuteron Chapter as Purple Legionnaire for more than a decade. He is also a member of the Kansas State advisor committee, working with all fraternities across campus.
On October 11, the Kansas District Judges Association awarded C. William Ossmann (1973) the annual award for Judicial Excellence. Ossmann is a
judge in the Kansas 3rd Judicial District.
⮝ In June, Gamma Deuteron held their 13th annual Brauer/Steele Phi Gam-Phi Delt Golf Challenge at Traditions at Chevy Chase in Wheeling, Illinois. The golf event is named in honor of two former attendees: Paul Brauer (1978), who passed ad astra in 2015, and Craig Steele, a Phi Delta Theta member who passed away in 2022. There were 19 brothers in attendance. Paul's son, Matt, attended the event for the third time to honor his late father. Pictured (L-R): front row: Brent Peterson (1979), Jim Murphy (1982), Jun
Adachi (1981), David Brackman (1981) and Norm Hillner (1979); back row: Bob Voss (1978), Joe Czuyrlo (1980), Steve Malecha (1981), Glen Thompson (1978), Brian Cox (1979), Joe Morrison (1979), Steve Czerwinski (1982), John Gordon (1982), Kent Williams (1980) and Tom O’Neal (1977)
Not pictured: Dean Toriumi (1980), Jim Lofgren (1980), Jim Mocogni (1979) and Marty Glickman (1980)
| Ann Arbor, MI
For the 40th consecutive year, 30 Alpha Phi graduate brothers gathered for their annual reunion and golf outing on July 18-21.
Richard Thompson (1953) received his Diamond Owl certificate recognizing his 75 years as a brother.
Jim Tuman (1964) cowrote his first song with Juliana Anderson, called "Don't Say Goodbye, Say I Love You." Jim wrote the song's lyrics to encourage people to say I love you to those they care about before it's too late. This song is a reminder that the most important time is now. The song is available on several music platforms. Jim is a youth advocate, motivational speaker and the founder of Jimmy's Kids, a nonprofit serving children across the Detroit, Michigan area.
⮝ In June, four brothers traveled to Normandy for the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team (WWIIADT) to complete three jumps in honor of D-Day. The jump was led by Jeff Boyd (1983) and retired LtCol Peter Reitmeyer, USMC (Pittsburgh 1996), jumpmaster, parachute rigger and WWIIADT's Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors.
Pictured: Peter Reitmeyer, Jeff's sons, Tyler (2016) and Christopher (2023), and Jeff Boyd.
On October 12, five Mu Sigma brothers gathered in Pasadena, California to see Minnesota's football
at
Stadium: Bruce Koranski (1969), Bob Ready (1966), Brian Gensmer (1972), Graeme Thickins (1969) and Dave Smith (1970)
In April, eight brothers traveled to Las Vegas to hold their own Pig Dinner reunion, where they received their Gold Owl certificates celebrating 50 years of brotherhood. The brothers in attendance were Dave Moser (1972), Creighten Murphy (1972), Dick Gerk (1972), Brian Gensmer (1972), Adrian Bankowski (1973), Tom Bienemann (1971), George Head (1974) and Rick “Cash” Kavanagh (1968).
⮞ Tyrel Nelson's (2002) memoir "Travels &
Tribulations" recently was named a winner of Readers' Favorite Annual International Book Award. It was also the winner of the Multicultural Non-Fiction Category and a finalist in the Grief Category for LiteraryGlobal.com's 2024 Independent Author Awards. In this memoir, Tyrel shares stories from his unique experiences abroad and immersing himself in other cultures. Tyrel is a bilingual teacher, award-winning writer and non-profit organizer, to name a few. He has lived in Spain, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and he is passionate about leading volunteer service trips to Latin America. The book is available on Amazon.
| Florence, AL
Michael Anthony (1999) was one of the four
people inducted into the University of North Alabama's (UNA) inaugural Greek Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held during the UNA Fraternity & Sorority Life's 50th anniversary weekend. He was selected for exemplifying the ideals of a Greek life member. Michael lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he works as the city's Director of Safety, Compliance & Risk Management.
| Columbus, OH
Jim Sayre (1964) wrote an autobiography, Jimmy, about his life as a blind person.
W. Joseph Campbell (1974) was named the 2024 Sidney Kobre Award for Lifetime Achievement by the American Journalism Historians Association.
Joseph is a professor emeritus of communication at American University, where he recently retired after 26 years.
On June 29, Rev. Stephen Jones (2016) was ordained a priest in the Catholic Church to serve in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. He has been in seminary formation since September 2018, first in St.
Louis, Missouri and then in Rome, Italy.
PA
Jim Laslavic (1973) was one of 11 people inducted into the Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame. Jim and his family attended the induction dinner, which was held at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center on October 26.
| Pittsburgh, PA
Patton Andrews (1987) (a pseudonym) recently published a book about his life over the past 23 years, called Torn Asunder Down Under: The Poetic Memoirs of an American in
Australia. His story touches on the common themes of injustice, workplace harassment, depression, divorce and single parenthood. Writing these poems became his therapy as he tried to come to terms with the problems in his life. His goal in publishing this book is to reach others in need of support, especially men who often struggle to process their emotions and fear that sharing their problems will make them appear weak.
⮟ Allen L. Gerard (1953) received his Diamond Owl certificate celebrating 75 years of Phi Gam membership.
On October 18, during the University of Idaho (UI) Recognition Gala, Bruce Pitman (Purdue 1971), the retired UI Dean
of students, received the Silver & Gold Award for a distinguished record of achievement and service in his field.
⮝ For the eighth consecutive year, several Chi graduate brothers gathered for golf, dinner and brotherhood at Dave Williams's (1973) residence in
Saratoga Spring, New York. Pictured (L-R): front row: Mark Nelson (1972) and Dave Williams; back row: Steve Pierce (1971), Doug Tosh (1972), William Kuchta (1972), Hank Reihl (1974), Al Britton (1974) and Drew Hamelink (1971)
VA
Ward Follette (1976) was awarded the inaugural Rho Alpha Pinnacle of Brotherhood Award during the Chapter's Pig Dinner. The award recognizes Ward's lifetime commitment and continued support of the Chapter.
⮜ During Virginia Tech Fraternity & Sorority Life Awards, Purple Legionnaire Dana Hesse (1986) was honored with
the Henry S. Mattox Outstanding Fraternity Alumnus of the Year award.
Washington, PA
⮟ Joel Fleming (1953) received his Diamond Owl award, celebrating the 75th anniversary of his initiation.
PA
In October, Tyler Poglitsch (2021) was hired as a Multi-Skilled Journalist (MSJ) at FOX43, in York, Pennsylvania. He began his journalism career in 2022 as a Reporter/Multi-Media Journalist at First Alert 7 in Odessa, Texas. Tyler earned his B.A. in media & culture at West Chester University, where he joined the Chi Kappa Chapter.
| Madison, WI
Reed Hall (1970) and Roy Christianson (1968) are the President of PBSWisconsin (PBS-WI) and Chair of the Wisconsin Public Radio (WIPR) Boards of Directors, respectively. Both boards represent the members of each organization, which is beneficial as Reed and Roy have forged closer ties between the two public broadcasting boards. Together they will be involved in lobbying the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation for continued funding of public broadcasting.
| New Haven, CT
Peter Smith (1952) received his Diamond Owl certificate for having been a Phi Gam for 75 years. t
Daane Blocksma graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in business administration. Following graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Reserves and attended law school at the University of Memphis. Daane reported for active duty in the USMC shortly after completing his law degree and working in private practice. Daane’s service in the USMC includes serving as a judge advocate, providing legal assistance to service members, defense counsel in criminal trials, foreign security force advisor to the Afghan National Army & Police, command legal advisor, and a Chief of Operational Law for a Joint Task Force under United States Cyber Command. He has also been recognized with several recognitions and awards, including the American Bar Association’s Outstanding Young Military Lawyer Award for the Marines in 2023 and multiple personal military decorations. Daane also served as an adjunct Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2022-24. He is currently a Commandant of the USMC Fellow within the Department of Defense Office of General Counsel where he is detailed to a combat support agency.
Justin Burns was active in community service during his time at Ohio State University, and he continued his service by working in various roles at the Fraternity Headquarters before
going on to complete a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, and then graduating with honors from the University of Akron School of Law. While still a law student, he had the opportunity to appear before an Ohio court of appeals to advocate on behalf of one of the law school’s clients (and won), and he published an article in the Akron Law Review calling for reforms to Ohio’s AntiHazing Law (some of which later came to fruition). In 2016, HazingPrevention.org described Justin as a “tireless champion” for anti-hazing education and gave him the Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award. After law school, Justin completed a two-year clerkship with a federal judge in Little Rock, Arkansas before joining the national law firm of Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP. Justin’s legal work focuses on commercial litigation and civil rights, and he is often called upon to speak to audiences across the country and write on matters involving the Supreme Court of the United States. In 2023, Dinsmore awarded him with the “Difference Maker Award,” and in 2024, the firm elevated him to Partner.
Justin Carter earned both a Bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of North Alabama (UNA). He also holds an MA in leadership studies and a Ph.D. in human capital management. After graduation, Justin began his career as a Training Specialist with a defense contractor but soon shifted into consulting with Aon Hewitt and ADP, before eventually returning to his hometown of Birmingham to work with Vulcan Materials Company, where he led the Leadership
and Organization Development Department for their Construction Materials Group. Justin currently serves as an Assistant Professor of management at UNA. His current research focuses on the impact of large language model usage on well-being and will be the topic of his upcoming TEDx talk. Additionally, he runs The Carter Firm, a consulting group specializing in executive coaching and strategic planning.
As a military legislative assistant for a federal official, Dwayne is a policy advisor on military-specific topics that involve a great deal of research and networking. His role includes responding to issues and advising on legislation related to his area of expertise. Prior to this position, Dwayne completed Embry-Riddle’s Global Conflict Studies program. During the program, he learned about different conflicts throughout history from different angles, which trained him for real-world experience. Clark never imagined he was qualified to work on Capitol Hill. However, with the encouragement of former colleagues, he applied and was selected for an internship. Clark has found Capitol Hill to be a great environment for growth. As for his own career trajectory, he wants to continue serving the country in a government affairs role for an aerospace defense company or possibly run for office.
Dustyn Curran graduated with a degree in construction engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. Since graduating, Dustyn has worked for Ryan Companies, today as the Director of Real Estate Development for the Midwest Region. Since 2020, he has led the development of nearly $1 billion of warehousing and distribution facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. During his career, Dustyn has received several awards, including Project of the Year awards from the Design-Build Institute of America, a Des Moines Business Record 40 Under 40 award, and a real estate Deal of the
Year by the Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association. He has also presented specific projects and topics at several universities. Always committed to giving back, Dustyn has served on multiple non-profit boards that align with his passions. He has also remained active with the fraternity through various leadership positions, including his current role as a member of the Legacy 325 Building Committee.
Adam Drummond is an author, adjunct professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Ball State University, and Associate Partner for the Center for Model Schools. His career in education has included time as a teacher, technology integration specialist, principal, and more. He has been recognized by the Indiana General Assembly with a House Resolution for his leadership as a principal, named as the District #3 Indiana Association of School Principals Principal of the Year, earned a Fort Wayne Business Weekly 40 Under 40 award, and a Ball State University Alumni Association Graduate of the Last Decade Award. In 2019, Adam published his book, The Instructional Change Agent, which offers school leaders 48 practical ways to support in the day-to-day leadership work to boost student achievement and increase teacher efficacy. He also served as President & CEO of the United Way of Huntington County, Indiana.
Zachary Finn has had a notable career in risk management. As the Academic Director of the Davey Risk Management & Insurance Program at Butler University, he helped found and run what is now the ninth-largest undergraduate risk management and insurance degree program in the U.S. He was also the co-inventor, co-founder, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the world’s first student-run captive insurance company, domiciled in Bermuda, and taught at Butler University, which was profiled in The New York Times. Zachary has published articles on several topics, including pandemic insurability, product contamination
and recall risk and Insurtech, which have appeared in Bloomberg, Washington Times, Indianapolis Business Journal and Harvard Business Review, to name a few. He also helped advise the U.S. Congress on the creation of model Pandemic Risk Insurance Act legislation to help mitigate the impact to insurance markets from COVID19. Currently, Zachary works with Henriott.
Cameron Haring graduated from Miami University in 2004 with a BS in business - organizational leadership. Upon graduation, he worked as a manager/salesman for CH Robinson Worldwide. In 2009, he earned his MBA from Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management. Upon graduation, he worked for Thermo Fisher Scientific in North Carolina in their MBA Leadership Development Program (2009-18). In 2015, he took a remote position so he could move to his hometown of Mansfield, Ohio so he could search for a business to buy. In 2018, Cameron purchased DECA Manufacturing, a contract manufacturer of electronic assemblies. Since he bought the company, its revenues have grown by 300%. Outside his profession, Cameron is heavily involved in his community, serving on several boards and committees. He also was awarded the 10 Under 40 Award by Richland County Chamber of Commerce and the Quality Leadership Award by the Rotary Club of Cleveland in 2021.
Navin Kaminoulu is a seasoned technology executive with a strong track record of building and scaling successful businesses. Over the past two decades, he has played pivotal roles in companies across various industries, from software to construction technology. Both in leadership and cofounder roles, Navin has directed companies through hyper-growth, raised venture capital, and guided toward strategic acquisition. Currently, Navin is an Operating Advisor at Groundbreak Ventures, Canada’s most active property technology investor. He also serves as board
director for PLOT Communications and Sitemax Systems Inc. Additionally, he supports various entrepreneurship ecosystems and the founder community at large, as well as giving back in board and advisor roles.
Ted Kinsey is a Director of Business Aviation Development Programs at Honeywell Aerospace, one of the world’s largest makers of aviation components. He has managed programs to develop aircraft engines, cockpit electronics, auxiliary power units, and the environmental systems that keep passengers comfortable and safe. Ted graduated from Purdue University with a BS in mechanical engineering. Before joining Honeywell, Ted interned with Orien Pacific in Shanghai, China, managing supply chain operations. He also served as an intern in the U.S. Congress for Representative Jimmy Duncan (TN). Outside of his career, Ted volunteers as a youth sports coach and is active in his church.
Chris Kurtz is an accomplished attorney with litigation, trial and appellate experience in state and federal courts. He has also served as the arbitrator in more than 30 cases with the American Arbitration Association. Chris began his legal career serving as a law clerk for a trial court judge before working at a large Kansas City law firm where he became the firm’s youngest partner. Today, Chris is an owner of a law firm, focusing on business, construction and real estate matters. His legal work has been recognized by Best Lawyers as Ones to Watch, Benchmark on the 40 & Under Hot List, Missouri Lawyers Weekly on the Up and Coming list, and Ball State recognized him as a Graduate of the Last Decade for his accomplishments. Outside of work, Chris has served as Chair of the Leawood Chamber of Commerce and President of the Johnson County Bar Foundation. He has also volunteered for the Fraternity since graduation, currently serving in his second term as the Section Leader Executive Committee Chair.
Grant McCasland was named Texas Tech's 19th head coach of the men's basketball team in March 2023. Grant made an immediate impact in his first season, helping the team earn a no. 22 in national rankings. He also became the third head coach in program history to lead the team to 20+ wins in their first seasons and the fourth to take the program to the national tournament in their first season. Grant previous basketball coaching experience includes: head coach at North Texas (2017-2023), where he led the team to the National Invitation Tournament Championship in his final year; head coach at Arkansas State (2016-17); assistant coach at Baylor (2011-16); head coach at Midwestern State (200911); head coach at Midland College (2004-09), where he led the team to win the NJCAA National Championship in 2007; assistant coach at Northeastern JC (2001-03); and Director of Operations at Texas Tech (1999-2001). Some of Grants coaching successes include winning the 2023 NIT Champion, leading his team to win three consecutive C-USA championship titles and being named the 2020 C-USA Coach of the Year, to name a few.
James Miervaldis is a consultant at the Department of Defense, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Reserve. After returning from service in 2012, he immediately helped Tim Nank (Columbia 1994), John Toner (Hampden-Sydney 2000) and Josh Holly (Tennessee 1997) restart the National Capital Fiji (Washington, DC) Graduate Chapter, which now has over 300 members from 100 chapters. The Graduate Chapter has held events with Famous Phi Gams including Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch (Columbia 1988), CBS White House Correspondent Major Garrett (Missouri 1984) and Colorado Governor Jared Polis (Princeton 1996), to name a few. Outside the Graduate Chapter, James, with the help of Senator Tim Kaine’s office, worked for three years to bring his Afghan interpreter and his family to the U.S. through the Special Immigrant Visa program in
2016. James shares this story on the Fraternity’s On the Banks podcast (season 3, episode 3), which can be found on www.phigam.org/OnTheBanks.
Eli Moraru is the Co-Founder and President of The Community Grocer, which he founded with his fraternity brother to re-invent the corner store and reimagine nutritional assistance for low-income communities of color. Eli was the 2022 winner of the Penn Presidents Sustainability Prize, a PHL Innovation Under 25 Honoree, recognizing individuals 25 years and younger who are making waves in Greater Philadelphia’s startup ecosystem and a Social Innovation Award Medalist. Committed to building stronger, healthier communities, Eli has registered hundreds of individuals to vote, worked alongside SHARE to feed families and has served as a Big for Big Brother-Big Sisters.
George Pappas enters his 12th season with the Rays and his first as director of minor league operations after being named to the role in October 2023. His primary responsibilities include roster management and transactions across the farm system, playing a key role in personnel decisions while managing affiliate relations and PDL Club agreements and rules compliance. He also serves as primary liaison between the Rays and MLB’s Office of the Commissioner on player development matters. George joined the Rays in 2013 as an international and minor league operations intern and was hired full-time in 2014, working the following three seasons in the communication department. He transitioned into baseball operations in 2016 as Assistant, International and Minor League Operations and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2021. Before joining the Rays, George interned with the New York Yankees and covered Major League Baseball for ESPN Radio. Outside of his career, he serves on the strategic advisory board for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
John Ruby is an actor who recently recurred in the latest Mindy Kaling show, Running Point, with Kate Hudson. Other recent television credits include Shrinking, with Jason Segel, 911: Lone Star, For All Mankind, Penny Dreadful and SWAT. In film, his feature credits include Solver, Cerebrum and Touch. On stage, John has performed in The Effect, Fool for Love, Heaven Can Wait and The Sting. John teaches an on-camera acting class with his school, the Storytellers Conservatory, and serves as an acting mentor. He also co-hosts the podcast, “The Moving Spotlight,” which helps artists take control of their creative careers. In his free time, John advocates for protected bike lanes and electric cars.
Tim Silvernail was hired as the University of Massachusetts's (UM) Assistant Athletic Director of the Football Administration in February 2024. Before returning to his alma matter, he spent a year working at Opendorse as a Senior Account Executive, and he previously spent three years as the Director of Recruiting for the Rutgers football program.
Tim's prior football coaching experience included serving as the Director of Recruiting Operations at Buffalo (2019-20); Director of Player Personnel at UM (2016-19); football program aid for Eastern Michigan (2015-16); and football team's operations intern at Rutgers (2014-15). Tim has a BA in sports management from UM.
David Waters graduated from Kansas State with a B.A. in political science and modern languages before attending the University of Kansas School of Law. He currently serves as the Managing Partner for the Overland Park office of Spencer Fane LLP, a national law firm. David's practice focuses on real estate, land use and zoning, construction, health care and municipal law. He has been recognized by the Best Lawyers in America as the Lawyer of the Year in each of these categories. He also was inducted into the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) in 2023, and he serves as a board member of the City Attorneys Association of Kansas. Outside his law career, David is currently serving in his second term as Mayor of Westwood, Kansas, and he is the President of the Kansas Mayors Association. Additionally, he served the Chi Deuteron Chapter as Purple Legionnaire for two years, and he received the Fraternity's Wilkinson Award, as the most outstanding senior, in 1999. t
Nominate a graduate brother, who is 48 years or younger, for their outstanding achievements by visiting www.phigam.org/18Under48 or scanning the QR code.
Nominations will be considered for the "18 Under 48" listing in the fall 2025 issue of The Phi Gamma Delta magazine.
Phi Gamma Delta has shaped the lives of nearly 212,000 brothers since 1848. From lifelong friendships to professional preparedness and developing us as leaders, our Fraternity helped make us who we are today.
We know the value of our membership, but recent research on fraternities continues to show the impact fraternities have on men in college and throughout their lives. Here are four key takeaways from a collection of independent studies on fraternities.
At a time when young men are experiencing loneliness and struggling with mental health concerns more than ever, fraternities create a strong support system and environment to have tough conversations. Research shows this connection can create a strong sense of belonging, leading members to have more positive mental health and less anxiety and depression than their unaffiliated peers.
Nearly 80% of fraternity men report excellent to good mental health and wellbeing.
Fraternities capitalize on students’ time outside the classroom by preparing men for success in college and in their futures far beyond what their peers experience. Because of higher expectations, as well as the support and network fraternities provide, members experience greater gains in learning and graduate at higher rates than their peers. They are more likely to thrive in every aspect of wellbeing – career, community, financial, physical and social wellbeing – after college.
83% of fraternity men indicate higher leadership confidence because of their membership.
Fraternity men are nearly 2x as likely to have a job waiting for them when they graduate.
Research shows fraternity membership connects men to the university in a way nonmembers do not experience. Members are more satisfied as students and alumni, and they are more likely to recommend and give back to their alma maters. They’re also more connected to their local communities, with research showing they spend significantly more time volunteering than non-affiliated students.
Fraternity men are nearly 5x as likely to give back financially and 2x as likely to encourage others to attend their alma mater.
Fraternity men promote safer and more inclusive environments than nonmembers. They understand the definition of sexual assault, report drinking less, and with moderation, and choose not to participate in hazing because it goes against their values. Research also shows fraternity men are more likely to intervene in higher-risk situations than those not affiliated. Members are more comfortable providing accountability in the areas of academics, sexual relationships, professional/career goals, personal goals and hazing. They cite a greater responsibility to support their brothers' personal and professional growth - a proof point that affirms the meaning of true brotherhood.
Learn more at www.nicfraternity.org/research. t
The Foundation’s Persistence Scholarship recognizes the importance Phi Gamma Delta has placed on a determination to “Press On” - to accomplish important goals while overcoming obstacles. The scholarship provides financial assistance to brothers who strive for excellence in academics, fraternity and campus leadership and is awarded to brothers pursuing excellence while facing the financial challenges of college. The scholarship, in the amount of $2,500, is awarded to 90 members within the sophomore, junior and senior classes, brothers who are powerful catalysts for creating and sustaining successful chapters. Below are comments from some of the thankful recipients.
As I embark on this academic journey, I will carry the spirit of your generosity with me, and I hope to one day contribute to the growth and success of future students as you have done for me. Your investment in my education is not only an investment in my future but also in the positive impact I hope to make in the world. - Evan Russell (WPI 2024)
The financial relief this scholarship offers is significant. As my time as an undergraduate ends, I reflect on the profound impact Phi Gamma Delta has had on my life. The principles, experiences and bonds formed here will undoubtedly shape my future. I am proud to say I will be a brother for life, carrying the values and lessons learned into my professional and personal life. - Dierre Johnson (Wisconsin 2024)
"I am so honored to be selected for this award. When I joined Phi Gamma Delta at SMU, I had no idea how lucky I was to be a part of something much bigger than my chapter. After visiting St. Louis last year as President, I'm motivated by the opportunity to give back to the Fraternity as graduate brothers have helped me. - David Childers (Southern Methodist 2024)
"It is hard to quantify how much I have developed through the indirect and direct support of graduate brothers. However, I know without their support, I would be on a much different path. Thank you for the unending support you show to undergraduates. Thank you for your patience, your wisdom and love. It's safe to say that without the graduate network we have at Phi Gamma Delta, we couldn't function.Trey Englehardt (Western Kentucky 2024)
One of the tools used in educating brothers against the dangers of alcohol misuse and abuse is the Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP). ASTP helps to build a proper chapter culture around social norms and member expectations involving alcohol use and is a tool for reducing misuse and overuse of alcohol. The program promotes the positive use of peer pressure and the power of holding brothers accountable for their behavior and alcohol use.
ASTP is a discussion-based program that uses an approach to alcohol education that is non-judgmental, non-confrontational and meets members where they are in terms of readiness to change their behaviors. It acknowledges that some college students drink and any steps toward reducing risk are steps in the right direction. ASTP was designed to provide drinkers and nondrinkers with information regarding alcohol use and associated negative consequences. The program also teaches skills to reduce risky use and/or abstain from use altogether.
A gift to the Foundation’s Annual Fund pays for educational programs of the Fraternity that benefit every chapter and our undergraduates. On an annual basis, programs are evaluated for effectiveness and updated as needed to offer best in class instruction to meet the changing habits and needs of undergraduates.
Other widely used and needed fraternity programs are:
• Leadership Education: The Leadership Institute; Testing Points Workshop
• Hazing Prevention: A series of online training classes
• Mental Health: Behind Happy Faces; Suicide Prevention Resources
• Well Being: Courageous Mentality (sexual violence prevention)
To learn more about programs you help fund, visit: www.phigam.org/foundation/ foundation-supported-programs
Giving appreciated stock to the Foundation may be more beneficial than giving cash. You can avoid paying capital gains by gifting stock to the Foundation and receiving a tax deduction for the stock's market value on the day you give. Transferring the stock to the Foundation can be as easy as notifying your broker. For more information, contact Ben Robinson at brobinson@ phigam.org
The Foundation can receive gifts from CGFs. You will need our EIN# 52-6036185.
If you are 70.5 years or older, you can give up to $100,000 directly to the Foundation from your IRA. You still pay no taxes on the distribution, and it qualifies toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). The Foundation must receive the donation by December 31 for the amount to be applied to that year’s tax return. For more information, contact your IRA administrator or the Foundation: brobinson@phigam.org or 859-255-1848.
Want to support the Fraternity’s academic endeavors, alcohol education, and leadership and mental health programs?
Online: Give securely online at www.phigam. org/Donate
Mail: Send a check made payable to Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation using the enclosed envelope.
Canada: Give to the Phi Gamma Delta Foundation of Canada at www. phigam.org/Canada.
Gifts to the Educational Foundation are tax-deductible in the U.S.
To leave a taxdeductible gift to the Educational Foundation, consider the following:
“I leave and bequeath unto the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation, Inc. the sum of $___, or ___% of estate (or specific securities or other property). Said Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation (Federal ID # 52-6036185), organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with administrative offices at 1201 Red Mile Rd, P.O. Box 4599, Lexington, KY 40544-4599. This gift is unrestricted for general Foundation purposes.”
For estate gift questions and restrictions, please contact Executive Director Ben Robinson, at brobinson@phigam.org or 859-255-1848 ext. 133.
The White Star Legacy Society recognizes those brothers and families who have chosen to leave a legacy and help shape the future of Phi Gamma Delta through their will or estate plans.
#1 Give a charitable bequest (a percentage or dollar amount) in your will or living trust to the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation.
#2 Name Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation as a beneficiary of your assets such as your 401K or other retirement plans upon your passing.
#3 Open a life insurance policy with the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation as the policy owner and cover annual premiums with gifts to the Annual Fund.
Can I use my family’s name on an endowed estate gift?
We encourage brothers to use their name or their family’s name on endowed gifts. We are in the brotherhood business and names are important. Names connect us with a brother’s generosity and help us remember that he wanted to help others have a better Phi Gamma Delta experience.
If I endow a program, what happens if that program ends or changes?
Some programs do change, improve or end overtime. We include wording that you are comfortable with in your planned gift directions to allow for similar programs or new programs to address the same/similar need. Defined flexibility is important for addressing long-term programming success.
Can I endow my $100 Annual Fund gift forever with a bequest in my estate to the Foundation?
A gift through your estate can endow your ongoing annual fund gift. Your estate gift, invested, will allow the Foundation to typically draw a 4% distribution. The Foundation would be able to rely on your annual fund gift well into the future. Any amount of annual fund gift can be endowed through a bequest to the Foundation (see the chart on the next page for samples).
Your Current Annual Fund Gift Your Bequest Gift Amount to Endow Your Annual Fund Gift 4% Annual Distribution from Your Endowed Gift
$50
Foundation Board Officers for 2024-26
Chairman
Michael A. Lucas (Bradley 1983)
Vice Chairman
Donald M. Heinrich (Chicago 1974)
Finance Committee Chairman Ronald C. Nelson (Richmond 1977)
Board Secretary
A. Peter Rimsans (Iowa State 1993)
3 With 80 brothers, friends and family surprising Jerry Groniger (Illinois 1956) on his 90th birthday, several Phi Gams gathered for a group photo with the birthday boy.
Pictured (L-R): Loren Mears (Illinois 1977), William Goldstein (Illinois 1966), Ben Robinson (HampdenSydney 1986), Jerry's grandson Luke Groniger, Jerry Groniger (sitting), Steven Scott (Illinois 1977) and Bill Ieuter (Illinois 1957). t
Walter H. Bailey Jr. (1952), 8/22/24
John F. McCrary (1949), 8/25/23
Jack Powers (1960), 5/14/24
William H. Ray Jr. (1949), 4/16/24
Harold E. Swearingen (1948), 5/1/24
Allegheny
Lawrence E. Oxley (1952), 12/18/23
James L. Weber (1947), 5/3/24
Amherst
Malcolm S. Druskin (1952), 1/4/23
Myron C. Hamer Jr. (1953), 4/25/24
Arizona
Walter D. Armer Jr. (1964), 5/10/24
Daniel R. Bailey (1976), 8/20/23
Roman W. DeSanctis (1951), 7/8/24
James M. Hill (1961), 7/10/24
Ronald B. Minson (1961), 9/1/23
Daniel L. Tolley (1979), 4/17/24
Arizona State
Donald W. Burnes Jr. (1971), 4/20/24
Arkansas
Gary L. Hum (1977), 8/26/24
James H. Lennon Jr. (1972), 6/30/24
Bradley
Daniel J. Dulik (1990), 4/16/24
British Columbia
Douglas A. Corbishley (1959), 6/9/24
Andrew J. Sawatzky (2003), 8/3/24
Brown
Norman A. James (1953), 6/26/24
Bucknell
Warren Kimball Jr. (1952), 10/22/23
Corbin A. Wyant (1958), 7/2/24
California Berkeley
John L. Boudett (1965), 4/17/24
Alan M. Oleson (1955), 8/24/24
Walter P. Strycker (1951), 1/16/24
Nicholas A. Veliotes (1952), 5/14/24
California Los Angeles
Frank G. Cavignac (1955), 1/29/23
Mark S. Morris (1959), 5/16/23
Donald E. Rowson (1956), 1/8/24
Ronald F. Waters (1957), 5/27/24
Roman W. DeSanctis (Arizona 1951) passed ad astra on July 8, 2024. A preeminent cardiologist, Brother DeSanctis graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Medical School in 1955. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1956-58, he returned to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to complete his residency and cardiac fellowship and never left. In 1967 he founded the Coronary Care Unit at MGH and served as Director until 1981. He went on to become Director of Clinical Cardiology and later served as Acting Chief of the MGH Cardiac Division. He retired from clinical practice in 2014. He was also a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and was recognized with Gifted Teacher awards from the American College of Cardiology and Harvard Medical School. Other honors included election into the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science and being named a Master of the American
Case Western Reserve
J. Bruce Jackson MD (1952), 11/12/23
Allan B. Kortz (1948), 3/9/23
Chicago
Norman K. Cook (1958), 6/18/24
James J. Monge (1955), 1/14/24
Colgate
Philip M. Bisselle (1958), 4/5/23
Raymond W. Boushie (1961), 12/13/23
Ronald L. Diamond (1961), 9/23/23
David A. Eastwood (1962), 6/3/23
David M. Ramsay (1958), 6/12/24
Colorado
Claude E. Deering Jr. (1950), 4/10/24
John S. Downing (1949), 3/16/23
James N. McLagan (1953), 2/16/24
Joseph E. Vlastos (1961), 11/14/23
Colorado College
Millard E. Pugh (1955), 2/25/23
Columbia
Robert B. Upchurch (1972), 2/9/24
Cornell
John H. Geis Jr. (1953), 2/8/24
Dartmouth
Charles A. Blood (1951), 5/4/24
Davidson
William N. Berson (1983), 7/16/24
John T. Brothers (1949), 10/26/23
Denison
W. Luke Utter (1950), 2/28/24
Florida
Howard S. Misner (1952), 10/12/23
Haywood R. Thornton Jr. (1955), 3/16/24
Georgia Tech
Samuel B. Boor (1956), 5/24/24
Harold F. Brinkley (1948), 3/15/24
Donald L. Champion (1956), 5/21/24
David B. Donald (1955), 12/18/23
Orville T. Guffin (1962), 5/30/24
Robert E. Nichols (1952), 3/6/23
Denny Pryor (1951), 9/1/24
College of Physicians and a Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He was named a Distinguished Fiji in 2008.
1961) passed ad astra on July 10, 2024. Upon graduation Jim received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He concluded his military service with the rank of Captain. In 1966 he began a career in the automotive industry with the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors in California and later moved to Oregon with GM. He then transitioned from GM employee to owner of an Oldsmobile-GMC dealership in Nampa, Idaho. After purchasing James Toyota in Pullman, Washington, and moving to the Moscow, Idaho – Pullman area, he became Purple Legionnaire for the Mu Iota Chapter at the University of Idaho in 1992. During his 14 years of service in that role, he was recognized on six occasions in the Durrance Award for
Gettysburg
Harry F. Hamer Jr. (1953), 11/4/23
Hampden-Sydney
W. R. Robinson (1969), 9/27/24
Hanover
James M. Campbell (1951), 4/29/24
Matthew J. Held (1987), 6/29/24
Clark S. Ketterman (1952), 8/11/23
Idaho
Gordon E. Adams (1954), 4/1/24
William J. Evans (1959), 5/16/24
Karl W. Klages (1952), 7/8/24
Scot A. Stradley PhD (1970), 3/12/24
Illinois
Fredric T. Martin (1959), 5/22/24
Illinois Wesleyan
Tye M. Elliott (1986), 5/14/24
Jason C. Richards (1996), 4/29/24
Indiana
Ronald J. Burns (1959), 4/26/24
Charles H. Davis (1964), 5/1/24
James C. Jinks (1955), 6/30/24
Robert E. McGee (1948), 9/19/24
John O. Worth (1965), 8/10/24
Iowa
Travis K. Acheson (1990), 6/21/24
James P. Caffrey (1987), 4/10/24
John S. Koza (1967), 9/7/24
Robert R. Mau (1953), 7/8/24
William R. Silvers (1942), 9/14/24
John P. Tamisiea (1987), 5/27/24
Iowa State
Carrol R. Collins (1950), 2/1/24
Joseph S. Crawford (1951), 12/18/23
Leroy D. Duff (1977), 4/12/24
James K. Rash (1960), 1/19/24
Gordon J. Smith (1961), 9/15/24
Johns Hopkins
Charles A. Cummins II (1952), 5/5/24
Frederick P. Feder Jr. (1956), 5/7/24
David A. Hiles MD (1955), 9/14/23
Eugene E. Joyce (1955), 3/31/24
Charles A. MacLaughlin (1953), 7/18/24
John A. Nungesser (1954), 6/2/23
Thomas S. Summers Jr. (1951), 11/2/23
Kansas
Charles T. Crawford (1952), 8/17/24
Larry J. Manion (1957), 6/11/24
Richard A. Manka (1967), 5/31/24
Arthur M. Miller (1957), 11/19/23
Robert A. Stinson (1956), 7/16/24
James W. Straight (1962), 1/27/24
Lockhart M. Walker (1993), 7/31/24
Kentucky
E. Charles Healey (1971), 6/26/24
Knox
Ace J. Blackburn (1955), 4/24/24
James L. Godkins (1968), 11/5/23
George T. Mrkvicka (1952), 4/1/24
Courtland G. Newton Jr. (1957), 4/9/24
John E. Weidman (1955), 10/23/23
outstanding service as a Purple Legionnaire, including first place honors in 1997 and 2000. After retirement, Jim moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he served on the House Corporation and Board of Chapter Advisors for his Upsilon Alpha Chapter.
Gordon J. Smith (Iowa State 1961) passed ad astra on September 15, 2024. Brother Smith’s lifetime of support to the Alpha Iota Chapter at Iowa State included 11 years on the House Corporation and two terms as House Corporation President. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Chapter at Drake University in the early 1990s and later served as Purple Legionnaire. Gordon’s professional career in financial services spanned over 40 years, beginning with Merrill Lynch, and included leading the Des Moines office of A. G. Edwards & Sons. He served on the vestries of two Episcopal churches in the Des Moines area, Saint Luke’s and Saint Timothy’s,
Lafayette
John D. Catlin Jr. (1953), 2/11/23
Kurt O. Wassen (1951), 4/22/24
Lehigh
John K. Henderson (1954), 5/11/24
John B. Seville (1952), 10/21/23
Louisiana State
Christopher L. Hufft (1994), 8/14/24
Wilmer R. Mills (1967), 5/11/24
Barron F. Tabor (1955), 1/12/23
Maine
Walter F. John (1953), 4/3/24
Miami
John F. Bieber (1961), 7/10/24
Philip K. Selden (1965), 5/24/24
Minnesota
Dennis C. Costello (1973), 7/19/24
Willard J. Patty Jr. (1951), 6/21/23
Missouri
Roger L. Mell MD (1956), 4/14/24
MIT
Warren H. Chapman (1947), 3/17/23
Royal C. Riedinger Jr. (1954), 2/18/24
Robert O. Vegeler (1970), 3/9/24
Nebraska
Richard C. Altrock (1962), 1/6/24
Curtis L. Banister (1978), 5/30/24
Robert W. Brown (1972), 3/15/24
George W. Hancock (1953), 8/13/23
Bruce E. Petersen (1985), 6/9/24
New Mexico
Dennis E. Burns (1968), 5/14/24
New York
Morgan V. Spurlock (1993), 5/23/24
North Carolina
Frank P. Meadows Jr. (1949), 5/14/24
Larry F. Smithwick (1975), 2/22/24
William F. Young (1950), 6/15/24
North Carolina State
Joseph F. Cusato (2017), 9/20/24
Northwestern
James W. Bagby (1955), 12/8/23
Occidental
A. Richard Apple (1951), 5/18/24
Harlan H. Hill (1950), 4/20/23
Ohio
Robert C. Herr (1985), 5/27/24
Ohio State
Theodore D. Griley II (1955), 1/10/24
William R. Keating (1960), 6/28/24
William C. Wilks (1953), 9/21/24
Ohio Wesleyan
Robert R. Crosby (1964), 10/22/23
Thomas H. Harper (1967), 8/21/24
Richard E. Hulse (1953), 4/13/24
Donald C. Meek MD (1957), 9/15/24
Dallas H. Moorhead Jr. (1949), 10/6/23
William F. Myers (1955), 9/30/24
Wayne A. Pignolet (1981), 4/13/24
David B. Rees Jr. (1971), 12/31/23
and was a longtime supporter of the Des Moines Zoo, the Des Moines Art Center, Whiterock Conservancy and the Animal Rescue League. With a special interest in history and preservation, in 2017 Gordon made a major gift to the West Des Moines Historical Society, a portion of which funded improvements to the Jordan House, a historic home in West Des Moines that served as a stopover on the Underground Railroad. He was named a Distinguished Fiji in 2021.
Morgan V. Spurlock (New York 1993) passed ad astra on May 23, 2024. Brother Spurlock was an innovative documentary film maker who directed or produced over 70 films. He first earned fame in 2004 when his Super Size Me documentary was named Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and was later nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film. His production company, Warrior Poets, also produced
William R. Shepler (1954), 7/18/24
Raymond M. Slabaugh III (1963), 9/8/24
Oklahoma
R. Michael Barber (1969), 5/15/24
Thomas B. Burns Jr. (1962), 4/26/24
Stephen P. Mann (1965), 4/23/24
Robert L. Sullivan (1968), 7/23/24
Oregon
Ronald J. Anderson (1952), 12/7/23
Thomas J. Lekas (1953), 2/23/23
Oregon State
Frank H. Clark (1965), 2/1/24
Arthur H. Kroeger (1953), 4/25/23
Thomas E. Talbot MD (1943), 8/24/23
Penn
Alfred J. Buescher (1948), 4/13/24
Jerome F. Kinney III (1952), 5/13/23
Richard H. Moseley (1952), 2/17/23
Penn State
Robert M. Allen MD (1950), 4/2/24
John G. Androski (1964), 5/22/24
Steven W. Babcock (1955), 6/17/23
James E. Conwell (1982), 2/3/23
Jeffrey C. Neyhart (1967), 9/6/24
Pittsburgh
Anthony E. DeFiore (1987), 7/14/24
Charles W. Huffman (1951), 3/17/24
Hugh E. Root (1952), 1/23/23
Purdue
Jerry W. Kimball (1959), 6/28/24
James W. Loughery (1947), 6/9/23
Jay B. Votaw (1968), 7/29/24
Rhode Island
Alfred Armstrong Jr. (1948), 4/5/24
William R. Johnson (1966), 7/11/24
Joseph W. Migneault (1957), 8/16/24
Ernest E. St. Louis Jr. (1950), 3/21/24
Richmond
William R. O'Brien (1968), 9/30/24
Rutgers
Churchill C. Franklin (1952), 1/21/24
Andrew J. Galloway (1949), 7/24/24
Allison B. Mearns (1951), 7/24/23
Sewanee
Frank C. Jones (1962), 8/31/24
Nicholas H. Pendleton Jr. (1983), 5/8/24
Dan D. Scott (1950), 9/16/24
William J. Shasteen (1962), 8/20/24
James E. Winn (1959), 7/14/24
Southern Methodist
Timothy J. Newlin (1974), 3/24/23
Donald N. Williams (1976), 6/12/24
Stanford W. Thomas Ireland (1959), 1/22/24
Tennessee
James E. Foglesong (1955), 7/21/24
Kenneth M. Gresham Jr. (1950), 7/18/24
Myron A. Halle III (1975), 4/13/24
Gaut Ragsdale (1972), 5/1/24
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold about product placement; Freakonomics, an adaptation of the book by the same name; Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden about the fight against terrorism, and Mansome about men's grooming. His television works included the FX series 30 Days, ESPN's The Dotted Line, the Emmy and Writer's Guild nominated The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special in 3D on Ice!, Hulu's A Day in the Life, and New Britannia for Sky Atlantic HD. He was named a Distinguished Fiji in 2012 and was keynote speaker at the Ekklesia that year.
Jere W. Thompson (Texas 1954) passed ad astra on December 19, 2023. Upon graduation from UT, he served in the U.S. Navy and then, in 1956, began work with The Southland Corporation, the owner of 7-Eleven stores, which his father had founded in 1927. He became President and CEO of Southland in 1983. He and his brothers John and Jodie (Texas 1962), who also worked at
S. J. Staples III (1971), 8/2/24
Robert S. White (1946), 11/9/23
Harry C. Young (1952), 7/4/23
Tennessee Tech
Bobby G. Adams (2015), 5/9/24
Texas
Charles E. Baer (1958), 4/10/24
James R. Leahy (1968), 6/23/24
Jim E. McNeel (1958), 8/28/24
David F. Riley (1964), 12/28/23
Jere W. Thompson (1954), 12/19/23
Texas Tech
F. L. Ballard (1955), 4/30/24
Joe R. Grist (1989), 8/13/24
Robert W. Hayes (1966), 3/26/24
Philip S. Jacobs Jr. (1988), 5/31/24
Brian Quintanilla (2006), 8/30/24
Union
Joseph F. Frick (1952), 2/6/24
Virginia
Richard A. Hashagen (1953), 5/9/23
James G. Hunter Jr. (1955), 8/15/24
Wabash
Roderick A. McManigal (1944), 5/1/24
Washington
Dan W. Alexander (1953), 3/28/24
Wesley S. Hutchins (1954), 5/20/24
James K. Sanborn (1977), 7/11/23
Richard E. Schatz (1965), 5/3/24
Washington & Lee
Samuel A. Syme Jr. (1956), 3/5/24
Washington State
Gene M. Baker (1953), 6/5/24
Charles A. Kaysner (1967), 4/17/24
Larry E. Miller (1959), 6/22/24
Peter W. Weston (1954), 2/8/23
Western Kentucky
Craig T. Cobane (2008), 5/24/24
Westminster
Michael C. Reid (1968), 7/17/24
Williams
Douglas Foster (1952), 9/7/24
Donald H. LeSieur (1957), 4/11/24
Wisconsin
Richard R. Bergmann (1957), 7/4/24
Robert S. Hinds (1956), 3/14/23
Richard R. Huebner (1951), 4/15/24
Stephen R. Moore (1964), 11/17/23
John T. Siewert (1950), 8/12/23
Wittenberg
George F. Haynes (1949), 12/15/23
David W. Markowich (1959), 7/5/24
Donald W. Rankin (1949), 5/6/23
WPI
Craig A. Baptiste (1984), 5/23/24
Yale
George L. Graveson Jr. (1952), 3/23/24
Thomas C. Greening (1952), 5/4/23
Joseph A. Grimes Jr. (1954), 8/22/24
Ward Randol Jr. (1955), 5/27/24
Southland, are credited with creating the modern convenience store, with innovations such as selling gasoline, 24-hour service, self-serve fountain drinks and to-go coffee. They expanded their industry-leading concept to thousands of stores in the U.S. and internationally. Jere’s business and civic leadership included President of the National Association of Convenience Stores, Chair of the UT College of Business Administration Foundation Advisory Council, Board of Directors of St. Paul Medical Center Foundation, and Chair of The University of Texas Development Board. Recognition of his service included The University of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award, the National Brotherhood and Humanitarian Award from The National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the UT College of Business Administration Distinguished Alumnus Award. t
To the outsider, it would seem Phi Gamma Delta has developed its own vocabulary over the course of 176 years. Where we use Field Secretary, peers use consultant, and instead of Purple Legionnaire, peers say chapter advisor. Many of us remember our priorities as undergraduates as Scholarship, Fraternity, Self and look forward to returning to Pig Dinner. Likely not as many are familiar with reconciling our nicknames under Two good names, one great fraternity! But that vocabulary is part of who we are. It speaks to our roots and, oftentimes, our beliefs. I recently had the occasion to hear a campusbased advisor (not a brother) speak at an event and praise our chapter and its graduates for “living your Not for College Days Alone credo.” He spoke not only to the graduates in the room, but to the undergraduate chapter which fostered that relationship.
Graduate involvement is a point of pride and is a rich element to our Fraternity's history. In our earliest days the growing fraternity empowered a graduate brother as a Legate (a ceremonial role today) to install a new chapter and acquaint it with our customs and practices. Recognizing the benefit of graduate involvement in sustaining chapters, the 1880 Convention created the Section Chief position. As chapter housing became more prevalent during World War I, Archon President Orion Cheney called upon the “purple legion” of graduates to watch over
our houses.
Rob Caudill Executive Director
This was the precursor to the Purple Legionnaire position created in 1925.
Nearly a century later, as highlighted in this edition, the Fraternity has renewed its focus on the role of our graduate volunteers. We see time and time again the most successful chapters are those which have consistent and significant involvement from their graduates. We are working to modernize those roles, as well as change our construct of involvement beyond advising.
Advising on chapter operations is critical. However, advising is not the only (and dare I say perhaps not even the most important) way to be involved. As an example, a byproduct of those advisory roles are mentoring relationships which research suggests are more important for young men than ever before. At a time when young men are experiencing significant loneliness, and when it can be difficult to articulate what it means to “be a man,” it is our role as graduate brothers to show up for undergraduates when it matters most. It is our role to listen and guide even if it may not be easy.
Why is Phi Gamma Delta not for college days alone? Because we also believe friendship is the sweetest influence, and that those relationships and their benefits extend well past graduation, that our vows are permanent, and that it is our responsibility to foster the meaningful experience we shared into the future.t
Phi Gamma Delta was founded at Jefferson College, in Canonsburg, PA, on May 1, 1848, by John Templeton McCarty, Samuel Beatty Wilson, James Elliott, Ellis Bailey Gregg, Daniel Webster Crofts & Naaman Fletcher
The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta 1201 Red Mile Rd, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 405444599 | 859-255-1848 | phigam@phigam.org
Archons
• President: Tim Kilduff (Kent State 1968)
• Vice Pres: Matt Amend (Iowa 1987)
• Treasurer: Kevin Haga Jacksonville 1992)
• Secretary: Robert Siedell (Mississippi State 1974)
• Councilors: Nolan Balocco (Arizona State 2026); Michael Bass (Louisiana State 1982); Aaron Greve (Rose-Hulman 2025); James Neilson (Akron 1991); Jon Yates (Texas A&M 1991)
Headquarters Staff
• Executive Director: Rob Caudill (Akron 2004)
• Asst Executive Dir: Todd Rotgers (Minnesota 2011)
• CFO: Will Shier (DePauw 1988)
• Sr Dir of Chapter Services: Mike Brown
• Sr Dir of Education: Lauren Tanner-Leif
• Sr Dir of Graduate Engagement: Dionysis Protopapadakis (Appalachian State 2017)
• Dir of Accountability: Cat Corso
• Dir of Chapter Services-East: Ben Blacklock (Sam Houston 2015)
• Dir of Chapter Services-West: Emily Sledd
• Dir of Communications: Erica Carlson
• Dir of Education: Abby McCollum
• Dir of Fraternity Growth: Taelor McCarthy
• Dir of Graduate Engagement: Johnathon Allen (Indiana State 2007)
Dir of Membership & Operations: Amy Watson
• Assoc Dir of Communications: Erin Huebner
• Assoc Dir of Education: Andrew Depew (Kentucky 2010)
• Assoc Dir of Education: Monika Duke
• Data Systems Coordinator: Nolan Dziubakowski
• Membership Coordinator: Kim Dotson
• Receptionist: Tina Ritchie
• Field Secretaries: Ben Cunningham (Missouri State 2023); Jack Cunningham (Missouri State 2023); Brian Hand (Pittsburgh 2023); Justin Mojica (Illinois Wesleyan 2024); Henry Sergent (Christopher Newport 2024); Caleb Strong (Idaho 2024); Cameron Wilk (Embry-Riddle 2024)
Appointed Volunteer Leaders
• Curator of Archives: Joe Weist (Rose-Hulman 1987)
• Dir of DEIB: DeVere Kutscher (Davidson 1997)
• Dir of Housing: John Ziza (Ohio 1978)
Dir of Volunteer Advancement & Engagement: Dan Mossop (Akron 1989)
• Educational Dir: Amelious Whyte (Minnesota Faculty)
• General Counsel: Jim Boyers (Hanover 1994)
• Historian: Towner Blackstock (Davidson 1994)
• PR Dir: Mike Sacks (James Madison 2004)
• Ritualist: Josh Laufenberg (Illinois 2008) Educational Foundations
Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 40544-4599
Board Members
Executive Committee: Chairman: Mike Lucas (Bradley 1983)
• Vice Chairman: Don Heinrich (Chicago 1974)
• Finance Comm Chairman: Ron Nelson (Richmond 1977)
• Secretary: Pete Rimsans (Iowa State 1993)
• Directors: Michael Ainsworth (British Columbia 1987); Mitchell Henn (Case Western 1972); John O'Neill (Akron 1987); Kirk Walden (Texas Arlington 1972); Rob Wunderlich (DePauw 1988)
Phi Gamma Delta Foundation of Canada 804-2185 Marine Dr, Oakville, ON L6L 5L6
Board Members
• President: Tristan Patterson (Alberta 2010)
• Vice Pres: Michael Ainsworth (British Columbia 1987)
• Secretary: Murray Coulter (Western Ontario 1972)
Treasurer: Stephen Firth (Western Ontario 1973)
Directors: Erez Bahar (British Columbia 2001); John Carswell (Alberta 1976); Norm Dundas (McGill 1963); Don Herman (Calgary 1985); Ashley O’Kurley (Alberta 1994); John Starzynski (Western Ontario 1974); Rob Witchel (Toronto 1987)
• Trustee Emeritus: Cameron Murray (Alberta 1972) U.S. & Canadian Foundations Staff
• Executive Director: Ben Robinson (Hampden-Sydney 1986)
• CFO & COO: Will Shier (DePauw 1988)
• Sr Dir of Graduate Engagement: Dionysis Protopapadakis (Appalachian State 2017)
•
• Expansion to new campuses
• House corporation resources
• Academy leadership training
• Graduate brother database
