Phi Sig on the Gridiron

THEY MADE THE CUT

PHI SIGS WHO MADE THEIR NAME ON THE GRIDIRON

According to Wikipedia, American football is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with possession of the oval-shaped football, attempts to advance down the field by running with the ball or passing it, while the defense, the team without possession of the ball, aims to stop the offense’s advance and to take control of the ball for themselves.

Sounds easy, right? Not so fast! Even a mild observer can find the penalties confusing, and the game frustrating and heart-breaking for fans. Even so, it is reportedly the most popular sport in the United States. Players are celebrities in society. The Super Bowl ranks among the most-watched sporting events in the world.

The game was first played on November 6, 1869, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, featuring Princeton versus Rutgers. It is not an Olympic sport but was demonstrated at the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Nevertheless, several Phi Sig brothers have made football a big part of their lives. These brothers are featured in the Shonk Archive and Educational Center as part of the display entitled, “They Made the Cut,” which features notable brothers in the field of sports.

Frank Gifford (Southern Cal ‘52)

Frank N. Gifford was a football player, actor and television sports commentator. After a 12-year career with the New York Giants, he was a play-by-play announcer and commentator for 27 years on ABC’s Monday Night Football.

A halfback, Brother Gifford played his first college season at Bakersfield Junior College and made the Junior College AllAmerican team. He then transferred to Southern Cal, where he rushed for 841 yards on 195 carries during his final season. He was a first-team All-American in 1951 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975.

Brother Gifford was drafted by the New York Giants in 1952 as the eleventh pick in the first round. He spent his entire career with the Giants, playing both offense and defense, and his #16 was retired in 2000.

He won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award from United Press International in 1956, the same year he won the NFL Championship. He was named to eight Pro Bowls and participated in five league championship games. His Pro Bowl selections came at three positions – defensive back, running back, and flanker.

During his 12 seasons with the Giants, Brother Gifford averaged 4.3 yards per carry, with 34 rushing touchdowns. He also had 367 receptions with 43 receiving touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro

Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

During a 1960 game he suffered a severe head injury that led him to retire from football in 1961. However, he returned in 1962, changing positions from running back to flanker. Upon his death, an autopsy revealed that he lived with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a disease related to repeated head trauma.

After retiring as a player, Brother Gifford was an Emmy Award-winning sportscaster, known for his work on ABC’s Monday Night Football, Wide World of Sports, and the

Olympic Games. He was married to television host Kathie Lee Gifford from 1986 until he joined the Chapter Eternal in 2015. Frank Gifford, as he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1997

Frank Gifford, as he appeared on the cover of the Signet in 1952

James G. Franklin (East Stroudsburg ‘95)

James Franklin is a football coach and former player and since 2014 has been the head football coach at Penn State. Prior to his work in Happy Valley, he served as the head football coach at Vanderbilt from 2011 until 2013.

Brother Franklin has also served as the tight ends coach at Washington State and the receivers coach at Idaho State and the University of Maryland, as well as the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. In addition, he was the quarterback coach and offensive coordinator for Kansas State University.

As a player, he played quarterback while at East Stroudsburg. He set seven school records and was a Division II player of the year nominee in 1994. Sports Illustrated named him a National Player of the Week that season.

While at Idaho State, the Bengals scored 29 touchdowns, with 258 receptions, with more than 3,300 passing yards, which helped the school earn a ninth place ranking nationally in offense that year.

At Vanderbilt, Brother Franklin was the first African American to be named head coach of a major sport on that campus and only the third to be a head football coach in the Southeastern Conference. He led the Commodores to a bowl game all three of his seasons as head coach, making him the only coach in history to do so.

During the 2016 season, Penn State defeated Wisconsin to claim the Big Ten title. Brother Franklin was named the Dave McClain Coach of the Year in the Big Ten that year. Brother Franklin’s other awards include the Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the Year, the Sporting News Coach of the Year, and the Woody Hayes Trophy, all in 2016.

Mike Miller (Clarion ‘92)

Michael G. Miller has served in various coaching roles for both college and professional teams. Most notably, he was the wide receivers coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2007-2008, the passing game coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals in 2009-2010 and the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals in 2011-2012. In 2008, his top two receivers, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, were both named to the Pro Bowl. He helped the team reach the Super Bowl in 2009.

He has also served as offensive assistant and assistant tight ends coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, assistant tight ends coach and tight ends coach for the Buffalo Bills, and the quarterbacks and wide receivers coach for the Berlin Thunder, the former NFL Europe team.

In 2013, he served as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League and most recently, the wide receivers coach for the New York Guardians of the XFL. Brother James Franklin

Nate Barragar (Southern Cal ‘30)

Nathan R. Barragar was a collegiate and professional football player for USC and the Green Bay Packers. Brother Barragar was a an All-American at USC in 1929 and an All-Pro for the Green Bay Packers (19311932, 1934 – 1935). An offensive lineman, he was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1979.

The USC Trojans were national champions in 1928, while the Green Bay Packers were NFL champions in 1931.

Brother Barragar also played for the Minneapolis Red Jackets and the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1930 and 1931. Both were early pro football teams.

He began working in films while playing pro football. His credits as a motion picture and television director, production manager, and producer include Gunga Din, Hondo, and Sands of Iwo Jima, and on such television series as The Gene Autry Show, the Roy Rogers Show, Adventures of Superman, Gunsmoke, and Julia.Brother Nate Barragar

Rick Minter (Henderson State)

Rick Minter has served in various football coaching roles for both college and professional teams. He has served on college teams such as Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, North Carolina State, New Mexico State, Ball State, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Marshall, Indiana State, and Kentucky.

Brother Minter was the head football coach at the University of Cincinnati from 1994 until 2003, where he took the Bearcats to four bowl games. Cincinnati won the Conference USA championship in 2002. He was also interim head coach for Marshall in the 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

While at Notre Dame, he was defensive coordinator and led the Irish to a #2 national ranking. He was the linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013 until 2016.

William C. Kelly (Montana ‘27)

“Wild Bill” Kelly was a professional football player for early NFL teams, including the New York Yankees, Frankford Yellow Jackets and Brooklyn Dodgers.

In college, Brother Kelly played quarterback at Montana but was most noted for his open field running.

As a sophomore, he had nine touchdown runs of more than 40 yards. He was also a kick returner, and in his final two seasons, ran back five kickoffs, including two of more than 90 yards.

The College Football Hall of Fame inducted him in 1969. According to its website, Brother Kelly stood 5’10”, weighed 180 pounds and played without a helmet! He played in the 1927 East-West Shrine Game and won the game for the West by completing a pass that gained 80 yards. In 1971, he was named as the quarterback for the East-West Shrine Game’s all-time team.

His career was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 26.

Brother William “Wild Bill” Kelly

BROTHER ERNIE SMITH

Ernie Smith (Southern Cal ‘33)

Ernest Smith was a defensive lineman who played for the Green Bay Packers from 1935 to 1939, named to the First Team All Pro in 1936, the Second Team All Pro in 1937, and played in the Pro Bowl in 1939. He was a two-time NFL champion, in 1936 and 1939.

While in college, Brother Smith also performed the kickoff and placekicking roles. He was prominent in Southern Cal’s Rose Bowl triumphs over Tulane as a junior and Pittsburgh as a senior. He also played trombone for the Spirit of Troy!

He was a unanimous All-American in 1932 and a two-time college football national champion, in 1931 and 1932. He has been named to the All-Time USC Football Team. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT: DID YOU KNOW THAT THE NICKNAME “THE DUKE” HAS BEEN WRITTEN ON THE OFFICIAL NFL BALL FROM 1941 TO 1970 AND FROM 2006 TO PRESENT? THE OFFICIAL BALL, MADE BY WILSON SPORTING GOODS, IS CALLED “THE DUKE” AFTER WELLINGTON MARA, THE NEW YORK GIANTS OWNER WHO STARTED AS A BALL BOY WITH THE TEAM IN 1925. NAMED AFTER THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON BY HIS FATHER, TIM MARA, WELLINGTON GOT HIS NICKNAME FROM GIANTS PLAYERS.

OUR HERITAGE... THE BIG CHIEF BARRETT GAVEL

By Albert D. Shonk Past Grand President and Historian

One of the many items of interest at the Shonk Archive and Educational Center (SAEC) is the Big Chief Barrett Gavel, which was used by the Grand President in presiding over the General Conventions from 1932 until just a few years ago. Many of the post-convention issues of The Signet pictured the retiring Grand President presenting the gavel to the incoming Grand President. The story on how the Big Chief Barrett Gavel became a Phi Sig tradition is interesting. Joseph E. Root (UMass 1876) presented the gavel to Grand President Horace R. Barnes (Penn 1911) at the 1932 Convention. Brother Root was the third initiate following the Founders of Phi Sigma Kappa and a boyhood friend of Joseph F. Barrett (UMass 1875). He was destined to be one of the early leaders of Phi Sigma Kappa. A medical doctor, he served on the Grand Council in the early years of the Fraternity but is better known for his service as Chancellor and member of the Supreme Court (forerunner of the Court of Honor), which shared many important responsibilities with the Grand Council. The members of the Court were elected at each General Convention from among former members of the Council. Brother Root served on the Court for 23 years until his passing. As a mark of his distinction, he was always known as Chancellor Root. Brother Root was an outdoorsman and a woodcraftsman. He cut a piece of wood from an oak tree, which was growing on the farm in Barre, Massachusetts where Founder Barrett was born. The wood was green. He hung it outdoors so it would twist and turn in the wind. It hung in that way for 18 months, until it was seasoned. He took the wood on a hunting trip in Nova Scotia in the fall of 1931. With a pen knife he fashioned the gavel and block and filled the pores of the wood with grease he carried for his boots. The 1932 Convention at which he presented his work in memory of his old friend the Big Chief, was the last Convention he attended. He joined the Chapter Eternal in December of 1933. We stopped using the gavel a few Conventions back, as the handle was broken on the way to a Convention. It has been repaired but is probably too fragile for Convention use. Be sure to see the Big Chief Barrett Gavel when you visit the SAEC. The original Shrine is featured as a re-creation and is also a Root project. Brother Root raised the funds for the Shrine and placed the boulder in the lower portion. The boulder also came from the birthplace of Brother Barrett.

MEASURING PHI SIG’S SUCCESS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Phi Sigma Kappa has committed to be a data-driven organization by using information from members and research among all national fraternities and sororities to make decisions that will best serve the Brotherhood. To fulfill this commitment, the Fraternity has partnered with Dyad Strategies, a fraternity and sorority research and assessment firm to conduct the Annual Membership Survey (AMS). This survey, which is distributed each spring semester, allows the Grand Chapter to better understand what undergraduate members are gaining from their Phi Sig experience and the overall strengths and areas of improvement of local chapters. The survey measures a variety of aspects of the undergraduate and chapter experience: Phi Sig values, areas of brotherhood, health and safety, and overall commitment to the Fraternity.

The Fraternity started the Annual Membership Survey in 2019 and now has three years of data to measure change in these values over time. With the Covid-19 pandemic rocking the entire world, this year was especially interesting to see how the pandemic affected current undergraduate members by comparing spring 2020 data to spring 2021. It’s important to note that the spring 2020 survey concluded in early March—right before the major effects of the pandemic took place. Therefore 2021 data truly shows the affect of the pandemic, as the data was collected almost a year after the pandemic began.

For the spring 2021 AMS, the Fraternity had just under 63% of undergraduates complete the survey—more than the last two years. This is considered a very high completion rate of general survey statistics and is higher than some Fraternity peers who conduct a similar assessment with Dyad. The data showed a few key findings that were exciting to the Grand Chapter. These are quoted directly from the Executive Summary from Dyad Strategies and are shown below.

◊ “Post Covid-19 Trends: Of all the fraternities in our dataset, our data suggests that Phi Sigma Kappa chapters were the most successful in pivoting to fraternity life during the Covid-19 pandemic. Phi Sig saw only minor declines in brotherhood, commitment/affinity/satisfaction, and social status importance.

SURVEY MEASUREMENTS: PHI SIG VALUES BROTHERHOOD HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITMENT TO FRATERNITY

◊ Only Fraternity with Increase in Belonging Scores: In spite of a global pandemic that required a number of social restrictions, Phi Sigma Kappa members’ sense of belonging actually increased in the last year. While this growth was not significant, Phi Sig was the only group in our comparison dataset that did not see a decline in sense of belonging over the last year.

The rest of this article will explain some of the measures of the key findings, specifically areas of brotherhood, sense of belonging, and hazing tolerance. Below are definitions of the four areas of brotherhood that the survey measures:

◊ Solidarity is a sense of connection based on a commitment to mutual assistance. While altruistic in theory, this can be problematic if it is the sole focus of the brotherhood, as that suggests brothers are so unified they are unwilling to hold each other accountable for wrongdoing.

◊ Shared social experience is where the Fraternity is seen primarily as a social outlet. Similar to solidarity, chapters should aim to find a balance between this and the other areas of brotherhood.

Fraternities should have fun together, but it shouldn’t be the main purpose of their brotherhood.

◊ Belonging is where members view brothers as family and see the Fraternity as a “home away from home.” Chapters achieve this by creating an environment where chapter members feel as if they can be themselves.

Chapters should aim for this score to be as high as possible.

◊ Accountability is found when brothers are held accountable to group standards and expectations. This can be done through formal processes like Judicial Boards and informal processes through confronting brothers when they did something wrong. Chapters should aim to find a healthy balance between this area of brotherhood and solidarity and shared social experience.

The chart above shows Phi Sigma Kappa’s brotherhood scores over the last three years of data. The ideal scores would showcase a “stair step” with solidarity being the lowest score, shared social being the next highest, belonging being third highest, and accountability being the highest of the four. For 2021, Phi Sig almost obtained that ideal stair step, with belonging and accountability being equal. The decreases in shared social and solidarity from 2020 to 2021 are positive changes, as you want those scores to be lower. The Fraternity was excited to see the slight increases in belonging and accountability, as those were two areas of focus this past year. Overall, the strength of brotherhood at the local chapters was not negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Overall, the Grand Chapter hopes to utilize this information to inform chapter servicing and educational programming at the national level, while also helping local chapters improve the experience they are providing for their members. During their annual and mid-year meetings, the Grand Council discusses the data from the AMS as well as chapter representatives can expect to receive their local chapter’s AMS report at all national events. Additionally, the Fraternity intends to continue communicating to all brothers the results from this annual survey and hope that undergraduate members and alumni both can see the value this information can provide them to continue to push Phi Sig Forward.

FALL 2021 CHAPTER NEWS

CENTRAL MISSOURI Epsilon Mu Conway, Ark.

Brothers of the Epsilon Mu Chapter are enjoying themselves on campus even though many COVID-19 restrictions have been put in place by the university. The chapter currently has nine active brothers and two associates. Despite its small size, the chapter maintains strong brotherly connections. The chapter has held many events this semester and particularly enjoyed the recruitment event where a miniature golf course was set up throughout the house. A cookout was held in conjunction.

CENTRAL MISSOURI Epsilon Iota Warrensburg, Mo.

Epsilon Iota Chapter had been struggling during the pandemic until this semester. With only five undergraduate members, the chapter was able to sign seven associates, more than doubling its chapter size. The car bash fundraiser was a huge success on campus, raising money for Special Olympics. The chapter was also able to erase its debt from previous years. Brothers have taken a huge stride toward the betterment and success of Phi Sigma Kappa on the campus of the University of Central Missouri. CLEMSON Upsilon Septaton Clemson, S.C.

Phi Sigma Kappa has been thriving at Clemson University during the past few semesters, despite the hardships faced throughout the pandemic. Upsilon Septaton had in-person recruitment this semester and added 29 associate members to the roster. Despite being students at a southern school, many of our northern brothers wish to grow the game of lacrosse by planning a philanthropytied lacrosse tournament with campus-wide involvement before the semester ends. Brothers were happy to host the first alumni weekend in recent history in October. The brothers would like to recognize some of the leaders on campus within its chapter. Brother Kevin Hynes is wrapping up his term as the Director of Finance for the IFC at Clemson and will occupy the title of Vice-President of the newly formed housing corporation. The chapter would also like to thank Chapter Adviser Alex Billman (Clemson ’14) for his hard work and dedication to getting the housing corporation off the ground. One last Damn Proud to Brother Phil “Flo” Florenzo for making the active roster of the Clemson football team! GEORGIA SOUTHERN Chi Septaton Statesboro, Ga.

The chapter has held many events already during the fall semester. Brothers began in-person classes once again and have continued their involvement on campus. The chapter plans to hold its annual philanthropy event to support Special Olympics. After several successful recruitment events, the chapter associated seven new members

GEORGIA TECH Kappa Deuteron Atlanta, Ga.

Kappa Deuteron stayed strong through the pandemic and is excited to be returning to normal events and programming this fall! The chapter was pleased to welcome 15 new associate members from its first nonvirtual recruitment in more than a year. This semester brothers have a packed slate of events that includes: hosting Carving for a Cause, the chapter’s largest philanthropy event; competing in homecoming; brotherhood retreat; brotherhood events including Whirlyball, hikes, and bonfires; and hosting tailgates, including the parents’ weekend tailgate on October 2.The chapter is also proud to have won the 2020 Herbert L. Brown Outstanding Chapter Award and the PSK President’s Special Achievement Awards for Associate Education, Risk Management, Membership Experience, and Philanthropy for 2021. Brothers hope to continue their success into the future and are looking forward to a great semester!

ILLINOIS Alpha Deuteron Champaign, Ill.

The Alpha Deuteron Chapter at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign recently recruited 31 members. The chapter is planning Malibu, its largest philanthropy event, which benefits Special Olympics. This event will likely take place in the spring. Brotherhood events have continued from last semester, such as mental health chats that occur weekly. The chapter is planning another Family Feud game show night this semester with the associates to strengthen the bonds between its Brotherhood and the new members. IUP Theta Pentaton Indiana, Pa.

Members of the Theta Pentaton Chapter are excited to be back on campus this semester. To prepare, the chapter incorporated some new recruitment ideas utilizing the Chapter Builder program and other marketing strategies proposed by members. The chapter has many events planned that still follow the current COVID-19 guidelines. An alumni picnic was held during Homecoming weekend and provided career networking opportunities for undergraduate brothers. A brotherhood retreat was planned to grow/rekindle relationships and team building. The chapter recently won an award for achieving the third highest GPA on campus. Theta Pentaton has a goal of raising $500 for Special Olympics this semester.

Members of the Theta Pentaton Chapter participated in a community clean-up.

KENTUCKY Phi Deuteron Lexington, Ky.

This semester has been an overall success for the Phi Deuteron Chapter. Recruitment was done in person and the chapter brought in 37 associates. It was great to be in person and have the new associates get to know the brothers. The chapter also has its annual philanthropy of Polar Plunge coming up where it partners with the athletes of Special Olympics. Brothers are hoping to break their record from last year, when as a chapter they raised more than $19,000 dollars for Special Olympics. Other events planned for this semester involve a Homecoming event and a Brotherhood Week for alumni to return to Lexington and get a chance to spend some with the brothers.

LIU POST Pi Tetarton Greenvale, N.Y.

Pi Tetarton is excited to be back on campus this semester. Since the campus is back to being in person, recruitment and tabling events have all been very successful. Chapter meetings have had an amazing attendance each week with engaging discussions among brothers. Soon we will be holding a philanthropy event called “Plunge a Phi Sig.” The money raised will be donated to Special Olympics. The chapter is Damn Proud of what it has accomplished so far, and brothers continue to go above and beyond to make sure the Phi Sigma Kappa name is spread with positivity and greatness.

LEHIGH Nu Bethlehem, Penn. NORTHERN ARIZONA Rho Hexaton Flagstaff, Ariz.

Nu Chapter just completed a very successful Parents’ Weekend at Lehigh. The chapter has also held a variety of brotherhood events, including several pickup sports. The chapter has held a variety of recruitment events and brothers have worked to meet as many people as possible. Brothers hold a weekly Monday Night Football brotherhood and recruitment event. The chapter has appointed a philanthropy leader to help organize events.

MASSACHUSETTS Alpha Amherst, Mass.

The semester got off to a great start for Alpha Chapter. Brothers have organized many philanthropy and recruitment events to make the chapter better. The chapter has held multiple recruitment events to interest students around campus. These include a barbeque, an NFL gameday event with food provided, poker night, open gym, a basketball tournament, and chapter house tours. In addition to recruitment, the chapter organized multiple philanthropy events to raise money. Events included pizza sales to raise money for Special Olympics. In addition, the money that came from the chapter’s basketball tournament was donated to the Sentencing Project. By the end of the semester brothers will have a Thanksgiving food drive and a Christmas toy drive. It is hoped we these successful events will continue, and the chapter can end the semester the way it started.

Beta Epsilon brothers gather with the sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

The Rho Hexaton Chapter has enjoyed the fact that campus activities are back to in-person events. Many of the brothers served on the Ritual Exemplification team at the 68th General Convention and cherished the time they spent getting to know brothers from across the country. Brothers are looking forward to its philanthropy event, Moonlight Girl, and hope to capitalize on the fact that it is an in-person with the hopes of raising more money than last year.

PITTSBURG STATE Beta Epsilon Pittsburg, Kan.

The Beta Epsilon Chapter has remained strong during the pandemic, retaining 25 members with 7 new associates. This boosts the chapter to the fourth largest fraternity among seven total chapters on campus. During the first week of the fall semester the chapter hosted its annual philanthropy, Trampoline-a-Thon, jumping for 72 straight hours on a trampoline, raising more than $1,000 in donations, all benefitting Special Olympics Kansas. The chapter has members in various leadership positions in more than 10 clubs and organizations across campus. Brothers are also preparing for the upcoming Homecoming festivities where they will be defending their “Hell like Yell” cheer competition title. Damn Proud!! PURDUE Delta Triton West Lafayette, Ind.

Delta Triton participated in fall recruitment at Purdue University with great success. Thirty members were associated and joined the Brotherhood, which is now more than 90 brothers strong. The chapter was awarded the James S. Whitfield Chapter of Honor Award at the 68th Grand Convention, an award its brothers are very proud of. The brothers enjoyed Labor Day weekend by hosting a cookout with a Slip-n-Slide. The house is advancing sustainability by participating in a food waste collection program for renewable energy. Delta Triton is continuing to develop brotherhood, scholarship, and character and hopes to continue this trend throughout the year.

Members of the Delta Triton Chapter took home first place in the Paint Swap philanthropy event.

PHI SIG FORWARD

RIT Upsilon Tetarton Rochester, N.Y.

Upsilon Tetarton hit the ground running with recruitment this semester, with extraordinary attendance at each of its six events. Brothers had a great time getting to know the potential new members throughout the process. The chapter extended bids to 26 men, with 24 of them accepting and becoming associates; an unprecedented number for the chapter. Upsilon Tetarton partnered with Alpha Sigma Alpha to raise money for Special Olympics through its Plunge-ATiger event during the final week of September. It also participated in Mud Tug, hosted by Zeta Tau Alpha and Phi Kappa Psi, which helps raise funds and awareness for the MLD Foundation. Finally, Upsilon Tetarton hosted a barbeque for parents and alumni on October 16, during RIT’s Homecoming weekend.

Members of the Upsilon Tetarton Chapter competed in a mud tug.

RUTGERS Nu Tetarton New Brunswick, N.J.

Nu Tetarton participated in a virtual philanthropy event to raise $2,000 for Special Olympics. Brothers worked together to raise money for this great cause by doing tasks for every $100 raised. The chapter won the Fred Schwengel Most Improved Chapter Award and was recognized for its recruitment efforts as well as fundraising for Special Olympics. Alumni started a tradition of seasonal trips that undergraduates were invited to attend. STETSON Kappa Hexaton DeLand, Fla..

Kappa Hexaton has been going strong this fall semester! The Executive Board consists of four sophomores, out of the six total positions. We are proud to see our young members to take on large responsibilities which have dramatically matured the chapter and will be of benefit for years to come. Throughout the past few weeks, brothers bonded during the annual river trip, along with numerous beach trips. The chapter is excited for a productive year of growing its brotherhood!

VIRGINIA Psi Charlottesville, Va.

This semester the Psi Chapter successfully navigated the transition back to in-person classes and activities. Brothers wrapped up a series of renovations on the chapter house the week classes started, which included a complete restaining of the hardwood floors, installation of new air conditioning units throughout the house, repainting in several important areas including the front porch, and numerous other improvements. Since then, the chapter has also hosted several parties with high turnout, some organized by brothers directly and three of which generated direct revenue for the chapter from other student organizations renting out the chapter’s facilities. Most importantly, the chapter looked forward to expanding its Brotherhood with recruitment, which started at the end of September. WASHINGTON ST. Chi Deuteron Pullman, Wash.

The Chi Deuteron Chapter is Damn Proud to announce that brothers have moved into a new chapter house! With support from brothers and alumni, the once empty house is now a place Phi Sigs can call their home. Dean Pope (Washington State ’61) visited with other alumni to share their traditions and experiences of being Phi Sigs and donated a handcrafted sign for members in the chapter to enjoy. Brothers have also been raising money by selling shirts and sweatshirts and their annual pizza sale to donate to Special Olympics. During recruitment, the chapter welcomed 15 potential new members.

WISCONSIN/MILWAUKEE Epsilon Phi Milwaukee, Wisc.

Epsilon Phi has started the year off strong! The chapter is currently on track to have the best semester of fundraising for Special Olympics in history at UW-Milwaukee. Brothers hosted a back-to-school bash and raised $2,200 dollars in one night. Brothers plan to have two more this semester and would love for other chapters or local alumni to come support those events. The chapter is also making great progress with university relations. It is the ONLY student organization to partner with the UWM welcome week block party. The chapter hosted a dunk tank to raise money for Special Olympics and brought great positive attention to Greek life and Phi Sigma Kappa at UWM. Brothers hosted a golf outing at the end of September to raise even more money for Special Olympics.

Bruce Andrews (West Virginia ’80) has been presented with the Outstanding Chapter

Adviser Award for 2020-2021. Brother Andrews was recognized for his work leading an alumni advisory board to develop a stronger sense of accountability among the undergraduates in the chapter. He helped guide the chapter through a membership review and implement a strong and effective remediation plan. He goes above and beyond in his devotion to the Delta Chapter at West Virginia. Bruce has regular communication with the professional staff at the International Headquarters and has attended every chapter meeting for the past academic year.

A successful local chapter is one with many alumni providing mentorship and guidance. Since our earliest days, Chapter Advisers have played a crucial role. As the position has developed, especially over the past 18 months of a pandemic, more brothers have stepped up to assist their chapters.

ANDREWS RECOGNIZED AS OUTSTANDING CHAPTER ADVISER INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CHAPTER ADVISER?

No Longer A “One Man Job”

Each of our chapters should have an official Chapter Adviser. But this shouldn’t be the only alumnus involved with the chapter. While the Chapter Adviser role still exists, we are working to build Alumni Advisory Boards that pair alumni or volunteers one-on-one with officers. We work to find alumni and even non-member volunteers with skillsets to make the most impact.

Undoubtedly, the pandemic has taught us that video conferencing is an easy way of connecting to do business. This is true with chapter advising—a volunteer can literally live anywhere, and as long as they can connect with an officer or fellow adviser and support the chapter, they can be involved

The Time CommitmentOne of the common concerns we receive from potential advisers is time commitment. Most Chapter Advisers or Alumni Advisory Board members spend one to two hours a week working with chapter officers.

“I want to keep the fraternity and its house going for many years to come,” said Bruce Andrews, adviser of Delta Chapter at West Virginia. “I felt that I had the time, 5-10 hours a month, when I was asked to jump in and help a few years ago. The development of the Alumni Advisory Board that IHQ promoted a year ago has been very helpful. It works!”

How Would I Even Know What To Do?

The professional staff at the International Headquarters holds monthly calls to bring advisers up to speed on resources and programs offered to chapters and officers. Regional Advisers are there to mentor and assist local advisers. You’ll have more than enough support!

Opportunities Are Available

Below is a list of all the chapters that need Chapter Advisers. There are Alumni Advisory Board positions open at most chapters. If you are interested, please contact Associate Executive Director Kathy Cannady at kathy@phisigmakappa.org:

Epsilon Deuteron – Worcester Gamma Triton – South Carolina Mu Hexaton – Radford Psi Triton – Hobart Omega Tetarton – Cal State/LA Rho Hexaton – Northern Arizona

150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION KICKS OFF WITH ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

In conjunction with Phi Sigma Kappa’s 150th Anniversary, to be celebrated in 2023, the Fraternity has engaged in a partnership with Publishing Concepts.

The Oral History Project will capture unique stories from our alumni members. These stories will then be transcribed and stored to help tell the story of Phi Sigma Kappa for generations to come! These memories will then be compiled in book format for purchase, and available digitally.

In the coming months, you will receive an invitation via mail or email to make an appointment to tell your story. There is no cost to alumni to be included in the Oral History.

Start thinking about the story you’d like to tell and collect any photos you’d like to share.

We want to hear from everyone!

This is the first step toward our 150th Anniversary celebration!

Phi Sigma Kappa 2925 East 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

It is time for the true strength of our Fraternity to shine and ensure the future of the organization that has reshaped so many lives. It is time to demonstrate that we are Life Loyal and committed to supporting our undergraduate brothers, and each other, every year. Life Loyal seeks to establish a culture of lifetime involvement with and in support of Phi Sigma Kappa. Please make a gift today by using the envelope at the center of this issue!