The Signet of Phi Sigma Kappa (Spring 2022)

Page 1

Shonk Archive and Educational Center Open in Indianapolis See pages 6-7 for more details!

Day of Giving • Chapters Take the Plunge • Phi Sigs in Business

S P R I N G 2022


IN THIS ISSUE 4 Grand President’s Message

6

FEATURE

6 Shonk Archive Open at IHQ The official opening of the Albert D. Shonk Archive and Educational Center will take place during this summer’s Shonk Undergraduate Leadership School.

FEATURE

18 Phi Sigs in Business

26 Day of Giving

Several alumni have made their name in the world of big business. Read about them here.

22 Alumni News 25 Volunteer Spotlight Brother Clay Skurdal (Montana State ’82) was recently elected to the Phi Sigma Kappa Board of Trustees.

36

Phi Sigma Kappa broke records with this year’s Day of Giving. • • • •

$220,558 raised in 2022 452 total donors $488 average gift “Why I Give” — Stories from Phi Sigs

Fourth National Conclave The Fraternity recently hosted its fourth national Conclave: Officer and Advisers Academy.

40 Back on the Road Again! Foundation Holds Receptions Across the Country

2

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


SPRING 2 0 2 2 OUR HERITAGE

10 Archive Features “Shrine” Replica One of the main features of the Shonk Archive is the replica of the “Shrine,” which is located at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

12 Chapters Take the Plunge Several local chapters took part in this year’s Polar Plunge, to raise funds for Special Olympics, Phi Sig’s national philanthropy.

30 PSK Properties Purchases IHQ

30

Phi Sigma Kappa Properties recently purchased the IHQ building from the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. Read about how this transaction is beneficial to the Fraternity.

32 Chapter News

42 Future Dependent on Changing Student Demographics To continue our traditions, we must understand the undergraduates who will carry on this legacy for the decades to come.

44 Founders Graduate The Fraternity’s founders graduated from college despite their humble origins. Get an insight into their lives in this article.

47 Chapter Eternal THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

3


Grand President’s Message As many of you know, Nick Zuniga (Ball State AI) has departed Phi Sigma Kappa as Executive Director/COO. At this time, I would like to formally thank Brother Zuniga for his hard work for our Fraternity for nearly five years. Brother Zuniga played an integral role in moving Phi Sig Forward, and the development of Cardinal Journey, our new member development initiative. Cardinal Journey, which was introduced in three segments: Brotherhood in Phi Sigma Kappa, Scholarship in Phi Sigma Kappa, and Character in Phi Sigma Kappa, has been recognized by the National Interfraternity Conference with a Laurel Wreath Award. Chris Hoye Grand President

In addition, Nick played an important role in the renovation of the International Headquarters building, which houses the new Shonk Archive and Educational Center. (Read more about that, starting on page 6!) Brother Zuniga increased the size of the professional staff, with a larger emphasis on education and growth. Unfortunately, staff size was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Nick was able to guide remaining staff members and local chapters through the pandemic with negligible effect to the Grand Chapter’s well-being or the fundraising efforts of the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation.

CARDINAL PRINCIPLES To Promote Brotherhood To Stimulate Scholarship To Develop Character MISSION STATEMENT Phi Sigma Kappa is a lifelong brotherhood dedicated to the betterment of the individual, the university community, and our world, by giving its members opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in service to others, achieve academic excellence, experience cultural diversity and practice personal integrity. CORE VALUES

He was a loyal donor and supported the development of the Life Loyal donor recognition efforts of the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and helped Phi Sigma Kappa Properties in its purchase of the International Headquarters from the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. (See page 30.) I would like to personally wish Brother Zuniga the best of success in all his future endeavors. In the interim, Joe Kern (Radford ’09) will serve as Interim-Executive Director. He has served in various roles on the professional staff since September of 2013. The three boards (Grand Council, Foundation Trustees, and PSK Properties Board) are confident and supportive of Brother Kern as Interim-Executive Director! Change is not always easy, but we have been resilient in the past and I feel we can easily navigate this change. I am excited about our future and confident in the goals we have set forward for our Brotherhood. We will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our Brotherhood in 2023. Plans for the 2022 Shonk Leadership School are underway and we will launch the 150th festivities at that time. We will also announce a new strategic planning initiative this fall. I am Damn Proud of this organization and the professional staff for their arduous work during this time of transition. Six individuals are doing the work of a pre-pandemic staff of 13. The staff has the full support of our outstanding volunteer network, which I am also Damn Proud of! If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at choye@phisigmakappa.org.

Demand Excellence Commit to Lifelong Learning Meet Challenges with Innovation Value Brotherhood Above Self

4

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


Foundation President’s Message

VOL. CXII, NO. 1

Thank you, Brothers! I am excited to tell you that in our 75th year of existence, the Foundation is in a great place. In February, during our most recent meeting in Austin, Texas, hosted by Brother Dale Lowe (Houston ‘66), we reported that the Foundation corpus exceeded $3,000,000 for the first time in the Foundation’s history. And thanks to the generosity of nearly 450 donors during our most recent Phi Sig Day of Giving (including a record number of new donors), Tom Grunwald another record amount was invested in Phi Sig! Brothers Foundation President across the country stood up to show their support by providing individual gifts totaling more than $220,000 — a 20% increase over 2021! The Foundation is also very grateful and excited to report the recent decision of a single alumnus to commit to providing $1,000,000 to endow two annual undergraduate scholarships at his chapter. As we move ever closer to our Fraternity’s 150th celebration in New Orleans next summer, there are even greater goals in mind. These goals include supporting the Fraternity in purchasing a new software system, seeking to fund certain professional staff positions through new endowments, and increasing the amount of money awarded through scholarships. Our Life Loyal program continues to see growing success among our alumni brothers. Brothers who believe that “My Phi Sig undergraduate experience shaped me into the man I am today!” are coming forward and providing investments in our future by committing to be Life Loyal. I cannot wait to share the final success of this year’s entire campaign. For those of you reading who have not yet joined Life Loyal this year, you still have time to stand with your brothers and join us in this movement! All our intentions and actions aim to reduce undergraduate expenses and grow the Phi Sig experience, neither of which can be accomplished without the continued generosity of our alumni. On behalf of the Foundation Trustees, thank you again to each of our loyal supporters who continue to believe and support Phi Sig. Your investments provide the resources necessary to aid thousands of Phi Sig undergraduates, volunteers, and alumni who seek to preserve a deep, purposeful, and lifelong Phi Sig experience. After reading this issue of The Signet, I ask those of you who haven’t yet become Life Loyal to honor those brothers who have previously invested in our Fraternity by joining them with your own investment. Thank you again, brothers, for your dedication. If you have any questions about the future of the Foundation, please reach out: tgcougar@comcast.net or 248-495-7923 — I’d appreciate speaking with you! Fraternally,

PHI SIGMA KAPPA GRAND COUNCIL Grand President Christopher J. Hoye (Ferris State ’91) Directors David Cohen (Union ’88) Atif Elkadi (Cal Poly ’01) Matt Gregory (Southern Illinois ’95) Jeff Liesendahl (Northern Illinois ’87) Brandon Paternoster (Ferris State ’04) Darald Stubbs (Stetson ’88) PHI SIGMA KAPPA FOUNDATION BOARD President Thomas Grunwald (Ferris State ’91) First Vice President Adam C. Carter (Hobart ’90) Vice President — Alumni Development Mark Cowan (Minnesota ’71) Secretary Sean Eaves (Midwestern State ’93) Treasurer Matt Waltz (Marian ’02) Assistant Treasurer John Sheehan (Northern Illinois ’82) PHI SIGMA KAPPA PROPERTIES BOARD President Shawn J. Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00) Vice President Michael Palm (Indiana ’04) Directors Peter J. Anderson (Michigan ’87) Jim W. McGuigan (Wisconsin/Milwaukee AI) Officers Jacob Defassio (Valparaiso ’12) David Epstein (Southern Illinois ’75) Michael Gonzalez (Stetson ’10) Leigh LaChine (Eastern Michigan ’90) Jonathan Lowrey (NW Missouri State ’07) Brian Radke (Northern Illinois ’05) PROFESSIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF Interim-Executive Director Joseph Kern (Radford ’09) Associate Executive Director Kathy Cannady (Alpha Gamma Delta) Director of Development Augie Farwig (Ball State ’17) Director of Education Drew Kerwood (Delta Chi) Financial Services Specialist Marsha Spears Administrative Assistant Karen Miller SIGNET PUBLISHING BOARD Chair Thomas Wright (Wisconsin/Milwaukee ’92) Board Members Atif Elkadi (Cal Poly ’01) Joseph Kern (Radford ’09) Stephen Laukhuf (Midwestern State ’84) Albert D. Shonk (Southern Cal ’54) SIGNET STAFF Kathy Cannady, Editor

Tom Grunwald Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation President

2925 E. 96th St. Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 573-5420 www.phisigmakappa.org Produced in the USA

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

5


6

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


F E AT U R E S

Shonk Archive and Educational Center Now Open at IHQ in Indianapolis It’s been nearly six years in development, but the Albert D. Shonk, Jr. Archive and Educational Center is open at the Fraternity’s International Headquarters in Indianapolis. The official opening of the space will take place this summer at the Shonk Leadership School, to be held in Indianapolis July 28-30. Grand President Scott Jacobson (Cal Poly ’01) announced the creation of the Archive and its naming in honor of Albert D. Shonk, Jr. (Southern Cal ’54) during the 2016 Shonk Undergraduate Leadership School. The Archive will be a lasting host to the history and traditions of our Fraternity and is sure to evoke pride and nostalgia for all who visit. Construction was done in partnership with the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and Phi Sigma Kappa Properties. Penwal Industries, a leader in design development and custom fabrication, made the vision come to life. Thanks to Chris Pennington (Southern Cal AI) and his daughter, Paige, for their dedication to the project. The Archive is home to displays featuring the founding of both Phi Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma Epsilon, famous Phi Sigs, brothers who made their names in the world of business, athletes, astronauts, politicians, etc. The Anthony Fusaro Ritual Room, named in honor of Anthony Fusaro (Rhode Island ’58), is also housed within the Archive and is a reverent space for all initiated brothers who wish to delve deeper into the Fraternity’s rituals. The PSK Alumni Association of NIU helped fund this portion of the Archive. The display devoted to the founding of Phi Sigma Epsilon is in honor of Jim Whitfield (Central Missouri ’50) and is provided with funding from Todd Simpson (Central Missouri ’86). “Years may part our ways, but not our faith in Phi Sig.” “They Made the Cut,” the display featuring Phi Sig athletes, is provided with funding from Jim and Michelle Schmitz (UC/Santa Barbara ’80). “We honor the lesson of sportsmanship as a part of Phi Sig’s third Cardinal Principal, the development of Character.”

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

7


The lobby of the International Headquarters features a display honoring Norman Schaefer (City College of New York ’49). The display is made possible with a generous donation from the Zeta Alumni Association. Also available in the building is a studio which will be used to produce and deliver online education and training to reach even more members. Named the Beta Chapter Studio, the space was donated by brothers of the Beta Chapter at Union College. The fundraising effort was led by David Breazzano (Union ’78), David Cohen (Union ’88), and Christopher Meadows (Union ’89). A display featuring the educational mission of the Fraternity is provided with funding from the Signet Circle Corporation, the alumni organization for the Omega Deuteron Chapter at Southern Cal. “We are lucky to call Brother Shonk a father figure, mentor, leader, and the embodiment of a true Phi Sigma Kappa man.” The Educational Center will further support Phi Sigma Kappa’s mission to help brothers fulfill the Phi Sigma Kappa Creed and

8

SPRING 2022

thereby have a positive influence on society. Learning from the past in an educational space will create a lasting impact. If you have items to donate to the SAEC, contact Executive Archivist Kathy Cannady at kathy@ phisigmakappa.org. Examples of items would be chapter photographs, souvenirs or programs from chapter formals or national events, jewelry, etc. Your gift to the Shonk Archive and Educational Center through the Foundation is a direct investment in the lives and futures of thousands of Phi Sigs. To donate, use the envelope in the middle of this issue and specify your gift is to be made to the SAEC OR go online at phisigmakappa.org to make your donation. Please be sure to make a note in the special instructions area that your gift should go toward SAEC funding. History and traditions are important, and your gift will help ensure our story is told!

THE SIGNET


KATHY CANNADY NAMED EXECUTIVE ARCHIVIST It is with pleasure that, on behalf of the Grand Chapter Archives Committee, I announce the appointment of Kathy Cannady as the Archivist. I can think of no one more qualified to hold this important position in maintaining our new SAEC Archives at the International Headquarters.

WE T HAN K T H E FO L LOWI N G AD D I T I O NAL L E A D D O N O RS TO T H E SA EC : Frank Acevedo (Southern Cal ’02) Mark Azzarello (Rhode Island ’80)

Jeff Liesendahl (Northern Illinois ’87) Chuck Loring (UCSB ’72)

William A. Bloomer (Emporia State ’55)

Dale Lowe (Houston ’66)

Anthony Fusaro (Rhode Island ’58)

Dave McNaught (Indiana ’66)

James Gazdecki (UC/Santa Barbara ’74) Thomas Graef (Ferris State ’02) Paul Grane (Northern Illinois ’93) Thomas Hinkley Dave Jacobson (Southern Cal AI) Scott Jacobson (Cal Poly ’01) Bruce Johnson (Illinois ’70) David W. Jones (Emporia State ’98)

James Manos (Southern Cal ’54) Sloan Robertson (Arizona ’69) Albert D. Shonk (Southern Cal ’54) Elizabeth Shonk Glenn Stearns (Towson ’87) Jonathan Taylor (RIT ’09) James Visnic (Youngstown State ’77) Nicholas R. Zuniga (Ball State AI)

T H E F O L LOW I N G G R O U P S W E R E A L S O L E A D D O N O R S : Omega Deuteron Chapter

Phi Sigma Kappa Properties

Omicron Deuteron Chapter

Signet Corporation of Santa Barbara

Omicron Deuteron Alumni Club Phi Deuteron Chapter

Signet Publishing Board

THE SIGNET

Kathy joined the Grand Chapter professional staff 35 years ago and has served in a number of various positions over the years. She was the Director of Publications, Assistant Signet Editor, Managing Signet Editor, Associate Executive Director, and Interim Executive Director. She did much of the work in publishing our history All the Phi Sigs and is working on its update in time for the 150th Anniversary. She was a great help in identifying the items now a part of the SAEC. It has been enjoyable for me over the last 35 years working with Kathy on many of these projects. I look forward to continue working with Kathy in her new position. Congratulations to Kathy. Albert D. Shonk (Southern Cal ’54) Historian Chairman, Archives Committee

SPRING 2022

9


10

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


O U R H E R I TA G E

The “Shrine” in the Shonk Archive and Educational Center By Albert D. Shonk (Southern Cal ’54) Past Grand President & Historian One of the outstanding features of the new Shonk Archive and Educational Center at the International Headquarters is the replica of the Phi Sigma Kappa “Shrine” located at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. The replica was created by Penwal Industries, the designer and builder of the SAEC, and is an exact copy of the original Shrine. The Shrine at Amherst was created in 1923 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Phi Sigma Kappa. It was built into the outer wall of North College Dormitory, where Phi Sigma Kappa was founded. Old North College was torn down around 1960, and the Shrine was moved to the entrance of Machmer Hall, near the original site. In 1973, during the Fraternity’s 100th anniversary celebration at the University of Massachusetts, a plaque commemorating the 100th was added next to the Shrine. That is also replicated next to the Shrine at the International Headquarters.

Brother Joseph E. Root (UMass 1876), a boyhood friend of Founder Joseph F. Barrett (UMass 1875), originally financed the cost of the Shrine by making an appeal for a 50-cent contribution from each alumnus and undergraduate member. The next year he reported that 1,648 members had contributed a total of around $1,000 toward the creation of the Shrine, a large amount of money in those days! An interesting feature of the Shrine is that it rests on a boulder, which Brother Root brought from the birthplace of Founder Barrett. Penwal also recreated the stone. The most impressive feature of the 50th Anniversary celebration was said to be the unveiling of the Shrine dedicated to the Fraternity’s founders. The two living founders, Brooks and Campbell, were present. It is appropriate that the Shrine be featured in the SAEC at the International Headquarters for all who visit to see.

Front, left to right: Jerome and Gordon Watts, sons of Ralph Watts. Both became Phi Sigs; Jerome at Michigan, and Gordon at Swarthmore. Seated, left to right: Peter Harwood, Massachusetts Agricultural College President Butterfield, William Penn Brooks, Frederick Campbell, and Joseph Root. Standing, left to right: Arthur Root, Frank Prentice Rand, MAC Professor Frank Waugh, Arnold Otto, Walter Conley, R. Rossman Lawrence, Ralph Watts, William Huntress, Gilbert Morgan, Frank Frostburg, and William McIntyre.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

11


Brothers from Across the Nation Take a Plunge to Raise Money for Special Olympics By Dillon Davis (NW Missouri State) Brothers from at least eight chapters across the country hosted or took part in an event for Special Olympics called “Polar Plunge,” which is an event that requires participants to jump in freezing water to raise money for Phi Sigma Kappa’s national philanthropy.

The brothers at Epsilon Tau at Ball State also participated in the Polar Plunge event. The chapter’s event was held two weeks after that on the Pitt State campus.

Early in the morning of February 12, Beta Epsilon President Jake Guenther (Pitt State) and three other brothers got ready to plunge into a pool, which was lined with participants on the outside waiting to jump into the water, which Jake said, “was just below 40 degrees.” Although the chapter doesn’t host Polar Plunge on its campus, it is a city-wide event that Brother Guenther said, “Is a pretty big event. Usually, eight to ten businesses are involved, and both the police and fire departments usually host.” Even though the chapter doesn’t host Polar Plunge, the brothers are always happy to participate in the event. Brother Guenther is still delighted that he participated but said, “I don’t know what was worse, the water or getting out of the pool into 20-degree weather.” The thing that Brother Jake said he was the proudest of was, “together with the four of us that jumped, we raised just under $500, and overall, the event raised around $40,000.” This amount made every second worth jumping in on that cold February morning.

12

SPRING 2022

For the Epsilon Tau Chapter, the brothers had to run booths and start a social media campaign to get participants to take the plunge. With February 26 approaching, Epsilon Tau President Daniel Hood (Ball State) said, “We had to build a pool in the snow and freezing cold weather,” which wasn’t an easy task. The next step was filling the pool. Brother Hood said, “we called the fire department, and they came and filled it.” Even though the water was from a hose, Brother Hood said, “The water was beyond cold.” Even with the temperature outside and in the pool, the chapter never doubted the event would take place because Brother Hood said, “The chapter had 40 brothers and 30 other members of the student body participating in the plunge.” The brothers of the Epsilon Tau Chapter had a phenomenal time, and Brother Hood said, “The event was a success and raised more than $4,500 for Special Olympics.” With the chapter raising that amount of money and putting in a lot of work for the event, the brothers are incredibly proud of what they accomplished. In Oklahoma, the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter had a unique experience because the town of Tahlequah, which hosts the Polar Plunge event every year, said that it had been canceled due to weather. However, the brothers of the chapter were not going

THE SIGNET


to let that stop them. Epsilon Epsilon Chapter President Cameron McCrary (Northeastern State) said, “it was too cold for Tahlequah to put it on, so we went to the river and jumped in.” However, that wasn’t the worst part for the brothers. Brother McCrary said, “We got to the river and were ready to jump in, but the park owner asked us to go.” After all of that, the brothers persevered and finally found an open park that let the guys jump in for the plunge.

Brothers from the Epsilon Octaton Chapter at Cincinnati (above) and Delta Triton brothers at Purdue (below) participated in local Polar Plunges.

After the jump, Cameron said, “We posted the video and got a lot more donations for Special Olympics because we were the only ones who carried out the tradition.” That was Cameron’s favorite part because the chapter was able to raise $600 for Special Olympics and still had 11 brothers jump even though the event was canceled. Overall, these three chapters experienced completely different Polar Plunges, but together they were able to raise a combined $5,600. The Polar Plunge is a popular event across the nation and raises a significant amount of money for Special Olympics. Fraternally, the brothers always look forward to this event when it comes up during the year, and it is something the brothers who take the plunge will never forget.

S P E C I A L O L Y M P I C S I N T E R N A T I O N A L was

chosen by delegates to the 55th General Convention in 1995 as the international service project of Phi Sigma Kappa. Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Its goal is for all persons with intellectual disabilities to have the chance to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected in their communities. The benefits of participation in Special Olympics for people with intellectual disabilities include improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, a more positive self-image, friendships, and increased family support.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

13


Herbert Fuller (Cornell ’68)

Work on the Oral History Project Continues In conjunction with Phi Sigma Kappa’s 150th anniversary, to be celebrated in 2023, the Fraternity has partnered with Publishing Concepts for the Oral History Project. This initiative 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 be compiled in book format for purchase and also available digitally. In recent months, you should have received an invitation via mail, email, or telephone to make an appointment to tell your story. There is no cost to alumni to be included in the digital version of our Oral History. Please know that we have worked with Publishing Concepts on multiple projects in the past. This is a reputable company that works with several universities and social organizations.

14

SPRING 2022

This project comes at no cost to the Fraternity but will also yield valuable contact information in addition to your stories. You may be given the opportunity to purchase commemorative items during your call, but please know that you are under no obligation to purchase items. Start thinking about the story you’d like to tell and collect any photos you’d like to share. We have already collected more than 5,000 stories, but we want to hear from everyone! Below are samples of stories already recorded:

Albert Allen (Northern Illinois ’78) “I thought the active brothers when I was pledging were a great group, and I wanted to be a part of it. I was a first-generation college student. Dr. Anthony Fusaro was our chapter adviser and

THE SIGNET


a faculty member of the Political Science Department at Northern. Lt. Col. (Ret) Thomas Donalds Dr. Fusaro spent a great deal of time with us. He expected us to (Virginia Tech ’86) be gentlemen — a lofty ambition for undergraduates. Part of our initiation pledge that has always stuck with me, probably the most “Phi Sigma Kappa was welcoming and friendly. I graduated in 1984, and I stayed on and got my Master’s in 1985. I lived in the house, important part, is that we committed to living a life of faith and and I was in the Corps Cadets while I was an undergraduate. purpose. That has always stayed with me, and I think about it every day. It’s quite a challenge to live up to that. I met some really smart people in the Fraternity. I learned by working with them, I went to the military, and I flew fighter jets. Fighter squadrons are like a fraternity, and there was a brotherhood there as well. and that prepared me. The house itself, the physical structure, the chapter meetings, the fun times, and the camaraderie with The fraternity experience helped me feel more comfortable in the other brothers and my former roommate are what I enjoyed.” that situation than I might have otherwise felt. I still do a lot of charity work and volunteer work, and some of that is from having been in the Fraternity. Some things I keep with me that I learned in the Fraternity are to keep your options open, don’t burn any bridges, and keep in touch with people. You never know when you’re going to run into people down the road. It could become a lifelong friendship. Because I live in England, I don’t get back very often to see people in person, but I’m able to keep up with them on Facebook. It’s a lifelong friendship group.”

Hugo Cardenas, Jr. (Wisconsin/Whitewater ’02)

“The camaraderie and brotherhood of it and being in something bigger than myself inspired me to join. For example, I joined the military right after — it’s kind of the same concept. The events and ceremonies stand out to me. Being a part of a fraternity, we conducted secret ceremonies. There’s an attraction to that. It’s a secret; you don’t really know what’s going on. It’s cool being in the know. There were social events and philanthropic stuff we did, Herbert Fuller (Cornell ’68) like helping with the Special Olympics. They’re all memorable, and it makes you feel good as an individual. It isn’t just party and “At Cornell, just about every sophomore was in a fraternity. There were 52 fraternities and those were the only living arrangements get tired — there are other responsibilities that people don’t see. available for sophomores. We had orientation counselors in our In a nutshell, it’s something more than yourself. My connections freshman dorms and the sharpest of those was the guy who rushed with other fraternity members have impacted my life after graduation. me for Phi Sigma Kappa. Once there, I encountered guys I knew from a job I had in a bar, one who had been a fraternity brother I can talk to brothers in different areas of work and see if they can of my brother at Dartmouth and two from the Hotel School, help me in the right direction. Phi Sig is a great organization to be my college at Cornell. a part of. Once you get in, you meet other brothers and members just like you whom you will know for a lifetime. I still talk to a lot of my fraternity brothers. Going to school was a great chapter in my life. They made it more than just going to school. I’m more rooted in the school because now I can always go back to the house, meet brothers, and share stories.”

Joe Dobbelaere (Northern Illinois ’82) “I joined Phi Sig because of the sense of brotherhood that I encountered on my first rush experience. My experience was great, cemented by the fact that 41 full years later, I am still best friends with more than 35 brothers. My experience was nothing but positive. I even formed a blues band with Phi Sig brothers called “The Triple Tease.” There are nine members in our band, four of whom are PSK / Pi Pent alumni. I have so many good memories there. The core tenants of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Character are more important in today’s society than ever. Every time I’m around my brothers, whether it’s a social event or an alumni event, I can sense that those core values are still very important to all of us.”

Then there was the diversity; we had a Jewish president one semester and an Egyptian president the next. My class joined the effort to increase diversity. Winning the intramural football title over 51 other fraternities, as we did in 1967, certainly raised our chapter’s reputation on the campus and was a crowning achievement to this Green Bay boy’s football career. Phi Sigma Kappa incredibly impacted my opportunity to be a leader in tough times. I was a chapter president at the end of the 1960s, which was a very challenging time for fraternities and that kind of life at college. I helped our house through that time in terms of a lifestyle, as it were, and politics. We all got together for dinner and weekly, we’d have speakers from both sides. I went on to community development in the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps training for community development, which my wife also went through, allowed us to always live in a good place because if we didn’t like it, we changed it. The leadership experience helped with that and was one of my greatest benefits.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

15


Thomas Donalds (Virginia Tech ’86)

Heading to college, I hadn’t imagined joining a fraternity and considered the whole institution to be superfluous. The combination of Cornell University’s fraternity rules and policies, combined with Gamma’s quality, made fraternity life an important part of my excellent college experience.”

There were some pretty cool philanthropic events we used to do. We used to take phone calls to Santa Claus from little kids who would call in. It was fun.”

Coby Harper (Tennessee ’75)

“I liked the guys. It was a small chapter, and I liked the guys better than the other fraternities. I felt like I could have an impact on the Fraternity. I was chapter president for a year. We were a fairly small chapter, but we doubled in size while I was president. I’ve always felt it was very important to the things I did later because of the opportunities I had as president to deal with issues and problems. It molded my management career for later.”

When I went through rush, I really didn’t know anyone there at the chapter. The Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity guys made me feel at home, so I joined. They were all friendly. Over the years, from 1970 to today, I’ve still got lifelong friends from when I pledged and became active. I’ve got Phi Sig friends who are of all ages. Now I’m in the financial services business, and it’s all about relationships, so Phi Sig has helped me develop relationships. It’s taught and helped me interact with people, develop long-term relationships, and do business with them. Phi Sig has helped me, and it’s helped me in my business. We had a great bunch of guys.”

“I liked the brothers that were there at the time, and I am a legacy member. I lived in the house for three years, and I was the treasurer for two years. It was good to interact with all different kinds of people with whom I probably would not normally be friends.

SPRING 2022

As of April 5, 97.7 percent of survey respondents would recommend that other brothers call in to tell their story. One brother commented, “Jessica was efficient and

Kevin Passante (RIT ’92)

16

Lawrence C. Smith (Ball State ’70)

proactive … she was friendly and engaging as well, which made for a very pleasurable experience. Please thank her for an enjoyable trip down memory lane.”

THE SIGNET


Strategic Plan Weekend Sets Course for the Future The Grand Council held a strategic planning weekend at the International Headquarters on November 12 and 13. The purpose of the weekend was to set the direction for the Fraternity for the next 3-5 years. Those in attendance included Grand President Chris Hoye (Ferris State ’91), Grand Council Directors David Cohen (Union ’88), Matt Gregory (Southern Illinois ’95), Jeff Liesendahl (Northern Illinois ’87), Brandon Paternoster (Ferris State ’04), and Darald Stubbs (Stetson ’88); Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation President Tom Grunwald (Ferris State ’91), Phi Sigma Kappa Properties President Shawn Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00), Court of Honor member David Spreitzer (Kentucky ’80), Foundation Trustee John Sheehan (Northern Illinois ’82), past Grand Council Director Bart Sheeler (Dayton ’81), and International Headquarters staff members Nick Zuniga (Ball State AI), Kathy Cannady, Grant Carpenter (Northern Arizona ’13), Augie Farwig (Ferris State ’17), Joe Kern (Radford ’09), and Leslie Pedigo. After two days of discussion, five areas came to the forefront. The focus for the near future will be:

Those in attendance recognized educational programming, a focus on values and ritual, and a culture of perseverance as bright spots. What’s working? Day of Giving, planning for the 150th Anniversary, the Shonk Archive and Educational Center, Cardinal Journey, volunteer networking, and professional staff resiliency were mentioned. A discussion was held on those areas that have recently seen improvement. Board collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and communication with local chapters were discussed. It was also recognized that there are areas where there is room for improvement. For example, communication with alumni clubs, volunteer engagement, internal growth (current chapters), expansion to new campuses, chapter adviser training, and technology were mentioned. Discussion around strategic growth included being more selective about prospective campuses for expansion.

• Strategic Growth

Career coaching and a mentoring program were discussed as potential aspects of the undergraduate experience.

• Alumni Experience

The possibility of forming regional alumni clubs was discussed, and more regional alumni events.

• Financial Growth

Virtual volunteer training, a plan for chapter adviser recruitment, and a volunteer training conference were discussed.

• Undergraduate Experience • Volunteer Experience A discussion was held concerning the current bright spots, what’s working, areas with room for improvement, the value provided by the Fraternity, etc.

Ideas for financial growth included ways to increase non-dues income, the Life Loyal program, a planned giving program, and an increase in membership.

Topics such as brotherhood for life, relationships, mental health resources, job networking, and character building were listed as items that provide value to members of the Fraternity.

Following the weekend meeting, the professional staff set about developing an operational plan, which will include a staffing plan. Objectives to obtain these operational goals will be determined and shared this fall.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

17


BROTHERHOOD LASTS FOREVER 18

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


F E AT U R E S

Minding Their Business Alumni who made their name in the world of big business John F. Brock (Georgia Tech ‘70)

Philip Fletcher (St. Lawrence ’54)

John F. Brock joined Coca-Cola Enterprises as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2006 and was appointed Chairman in 2008. He served in that capacity until 2016. From May of 2016 until his retirement in December of 2016, Brother Brock served as CEO of Coca-Cola European Partners, the world’s largest independent Coco-Cola bottler globally.

Philip Fletcher became a chairman and chief executive officer of ConAgra in 1993 and served until 1998. He had been with ConAgra since 1982 as President of Banquet Foods.

Brother Brock earned both his bachelor’s (1970) and master’s (1971) degrees in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was a member of the Kappa Deuteron Chapter.

Prior to his tenure with ConAgra, Brother Fletcher started his career with General Motors, then held various management positions with Campell Soup Company between 1958 and 1973. He was also general manager operations and agriculture for H.J. Heinz United States of America, Inc. from 1973 until 1978 and Vice President of manufacturing for the Heublein Company from 1978 until 1982.

Glen Hiner (West Virginia ’56) Glen Hiner is a former General Electric senior vice president, where he headed GE Plastics, which he helped build into a $5 billion global business. He spent more than 30 years at GE.

Brother Brock started his career at Procter & Gamble before moving on to Cadbury Schweppes, where he held several positions. In 1995, while with the company, he and his team organized the acquisition of Dr. Pepper/Seven Up. In 2003, he was named CEO of Interbrew, headquartered in Belgium. He and his team orchestrated the merger of Interbrew and AmBev to form InBev, the largest brewer in the world by volume. The company’s global brands included Stella Artois and Beck’s.

Brother Hiner became chairman and chief executive of OwensCorning Fiberglass Corporation in 1992 and served in that capacity until 2002. He took the role during a tumultuous time for the company, which was still facing problems with asbestos litigation.

In March of 2000 he was named Beverage Industry’s Executive of the Year. He is also a member of the Beverage World Hall of Fame and serves on the Board of Directors for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

While with Owens-Corning, he established a global vision, focused on customer satisfaction and shareholder value. The company introduced new products and built new manufacturing facilities around the world.

In addition to being a strong supporter of the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation, Brother Brock and his wife, Mary Brock, have been strong benefactors to Georgia Tech, funding two endowed faculty chairs to support innovative research in cancer nanotechnology. Mary is also co-owner of the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA. Brother Brock was the recipient of the Fraternity’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2007.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

19


Gerald Johnston (Cal State/Fullerton ’71)

John S. Knight (Cornell ’18)

Jerry Johnston was named president and chief executive officer of the Clorox Company and elected to the board of directors July 1, 2003. In January of 2005, he was also named chairman of the board. Prior to becoming CEO, Brother Johnston served as president and chief operating officer, a position he had held since 1999.

John S. Knight was a newspaper editor and publisher who founded the group that became Knight-Ridder. Knight Ridder, the successor to Knight Newspapers, became the largest circulation newspaper group in the country.

He joined Clorox in 1981, following 10 years with Procter & Gamble. In 1983, he assumed the post of national sales manager for the Kingsford Products Division. He later became vice president — general manager for Kingsford Products. He then became group vice president and a member of the company’s executive committee in 1996.

Reginald H. Jones (Penn ’38) Reginald Jones joined General Electric’s Business Training Course in 1939. He spent his entire career at GE. In 1968, Brother Jones became the company’s chief financial officer and was elected senior vice president two years later. He served as CEO from 1972 to 1981. During his tenure, the company’s sales more than doubled. In 1980, U.S. News & World Report ranked him as the most influential man in business.

He started his journalism career as a sportswriter at his father’s newspaper, The Akron Beacon Journal in 1920. He inherited the publication in 1933. At the start of a nationwide expansion, he purchased the Miami Herald in 1937. The chain of newspapers eventually included the Philadelphia Inquirer, Chicago Daily News, Charlotte Observer, Tallahassee Democrat, Lexington Herald and Leader and Macon Telegraph. During World War II, Brother Knight served as the Director of the U.S. Office of Censorship in London. He received the 1968 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for his nationwide column, The Editor’s Notebook. By 1973, his publishing empire included 15 newspapers. In 1974, he merged with Ridder Publications to form Knight-Ridder. He received the Fraternity’s Medallion of Merit in 1968.

Arthur Levitt (Williams College ’52) Arthur Levitt, Jr. is the former Chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He served from 1993 to 2001 as the 25th and longest-serving chairman of the commission. He served under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He was widely viewed as a pro-investor advocate.

He elected as his successor Brother Jack Welch (Massachusetts ’57) as the outcome of a succession contest. He was the recipient of the Fraternity’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1986.

Brother Levitt has also served as a policy advisor to Goldman Sachs and as director of Bloomberg LP, parent of Bloomberg News. He became Chairman of the American Stock Exchange in 1978. He left in 1989 to serve as Chairman of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. He received the Medallion of Merit in 2001 and the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1989.

20

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


Robert Mondavi (Stanford ’36) Robert Mondavi established his winery in 1966 with a vision to create Napa Valley wines that could stand in the company of the world’s finest. His technical improvements and marketing strategies brought worldwide recognition for the wines of the Napa Valley in California. From an early period, Mondavi aggressively promoted labeling wines varietally rather than generically. This is now the standard for New World wines. The Robert Mondavi Institute (RMI) for Wine and Food Science at the University of California/Davis opened in October 2008 in his honor.

He was featured on the Discovery Channel’s Undercover Billionaire, where he anonymously built businesses valued at $1 million in 90 days. He did this with just $100, an old pick-up truck and a cell phone. This venture led to the creation of Underdog BBQ, a restaurant located in Erie, Pennsylvania. He has recently started a new company, Kind Lending. In 2021, Stearns and his son Skylar, pledged $50,000 to the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation to name the conference room and meeting space in the Albert D. Shonk, Jr. Archive & Educational Center. He is a recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Fraternity.

Jack Welch (Massachusetts ’57)

The Robert Mondavi Winery is home to the To Kalon Vineyard, rated #1 in North America and #5 in the world. It is renowned for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world, as well as for its Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

John F. Welch was chairman and CEO of General Electric (GE) between 1981 and 2001. When he retired from GE, he received a severance payment of $417 million, the largest such payment in business history. Many of his peers and colleagues considered him to be one of the greatest chief executive officers of all time. By 1999 he was named Manager of the Century by Fortune magazine.

Brother Mondavi received the Fraternity’s Medallion of Merit in 1988. He was also named to the California Hall of Fame and the French Legion of Honour in 2005.

Glenn Stearns (Towson ’87) Glen Stearns is truly the epitome of a self-made man. At the age of 25, after working as a loan officer for 10 months, he formed his own mortgage company, Stearns Lending LLC. In 2002, Brother Stearns was named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year.

Under Brother Welch’s leadership, GE increased market value from $12 billion in 1981 to $410 billion when he retired in 2001. Brother Welch was famous for popularizing the so-called “rank and yank” policies used now by other corporate entities. Each year, Welch would fire the bottom 10% of his managers, regardless of absolute performance. However, he also rewarded those in the top 20 percent with bonuses and employee stock options.

By 2010, Stearns Lending reached nearly $1 billion in monthly funded loan volume. Since then, it has funded more than $30 billion in loans.

A number of profitable acquisitions helped spur the success of GE. The most lucrative of Brother Welch’s acquisitions was the $6.28 billion paid for RCA, which owned NBC.

In 2011, Brother Stearns was the youngest member ever inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2013, he became the youngest member elected to its Board of Directors.

In December of 2016, he joined a business forum assembled by then President-elect Donald Trump to provide strategic and policy advice on economic issues.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

21


ALUMNI NEWS of the village of Warfusse-Abaucourt. All German assaults were driven back, but during the afternoon of March 30, the position was subject to heavy bombardment, during which Brother Milliken was killed.

Terrence Sawyer Named Loyola University Maryland President

Alfred Standish Milliken Honored at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman

On March 21, 1918, near the Somme River in France, the German army launched its first major offensive on the Western Front in two years. The 6th Engineers were sent into the line near Villers-Bretonneux, France and Brother Milliken, who had charge of a section of Company D, defended the trench in front

22

SPRING 2022

Bother Sawyer, who previously served as Loyola’s Senior Vice President, was chosen after a national search. He is the University’s first layperson to serve as President. All previous Presidents have been ordained Jesuit priests. He started his term on January 1.

Terrence M. Sawyer (Maryland ’92) has been selected by the Loyola University Maryland Board of Trustees as the University’s 25th President.

“Terry values Jesuit, liberal arts education, knows Loyola’s strengths and challenges, and has a compelling, foundational vision for defining and shaping Loyola in the years ahead,” said James Forbes, chair of Loyola’s Board of Trustees. “Our search identified many talented leaders, but it was clear that Terry holds the greatest Alfred Standish Milliken (MIT ’14) was promise as the president who can — and honored in February by the Fort Taber – will — move Loyola University forward.” Fort Rodman Military Museum in Bedford, Massachusetts with a Lights for Peace flag. Flags are donated by Empire Ford and then flown in honor of local veterans.

According to his Gold Star Record, Milliken was awarded the Silver Star citation “For distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Cambrai on March 30, 1918, in the operation of the American Expeditionary Forces.” A battery of coast artillery guns at Fort Rodman is named in his honor.

are undoubtedly challenging times for higher education, but Loyola is extremely well-positioned for all that lies ahead.”

Brother Sawyer led the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the planning and successful reopening and operations of Loyola’s campuses. He is also an affiliate professor in Loyola’s Sellinger School of Business and Management. “I am humbled and honored to have this incredible opportunity to serve as Loyola’s next President,” said Brother Sawyer. “These

THE SIGNET

Jim Schmitz Plays in Adult Baseball Tournaments Jim Schmitz (UC/Santa Barbara ’80) was part of a winning team at the 2021 National Adult Baseball Association World Series. Brother Schmitz played catcher on the 60+ San Antonio Lonestars. Brother Schmitz was also on the winning team for the MSBL Sunshine Classic in February.

Ted Van Horne Receives RIT Distinguished Alumnus Award Edward (Ted) Van Horne (RIT ’99) was a 2021-2022 recipient of RIT’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He is the COO of Global Medical Response (GMR), overseeing all


ALUMNI NEWS

Ted Van Horne meets with brothers of the Upsilon Tetarton Chapter.

ground and air medical transportation, fire services, and other community and emergency management operations.

New Foundation Trustees Named

With 38,000 employees, 8,600 ambulances, 450 air ambulances and more than 13 million patient interactions each year, GMR operates in all 50 states.

Two brothers joined the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation Board as Trustees during the Foundation’s mid-year meeting, held in Austin, Texas February 18-19.

Brother Van Horne has earned wide respect throughout the industry for his handling of emergency medical communications and operational components during major catastrophic events. Most recently, he has been a visible and vocal leader in the industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He serves on the council of Austin Angels, a non-profit agency dedicated to helping children navigate the foster care system. He is also an active board member for the All Clear Foundation, supporting the overall well-being and longevity of those who serve our communities in times of need as first responders. Brother Van Horne has also contributed to the Hope for Honduras project, a partnership with RIT’s design school to design, build, and deploy off-road capable ambulance units that specialize in prenatal care in Honduras, a severely underserved area.

Chad Burney (Central Missouri ’05) Brother Burney is a client relationship manager for Taylor Communications. Brother Burney is active with the Central Missouri alumni group, along with the greater Kansas City alumni group. Brother Burney resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vern Hackworth (Kentucky’89) Brother Hackworth is a Senior CRA professional in the pharmaceutical sector and has more than 22 years of clinical monitoring experience. Brother Hackworth resides in Brookhaven, New York.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

23


Xi Pentaton Holds Reunion Several Cal State/Northridge brothers gathered on October 23 for a reunion at Sierra Canyon School. Multiple generations of Xi Pentaton brothers were in attendance at the event, which also included the current undergraduate members. Highlights of the day included the attendance of Cheech Marin (Cal State/ Northridge ’68), awards to several alumni, and the bonding between young and old brothers. The event was a highlight for this academic year for Xi Pentaton as it continues to grow and develop new memories. Brother Marin was presented with an award for his lifetime dedication to the local Los Angeles community and serving as a role model for many young first-generation college students attending Cal State/Northridge. Please watch for the fall issue of the Signet, which will feature an exclusive Phi Sig interview with Cheech Marin.

24

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


Volunteer Spotlight Clay Skurdal, Foundation Trustee and Regional Adviser

Clay Skurdal (Montana State ’82) was recently elected to the Phi Sigma Kappa Board of Trustees and also serves the Grand Chapter as a Regional Adviser for chapters on the West Coast. Brother Skurdal’s involvement with the Fraternity came about because of his decision to attend college out of state. Not knowing anyone at Montana State, he decided to go through recruitment and see what the Greek system had to offer. He found the brothers at Zeta Triton Chapter to be friendly and accommodating. They also hosted great social events throughout the recruitment process and had a good reputation on campus. One of Brother Skurdal’s favorite memories involves weekend adventures. “One of our brothers had purchased an old large truck from Yellowstone Park. We called her Old Yeller. Every fall we would all travel up to Hyalite Canyon outside of Bozeman to cut firewood that we would use in our fireplace to heat in the winter, and we would also chop and sell the wood to make some money for the house. It was a great weekend adventure.” He went on to note, “I also met my wife when I was in the chapter. She is a Chi Omega, and their house was right across the street from the Phi Sig house. We have now been married for 37 years and if it wouldn’t have been for me living in the Phi Sig house, we probably wouldn’t have met!

Brother Skurdal got involved on a volunteer After participating in the Foundation basis because of friendships made. “My time Board meetings and attending the 68th in the Fraternity helped me to stay focused General Convention in Arizona, Brother on graduating and taught me many lessons Skurdal said he can see the vision and the that while I didn’t see them at the time, challenging work that the professional staff, looking back they were lessons that helped the Grand Council, the Foundation, and me build the successful career that I have supportive alumni are doing to make Phi today. I see that impact and I want to make Sigma Kappa a leader in the Greek system. sure that we continue to provide the same opportunities to our young brothers today.” He said, “It is important that we do all we can to make sure that Phi Sigma Kappa is here for at least another 150 years impacting young men in a positive way.” Brother Skurdal says he has stayed connected with several brothers over the years. Several years ago, alumni from Zeta Triton created a private group page on social media. He says it has been great to reconnect with so many brothers from the past. The group is even working to bring the Zeta Triton Chapter back to Montana State and hope to have some great news on that front soon.

He explains that Phi Sigma Kappa provides him with a network of brothers around the country and he can find resources when needed. “I may not have known the brother personally, however once I mention that I am also a Phi Sig, we are able to find common ground right away. Being a Phi Sig opened many doors for me as I built my career.”

THE SIGNET

In his professional life, Brother Skurdal is a managing director/principal at RiskBridge Advisors, an SEC-registered investment adviser for institutions and individuals. He also serves on the board of Marist Catholic High School and enjoys fishing in his free time. He resides in Eugene, Oregon with his wife, Collette, and children, Kendra, Ian, and Lexie.

SPRING 2022

25


Fifth Annual Day of Giving Sets Record By Augie Farwig (Ball State ‘17), Director of Development It’s always a great day when you can say you made history, and recently our Brotherhood was able to do just that. The Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation held the 5th Annual Phi Sigma Kappa Day of Giving on March 15. Annually, this day has proven to be the Fraternity’s biggest day of fundraising since its inception. The professional staff and volunteers are always trying to break new records and this year was no different. A total of $100,000 was raised before noon on the East Coast. For reference, just two years ago, the total raised for the entire day was $100,000. When the $100,000 mark was hit before noon, everyone knew history had to be made. By 10:00 p.m. on the East Coast, the Foundation had raised $200,000 and the celebration was on. When everything was concluded the next day, our brothers came together to raise more than $220,000. This was a new one-day record for Phi Sigma Kappa. The success was driven by 17 brothers and alumni clubs that pledged $5,000 challenge gifts. The Foundation was able to unlock all these challenges and one alumni club stepped up and made another $5,000 gift. Thank you to these brothers and groups for being the backbone of our success. Please look at the Day of Giving numbers on these pages. You will see just how much we are growing as a Brotherhood. Thank you for being the reason we can be successful! We look forward to setting new records next year.

“In 1992, I helped the Sigma Triton Colony regain its charter for Phi Sigma Kappa at Indiana University. Joining the Fraternity in my sophomore year, I now look back on my three years with my brothers, and I cherish the leadership skills and life-long friendships that came out of my experiences with the Phi Sigs.

I want other students to have an opportunity to grow in their college years as I did. I feel that by supporting Phi Sigma Kappa, I can help chapters with the financial needs to recruit and develop future brothers by Promoting Brotherhood, Stimulating Scholarship, and Developing Character. Hopefully, the more of us who give, the stronger Phi Sigma Kappa can be with future generations of brothers.”

— Marcus (Marc) Smith (Indiana ’93)

“I support Phi Sigma Kappa because the organization has played a large part in my life. I attribute Phi Sigma Kappa for much of my success as an adult. Being a member of Phi Sigma Kappa has kept paying dividends professionally and personally from being an undergrad to now.

While an undergrad, I attended several leadership conferences and conventions which prepared me to network and speak publicly in my professional career. As a recent attendee of the Conclave: Officer Academy, I saw firsthand the relevant education being provided to our undergrads. They are being provided the tools and skills needed to grow and build their chapters. I am confident that the dollars I donate are being used to give young men the same opportunities that have been given to me.”

— Jeff Nelson (Ferris State ’01)

“I support Phi Sigma Kappa because of everything Phi Sig did for me during my time as an undergraduate at Ball State University. The leadership skills I acquired have helped me significantly throughout my career.

As I continue to grow, my support for our Fraternity remains strong as I wish for the success of our brothers throughout their experience in Phi Sigma Kappa.”

— Ivan Lomeli (Ball State ’18) (pictured, far right)

26

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED 2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

$38,615.99

$44,749.90

$107,751

$182,532

$220,558

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

280

229

374

372

452

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

$137.00

$195.00

$288.00

$490.00

$488.00

TOTAL DONORS

AVERAGE GIFT

FOUNDERS CLUB DONORS 2021

LIFE LOYAL DONORS

2022

2021

2022

51 65

184 273

2022 TOP 5 CHAPTERS MONEY RAISED

2022 TOP 5 CHAPTERS NUMBER OF DONORS

1. Houston — $31,281

1. Illinois — 55

2. NIU — $30,590

2. Union — 45

3. Illinois — $23,734

3. NIU/Ferris State — 34 (Tied)

4. Union — $15,190

4. Stetson — 32

5. Ferris State — $14,005

5. Central Missouri — 21

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

27


Istvan Moritz Memorial Scholarship Fund Celebrates its 5th Year Family Creates Ties with Chapter After Son’s Death When the brothers of the Gamma Tetarton Chapter at RPI learned of the passing of their beloved brother, Istvan Moritz (RPI ’15), the chapter was devastated. Brother Istvan was known and loved by everyone. He was the type of brother who had a good relationship with everyone and truly understood the meaning of “true fraternity.” When Istvan’s parents learned he was joining a fraternity they couldn’t believe it and were very surprised. During his four years at RPI, Istvan had developed deep relationships with each of the brothers and lent his energy to the transformation of the Brotherhood. He had a unique way of challenging brothers to be their best. Katy Moritz, Istvan’s mom states, “Phi Sig meant so much to Istvan because it gave him a home, love, and support which made him grow in such a way that we always knew he would but didn’t know how. Phi Sig helped him become who he was meant to be, to achieve his dreams because

28

SPRING 2022

of the brothers and chapter adviser who gave him guidance and the philosophy of doing good and spreading kindness and peace.” After his passing, the chapter wanted a way to honor the contributions Istvan made to the Fraternity and the people whose lives he touched. As a result, in May of 2017, the Istvan Moritz Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in his memory. The brothers, alumni, and members of the Moritz family developed the program. Together they determined how best to design a program that reflected Istvan’s character and values. The outcome resulted in two $1,000 scholarships: one for most improved GPA and another for outstanding achievement in brotherhood, scholarship, and character. According to Istvan’s mother, “The scholarship is to recognize those brothers who are like, in many ways, Istvan — brotherly, academically do their best; but the scholarship also helps us as a family heal from our loss.”

THE SIGNET


SCHOLARSHIPS

The Most Improved GPA Award is given to a student member, in recognition of their improved academic performance in a given year. It embodies Istvan’s never-ending quest for knowledge and self-improvement. The Istvan Moritz ’15 Outstanding Achievement Award is given to a brother who, like Istvan, has embodied the ideals of true fraternity and has accomplished outstanding achievements in the areas of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Character. The individual receiving this scholarship has made significant contributions to the Brotherhood of Phi Sigma Kappa at RPI; expresses a passion for lifelong learning, and academic excellence in their field of studies; and is a role model for others to follow in making their community a better place for all people to live, learn, and work.

Each year in October, a scholarship ceremony is held to announce the recipients. The ceremony is attended by members of the family, Fraternity and RPI community. Last year there were more than 30 people attending in person with another 40 attending virtually from all parts of the world. The family looks forward to meeting the undergraduates and alumni. Istvan’s mother states, “I don’t know how to say it, but because of the philosophy of Phi Sig every brother we have met is truly the embodiment of the best that people can be. In them we see what Istvan would have become.”

“I don’t know how to say it, but because of the philosophy of Phi Sig every brother we have met is truly the embodiment of the best that people can be. In them we see what Istvan would have become.”

The chapter’s alumni association seeded the scholarship fund with a $10,000 donation. An additional $35,000 in donations were received from brothers, alumni and friends and family of the Moritz’s, thus establishing an initial scholarship fund of $45,000. To allow for tax deductible donation, the chapter reached out to the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and established a Chapter Educational Fund (CEF). Paul Marano, President of the Alumni Association stated, “It’s our intention to have the scholarship program run in perpetuity, through the generosity of those who knew Istvan, and believe in its purpose. It’s important to us to honor Istvan’s contributions and pass on his passion for learning and commitment to making a difference to future generations of Phi Sigs.”

Over the past five years, 10 brothers have received scholarship awards. The chapter really appreciates the scholarship program. They recognize that not many other fraternities at RPI have a program that promotes both academic achievement and personal development. Chapter President Andrew Martin says, “The scholarship helps our chapter recognize the brothers who go above and beyond in both their character, and their schoolwork as well. This aligns with the values of Phi Sigma Kappa and highlights the type of brother Istvan was. During recruitment it’s really great to talk about all the good that comes from the scholarship as it is something most other chapters on campus don’t have.” In closing, the scholarship program is something the chapter is immensely proud of. Istvan’s family states, “We cannot thank Phi Sig and the brothers enough for taking us in. We may have lost a son, but we have gained a family in return. We think about him every day and we think of Phi Sig every day. It’s become part of the fabric of our lives.”

To learn more about the scholarship program and its recipients, or to donate, please visit www.istvanmortizscholarshipfund.org

D E L T A P E N T A T O N A L U M N I AWA R D S C H O L A R S H I P The Delta Pentaton/Sigma Phi Alpha Scholarship is available to any Phi Sig, or child of Phi Sig, who is pursuing full-time studies at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Scholarships are awarded based on the overall quality of the applicants’ credentials and selected by alumni of Delta Pentaton Chapter at Northeastern. The selections are then approved by the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. Recipients for this academic year were Grace McShea and Benjamin Taylor. Both students were awarded $5,000. Grace has a combined major in business and communications, with a minor in global fashion studies, and a concentration in marketing. She is a member of Delta Zeta and the university’s

club lacrosse team. This is her third Delta Pentaton Scholarship. Grace says she is grateful for the gift that she has been given and cannot say enough how this has helped her college experience. Benjamin is pursuing a combined major in computer engineering and computer science. He is an active member of both the concert band and pep band. He said, “The scholarship has really helped me to be able to attend my first-choice school, following in my family’s footsteps.” The next deadline to apply for this scholarship is February 28, 2023. Recipients will receive funding for the 2023-2024 academic year.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

29


History of PSK Properties In 2001, the Fraternity’s Grand Council identified a potential need for Phi Sigma Kappa to create a national housing corporation. The Grand Council appointed a committee to explore the feasibility and value of such an organization. The committee returned with the recommendation that a national corporation would be an asset to the Fraternity. Based on these results, brothers Bud Berman (Swarthmore ’62), Jim Schmitz (UC/Santa Barbara ’80), and Glenn Roby (Northern Illinois ’91) worked together to form an organization that could acquire, improve, and manage chapter houses. The groundwork for the organization was laid and in November of 2002, Phi Sigma Kappa Properties was officially incorporated.

30

SPRING 2022

Brothers Berman and Schmitz became the first directors of the organization and Brother Roby was appointed its first President. Phi Sigma Kappa Properties collaborates with both the Grand Chapter and the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. However, Phi Sigma Kappa Properties, Inc. is a separate entity from the Grand Chapter and Foundation. Each organization is a distinct, separate corporation with independent boards of directors, investment accounts, and independently audited financial statements. PSK Properties is financially self-sustaining and does not receive any revenue by way of membership dues paid to the Grand Chapter or donations made to the Foundation.

THE SIGNET


IHQ Ownership Transferred to PSK Properties Phi Sigma Kappa Properties and the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation recently completed an important business transaction that will provide benefits to the Fraternity for years to come. PSKP purchased the International Headquarters building from the Foundation, concluding a transfer that had been talked about for more than a decade. Ownership of the IHQ fits within the mission of PSKP and holding the property in its portfolio makes sense. The rental income generated from the Grand Chapter created accounting difficulties for the Foundation. Foundations are not established to own property, thus creating the bookkeeping issues. The purchase of the property at fair market value allowed the Foundation to add to its corpus. As a result, the Foundation can now grant more funds to the Grand Chapter for educational purposes. For PSKP, owning the International Headquarters makes it easy for it to generate non-taxable income from the rent paid by the Grand Chapter. The rental income replaces investment income, which could be taxed because members do not generate it. Both the Foundation and PSK Properties gained substantial long-term benefits from the transfer of ownership. Discussions have been ongoing for more than a decade. Originally, PSKP was not incorporated as a non-profit corporation. As a result, property tax would have to be paid on the IHQ. Conversely, the Foundation is a non-profit entity under IRS rules and did not have to pay property taxes in the state of Indiana. When he became president of PSKP four years ago, Shawn Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00) made it an objective to gain non-profit status. Numerous unsuccessful attempts had been made in the past. After looking at the structure of similar corporations, PSKP was finally approved as a non-profit, which is incorporated in Indiana.

Brother Shivnen had experience incorporating alumni clubs and knew that PSKP’s non-profit status had to be structured in a comparable way. The Board decided that forming a new entity that was built around the social aspects of brotherhood while helping obtain and improve local chapter housing would be a mission the IRS would Shawn Shivnen approve. The IRS had already PSK Properties President approved similar Properties entities in the fraternal world. Final approval was granted on April 15, 2020. After IRS approval, several months were spent setting up the necessary bank accounts for the new corporation. In July of 2021, the new PSKP was fully functioning and operational. During the 68th General Convention, held in Scottsdale last summer, leaders of the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and PSKP discussed the purchase. John Sheehan (Northern Illinois ’82) and Mike Palm (Indiana ’04), officers of each entity, were asked to negotiate a purchase price fair for both. Within two months, both parties had agreed and local counsel in Indianapolis was hired to complete the transaction. On November 11, Brother Shivnen traveled to Indianapolis for the Fraternity’s strategic planning meeting and was able to sign the documents that day. The transfer of ownership is truly a win-win for all three entities of the Fraternity. All three are now structured as non-profit corporations, and the Foundation has more funds available to fund Grand Chapter projects, which can only mean positive results for its membership.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

31


CHAPTER NEWS

A regional recruitment retreat was held in November at the Eagle Rock Retreat Center in Eagle Rock, Missouri. Chapters in attendance included Beta Epsilon at Pitt State, Gamma Epsilon at Truman State, Epsilon Epsilon at Northeastern State, Epsilon Iota at Central Missouri, Epsilon Mu at Central Arkansas, and Epsilon Nu at Northwest Missouri State.

ALABAMA

Omicron Deuteron Tuscaloosa, AL

The chapter partnered with World of Beer to raise funds for Call to Care. Proceeds from one evening of sales helped to build wells in Uganda.

a promising new experimental treatment. Unfortunately, the brothers of Omicron Deuteron are now mourning his passing.

CINCINNATI Epsilon Octaton Cincinnati, OH

The chapter also took part in “Over the Edge,” an urban rappelling experience that benefits Youth for Christ in Tuscaloosa. Fundraisers that raised at least $1,000 earned a spot to go “over the edge” and rappel 140 feet.

The brothers of the Epsilon Octaton Chapter raised more than $1,500 in support of Relay for Life. Relay for Life is a community-based fundraising event for the American Cancer Society and many other cancer-related institutions, societies, and associations.

Last fall, brothers helped to raise money for Braxton Weidman, a local child battling cancer. The goal was to raise enough money to send Braxton to Germany for

Brothers also participated in Chi Omega’s karaoke fundraiser, which benefits Makea-Wish Foundation, and CancerFree Kids Night for the Fight event.

32

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET

CLEMSON

Upsilon Septaton Clemson, SC

Brothers recently competed in a fishing tournament which raised funds for the Tucker Hipps Memorial Foundation. Tucker Hipps was a student at Clemson who died tragically at the age of 19. With the mission of “helping people help others,” the foundation plans to engage with other community organizations that help those less fortunate improve their lives. The chapter raised more than $14,000 for Special Olympics during this year’s Polar Plunge. Brother Carter Varin was elected IFC President in November. The chapter has


CHAPTER NEWS

worked toward increasing relations with the Greek community. Brother Varin’s election will help the chapter fulfill that goal.

DAYTON Eta Hexaton Dayton, OH

The chapter helped raise money for Special Olympics by partnering with the Rusty Taco. The restaurant donated 20 percent of its profits from February 24. During the month of November, brothers grew moustaches and ran more than 60 miles to support Movember, a charity organization supporting men’s mental health. Together, brothers raised $6,897. The chapter also teamed with Pi Phi in October to raise money for breast cancer awareness through a carnival on campus.

LIU/POST Pi Tetarton Brookville, NY

The chapter held “Plunge a Phi Sig” April 20 to raise funds for Special Olympics. The cost was $5 to dunk a brother. Brothers also participated in Polar Plunge, diving into the chilly waters of Tobay Beach to support Special Olympics.

MARYLAND

Eta College Park, MD

In November, the chapter held its first PSK Polar Plunge Dunk Tank, to raise money for Special Olympics. In April, the chapter held its annual Beach Games, also a fundraiser for Special Olympics.

In March, brothers from Alpha Octaton helped with the community clean-up on MLK Boulevard hosted in part by the NJIT IFC. Some of the brothers also participated in the End Hungry 3.6 event by packing meals. The local Rotary Club sponsored the event.

PITT STATE

Sigma Epsilon Big Rapids, MI

Beta Epsilon Pittsburg, KS

The brothers of the Sigma Epsilon Chapter raised nearly $1,500 for Special Olympics by participating in this year’s Polar Plunge. The chapter also hosted its third annual haunted house in October as a fundraiser for Special Olympics.

Brothers Jacob Hall, Kreg Herman, and Mickenath Howard competed in Cheer Nationals at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. The chapter also hosted a bracket challenge for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics.

KENT STATE Beta Tetarton Kent, OH

The chapter also participated in Delta Gamma’s Anchor Cheer and Alpha Sigma Phi’s Kicking for a Cause.

NJIT

Alpha Octaton Newark, NJ

The chapter also held a “Soak a Phi Sig Event,” raising $700 for Special Olympics.

FERRIS STATE

The chapter held a Miss Phi-Significant pageant to raise funds for Special Olympics. Brothers raised more than $6,000. Various events make up the point structure, including a bake-off, an Instagram challenge, Pie a Phi Sig, etc.

Last fall, the chapter took part in a weeklong fundraising initiative for the Sentencing Project. The organization promotes effective and humane responses to crime that minimizes imprisonments and the criminalization of youths and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, and gender justice.

MASSACHUSETTS

Alpha Amherst, MA

Members of Alpha Chapter took part in Greek Week at the University of Massachusetts, which raised more than $110,000 for Bay State Children’s Hospital of Springfield, Massachusetts. The chapter participated by hosting Phi Sig Fest, a charity concert. The chapter also participated in the campus dance marathon.

THE SIGNET

PURDUE

Delta Triton West Lafayette, IN

Last fall, Delta Triton brothers volunteered at Food Finders Food Bank, a local food pantry in Lafayette, Indiana, packaging meals and assisting customers. The food pantry operates solely on donations and volunteer work. The chapter also won the Paint Swap philanthropy event sponsored by Alpha Xi Delta and Sigma Chi.

SPRING 2022

33


RIT

Upsilon Tetarton Rochester, NY

Chapter brothers assisted Boy Scouts of America by loading popcorn and snacks to sell during fundraisers. Brothers feel the popcorn sales are a great way to help financially limited scouts be able to afford summer camp and other activities. The chapter also participated in the Rochester Intergenerational Fall Cleanup. They raked more than 50,000 square feet of lawn for senior citizens!

VALPARAISO Phi Upsilon Valparaiso, IN

Brothers of the Alpha Octaton Chapter participated in Community Cleanup at NJIT.

Brothers volunteered at the Hilltop Food Pantry, sorting food. For the Valpo Day of Caring, the chapter helped at the Washington Park Zoo, painting sheds, filling exhibits with dirt, and general clean-up. The Gabis Arboretum benefited from some physical labor when brothers spent a day spreading mulch, trimming bushes, and repotting native plants.

VIRGINIA TECH Epsilon Hexaton Blacksburg, VA

The chapter recently participated in The Big Event, Virginia Tech’s annual student-run event to help complete community service projects throughout the New River Valley.

The Phi Theta Chapter took first place in Shippensburg’s Greek Week.

Brother Brennan Olds raised $1,600 individually in support of Special Olympics. The chapter held a bracket challenge for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, also raising funds for Special Olympics. In September, the chapter held its eighth annual golf tournament with more than 100 participants, 15 sponsors, and more than $22,000 raised for Special Olympics.

34

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


CHAPTER NEWS

WASHINGTON STATE Chi Deuteron Pullman, WA

Brothers provided a Christmas surprise for their house chef and his family. Mike Hop had been undergoing cancer treatment and his wife, Lacey, took over his duties. The chapter decided to raise funds to help the family enjoy the holiday season. The chapter was able to raise $2,400 to purchase gifts to create a memorable holiday for the family, despite the financial and emotional hardships. Chi Deuteron brothers also spent a Saturday to help clean up Wawawai Park and held “Phi Sig Slices,” a fundraising event for Special Olympics.

WISCONSINMILWAUKEE

Members of the Kappa Hexaton Chapter at Stetson received the diversity and inclusion award from the university.

Epsilon Phi Milwaukee, WI

In February, the men of Epsilon Phi participated in Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics. The chapter was top five in donations at their location. Brothers also participated in Make a Difference Day by helping community neighbors with spring yard work. Activities included trimming, raking, seeding, and miscellaneous activities.

YOUNG HARRIS Gamma Octaton Young Harris, GA

The chapter hosted “Crack a Sig” to raise funds for Special Olympics. Individuals paid to either crack an egg on a brother or throw an egg at a brother. Cheech Marin met with undergraduate members of Xi Pentaton at Cal State/Northridge during a recent chapter reunion.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

35


T

o reach as many participants as possible, the Fraternity hosted an in-person experience for Chapter Presidents, Vice Presidents and Chapter Advisers in St. Louis, Missouri, and a virtual Officer Academy the following weekend. By offering both sessions, the Fraternity was able to train nearly 300 undergraduate officers and Chapter Advisers.

This year, in addition to inviting Chapter Presidents, the Fraternity wanted to also offer an in-person experience for Vice Presidents. Over the last couple of years, the Fraternity has released several new or updated programs, including all three phases of the Cardinal Journey program (Brotherhood in Phi Sigma Kappa in the summer of 2019, and Scholarship and Character in Phi Sigma Kappa this past summer), and the Member Safety risk management programs.

With these new and updated programs, the International Headquarters professional staff identified the Vice President as the best option to oversee the completion of these programs, based on what Chapter Coaches were observing and the role Vice Presidents commonly play in many local chapters. The in-person Conclave took place at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, Friday, January 14 through Sunday, January 16. There were 86 attendees, including 51 Chapter Presidents, 25 Vice Presidents and 10 Chapter Advisers and Alumni Advisory Board members. Six members of the IHQ professional staff were on site to provide support for the event and lead general sessions. There were also 10 small group facilitators. These facilitators (see their names listed below) were the heart

V O L U N T E E R F A C I L I T AT O R S

36

Ed Doherty (UMass ’74)

Lauren Lewallen, Zeta Tau Alpha

Renee Dubois, Gamma Phi Beta

Will Mast (Valdosta State ’15)

Len Gailes (Alabama ’93)

James Saltat (Pitt State ’14)

Kevin Hawkins (NW Missouri State ’11)

Corry Smith, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Ed Kovacs (Bowling Green ’00)

Joe Strickland, Delta Tau Delta

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


Fraternity Holds Fourth Annual National Conclave Phi Sigma Kappa hosted its fourth annual national Conclave: Officer and Advisers Academy this past January.

of the training, leading groups of nine to eleven participants in critical conversations about their role in the chapter and important issues in the fraternal community. These volunteers were a mix of Phi Sig alumni and friends of Phi Sig, including several campus partners. Events like Officer Academy cannot happen without the support of these volunteers! The weekend was jam-packed, with attendees arriving Friday afternoon and diving right into sessions after dinner. The first night focused on getting to know their small group, exploring their personal strengths using the CliftonStrengths assessment, and participating in a few teambuilding activities. Saturday saw a combination of large group general sessions and more small group discussion sessions. The general sessions covered a range of topics, including a review of the President’s and Vice President’s roles and expectations, led by then-Director of Chapter Services Grant Carpenter (Northern Arizona ’13) and Drew Kerwood (Interim Director of Education). The two followed this up with a risk management presentation, which provided attendees with a review of the Fraternity’s risk management policies, and an opportunity to explore and apply research addressing the connections between sexual violence and social event environments.

That afternoon, two members of Phi Sig’s DEI Committee, Kevin Hawkins and Ryan Nelson (Florida ’08) led a conversation focused on what Diversity, Equity and Inclusion looked like in local chapters. As the discussion progressed and attendees began to share, a nuanced conversation resulted about the importance of doing the “work at home,” as Brother Hawkins referred to it, and how chapters can help members be better prepared to engage in DEI-related discussions. The final general session on Saturday was a review of the chapter programming expectations and the new or updated programs and educational resources that have been provided over the past couple of years. Leslie Pedigo (former Director of Education) led the session and provided a review of the Cardinal Journey, Member Safety programs, and a few helpful support resources that the IHQ professional staff had developed, including the “The Guide to Local Chapter Accountability,” and the “Officer Portal User Guide.” During the small group sessions, attendees explored several topics with their facilitator and other small group members. The small groups were arranged by chapter size, providing Presidents and Vice Presidents an opportunity to connect with other officers from similar chapters sizes who were likely dealing with similar issues. Additionally, the small group discussions allowed attendees to

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

37


have more in depth and intimate discussions about topics such as how to effectively lead a team, knowing how to manage tough conversations with members, and how to manage and enhance member engagement in their chapters. Sunday morning was devoted to preparing attendees with their next steps and setting goals. Director of Education Pedigo also provided a review of the Annual Membership Survey (AMS), administered by the Fraternity’s research partner, Dyad Strategies. The AMS is designed to gather insights into a chapter’s culture and members’ commitment to Phi Sigma Kappa. Chapters are encouraged to have as many members complete the AMS each year to receive the most accurate results. The virtual Officer Academy was the following weekend. Officer tracks included the Secretary, Inductor, Sentinel, Treasurer, Vice President (for chapters who did not send someone to the

in-person weekend), the Recruitment Chairman, and a make-up session for any Chapter Presidents who were unable to attend the in-person weekend. Each track was led by a staff member and volunteer facilitators (see the list of facilitators below). Just like the in-person weekend, these volunteers were a mix of Phi Sig alumni and friends of Phi Sig, and the virtual event would not have been possible without their support. Each officer track focused on core expectations and duties of the role and provided opportunities for members to discuss critical issues related to their position. Secretaries focused on learning how to navigate Officer Portal and manage the chapter’s roster.

O F F I C E R A C A D E M Y FA C I L I TAT O R S Jacob Defassio (Valparaiso ’12)

Madeline Hittel, Alpha Omicron Pi

Clare Denhollem, member of Zeta Tau Alpha

Leigh Ann Levy, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Cassandra Gardano, Pi Beta Phi

Alyssa Mohr, Alpha Gamma Delta

Michael Haynes (Pitt State ’16)

Christopher Myofsky, member of Delta Lambda Phi

38

SPRING 2022

THE SIGNET


Treasurers dove into issues related to chapter finances, including how to create and follow a budget, important due dates, and how to address common issues with collecting dues.

small groups with other similar chapters so they could discuss issues that they were all dealing with, and share strategies that they could apply to their home chapter.

Sentinels discussed topics including member accountability strategies and tips on how to better implement rituals in their chapter (*for anyone worried, both facilitators were Phi Sigs!).

The Grand Chapter plans to continue to provide ongoing educational opportunities and resources to help ensure our chapter leaders feel prepared and successful in their roles.

The Inductors explored the ins and outs of the Brotherhood in Phi Sigma Kappa program and strategies for preventing hazing, and how to respond if hazing does occur. The President and Vice President tracks presented streamlined versions of the curriculum from the previous weekend, covering the core responsibilities of the roles and how to effectively manage teams. The 2022 Conclave: Officer and Advisers Academy saw great success in that participants felt more confident in their roles, built stronger relationships with the Grand Chapter and IHQ professional staff, and gained a better understanding of the expectations of them as officers and advisers. One of the major takeaways for all participants in St. Louis was networking with other brothers from all over the country to share ideas from those who come from similar chapters. Several attendees stated how much they appreciated being placed in

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

39


The Foundation held its mid-year meeting in Austin, Texas and held an alumni reception in conjunction with the meeting.

Back on the Road Again! Foundation Holds Receptions Across the Country Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel concerns, the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation has not been able to hold receptions for two years. Alumni gatherings are a big part of the fraternal experience and one that was truly missed by our brothers. With the slowdown of the pandemic and its restrictions the Foundation was able to hold four receptions in recent months in various locations across the country. An October reception took place in Anaheim, California at Brewery X, hosted by Brother Chris Pennington (Southern Cal AI). It was a great afternoon in sunny California as nearly 25 brothers from seven chapters came together for an afternoon of brotherhood and fellowship. The Foundation then headed to the Big Apple. New York proved to be a hot spot for Phi Sig brothers as more than 60 brothers from 25 chapters came out for a night of cocktails and reminiscing. The event featured an update from Grand Council Director David Cohen (Union ’88) and appearances from many other distinguished brothers and volunteers. In February, the Foundation headed to Austin, Texas where Dale Lowe (Houston ’66) hosted the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and PSK Properties boards for their mid-year meetings. In conjunction with the meetings, Brother Lowe hosted the boards and brothers

40

SPRING 2022

Local brothers gathered in New York City.

from the Austin area for a night of great food and magnificent views from the top of the Austonian building in downtown Austin. The Foundation is always looking for various opportunities to hold receptions. If you are interested in hosting a reception in your city, please reach out to Augie Farwig, Director of Development. We look forward to seeing more brothers in 2022! * Note: This article was written before the St. Louis event was held at the end of April.

THE SIGNET


Invest in Your Brothers!

JOB OPENINGS

You can invest in Phi Sig by going to: https://phisigmakappa.org/phi-sigma-kappa-foundation/the-foundation/ and clicking on the ‘WAYS TO GIVE’ link. If you are thinking about establishing a named scholarship or naming the Foundation as part of your estate planning, please contact Augie Farwig at augie@phisigmakappa.org or 317-573-5420, ext. 104. The Foundation even accepts donations of appreciated stock that, when donated, can REDUCE your tax bill. See the below example and speak with your investment adviser for further details.

How Donating an Appreciated Security Can Reduce Taxes Sell stock & donate cash proceeds

Donate stock directly to charity

$20,000

Value of stock when purchased

$20,000

$50,000

Current price

$50,000

$7,140

Capital gains and Medicare surtax paid on $30,000 (23.8%)

$0

$42,860

Total contribution to charity (after deducting federal taxes)

$50,000

$15,858

Income tax savings by making contribution

$18,500

Phi Sigma Kappa is an organization built on bonds of brotherhood. We believe relationships are the keys to both a positive life and work experience. This means that mutual respect and trust are essential to our success. We believe our members deserve the best possible experience and we set an expectation in all that we say and do at the International Headquarters level. Phi Sigma Kappa Headquarters is always looking for talented individuals to join our team who believe that the fraternal experience is as necessary and beneficial today as it was in 1873 when Phi Sigma Kappa was established. The professional staff has openings for various skill sets. For more information, reach out to Interim-Executive Director Joe Kern at 317/981-3019.

• Greater • tax deduction, greater contribution This is a hypothetical example for illustrative purposes only. The chart assumes that the donor is in the 37% federal income bracket with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $500,000. State and local taxes, the federal alternative minimum tax, and limitations to itemized deductions applicable to taxpayers in higher-income brackets are not taken into account. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific legal and tax situation. Information herein is not legal or tax advice. * Assumes all realized gains are subject to the maximum federal long-term capital gain tax rate of 20% and the Medicare surtax of 3.8%. Does not take into account state or local taxes, if any. Source: Fidelity.com

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

41


Future Dependent on Changing Student Demographics By Jacob Defassio (Valparaiso ’12), DEI Committee

Phi Sigma Kappa’s Mission Statement “Phi Sigma Kappa is a lifelong brotherhood dedicated to the betterment of the individual, the university community, and our world, by giving its members opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in service to others, achieve academic excellence, experience cultural diversity and practice personal integrity.”

Phi Sigs of Today and Tomorrow Phi Sigma Kappa will celebrate 150 years as a Brotherhood in 2023. While we must look back over the last 150 years, we also look at what the future holds for our current and future undergraduate members. We are here to promote the traditions and programs of Phi Sigma Kappa, but to continue these traditions, we must understand the undergraduates who will carry on this legacy for the decades to come. We Must Promote Brotherhood. As you can see in the graph below, the college student body has been growing more diverse regarding race and ethnicity over the past 20 years. This is a key factor as we continue to look at the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of Phi Sigma Kappa and how we can better ourselves as an organization to meet these changing student demographics. Although universities are becoming increasingly diverse, fraternities and sororities maintain a significant presence of white/Caucasian members. As we recognize this dynamic, it becomes more and more important that Phi Sigma Kappa identifies ways to present the benefits of our organization to diverse types of students at all our local chapters.

Students Coming from More Diverse Backgrounds

We Must Develop Character. In the graphs at right you can see the values of the undergraduate members and the factors that aid in deciding what colleges they may attend. As higher education continues to grow and adjust to the expectations of the next generation, we as a fraternity must also use this information to grow and develop the character of our Brotherhood. This includes making our chapters and fraternity spaces more welcoming and inviting to a broader slice of the ever-changing campus community. As a fraternity, we need to demonstrate what we offer to prospective members. Identifying what the local chapter has to offer, and communicating this to the student population, will make more students interested in joining Phi Sigma Kappa. In addition, we need to ensure that Phi Sigma Kappa is ready to meet this changing campus community with a welcoming experience that promotes a sense of belonging. We Must Stimulate Scholarship. You can see from the information at right that across the newest generation of brothers part of their academic achievements includes being “socially conscious, and activism inclined.” They will continue to make value-based decisions, and Phi Sigma Kappa should be a part of those values that these undergraduates look toward. As higher education takes on new challenges, Phi Sigma Kappa will need to embrace these challenges with firm conviction as we continue to move #PhiSigForward #LifeLoyal. Brothers, if you have interest in learning more about the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative that Phi Sigma Kappa has taken on, please reach out to Brother Darald Stubbs to discuss the topics and any interest you may have in joining the committee.

National Snapshot of Fraternities and Sororities

Enrollment Rates of 18 to 24 year-olds in colleges, by race/ethnicity: 2000, 2010, 2018

American Indian/Alaska Native

2% 7%

Asian Black or African American

4% 9%

Hispanic or Latinx Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific

1% 85%

White/Caucasian Not listed Source: National Center for Education Statistics.

42

SPRING 2022

7

THE SIGNET

1%

Source: EVERFI survey database, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students, 2020-2021


Higher Ed’s Challenges are Our Challenges Meeting the expectations of Gen Z Climate + values are important to prospective students:

How important are issues of safety, wellbeing, and inclusion in your college search?

86%

82%

70%

72%

It is important that colleges and universities provide students with safe and inclusive campuses.

Safety, wellbeing, and inclusion are as important as academic rigor.

Colleges/universities care about the wellbeing of their students.

Colleges/universities need to be doing more for the wellbeing of their students.

Sexual Assault Prevention

Mental Wellbeing

Substance Misuse Prevention

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The ROI of Prevention

Brand & Enrollment

Academic Success

Retention

Career Readiness

Today’s students are socially conscious and activism inclined; they make values-based consumer decisions.

Safer, healthier, more inclusive campuses have higher engagement, greater sense of belonging and improved academic outcomes.

Modest gains in prevention strategy result in higher retention rates; leadership visibility + commitment most strongly linked to persistence.

Non-cognitive skills strengthen workplace culture, increase skills and productivity, and reduce costs and turnover. 12

Credit: Images and information courtesy of the Vector Solutions and Zeta Tau Alpha webinar regarding “How Fraternities & Sororities Can Benefit from DEI Education.”

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

43


Founders Graduate in 1875 Despite Humble Origins Considering this is a traditional time for commencement celebrations, it is an appropriate time to look back and compare today’s state of higher education to that of our Founders. Adam Carter (Hobart ’90), Archives Committee The Massachusetts Ploughman and New England Agricultural Journal of Saturday, July 3, 1875, offers a glimpse into college life in mid-to-late nineteenth century America and illuminates the high achievements of our Founders and early initiates. An article entitled “Mass. Agricultural College Graduation” highlights the graduation ceremonies of the Massachusetts Agricultural College (MAC), home to Alpha Chapter. The graduates of the class of 1875 included Founders Joseph Barrett, William Brooks, Frederick Campbell, Jabez Clay, and Henry Hague, as well as early initiates Andre Southwick and Peter Harwood.

44

SPRING 2022

Founders and Brothers Mentioned and Honored Originally, the class of 1875 consisted of approximately 25 students. Of these, only 18 (or 72 percent) graduated. Of those 18, seven were brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa. They were the best of the best. Our brothers ranked first, second, fourth, and fifth. According to the Education Data Initiative, those seeking bachelor’s degrees today graduate at a rate of about 60 percent.

THE SIGNET


The Founders Joseph Barrett was to have a long and successful career in New York City in sales with the Bowker Fertilizing Company. Of the Founders, he was the one who would go on to have the most active, outward facing involvement in the affairs of the Fraternity. He was affectionately known as “Big Chief,” a nickname bestowed by the brothers at the 12th General Convention in Philadelphia. The Big Chief served many roles, including president and Grand President, from his initiation to his death in 1918. William Penn Brooks was valedictorian of the class of 1875 and the longest-lived of the Founders, entering the Chapter Eternal in 1938. MAC President, William Clay Smith, recognized Brooks’ academic achievements and recruited him, while an undergraduate, to serve on the faculty of Sapporo Agricultural College (SAC), Hokkaido, Japan. Brother Brooks was at SAC for 11 years and was instrumental in modernizing Japanese higher education. After returning to MAC, he was the longtime head of the Agricultural Extension and served as Interim President. He attended multiple conventions and the chartering of Epsilon Deuteron at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1915. Fredrick George Campbell returned to his native Vermont, where he was a successful sheep farmer and member of the Vermont legislature. The early records of Phi Sigma Kappa are replete with his gifts of maple sugar for celebrations.

Jabez William Clay was the leader of the Class of 1875. He was academically gifted and followed Brother Barrett to New York, where he also worked in sales for the Bowker Company. The Japanese government in 1879 invited him to teach at SAC but declined the offer as he was “in charge of the extensive business of the Bowker Fertilizing Co.” which he had built up in New York. According to Frank Prentice Rand’s history of the first 50 years, Brother Clay was the first to propose the founding of Phi Sigma Kappa. He was active in fraternal affairs and in the MAC Alumni Association. In 1880 he was elected Vice-President for the Class of 1875. Unfortunately, Brother Clay died early at age 28 in New York City on October 1, 1880. The 1880 Index, the MAC yearbook, notes, “He is gone from the class, from the fraternity that loved him, and they find their regard too genuine for words. He was a quiet man himself, saying but little since he felt so much. So, they must bear their regret silently, treasuring always a sad admiration for their vanished friend, whose influence yet endures.” Henry Hague, known to early brothers lovingly as “Bishop Hague,” was active in Phi Sigma Kappa as an alumnus. He was the longtime rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, known locally as the English Church, as it served a congregation of primarily English immigrants. Additionally, he was active in the civic affairs of Worcester, where he sat on the school board.

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

45


Joseph Barrett

William Penn Brooks

Fredrick George Campbell

Though Xenos Young Clark did not graduate with his class, he led an interesting and peripatetic life. Brother Clark crisscrossed America and Europe, writing children’s stories and articles on philosophy. He died young at home in Amherst in 1889.

No man’s life can be a series of continued triumphs. In all your struggles, with the use of your best energies you must meet with alternating success and defeat and every well-met struggle will give you strength for future conflicts; and, if you meet all the difficulties which surround your path in the spirit of a generous and earnest manhood, ultimate success must await you all.”

In comparison, according to the Institute for College Access & Success, 1.5 million students graduated from a 4-year college in 2016, with an average of $29,650 in student loans. Graduates with debt represented 69 percent of all students graduating with a BA.

Early Initiates Andrew Andre Southwick, as an undergraduate, was known for his scholarship. He worked for a time after graduation on the MAC farm, after which he returned to Mendon, MA, his birthplace. He was an involved alumnus. Peter Mirick Harwood grew up with Joseph Barrett in Barre, MA. After graduation, he was an involved alumnus and returned to his hometown, where he was a farmer. Brother Hardwood, like Brother Brigham, was active in the Massachusetts Grange, a fraternal organization that lobbied for the interests of farmers, where he rose to statewide office. From their diverse and successful pursuits, our Founders and early initiates took to heart Governor Gaston’s words of advice, “Gentlemen of the Graduating Class: Your labors in these academic halls are now completed; the labors of preparation are over, and the real and earnest duties and work of life have begun. …

46

SPRING 2022

Who Was Educated in the Nineteenth Century? Education in the nineteenth century, especially higher education, was a privilege of the upper, usually landed class. Even wealth did not guarantee the successful completion of a degree. It was common for the sons of the wealthy to attend college for a year and then drop out for financial reasons. As a result, the sons of ordinary farmers did not receive a college education. Considering the times, it is a remarkable achievement, given our Founders’ humble origins, that they found themselves attending and then graduating from MAC.

THE SIGNET

The National Center for Education Statistics has kept graduation data since 1869. The early numbers reveal those who did not attend school outnumbered those who did. The population of the United States, according to the 1870 Census, was approximately 38.6 million, and there were 815,000 17-year-olds. Of these, only 16,000 (or 2 percent) graduated from high school. By 2017, that percentage had grown to 85.3. In terms of literacy, 20 percent of the population over the age of 14 were illiterate. A 2019 report by the NCES shows only 4.1 percent of the population as “functionally illiterate.” In 1874-75 there were 11,932 bachelor’s degrees conferred. In 2018-2019, 2 million such degrees were granted, according to NCES.


Xenos Young Clark

The Morrill Act Senator Justin Smith Morrill (R-VT) was a United States Senator from Vermont. With the Land Grant Act of 1862, Morrill sought to foster the growth of engineering, agricultural, and military science. Prior to the passage of the Act, American colleges offered a fixed curriculum and were the domain of the American elite. The Act opened higher education to the sons of poor and under-educated immigrants. A prime example is Founder Henry Hague. At the age of 10, Brother Hague immigrated with his family from Ashton-under-Lyne, England to New Hampshire. His father was a cotton spinner in England, a trade he continued in America. At best, wages for cotton spinners in the old and new worlds were meager. Brother Hague was not afforded a legacy; he worked many jobs to save for his tuition prior to entering MAC in 1871. The positive effect of The Morrill Act is summed up by the following from the Ploughman article, “Many of these young men entered college relying on their own exertions to get an education. They could not have attended any more expensive college, nor could they have gone through here without

Jabez William Clay

facilities afforded by the farm for earning something as they went along. During their four-year course, the members of the class have earned $10,488 or an average of $582.67 since entering college.” In terms of 2021 dollars, the students collectively earned more than $260,000 or an average of $14,700. Our Founders and early initiates, as the article demonstrates, were high achievers. They were leaders of their class and men. Though men of humble beginnings, they were able through the Morrill Act to obtain a college education, graduate, and go on to lead successful lives, and excel in diverse careers. In founding Phi Sigma Kappa, Brothers Barrett, Brooks, Campbell, Clark, Clay, and Hague sought men like themselves, high achievers, and through instilling in them the importance of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Character made them better. The foundation laid by our Founders is strong. The evidence of its strength is clear. Phi Sigma Kappa is on the eve of celebrating our sesquicentennial, 150th anniversary.

THE SIGNET

Henry Hague

SAMPLE LISTING OF LAND GRANT COLLEGES WITH PHI SIG CHAPTERS Maryland (Eta) Penn State (Kappa) Cal/Berkley (Omega) Minnesota (Beta Deuteron) Iowa State (Gamma Deuteron) Tennessee (Xi Deuteron) Ohio State (Pi Deuteron) Kentucky (Phi Deuteron) Washington State (Chi Deuteron) Oregon (Psi Deuteron) Purdue (Delta Triton) Connecticut (Iota Triton) Rhode Island (Lambda Triton) Idaho (Phi Triton) Michigan State (Xi Tetarton) Utah (Gamma Pentaton) Arizona (Phi Pentaton) Clemson (Upsilon Septaton) Auburn (Omega Septaton) Texas A&M (provisional chapter)

SPRING 2022

47


CHAPTER ETERNAL Central Michigan

East Stroudsburg

Jerome Bechtel ’60 Charles Donaldson ’90 Bernard T Topham Jr ’50

Anthony F Dellinger Jr ’68 John F Gillen Jr ’76 William Glazerman ’69 Stacy Olewiler ’81

Central Missouri

East Tennessee State

Gene M. Augustine ’59 Harold L Best ’56 Jack L. Gold ’53 Robert D Haggard ’54 William H Kidd ’55 Victor A Kauzlarich ’69 Paul D McBee ’66 Howard E Rush ’49 Richard B Smith ’56 James F Swafford ’53 William H Turnbow ’50

Akron

James S Fann ’87 Billy J Hammond ’58

Eastern Illinois

William H Beckett ’56 Thomas P Custer ’76 John J Emery ’58 William H Heinl ’59 David F Johnson ’59 Donald C Morris ’50 John R Sankey ’61 Horace D Smith ’56

City College of New York

Alabama

Clinch Valley College

Emmett B Shotts Jr ’53

American

Donald M Aquilino ’51 Donald R Brenner Ronald B Haight ’65 Jonathan D Ward ’70 Frederick C Warther ’52 Thomas L Whittaker ’62

Appalachian State Harrison Steven ’24

Arizona State

William P Fleming ’51 Allen D Hunt ’69 John B Hunt ’59 Robert E Reynolds ’59 James R Sellers ’55 Robertson C Watts ’68

George C Erkmann ’57 John C Tomcala ’47 Richard G Cassell ’81 Michael C Dallmus ’09 William Koerber ’63

Steven M Molnar ’67

Central Arkansas

Danny G. Longing ’77 Joseph Whittington ’24

Emporia State

Will C Baumgartner ’59 Gene Bloxom ’53 Paul S Damron ’53 Gary L Divel ’63 Harold Ehrlich ’52 Robert D. Humiston ’59 James H Kirby, Jr ’70 Donald L Lambring ’62 Keith L Lewis ’68 Bob G Markham ’57 Clarence W. Scharff ’52 John E. Wiebe ’57 George Russell Wiley ’51

Bruce R. Boerner ’53 Richard H Brady ’54 Edward J Brown ’54 Robert L Cote ’67 Thomas D Hopps ’51 David W Juliano ’64 Edward T Mack ’59 Joseph R Marfuggi ’63 Richard A Miller ’56 Robert D Pikula ’64 William A Roberto ’68 Alvah A. Russell Jr ’51

Fresno State

James R Calvert ’57

Frostburg State

Paul Greenwell ’94

George Washington Bernie D Bernstone ’91

The Signet publishes Chapter Eternal to recognize and honor the passing of members. The Grand Chapter relies on our members for the deceased notices and obituaries. Please help to honor these brothers. We have recently embarked on an update of our

48

SPRING 2022

Donald C Atkinson ’55 Earl H Fritz ’52 Richard G Shook ’46

Henderson State Joe F Carroll ’65

Hillsdale College

Alfred Carl ’71 Daniel E Richards ’73 Stephen F Strock ’72

Hobart

Barry S Shanbron ’54 Robert L Teamerson ’51 Robert B Vogel ’72 Richard M Wasserman ’58

Houston

Anthony C Scelfo ’60

Idaho State

L James Eason Jr ’58 Van K Griffitts ’72 Harold J Miller Jr ’63

Illinois

Indiana

Allen M Baumgardner ’63 George E Rutter ’49 Robert M Savage ’50 John C Shuman Jr ’62 William C Tompson ’66

William L Stacey ’60

Gettysburg

Franklin & Marshall

Florida

Detroit

Charles N Adams Jr ’44 Arthur R Cox ’61 Joseph Grabuskie ’60 Kenneth F Howell Jr ’60 Edward E Meyer ’62 Danny R Robbins ’70 Robert D Rutland ’64

Howard R Pitman ’57

Clyde L Kibiloski ’77 John E McAllen ’71

RT Bueschel ’55 Thomas J Higgins Jr ’25 George B High ’53

Georgia Tech

Ernest R Barta ’50 John R Coath ’49 Rodney B Fetterolf ’88 Rodney J Fetterolf ’62 James Hanlon ’02 George W Kiningham ’40 Art B Klaviter ’61

Ferris State

Cornell

Dartmouth

Boston University

David Kordich ’73

Connecticut

Cal State/Northridge

Tracy S. Black ’73 Joseph M Gilbert ’59 Sandy E Moss ’66 Thomas D Sumner ’62

Edinboro

Howard E Payne ’91

Louis Datillo ’54

Ball State

Eastern Michigan

Robert J Bohn ’59 Howard Grossman ’51 Lynn D Langley ’61 Rainer Naus ’61

Clarion

Arthur L. Ansel ’00 James M Beaty ’67 Peter H Brown ’65 Raymond L Eggert Jr ’50 Robert H Foreman ’65 David W Hannum ’59 Henry D Harford ’52 Allen K Jones ’69 J T Komonchak ’67 Roger E Metzger ’58 Robert W Menger ’57

James L Hanks ’44 Charles T Hashbarger ’54 John R. Jones ’57 Tom P. Katsimpalis ’52 Stan Papp ’61 Edgar D Smitley ’53 John A Walstrom Jr ’60

Ferdinand S Cardano ’50 John E Lintner ’58 Thomas J McCleary ’58 Richard A Scott ’79

Ronald G Ballenger ’64 Fred W Bowman Jr ’72 Fred Brown ’61 Donald E Hall ’73 Arlynn L Harroff ’57 Corroll B Owen ’62 John R Parente ’53 Floyd J Rush Jr ’59 Benjamin E Wright ’59

Indiana/PA

Joseph A Molitierno ’71 Joseph F Naunchik ’98

records in partnership with Publishing Concepts and the Oral History Project. Some of these brothers may have passed at an earlier date. If you would like more information, you can contact the professional staff to request how we learned about the above

THE SIGNET


CHAPTER ETERNAL

Johnson & Wales Shane Hickey ’14

John W Stoehr ’57 Theodore A Urban ’50

Larry L Powell ’58 Calvin C Remmers

Kent State

Minnesota

Northwestern

Neil R Wilson ’65 Paul Yacobian ’51

Kentucky

Orville B Baird ’57 James A Brown ’53 Harold W. Holtzclaw ’50 Norman D Osborne ’64 Donald J Ruhe ’63 Ronald L Steedly ’65 Marvin E Thornton Jr ’74

Richard R Lemasters ’78 James R Mac Lennan ’75 David M Warner ’69

John H Manes ’54 William J McFerren ’56

David F Foley ’64 Richard G Robinson ’71 Roy E Wood ’32

Oregon

William A Critchlow ’51

Oregon State

Montana State

Robert J Hannan ’65

Lehigh

Muhlenberg

Lesley H Browder Jr ’57 James P Klima Jr ’54 Francis C McMichael ’58 Raymond W Stover ’60

Ohio State

Montana

Perry C Brackett ’51 Dennis E Matzinger ’73 Fredrick E Scherrer ’59 John O Teigen ’52

LIU/Post

William C Barrows ’71

Raymond S Jablonn ’54 Clyde R Kalahan ’45 Martin E Packard ’42 Ward C Sherman ’53 Will M Storey ’53

Penn

Edward M Berdick ’53

Donald G Wells ’64

Ray G Clem ’62 Dennis V Crane ’74 Robert Z Dalbey ’78 Charles L Harper ’56

Timothy Baker ’63 William J Baxter Jr ’54 William J Hof ’57 Jerome H Pennock ’43 Louis A Tobia ’63 Charles W Wagner Jr ’39

MIT

Nicholls State

Penn State

Loyola Marymount Delbert Joo ’08 Gary L Palonen ’63 Robert J Peterson ’44 Clinton H Springer ’45 Richard M Stevens ’41 Norman F Surprenant ’49

Maryland

Gary S Albert ’91 John W Dorsey Jr ’58 Donald L Fresh ’50 James E Kenkel ’55 Fred H Marchionna ’54 William B McKinney ’50 Thomas V Miller Jr ’64 Richard H Nagle ’51 Christopher R Reed ’89 Louis V Roy ’60 Donald F Swan ’70 George L Wannall ’42

Massachusetts

Vincent A Galli ’53 Philip C Hallenbrook ’56 Richard C Hansen ’49 Gerald D Oconnell ’60 Roger G Mack ’59 Donald T Tepper Jr ’63 John F Welch, Jr. ’57

Memphis

Drew Daniel ’97 Roger A Porter ’89

Michigan

Nevada/Reno

Joseph E Stephen ’73 North Carolina David A Brown ’79

William C Noble ’64 Terence L Seese ’70 Dan T Stearns ’73 Franklin C Thompson ’52 James H Wolfe ’71

Northeastern

Mike Spadinger ’77

Pittsburg State

Northeastern State George K Coil ’56 David B Main Norman D Smith ’73

Northern Illinois

Edward Liska, Jr ’58 Tyler Madison ’25 John Simich ’53 John T Werselles ’71

Northern Iowa

Ivan F Cole ’70 D Howard Hardin ’54 William H McCabe ’49 James M. Oberman ’47 Roy E Voggesser ’56

Northland College

Michael W Harmon ’65 Gerald R Stroshane ’66 William Wuebben ’64

Northwest Missouri State William R Baker ’52 Dean C Beemer Raymond E. Briscoe ’66 James Crozier ’68

Paul Arabia ’61 Alan P Armstrong ’69 James L Berry ’61 Anthony J Bresnick ’60 Patrick E Campbell ’65 James E Chubb ’64 Francis E Clark ’64 George A Dean ’66 Jerome L Elliott ’64 Kenneth R Gibbs ’66 Thomas C Gorman ’68 Michael L Gray ’65 Michael H Hardy ’71 David S Herman ’69 Larry J High ’60 William A King ’69 Greg M Kirkendoll ’64 John T Kirtley ’65 Alfred M Martino ’69 Steven F Mason ’70 John R Morley Jr ’71 Dr Phillip L Norton ’63 Kenny R Pierson ’63 Daniel L Prichard ’64 Melvin W Rising ’50 Herbert D Sanders ’69 Robert W Scott Jr ’63

Arthur V Allison ’39

brothers. Also, due to this circumstance some of the data above may be held over from issue to issue to inform our Brotherhood. Some information may have also been excluded at the request of the family.

Douglas L Sidles ’65 Donald Uhlenhop ’51 Robert L Vavra ’60 James V Walker ’64 Fredrick G Willhaus ’68 William J Williams ’70 Randy W Williamson ’69

Purdue

Gary E Argo ’62 Richard L Balser ’45 Richard P Batesky ’53 Robert L Berg ’50 Nathan L Bond ’62 Allan J. Buckreus ’43 Nelson T Clark ’63 Thomas R Dunham ’47 Terry D Liffick ’64 Purdue/Calumet Lawrence E Pavic ’94

RIT

Andrew V Demarco ’61 David C Miles ’64 Francis A Moses Jr ’74 Donald L Raines ’65 David E Vanzandt ’71

Rensselaer

John E Johnson ’54 Harry V O’Connell ’52 Barrie T Reed ’54

Rhode Island

Donald A Booth ’55 Ronald A Follett ’55 Albert P Hutnak ’56 James C Lewis ’73 James E Lovegreen ’58 Harold R Melkonian ’52

Rider

James E Allan ’62 Donald J Apai ’58 Richard A Fandel John T Olson ’71 Charles Reda ’00 Mike J Scharff ’68 David M Schrum ’64 Frank Serago ’75 Allan Yeaple

Robert Morris

Roland M Wurthner ’72

San Jose State

Richard S Albrecht ’55 Emil Anderson ’49 Emil Anderson Jr ’63 Donald R Doty ’53 Marshall U Estrada Jr ’61 Glenn F Kaminsky ’56 Donald H Kortes ’53 Richard J Sparling ’64

Please send notices by email or mail to: Kathy Cannady at kathy@phisigmakappa.org Phi Sigma Kappa International Headquarters 2925 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46240

THE SIGNET

SPRING 2022

49


CHAPTER ETERNAL

Shepherd College

Bruce E Eyler ’00 Robert Kamensky ’65

Shippensburg

Kenneth D Allison ’66 Samuel R Brinton ’61 Dale E Kann ’63 L Daniel Mauger ’63 Michael E Salmon ’68

SUNY Geneseo

William A Jaquette Jr ’42

Southeast Missouri State

Tennessee/Martin

South Carolina

Robert D. Wehling ’76

Southeastern Oklahoma State Samuel L Trice ’98

Southern Cal

William E Busby ’50 Charles B Clark ’47 Edward S Flory ’46 Frank Gafkowski Jr ’58 John S Harris ’49 Wayne R Jarvis ’53 John Luber ’42 John F McCasland ’65 Marc R Palotay ’72 Robert T Townsend ’39

Southern Illinois

John I MacDonald ’67 Michael C Meyer ’69

Southwest Missouri State Dennis Ramsey ’00 Gerald G Wies ’89

50

SPRING 2022

John P Kuhns ’77

West Virginia

Jackson L Anderson ’49 David W Carter ’66 Robert T Conner ’56 Elmer L Creel Jr ’38 James G Dial ’51 Allen N Duckworth ’62 Colton Hodge ’18 William J McKinney ’54 Charles E Martin ’62 Jeffrey S Rueff ’79

Tufts

UC/Berkeley

William Ellison ’48 Gregory R Higgins ’80 Kenneth V Margotta ’62 Robert J Reinhartsen ’80 Daniel E Stolz ’92 Arthur J Sullivan ’68 Howard H Zehner ’52

West Liberty State

Bruce Burdett ’54 Francis E Dant ’50 Charles F Magruder ’52 William R Matthew ’50 Eldon W Tietsort ’51

West Virginia Wesleyan

Harry Stewart ’64

Robert E Kraft ’63 David Rollins ’76

UC/Davis

Thomas G Frank ’44 James R Lauchland ’56 Peter D McGarva ’55 William M Urrutia ’59

Western Illinois

George M Babich ’74 Frank Gusman Dennis P Lynch ’71 Brian J Smiley ’67

UC/Santa Barbara

Ken A Kosloff ’70 A James Peterson ’80

Western Michigan

Union College

Thomas S Atkins ’59 John Moses ’53 Roy Neuer ’58 Robert J Osekavage ’62 Francis C Purstell ’53 Jacek D Rudnicki ’00

University of the Pacific Robert L Rosemeyer ’63

Utah

Wisconsin/Oskkosh Burdette Eagan ’00 Bob A Luckey ’71

Wisconsin/Platteville

Wisconsin/Stevens Point

Barry C Cartwright ’69 Charles S Mead ’45 Ronald L Pyeatt ’58 Bruce D Schmick ’65

Truman State

Charles A Berray ’71 Rick Mathison ’69 Robert P Probst ’65 Charles L Steele ’63

Washington

Washington State

Jason L Corby ’95

Wisconsin/Milwaukee

Dale M Dunlop ’68 Smedley W Lynn ’61

Kenneth E Bunting ’56

Towson

Chris P Mantz ’93

Wagner College

Washington College

Robert M Adams ’47 John W Price ’61 Darrell D Wilson ’61

Wisconsin/Green Bay

Paul Jelle ’74 Roland Luchsinger ’51 Jack Sherman ’57 Wisconsin/River Falls John K Allen ’00

John R Lembo ’52 Jack Russ ’51

Texas

St. Lawrence

Stevens

Jesse B Coleman ’75 Philip J Sabino ’94

Charles H Groll ’74

Joseph W Mahoney, Jr ’76

Robert B Downer ’51 Donald L Farr ’53 J R Hamilton ’64 Tedford E Kimbell ’63 Gary D Reagan ’63

Virginia Tech

Tennessee Wesleyan

St. Joseph’s

Stanford

John R Bruggeman ’75 Michael A Chapman ’77 James W Davis Jr ’64 Walter Q Kelly ’57 Thomas R Shepherd, Jr ’66

Edward D Brummitte ’64 Eddie R Burklow ’60 Christopher B Lee ’92 David A Shepard ’69

William R Congo ’59 Lawrence Greenfield ’60 Kenneth Jacobsen ’57 John E Malin ’59

Arnold T Carlson ’49 John H Cooper ’42 Donald G Crowell ’54 Robert S Gray ’43 William L Lewis ’58 Robert B Russell ’45 George A Thiel ’47 Frederick S Wilder ’50

Virginia

Tennessee

Joseph Marion Husbands ’51

David A. Wilson ’88

David A Gille ’65 William C Haller ’69 James V Volk ’68

Swarthmore

J Edward Ailor ’63 James E Hancock ’36 John F Humphrey Jr ’56 Brian K North ’92 Jackson H Pate ’58 William T Penn ’59 Robert K Reel Jr ’62 William F Sears ’58 John T Taylor ’71

Slippery Rock

Valparaiso

Norman L. Miller, Jr ’53

Gustav J Buchholz ’69 Earl W Dalzell ’59 John McParland Ed Schulz Robert Shafer Rupert C Shaft ’77 James Stewart ’20 Donald J. Stifler ’58 John D Telfer ’62

Wisconsin

Laverne James Larson ’58

Charles L Lindberg ’72

THE SIGNET

Mike Counsell ’70 Terry Pease ’56 John H Popeck ’52 Donald Rush ’52 Robert W. Worth ’52 Wisconsin/Stout Richard Jobst ’66 Gene M Landgraf ’50 Harry E Watts ’61

Wisconsin/Superior Donald E Bucheger ’74 Orvin R Clark ’64 George S Kardon ’65 Thomas E Quinn ’62

Wisconsin/Whitewater James H Albee ’66 James W Edwards ’66

Worcester

Allen Breed ’46 Paul M Dalton ’58 Ronald S Drewiany ’79 Kendall F Forsberg ’53 George W Gregory Jr ’45 William F Hester ’60 Antanas S Liutkus ’65 Robert E Nowell ’48 George G Olear ’77

Youngstown State

Gregory D Loughrie ’62

OF NOTE… Rob Perelka (Northern Arizona ’92) was a long-time chapter adviser for the Rho Hexaton Chapter at Northern Arizona and also served as a district governor. Jack Welch (Massachusetts ’57) was Chairman and CEO of General Electric between 1981 and 2001. Read more about Brother Welch on page 21.


A savings front could develop in your area today. Here’s the latest for your area: Phi Sigma Kappa members could expect sunny skies and a considerable possibility of saving money with a special discount from GEICO. Additionally, there’s a high likelihood of above average annual savings, with totals of $500 or more, as reported by new customers. There also appears to be a 97% chance of customer satisfaction. geico.com/greek/phisigmakappa

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Average savings amount based on national GEICO New Policyholder survey data through May 2021. GEICO contracts with various membership entities and other organizations, but these entities do not underwrite the offered insurance products. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO may not be involved in a formal relationship with each organization; however, you still may qualify for a special discount based on your membership, employment or affiliation with those organizations. The GEICO Mobile app and site received #1 rankings according to the Dynatrace Q1 and Q3 2020 Mobile Insurance Scorecards. Customer satisfaction based on an independent study conducted by Alan Newman Research, 2021. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko® image © 1999–2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_824472374


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

As seen on the Today Show March 17 During a feature by NBC’s Harry Smith, a Phi Sig button can be seen (and focused) in one of the shots!

The establishment boasts an abundance of memorabilia on its walls and apparently, a proud Phi Sig has visited.

On St. Patrick’s Day, the Today Show featured a story on McSorley’s Old Ale House, New York City’s oldest Irish saloon which was founded in 1854.

You can watch the feature on YouTube by searching the Today Show for March 17, 2022.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.