Shonk Archive Open at IHQ

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 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 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.

Thomas Hinkley

Elizabeth Shonk

Omega Deuteron Chapter Omicron Deuteron Chapter Omicron Deuteron Alumni Club Phi Deuteron Chapter Phi Sigma Kappa Properties Signet Corporation of Santa Barbara Signet Publishing Board

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.

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