The Signet of Phi Sigma Kappa (Spring 2023)

Grand President Chris Hoye Celebrates Founders’ Day See pages 8-9 for more details!

Convention Registration • Day of Giving • Phi Sig Timeline

S P R I N G 2023

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Grand President’s Message 6 Foundation President’s Message

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7 PSK Properties President’s Message

On the Cover — Grand President Chris Hoye visits with Alpha Chapter President Liam Fabbri at the Phi Sigma Kappa Shrine

12 Charting the Course for the Future 14 Day of Giving 2023 Phi Sig celebrated a record-breaking sixth annual Day of Giving.

17 Time Capsule 18 Grand Chapter Makes Plans for Continued Growth

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20 Phi Sig Experience Through Generations Interviews of a variety of brothers reveal life-changing experiences.

24 Fifth Annual Officer Academy Phi Sigma Kappa hosted its fifth annual national Conclave: Officer Academy this past January and February.

34 Alumni News 36 Call for Nominations — Grand President and Grand Council The Nominating Committee will receive nominations for the offices of Grand President and Grand Council Directors, interview all candidates, and present a slate to the General Convention in New Orleans, LA, this summer.

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THE SIGNET

SPRI NG 2 0 2 3 FEATURE

8 Leaders Visit Fraternity’s Birthplace In Celebration of Sesquicentennial The rich history of Phi Sigma Kappa on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus genuinely made the occasion come alive.

10 Convention Registration and Schedule

28 Foundation Receptions This past January, the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation hit the road to begin celebrating the Fraternity’s Sesquicentennial!

O U R H E R I TAG E

30 150 Years of Leadership Looking back at the brothers who served as Grand Presidents.

(Part 2 of 2)

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47 Chapter Eternal 48 Chapter News

FEATURE

40 Phi Sigma Kappa Timeline THE SIGNET

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Grand President’s Message Hello Brothers! I hope you and your families are doing well and enjoying the days we are blessed to be given!

I write this final article as your Grand President, reflecting on the past 3 ½ years of achievements and challenges within Phi Sigma Kappa.

Chris Hoye Grand President

On March 4, Court of Honor Brother Todd Simpson (Central Missouri ’86), Grand Council Director Darald Stubbs (Stetson ’88), Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation President Tom Grunwald (Ferris State ’91), Phi Sigma Kappa Properties President Shawn Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00), Executive Director Joe Kern (Radford ’09), and I had the privilege of visiting the Phi Sigma Kappa Shrine and spending time with our brothers of Alpha Chapter at the University of Massachusetts.

What a grand moment to walk and be in the same space as our founders, to see our Shrine in person and hear our history from Brothers Ed Doherty (UMass ’74) and Dan Carmody (UMass ’72). Brothers, it was truly inspiring and heartwarming for all and I encourage you to make the trip to see our birthplace!

During this visit I reflected and realized in a world filled with so many conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, food shortages, and a global health crisis, we are privileged and fortunate to be in a Brotherhood whose members care for one another, who support one another, who challenge one another, who strive to achieve the same common goal(s) and in the end who love Phi Sigma Kappa.

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

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Phi Sigma Kappa’s trajectory continues to be upward, and I am DAMN PROUD of the work we have completed over the past four years. Here are a few examples: • Awarded multiple Laurel Wreaths for launching successful Parts 1, 2, and 3 of Cardinal Journey • Renovated the International Headquarters building, which includes the completion of: • The Shonk Archive and Educational Center (SAEC) • The Anthony Fusaro Ritual Room • The Beta Chapter Studio

• The Stearns Educational Center

• Implemented the Chapter Coaching model during the COVID pandemic to support undergraduate chapter leaders • Established the DEI Committee (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to aid the organization in fostering a sense of belonging

• Developed a new 5-point Strategic Plan for Phi Sigma Kappa — 1) Strategic Growth 2) Undergraduate Experience 3) Alumni Experience 4) Volunteer Experience 5) Financial Growth We all are thankful and appreciate the support from the Grand Council Directors, Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation Trustees, the Phi Sigma Kappa Properties Board, the Court of Honor, alumni brothers across the globe, and our professional, paid staff at your Phi Sigma Kappa International Headquarters — Joe Kern, Kathy Cannady, Marsha Spears, Karen Miller, Drew Kerwood, Augie Farwig (Ball State ’17), Natalie Brewster, Lindsey Hollis, Joey Teeple (Valparaiso ’13), Danny Kobren (Minnesota ’17), and Peyton Norris (Ball State ’22).

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If you have been waiting on the sidelines for a call to support, I am calling on you to contribute your skill sets to your Fraternity. If you are reluctant, know you are not alone, and those who have stepped forward before you will state it was a great decision. We are poised to make GREAT moves in the future.

Please step forward to help make Phi Sig better each day!

Brothers, I would be remiss if I did not thank your spouses and family members for their support of Phi Sigma Kappa. Our families sacrifice their time and finances so we can make Phi Sig better each day. Please thank them for me!

Additionally, thank you to Brothers Al Shonk (Southern Cal ’54), Tony Fusaro (Rhode Island ’58), Dru Bagwell (Tennessee ’64), Bud Berman (Swarthmore ’62), Todd Simpson, David Spreitzer (Kentucky ’80), Scott Jacobson (Cal Poly ’01), Sean Shingler (George Mason ’97), Bart Sheeler (Dayton ’81), Mark Azzarello (Rhode Island ’80), Mark Viel (Ferris State ’73), Tom Grunwald, Shawn Shivnen, Michael Carey (Clarion ’92), Tom Graef (Ferris State ’02), my two past Grand Council Director Boards — David Cohen (Union ’88), Atif Elkadi (Cal Poly ’01), Dr. Matt Gregory (Southern Illinois ’95), Jeff Liesendahl (Northern Illinois ’87), Dr. Sean McGreevy (Henderson State ’97), Brandon Paternoster (Ferris State ’04), Darald Stubbs, and Jonathan Taylor (RIT AI) for all their time, support and counsel during my Grand Presidency.

Thank you to my wife, Angie Hoye (Red Carnation), for her support of me over the past four years. She has celebrated our achievements and has always been willing to listen to the challenges while providing solid feedback. Her dedication to Phi Sigma Kappa is amazing! Additionally, to my family, Jordan and Ashley, Colton, and David for your patience and time while I was on multiple evening calls and weekend-long visits.

To conclude, in my first Signet article of Winter 2019, I wrote “I want to tell you I am humbled and honored to serve each of you. Thank you for your trust, confidence, and belief in my capabilities to make Phi Sig better each day.” This statement, this belief still holds true today … it truly has been a PRIVILEGE and HONOR to serve as your Grand President. I look forward to seeing each of you at our General Convention and celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Phi Sigma Kappa in New Orleans July 26-29, 2023.

Thank you for making Phi Sig better each day. I love you, brothers, and I am DAMN PROUD to be a Phi Sig! Fraternally,

VOL. CXIV, NO. 1 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) PROFESSIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF Executive Director Joseph Kern (Radford ’09) Associate Executive Director Kathy Cannady (Alpha Gamma Delta) Director of Development Augie Farwig (Ball State ’17) Director of Prevention Initiatives Drew Kerwood (Delta Chi) Director of the Undergraduate Experience Natalie Brewster (Alpha Delta Pi) Director of Organizational Growth Lindsey Hollis (Delta Delta Delta) Director of Volunteer Initiatives Joseph Teeple (Valparaiso ’13) Director of Membership Engagement Daniel Kobren (Minnesota ’17) Financial Services Specialist Marsha Spears Administrative Assistant Karen Miller Communications Coordinator Peyton Norris (Ball State ’22) 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 2925 E. 96th St. Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 573-5420 www.phisigmakappa.org

Chris Hoye (Ferris State ’91) Grand President

Produced in the USA

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Foundation President’s Message Brothers, As I write this, Founders’ Day (March 15th) is two weeks away, and Convention ( July 26-29th) seems an eternity away — just over four months. Yet, by the time you read this, our 150th Founders’ Day will be in the past, and there will be about 100 days until our 69th General Convention in New Orleans! But, as you will read in the messages from the other Presidents, our Fraternity continues to celebrate successes and improve in many ways … and so does the Foundation.

Tom Grunwald Foundation President

PHI SIGMA KAPPA FOUNDATION BOARD PRESIDENT Thomas Grunwald (Ferris State ’91) 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Clay Skurdal (Montana State ’82) 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Mark Cowan (Minnesota ’71) VICE PRESIDENT/ ENTREPRENEURSHIP Braden Keeter (Auburn ’17) VICE PRESIDENT/ DONOR ENGAGEMENT Stephen Laukhuf (Midwestern State ’84) TREASURER Matthew Waltz (Marian ’02) SECRETARY Sean Eaves (Midwestern State ’93) HISTORIAN/ARCHIVIST Adam Carter (Hobart ’90) TRUSTEES Darren Azarian (Southern Cal ’94) Chad Burney (Central Missouri ’05) Keith Clark (Rutgers ’67) Walter (Jake) Clements (Midwestern State ’06) Adam Gagas (Hobart ’93) Vernon Hackworth (Kentucky ’89) Sean Hamilton (Stetson ’89) Harry (Bud) Hanna (Ferris State ’70) T. Scott Lyons (Alabama ’95) Glenn Roby (Northern Illinois ’91) Gregory Stack (Kentucky ’89) Ryan Tabaka (Illinois ’00) Bennett Williams (Indiana ’07) Thomas Wright (Wisconsin/Milwaukee ’92) ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES Trevor Reed (Robert Morris ’16) Jacob Sapp (Stetson ’16)

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The implementation and rollout of ChapterSpot, the new interface system which will update many current processes, is on schedule, and portions of it should be in your hands by the Fall term. ChapterSpot will also impact your alumni clubs by allowing you to bill dues and coordinate events. Attendees of the Officer Academy were shown some of the early capabilities and were excited to see the possibilities. In addition, the Foundation will continue to support the educational needs of the Fraternity, including systems like ChapterSpot.

Day of Giving, which coincides with our Brotherhood’s Founders’ Day, is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event. ALL the funds raised are provided to the Fraternity in various educational grants like costs for undergraduates to attend required functions, scholarships, staffing costs, and, of course, Leadership Schools and Conventions. This fiscal year, the Foundation aims to exceed the grants already being provided to the Fraternity in June 2023.

We can do all of this with your investments in Phi Sig. If you are already LifeLoyal, thank you, and remember to renew your commitment. If you are not LifeLoyal, take a moment to reflect on what the Fraternity has meant in your life. The details among us may differ, but I daresay they are positive for all. Starting with our ritual, a brother has been there for you from day one. From helping you study to golf outings, sports events, marriages, a hug during times of need, a call when you are down, and too many others to articulate, Phi Sig has been there for you. Phi Sig needs you today as we continue our shared journey over the next 150 years.

Our duty as alumni is to provide quality education in a positive environment so our undergraduates can grow and become successful men. College students today are presented with many challenges that do not apply to us. So, whenever I am helping out the chapter at Villanova, I often reflect on how, if I were subject to today’s challenges, how would I perform? I do not know for certain that I could succeed in the same ways now that I did back then, so I continue to be impressed by the young men I interact with and advise.

With your decision to invest in OUR shared future, the Phi Sigs reading this issue can guarantee more positive individual futures of thousands of current undergraduates. Please give what you can during this, our 150th year! Join LifeLoyal and support the chosen ideals of our mutual affection and common endeavor. I hope to see you in New Orleans — it is an event NOT to be missed!

Damn Proud!

Tom Grunwald (Ferris State ’91) Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation President

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A Message from Phi Sigma Kappa Properties Brothers, I am writing today after our alumni club at Epsilon Lambda (Eastern Michigan University) finished our Phi Sigma Epsilon Founders’ Day and Phi Sigma Kappa Sesquicentennial celebration. We rented a suite at our convocation center for the Eastern Michigan vs. Western Michigan basketball game. Brothers from across four decades of Phi Sig were present at the event. We are fortunate to have such a strong Brotherhood that has built bonds across the generational boundaries that can separate us all too easily. I know this section is for Phi Sigma Kappa Properties to tell you about what is going on, but the truth is, every aspect of Phi Sig is driven by the experiences of our members. While we just celebrated our 150th anniversary, I have chosen to focus this article on what makes us so strong — our relationships.

In January, the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and Phi Sigma Kappa Properties Boards met in Orlando for our combined midyear meetings with Grand President Chris Hoye (Ferris State ’91) and Grand Council Director Darald Stubbs (Stetson ’88). We rented two houses right by each other so that we could share meals and stories as brothers from across the country came together to better our Fraternity. The weekend was a huge success. Both boards worked toward fulfilling their missions, but more importantly, new friendships were made and memories created.

I met brother Jake Clements (Midwestern State ’06) who joined the Foundation Board last July. I didn’t know Jake, but over the course of the weekend, I learned all about his family, his business, and his time in Phi Sig. This experience was made possible by our joint midyear meeting and shared housing. I built one new bond over that weekend, which is part of the reason I joined this Fraternity as an undergrad in 1997 — I wanted to meet new people. More than twenty-five years later, Phi Sigma Kappa is still giving me that opportunity.

In the last issue of The Signet, I challenged you to have or attend an event to celebrate our great Fraternity that has given many of us so much. Today, I challenge you to build one new relationship in Phi Sig. We are Phi Sigs, and we can always be better. If you don’t know where to start or don’t know how to form an alumni club, reach out to me, I can help.

All the best,

Shawn Shivnen Properties President

PHI SIGMA KAPPA PROPERTIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Shawn Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00) VICE PRESIDENT Michael Palm (Indiana ’04) TREASURER Brian Radke (Northern Illinois ’05) SECRETARY Peter Anderson (Michigan ’87) BOARD MEMBERS Jacob Defassio (Valparaiso ’12) David Epstein (Southern Illinois ’75) Michael Gonzalez (Stetson ’10) Leigh LaChine (Eastern Michigan ’90) Jonathan Lowrey (NW Missouri State ’07) James McGuigan (Wisconsin/Milwaukee ’90)

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 Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. It is run by a fully volunteer Board of Directors.

Shawn Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00) Phi Sigma Kappa Properties President

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Left to right, Grand President Chris Hoye, Foundation President Tom Grunwald, Executive Director Joe Kern, and Properties President Shawn Shivnen

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F E AT U R E S

Leaders Visit Fraternity’s Birthplace In Celebration of Sesquicentennial As I stepped onto the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, I felt a sense of history and brotherhood wash over me.

I was here to celebrate and recognize the 150th year of Phi Sigma Kappa on this campus, and I could not have been more excited.

The event was attended by some of our most esteemed leaders: Grand President Chris Hoye (Ferris State ’91), Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation President Tom Grunwald (Ferris State ’91), Phi Sigma Kappa Properties President Shawn Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00), Grand Council Director Darald Stubbs (Stetson ’88), Court of Honor Member Todd Simpson (Central Missouri ’86), and Alpha Chapter Adviser Ed Doherty (UMass ’74). Their presence alone was a testament to the importance of this occasion. But it was not just the presence of these leaders that made this event special.

Phi Sigma Kappa is one of the oldest fraternities in the United States, founded at the Massachusetts Agricultural College (now the University of Massachusetts) in 1873 by six young men who sought to create a new kind of fraternity. Their vision was to establish a Brotherhood based on the principles of the Golden Rule.

The rich history of Phi Sigma Kappa on this campus genuinely made the occasion come alive. The Phi Sigma Kappa Shrine that was placed in honor of our founding was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and dedication that our founders made to create this Brotherhood. As we visited the Shrine, and the Alpha chapter house, and interacted with the undergraduate brothers, I could feel the energy and passion that this Brotherhood inspires. For me, the most powerful part of the experience was the interaction with

the undergraduate brothers. As a leader in Phi Sigma Kappa, it was inspiring to see these young men’s dedication and commitment to this Brotherhood. It was clear that the bonds of Brotherhood that were formed here so many years ago are still strong today.

They are the future of our organization, and it was clear that it is in good hands.

As I reflect on my own experience at the 150th celebration, I am reminded of the incredible history and legacy of Phi Sigma Kappa.

It is a legacy that we should all be proud of and one that we must continue to build upon as we move forward. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this Brotherhood, and I am excited to see where our journey will take us in the years to come.

Overall, the celebration of our 150th year on this campus was a great success. It was a time for reflection, celebration, and inspiration. It reminded us all of the power of brotherhood and the importance of carrying on the legacy of Phi Sigma Kappa. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this occasion, and I look forward to seeing where this Brotherhood will go in the years to come.

Joe Kern (Radford ’09) Executive Director

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Sesquicentennial to be Celebrated in New Orleans!

Join your brothers for the 69th General Convention Imagine gathering in a city where cultures collide in a brilliant explosion of flavors, emotions, and sounds. It’s nearly 300 years in the making and the perfect destination to celebrate 150 years of brotherhood! New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, home to Creole cuisine, and rich with history and unmatched southern hospitality.

It’s a city of chefs and delectable cuisine and a unique blend of French, Spanish, Caribbean, and African cultural influences in its architecture, food, people, and music. With more than 1,400 restaurants, the city offers one of the most inconceivable — and incredibly diverse — concentrations of incomparable dining and unforgettable cuisine in the world. Because most of the city’s restaurants, attractions, tours, accommodations, and event venues are within walking distance of each other, it’s easy to get around the “Big Easy.”

Come enjoy the charm of New Orleans, all while attending the 69th General Convention, a celebration of the Fraternity’s Sesquicentennial! New Orleans combines big-city choices with small-town friendliness, and always has lagniappe — a little something extra — to offer.

What could be better than a celebration of brotherhood in New Orleans? Laissez les bons temps rouler —let the good times roll!

Registration for the 69th General Convention in New Orleans is now open!

Join us to celebrate 150 years of Phi Sigma Kappa with brothers from around the world.

The early bird fee for full registration is $370. Included in this fee are the Opening Banquet ( July 26), the 2nd line parade and dinner ( July 27), and Saturday’s festivities, which will include the Closing Banquet ( July 29). Early bird registration closes on May 31.

Alumni and guests also have the option to register for individual meals — $110 for the Opening Banquet, $110 for the Thursday parade and dinner, and $180 for Saturday events.

Chapter and alumni awards will be presented at the opening and closing banquets, and an exciting 2nd line parade will lead attendees to the Toulouse Theatre for a casual, fun-filled evening featuring New Orleans cuisine.

There is also the opportunity to sign up for the Phi Sigma Kappa golf tournament, a French Quarter tour, and a French Quarter ghost tour, all offered on Friday, July 28.

To register for the 69th General Convention, use the QR code on the back cover or go to the Fraternity’s website at www.phisigmakappa.org.

Rooms are available from $139 a night, plus tax at the New Orleans Marriott. To book a room, use the QR code on the back cover, or go to the Fraternity’s website at www.phisigmakappa.org. Please note the room rates are available for extra days surrounding our event!

See you in New Orleans!

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Friday, July 28

Thursday, July 27 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

General Session — Weekend Overview/ Expectations 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Educational Programming

Wednesday, July 26 1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Registration 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Opening Banquet Photo credits, top left to right: Todd Coleman/NewOrleans.com, Zack Smith Photography/ NewOrleans.com Paul Broussard/NewOrleans.com Stephen Young/NewOrleans.com

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lunch (on own) 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Opening Business Session 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

General Session — Risk Management 6:30 p.m.

2nd Line Parade 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Off-Site Celebration at Toulouse Theater

Morning Golf Tournament/ Optional French Quarter Tour

Saturday, July 29

(Golf Tournament open only to alumni and guests — French Quarter tour open to all)

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Business Session III

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Volunteer Education 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Chapter Coach Meetings 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Round Table Discussion Topics 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Lunch 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

General Session 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Business Session II 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Whitfield Reception (Alumni and Guests) Evening (on your own)

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9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

General Session

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Light Lunch Provided 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ritual Exemplification 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Foundation Reception (Alumni and Guests) 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Closing Banquet

NOTES: Committee Chairs will determine meeting times.

PSK Foundation will schedule meeting time.

PSK Properties will schedule meeting time. * Schedule as of March 22, 2023. Adjustments may be made.

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Charting the Course for the Future

By Executive Director Joe Kern (Radford ’09)

As brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa, we recognize the importance of our collective vision and commitment to living our values. Our organization thrives when we work together toward shared goals, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. With this in mind, the leadership of Phi Sigma Kappa has developed an inspiring and ambitious strategic plan to guide our Fraternity into the future.

Our strategic plan focuses on four key themes: Growth, Volunteer Experience, Member Engagement, and Undergraduate Experience.

Each theme is crucial to the continued success of Phi Sigma Kappa, ensuring that our organization remains a beacon of brotherhood, leadership, and service for generations to come.

Growth: Our vision for growth revolves around increasing our overall membership, number of chapters, and resources. We aim to create a growth-centric culture emphasizing recruitment and retention, leading to high-performing chapters and purpose-driven members.

To achieve this, we will elevate the importance of growth within our organization, develop a comprehensive growth ecosystem, and provide ongoing recruitment training.

We will bolster our active chapters, recognizing that preserving and supporting our current chapters is the most direct pathway to increasing membership. We aim to grow Phi Sig membership by five percent annually over the next five years, with specific membership targets for 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, we plan to expand our presence on new campuses where we can sustain membership and intentionally grow the organization.

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Undergraduate Experience: We aim to provide relevant experiences that promote a positive experience aligning with Phi Sig’s Cardinal Principles, mission, and core beliefs. To achieve this, we will define the “Phi Sig Experience” by implementing baseline programming and training to solidify this shared experience across all chapters. In addition, we will continue deploying and implementing Cardinal Journey, defining strategic learning outcomes for all events, and developing an accreditation program.

Moreover, we will assess and improve membership quality by improving the quality of our member and stakeholder data. This will enhance our communications, relationships, and attain member buy-in. Our goals include increasing Net Promoter scores provided within the Fraternity’s Annual Membership Survey and boosting the number of brothers taking advantage of the current Phi Sig opportunities, such as scholarships, Shonk Leadership School, and Officer Academy.

Volunteer Experience: Recognizing our volunteers’ invaluable role in our organization, we plan to invest in our volunteer resources and focus on volunteer management. We will create opportunities to highlight, engage, and involve high-performing volunteers in meaningful roles.

This includes hiring a professional staff position dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting our volunteers and reviewing and enhancing our current award and recognition program.

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We will also strengthen our volunteer support structure by assessing our current volunteer model, establishing a local volunteer training program, and developing performance indicators and resources to drive the success of the chapter and alumni advisory board. Our goal is to identify, recruit, educate, and retain 200 fully certified chapter-centric volunteers by 2027.

Member Engagement: As an organization built on lifelong connections, we want to increase our storytelling presence and engage a broader audience, including undergraduates, alumni, family members, and partner institutions. We will focus on telling our “Phi Sig Story” through content creation and executing an undergraduate demographic survey to better understand our audience. We will also build a dynamic content calendar and update our digital platforms to meet the expectations of today’s members.

Our commitment to alumni enrichment is unwavering, and we will develop opportunities for alumni to stay engaged with Phi Sig throughout their lives. This includes connecting alumni with chapters through guided resources and staffing investment.

Additionally, we will create an environment that encourages family engagement, exploring the potential of parent clubs and developing content to educate our members, families, and friends about the Fraternity’s mission.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite each member of Phi Sigma Kappa to join us in realizing the vision outlined in our strategic plan. Together, we can build an even brighter future

for our organization, ensuring that the bonds of brotherhood continue to strengthen and inspire us for years to come.

To our undergraduate members, your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication are the lifeblood of Phi Sigma Kappa. Your involvement in implementing this strategic plan will lay the foundation for a legacy that will benefit future generations of brothers. As you carry forth the ideals of our Fraternity, embodied in our Creed, your character and conduct will be known and honored by all.

To our alumni, your guidance, wisdom, and support are invaluable resources for our Fraternity. By engaging with our strategic plan and contributing your expertise, you will help us build a robust network of alumni that can mentor and support our undergraduate brothers, ensuring the continued success of our chapters.

In conclusion, our strategic plan is more than just a roadmap for our organization’s future; it expresses our shared commitment to the values and ideals that have guided Phi Sigma Kappa since its founding. By working together, we can make this vision a reality and ensure that our beloved Fraternity continues to be a source of inspiration, leadership, and camaraderie for all its members.

So let us join hands and hearts as we embark on this ambitious journey, united in our determination to make Phi Sigma Kappa the best it can be. Let our strategic plan be a clarion call to action for all members of Phi Sigma Kappa. Let it ignite a spark within each of us to strive for greater heights and embrace the values that make our Fraternity exceptional. Let us chart a future filled with growth, engagement, and enduring brotherhood. By these things, we stand.

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Day of Giving 2023 — Foundation Sets Record On March 15, 2023, Phi Sigs around the country celebrated the Fraternity’s 150th anniversary. That very same day, members of the International Headquarters professional staff huddled in the conference room for what would be a historic day for the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation.

In its six-year history, Day of Giving has seen a steady increase in both participation and money raised. The 2018 Day of Giving saw just $38,615 raised from 280 donors. During the most recent instance, Phi Sigs gave nearly 10 times that with nearly double the donors.

Donors from coast to coast made their impact and generosity was felt throughout the day, as Phi Sig celebrated a record-breaking sixth annual Day of Giving. With the help of 543 donors, which shattered the previous high of 452 in 2022, brothers raised $329,428 for the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. This not only exceeded the Foundation’s internal goal of $300,000, but it was also the single-most amount raised in one day in the organization’s history. The previous record was set during the 2022 Day of Giving ($220,558).

Phi Sigma Kappa thanks all 543 donors for their immense generosity. All donations given during Day of Giving go to support undergraduate educational programs such as Officer Academy, the Shonk Leadership School, the Zillgitt Institute, and other programs. It also supports scholarships and grants for undergraduate members.

Missed your opportunity to make an impact on Day of Giving?

Contact Director of Development Augie Farwig (Ball State ’17) (augie@phisigmakappa.org) to make your gift today!

TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED 2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

$38,615.99

$44,749.90

$107,751

$182,532

$220,558

$329,428

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

280

229

374

372

452

543

TOTAL DONORS

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2023 TOP 5 CHAPTERS MONEY RAISED

2023 TOP 5 CHAPTERS NUMBER OF DONORS

1. Illinois — $64,128

1. Union — 76

2. NIU — $49,486

2. Stetson — 69

3. Ferris State — $36,604

3. Ferris State — 52

4. Union — $23,405

4. NIU — 36

5. Houston — $16,131

5. Illinois — 25

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Brothers Help Make Day of Giving a Success With Challenge Gifts Phi Sigma Kappa thanks our 20 exceptional brothers and groups for providing our challenge gifts for Day of Giving!

David Cohen (Union ’88) Grand Council Director Cohen’s gift encouraged brothers to become first-time donors.

He supplied a matching gift for such donors.

David Epstein (Southern Illinois ’75) Brother Epstein stepped up once again to supply a challenge gift for Day of Giving. His generosity helped us increase the number of donors who gave.

Tony Fusaro (Rhode Island ’58) Brother Fusaro’s matching gift kicked in at $150,000, raised in honor of 150 years of Phi Sigma Kappa.

Bill Goltermann (Illinois ’74) Brother Goltermann helped us make history once again with his challenge gift that was unlocked after donors raised $200,00 for the day.

Tom Grunwald (Ferris State ’91) Brother Grunwald and his wife, Jackie, sponsored the spouse/partner recognition challenge. Brother Grunwald has dedicated his time, talent, and treasure to our great Fraternity and that would not be possible without the support of his wife, Jackie.

Brothers thank all spouses and partners that allow them to dedicate time and passion to Phi Sig and would like to recognize their sacrifice.

Charles Idol (Houston ’68) Brother Idol stepped up to provide a matching gift after giving reached $100,000 for the day.

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Don Kremin (Northern Illinois ’84) Brother Kremin encouraged others to become Founders’ Club Donors with his generous matching gift.

Steve Laukhuf (Midwestern St. ’84) Brother Laukhuf sponsored a challenge to hit $75,000 in honor of the Foundation’s 75th anniversary.

Jeff Liesendahl (Northern Illinois ’87) Grand Council Director Liesendahl’s goal was to help Phi Sig break records on Day of Giving. His challenge gift helped the Fraternity eclipse the previous donor record.

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Dale Lowe (Houston ’66) Brother Lowe continued his support of the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation with a generous gift that was unlocked at 400 total donors.

Sloan Robertson (Arizona ‘69) Brother Robertson has been a loyal supporter of Phi Sigma Kappa and wanted to bring new brothers along with him. Brother Robertson’s challenge gift was unlocked with 50 first-time donors.

Richard Schleicher (Purdue ’59) Brother Schleicher is the definition of a Life Loyal Phi Sig. A lifelong Boilermaker, Phi Sig shaped his professional and personal life. He supplied a match for Life Loyal donors.

Jim Schmitz (UCSB ’80) Brother Schmitz supplied Phi Sig with a gift that was unlocked after donors gave $50,000.

He helped the Fraternity exceed the $300,000 goal.

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John Sheehan (Northern Illinois ’82) Brother Sheehan helped develop the Life Loyal program four years ago. In celebration of the program’s inception, he challenged donors to become Life Loyal with a matching gift.

Al Shonk (Southern California ’54) Mr. Phi Sig’s challenge was unlocked at 150 donors. He helped Phi Sig hit this milestone in honor of 150 years.

Clay Skurdal (Montana State ’82) Brother Skurdal wanted to help Phi Sig break records, and that is exactly what he did with his challenge gift that kicked in at $175,000 raised.

Jeff West (Washington St. ’95) and Tiffany West In celebration of the newly established West Family Scholarship benefiting the Fraternity’s Washington State brothers, Jeff and Tiffany West challenged their fellow Cougars and brothers on this Day of Giving.

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Alabama The alumni brothers at our Alabama chapter (Omicron Deuteron) provided a challenge gift when Phi Sig raised $125,00 for the day.

Northern Illinois Our alumni brothers from Northern Illinois (Pi Pentaton) contributed once again by making a challenge gift when Phi Sig reached 350 donors.

UC/Santa Barbara The alumni brothers of UCSB (Kappa Pentaton Chapter) sponsored a challenge after $25,000 was raised. They helped Phi Sig build momentum on Day of Giving.

Thank you to all of our generous donors!

PRESERVE OUR LEGACY OF BROTHERHOOD Time Capsule to Commemorate Fraternity’s Sesquicentennial The Grand Chapter has announced plans for a time capsule to be compiled in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Fraternity.

Each active chapter/provisional chapter is invited to contribute a group photo or composite and a letter to its future brothers. This comes at no cost to the undergraduate groups. The letter could be words of advice, the history of the chapter, bios of current undergrads/alumni, or documentation of chapter traditions.

Recruitment flyers, a current map of campus, a price list of tuition and books, and photos of the chapter house would also be welcome additions.

Individual alumni and alumni clubs are invited to contribute to the time capsule at a cost of $150 each. A limit of 200 purchased spots is offered for sale. Space is limited. Items that fit in a padded mailer would be ideal — photos/documents, etc. If in a box, the size is limited to approximately 5" x 5". If a larger item is requested, two spots may have to be acquired.

A wooden chest will be custom built and all items placed in appropriate archival preservation materials. The chest will be locked and placed in the Shonk Archive and Educational Center, located at the International Headquarters in Indianapolis. The key to the lock will be encased in glass and placed next to the chest. The glass will be broken, the key released, and the time capsule opened during the Fraternity’s celebration of its 200th Anniversary in 2073.

Ideas for alumni include: • Group photos of your favorite brothers;

• Letters of advice to the future generation of Phi Sigs; • Predictions for the future of the Fraternity;

• Documentation of what brotherhood means to you; • Alumni newsletters;

• Phi Sig sportswear/hats;

• Memorabilia such as glassware, or souvenirs from events; • Documentation of a favorite fraternity memory;

• Programs from events such as charterings/Founders’ Day/Homecoming

Use your imagination!

When considering your contribution to the time capsule, please remember that when opened, a time capsule is a collection of items from the past. These items help to paint a picture of what things looked like at the time they were preserved. A time capsule is meant as a form of communication with the future and the people who open it.

For more information, contact Kathy Cannady at kathy@phisigmakappa.org or (317) 490-5540.

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Grand Chapter Makes Plans for Continued Growth With expansion efforts previously on pause throughout the country in 2020/2021 during COVID, it comes as no surprise that the idea of growth is at the forefront of everyone’s mind now that the world is fully operational again. Since welcoming a new Director of Organizational Growth to the professional staff, many goals have been developed, and new procedures have been established.

Establishing a Growth-Centric Culture One of the first things the Director of Organizational Growth Lindsey Hollis did in her role was review and analyze statistical data, both past and present, to fully comprehend the trends impacting Phi Sigma Kappa today. She also created metrics to benchmark where future resources and support may need to be implemented. With metrics established, current chapters in most need of recruitment support were identified and prioritized.

One of the first resources created was the Recruitment Educational Resources workbook that assists chapters in identifying recruitment goals, their personal chapter identity, and how to market based on their unique brand. Another resource created to assist in recruitment was a Potential New Member’s Guide to Recruitment, which chapters were instructed to send to all potential new members going through recruitment. This resource was created to increase the Phi Sig presence on campus and ensure potential members know what questions to ask during recruitment, while simultaneously preparing undergraduate members on how to respond to those questions.

Additionally, membership referral forms and membership withdrawal surveys were created to help develop data for future analysis of chapter growth and retention rates. With

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the Fraternity’s new software system, ChapterSpot, scheduled to launch in late summer 2023, these forms will be deployed more efficiently. Chapters will be able to track membership and utilize a partner resource, Chapter Builder, which helps chapters organize recruitment efforts.

Part of the mindset is prioritizing current active chapters’ prospective growth. Through the establishment of recruitment resources, identifying financial means to assist the most vulnerable groups, calling upon the PhiredUp partnership, and providing more frequent coaching sessions with chapters, the Grand Chapter hopes it will continue to see the baseline for the chapters rise and chapters become stronger recruiters for semesters to come.

Growing Phi Sig One of the most common questions asked by alumni today is, “How can I bring a Phi Sig chapter back to my alma mater?”

Thankfully, the resource, an Alumni Guide to Bringing Back Your Chapter, has been established to guide alumni through the process.

The guide provides in full detail, the timeline of expansion from the planning stage through to the execution and follow-up stage of each project. It additionally outlines criteria the Growth Committee considers when researching and evaluating whether a campus is suitable for immediate and sustainable expansion initiatives.

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Omicron Deuteron’s (Alabama) new initiates celebrate the Brotherhood.

The men of the Phi Septaton Chapter at Adelphi welcome their new fall initiates.

The Epsilon Iota Chapter at Central Missouri welcome their spring initiates.

The newest members of the Pi Tetarton Chapter at LIU/Post.

Among the quantitative criteria, the following six areas are considered, with additional consideration given to unique campus circumstances: 1. Campus Sustainability The Growth Committee will gather data on the average fraternity chapter size over the last five years, to determine if a campus’ chapter size is declining, sustaining, or growing.

2. Alumni/Adviser Support The Growth Committee will evaluate if a full Alumni Advisory Board has been established and if there is continued alumni support within the regional area.

3. FSA/Council Support The Growth Committee will evaluate the level of support and communication the campus Fraternity/Sorority Adviser and/or IFC Council has for a Provisional Chapter.

4. Average Male GPA The Growth Committee will research the campus’s average male GPA to determine if there are enough male students academically eligible to join.

5. Average Unaffiliated Male Population Size The Growth Committee will research the campus’ average unaffiliated male population size to determine if there are enough unaffiliated male students on campus.

6. Campus Accountability The Growth Committee will research the campus’ judicial policies for fraternity and sorority chapters.

Lastly, the guide provides detailed steps that alumni can take in the preparation stage, to ensure the success of a future chapter once a definitive expansion date has been established. Some of those steps include establishing an alumni association in the surrounding area, identifying alumni that will commit to serving on a future Alumni Advisory Board, fundraising to support the chapter experience, and establishing a plan for future chapter housing.

If you are interested in adding a college or university to the list for future expansion consideration, please fill out the Expansion Interest Form. With the establishment of a new expansion rubric and the Alumni Guide to Bringing Back Your Chapter, it is the hope that future expansions will be more intentionally considered, and a greater level of support can be provided to alumni expressing interest in reviving their chapter.

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David Epstein

Dru Bagwell

Elijah Carter

Tony Fusaro

Austin Carpenter and Keyan Hadi

Christian Williams

Nic Laconico

Mateo Villalobos

Shawn Shivnen

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Todd Simpson

Tom Grunwald

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Valencio Jackson

The Phi Sig Experience Across Generations

By Jacob Defassio (Valparaiso ’12) and Chris Schrimscher (Eastern Michigan ’14) As we plan for the future of Phi Sigma Kappa, the connection to the mission statement, Golden Rule, and Cardinal Principles remains strong within our Brotherhood. This article captures the feelings of a wide range of brothers, but the connection to the Brotherhood remains the same. Interviews of a variety of brothers reveal life-changing experiences, a passion for giving back to the Fraternity, and the idea not to live by the Golden Rule, but to strive in the pursuit of the Golden Rule.

exposed to prior to college. I never would have gained these experiences living in a regular dorm with a small group of friends on campus. I credit the Fraternity with developing me into a better man, speaker and into the teacher I became today.”

Brotherhood Above Self

This is something heard frequently — Phi Sigma Kappa giving opportunities to brothers that they would never get anywhere else. In speaking with many of the alumni, they all stressed the same idea, that fraternity, and in particular, Phi Sigma Kappa has been a melting pot of brotherhood, love, and compassion year in and year out.

Joining any organization can be a life-changing experience, but joining a fraternity like Phi Sigma Kappa is guaranteed to change your life. As interviews were conducted with brothers, this was a profound point that came up again and again; how this one choice in their lives set them on a path they never would have anticipated.

While speaking with Dru Bagwell (Tennessee ’64), who served as Grand President from 1987 until 1990, he stated “In my life, three things have shaped me — my father died when I was a freshman in college, therefore, having to work myself through school. I had the opportunity to be an exchange student in Denmark in high school, which gave me such a great experience in diversity. The third and most important thing — is joining Phi Sigma Kappa. It is a pivotal moment that has shaped me and made me who I am, for better or worse. For that, I am eternally grateful to the Fraternity and the men that have helped that development.” It is an experience like no other, to be part of something bigger than ourselves. If fraternity is done right, it is a unique opportunity that you can’t get anywhere else on campus.

Phi Sigma Kappa Properties President Shawn Shivnen (Eastern Michigan ’00) stated: “It was Phi Sigma Kappa that helped me come out of my shell and meet a diverse set of brothers that I was never

Christian Williams (Florida International ’12), noted, “Phi Sig offered me a unique perspective and it represents so many different communities that up until joining I wasn’t necessarily sure existed.”

While discussing these ideas with our undergraduates, one brother, Elijah Carter (Indiana ’25) stated, “Let’s change the narrative that ‘all frats are the same.’ Phi Sig is not just another ‘frat.’ We are so different — different religions, races, creeds, but the bond that we build through the Brotherhood is unbreakable and I want to see that across all of Phi Sig.” In short, each and every Phi Sig has been gifted with a unique opportunity when he joined Phi Sigma Kappa. Brothers were molded and shaped by this experience into better men. They took the time to mold and shape others that they recruited into better men and as alumni, they continue to aid in molding and shaping brothers through time, gifts, and talents that are given back to the Fraternity. Past Grand President Todd Simpson (Central Missouri ’86), who served as Grand President from 2007 until 2011 puts it best: “My hope for the future of Phi Sigma Kappa is that we can continue to be a place for men to come together, to agree, to disagree, to share, to love, and to grow together.”

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Many brothers discussed the way in which the Brotherhood of Phi Sigma Kappa was not only a second home but also a way for brothers to be their most authentic selves as they meet men from diverse backgrounds. Valencio Jackson (Delaware ’97) and Brother Williams both discussed the way in which their experiences helped to develop their passion for helping others. Both alumni brothers noted that they found refuge in the brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa over the years by finding brothers that saw them authentically and allowed them to find diversity amongst the Brotherhood.

Brother Williams commented, “When I came to college, I was still discovering myself. I ended up talking to two members of PSK and immediately could sense their openness of wanting to get to know who I am. Part of being a Brotherhood is calling each other brothers, friends, and confidants, regardless of where we came from. We still have a lot of blind spots as a chapter but as I was open to being a brother with a diverse background, it helped me and it helped others.”

Another past Grand President Tony Fusaro (Rhode Island ’58), who served as Grand President from 1983 until 1987 and again from 1990 until 1991, states: “We strive for these principles, we may never get there, but we should always have something to strive for.”

So brothers strive, they push, and they continue to look to the past at their mistakes. But most importantly, they look forward to their successes and how they treat others, and they continue in the pursuit of excellence.

Like Brothers Jackson and Williams, undergraduate Mateo Villalobos (Georgia Tech ’23) also spoke to cultural diversity being a key aspect of the brotherhood experience at Georgia Tech, where he is the current Chapter President. He reported that the chapter actively encourages its members to share their culture with the Fraternity, noting that he has learned so much about Saudi Arabia, including food, religion, and culture through a close friend and fellow fraternity brother at Georgia Tech.

“ Fraternity is not a college experience, it is a lifetime experience. There is always something to get out of it, no matter what age you are. I hope what I get, I give just as much.”

The Golden Rule was not only seen as a way for brothers to develop personally but it was also noted how the Golden Rule impacts the inner workings of chapters themselves, especially through leadership. Brother Villalobos and Keyan Hadi (Redford ’24) added that the Golden Rule represents everything that they do through their respective chapters. Brother Hadi noted that he

“Pursuit” of Excellence Every brother interviewed came back to one point — striving for the Golden Rule. When talking about demanding excellence and living by the Golden Rule, it is important to think of it in a new perspective that was truly brought to light by our brothers — the pursuit of excellence and striving to live by the Golden Rule.

Undergraduate Austin Carpenter (Stetson ’25) brought this idea full circle by stating, “If you strive for a good character and bond within our Brotherhood, our excellence will show through by our actions and not just our words.”

sees the Golden Rule as a “founding principle in the way in which Executive Board members collaborate with the chapter-at-large to determine events, policy, and important decisions within chapter meetings.” Brother Villalobos made similar comments related to the cohesive nature of the chapter and added that the Golden Rule guides his chapter through the types of service events such as its work through the Red Cross, a popular community food bank in Atlanta, as well as the extensive work it does with Saint Baltrix, a major organization for childhood cancer research.

But what happens when brothers fall short? As past Grand President Bagwell pointed out, “The short answer is — I don’t know if I have always lived up to the Golden Rule.” This perspective may be spot on. Brothers stumble and they fail, but that is what makes Phi Sigma Kappa a stronger Brotherhood. They take these failures, they learn, they grow, and they teach one another.

Brother Hadi added that the leadership opportunities presented through the Grand Chapter, as well as at his local chapter, was a contributing factor to his passion for Phi Sigma Kappa since the day that he joined. He noted that many of the local alumni have always had a strong connection with the local chapter and have given him opportunities to find careers and help the local

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community. In conversations with Nic Laconico (Georgia Tech ’17), it was noted that his experiences in Phi Sigma Kappa inspired him to pursue higher education at the University of Georgia, where he is currently working to develop leadership skills for all college students.

that undergrads will seek us out and ask questions of older members.

Brothers that are excited today will experience that same feeling tomorrow.” He went on to say that opportunities for continuing conversations in Phi Sigma Kappa will be the “the mechanism of change” needed to survive the next 150 years.

Journey of Lifelong Learning

Thoughts for Our Brotherhood

Recognizing the accomplishment of Phi Sigma Kappa’s 150th anniversary, the brothers that were interviewed gave their thoughts on the next 150 years as the Fraternity continues to commit to a journey of lifelong learning. Brother Laconico discussed the need for the Fraternity to teach and mentor undergraduate brothers on the value of becoming leaders in their chapter, as well as in the community. He noted that “Servant leadership is serving the community. Through your leadership, individuals should gain many positive traits and then become leaders themselves. If we aren’t doing that then we are managing people, not leading them.”

One of our undergraduate brothers, Vansh Anand (George Mason ’24) put it best: “ATTEND, ATTEND, ATTEND!” as he so enthusiastically stated during his interview. Now is the time to really see what the Fraternity has to offer. Members should attend national events, and talk with brothers from across the country as well as from various decades. Each little piece creates the bigger picture. The more you learn and experience, the stronger Phi Sigma Kappa becomes as a national organization. Brother Anand and the other undergrads challenge all of their peers to attend and continue to get more out of their experience with Phi Sigma Kappa. Brother Hadi noted that it can also be important to try to show up and take on different roles adding, “We must learn all kinds of new trades. I remember a film major that wasn’t sure about what role to take and became a really great secretary.”

In a conversation with Brother Villalobos, he commented that Phi Sigma Kappa would benefit from continuing to address and work on behalf of the mental health of its men and noted, “I think we will see a push for mental health, locally, nationally, and in Greek life in general. I want people to remember people being there for them when they had a really tough time and remembering the support.”

Phi Sigma Kappa Properties Director David Epstein (Southern Illinois ’75) and Brother Hadi focused their thoughts of the next 150 years on the way in which Phi Sigma Kappa must adjust to shifts in university policy, as well as new laws that continue to work toward keeping undergraduate members safe. Brother Epstein noted “I hope that chapters are filled with unimaginable growth and universities will continue to see the opportunities and the good that the fraternities and sororities are doing in their community. They are doing all kinds of things for charity and they should be recognized.”

Brother Jackson serves on the Fraternity’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and discussed the ways in which the next 150 years must also reflect on how culture evolves and how Phi Sigma Kappa must continue to follow cultural shifts overall. He noted that the DEI committee reflects change and said “Leadership also needs to reflect the brothers that we serve. I believe that we have some cultural challenges to consider moving forward. I hope

Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation President Tom Grunwald (Ferris State ’91) had a profound statement about staying a part of Phi Sigma Kappa. “Don’t make the mistake I made by staying away from the Brotherhood for 30 years. Do not step away after graduation. I let life get in the way of Brotherhood. Now I realize that Brotherhood is part of my life. Always stay heavily involved, locally or nationally, or both. You will never know what you missed, so don’t miss it.”

What brothers get from the Fraternity, what they get from any organization, can simply be measured by being present. For me, having my brothers stand up alongside me at my wedding is still something I think about each year. When I lost my father and brother in the same year, the outpouring of love and support from brothers near and far is a constant reminder of the presence we have by just staying involved.

In short, as past Grand President Fusaro puts it best: “Fraternity is not a college experience, it is a lifetime experience. There is always something to get out of it, no matter what age you are. I hope what I get, I give just as much.”

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Fifth Annual Officer Academy Deemed a Success Phi Sigma Kappa hosted its fifth annual national Conclave: Officer Academy this past January and February.

To reach as many participants as possible, the Fraternity hosted an in-person experience for Chapter Presidents, Treasurers, Recruitment Chairs, and Chapter Advisers in Atlanta, as well as a virtual Officer Academy. Virtual tracks were offered for all undergraduate Executive Board members and Recruitment Chairs.

By offering both formats, the Fraternity was able to train nearly 170 undergraduate officers and Chapter Advisers.

Scope This year’s in-person event in Atlanta was jampacked with a variety of programming for the various officers. In addition to general sessions, attendees were split into corresponding learning tracks which focused on specific topics and issues related to their roles at their local chapters. This year, there was a mix of programming goals, including officer training, developing working relationships with IHQ staff and chapter coaches, gaining student feedback on the direction of educational programming and new tools coming soon, and opportunities to network with other members from across the country to share ideas and develop solutions for local chapter issues.

Some of the highlights from the general sessions include:

• Chapter leaders and advisers received a sneak peek into the new membership platform, ChapterSpot, and the tools that will be available to undergraduate chapters to better streamline local chapter operations. This session was led by Executive Director Joe Kern (Radford ’09), and Director of Membership Engagement Daniel Kobren (Minnesota ’17).

This provided an opportunity for the IHQ staff to garner important feedback from participants, which will help the staff better develop training opportunities in advance of the official transition to the new platform.

• A risk management session was led by Director of Undergraduate Experience Natalie Brewster (Alpha Delta Pi). This session provided an opportunity for members to learn more about the Fraternity’s risk management policies

using the “Ladder of Risk” model. Natalie also engaged the undergraduate members in a brief conversation about how chapters can utilize social media more effectively, while highlighting several examples of posts that chapters should not have on their social media accounts.

• A networking and idea-sharing session was also offered, allowing attendees to connect with other undergraduates, alumni, professional staff members, and volunteers to discuss current issues and share potential solutions.

Main Track In addition to the general sessions, the Fraternity offered two tracks for undergraduate attendees. The first track, referred to as the “Main Track” was designed to provide Chapter Presidents and Treasurers with officer-specific training to help ensure new officers were prepared for their roles. This included reviewing the expectations for their roles and how they fit into the chapter’s leadership team, identifying helpful resources available through the Fraternity and on their campuses, and how to complete essential tasks in Officer Portal. These participants also had an opportunity to meet with their IHQ chapter coaches and review important expectations related to their roles as chapter leaders.

Main Track participants also engaged in small group discussions throughout the weekend to help debrief large group sessions and explore topics more in-depth. These small groups were led by five volunteer facilitators, including two Phi Sig alumni and three friends of Phi Sigma Kappa: • Will Mast (Valdosta State ’15)

• Jim Charanis (Fairleigh Dickinson ’87) • Rebeca Greenfield (Gamma Phi Beta)

• Elizabeth Wanersten (Alpha Xi Delta) • Kelsey Wolford (Gamma Phi Beta)

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Recruitment Track The second track was designed to provide specific training for Recruitment Chairs. This track was designed by Director of Organizational Growth Lindsey Hollis (Delta Delta Delta), and co-led by her and Jonah Mudse, from PhiredUp. Participants in this track received specialized recruitment information that covered topics such as: • Setting an individualized recruitment goal based on chapter specifics;

• Best practices on creating a bid list and maximizing the number of potential new members a chapter speaks with to reach their target goal; • Combatting bid refusals;

• Determining a chapter’s identity; • How to utilize ChapterBuilder

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With a total of 19 participants, some of the key takeaways identified by attendees included: • Build a bid list 10x the size of the class you want to get to maximize quality potential members and select the right members for your organization.

• “Extroverts get guys through the door; introverts close the deal.”

• Recruit your potential new members from spots on campus that fit your chapter’s brand.

• Use strategies such as the “mirroring technique” to talk to guys and have engaging conversations with potential new members.

The Recruitment Track was a chance for chairs of various chapters to come together and share their experiences, get valuable advice from PhiredUp and IHQ professional staff, and develop innovative solutions to common chapter issues. The men in the Recruitment Track spoke of the opportunity with enthusiasm and gratitude.

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The 2023 Conclave: Officer Academy saw great success in that participants felt more confident in their roles, built stronger relationships with the Grand Chapter and International Headquarters professional staff, and gained a better understanding of their expectations as officers and advisers.

It was a chance to make meaningful connections, learn from each other, and gain valuable insights. With the support of the professional staff, these men are sure to make significant strides in their recruitment journeys.

Advisers’ Track As in previous years, this year’s Officer Academy also included a track specific for chapter advisers and alumni advisory board (AAB) members. This track was designed by Director of Volunteer Initiatives Joey Teeple (Valpo ’13), and co-led by Grand Council Director Brandon Paternoster (Ferris State ’04). Advisers collaborated on tools and resources available to help them in their role, as well as areas that could be improved. Brother Teeple looks forward to leveraging the Advisers’ feedback into an action plan resulting in an enhanced overall volunteer experience.

Grand Council Director Darald Stubbs (Stetson ’88) enlightened the Advisers with the work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Specific attention was devoted to highlighting the diverse campus environments of our undergraduate men and ideas for better engaging minority members. Brother Mast led the Advisers through programming designed to improve their understanding of the Student Conduct process, including Title IX.

DEI Content A significant piece of this year’s Officer Academy was the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming. On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Doyle Stevick, Executive Director of the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina, presented the keynote. He spoke about the work that the Anne Frank Center is doing to raise not only raise awareness about Anne Frank’s story and the Holocaust, but also the work the center does to promote dialogue and discussion around being active allies and upstanders, supporting marginalized communities.

Dr. Stevick also discussed different ways that undergraduate chapters could partner with the Anne Frank Center to help bring a part of their traveling exhibition to their local campus and help members of their campus community learn more about how to defend against issues like antisemitism and racism.

Participants in the Main Track had an opportunity to engage in a pilot program designed to help chapters learn more about specific communities and develop strategies for better supporting and welcoming members of those groups in their chapters and local campus communities. The feedback from the pilot program has already helped provide incredible insight into the direction in which our undergraduate members would like to move the DEI conversation in Phi Sigma Kappa.

Virtual Officer Academy The Virtual Officer Academy took place the weekend before the Atlanta event, on Saturday, January 28. IHQ professional staff members ran seven tracks through Zoom on Saturday afternoon to help provide additional training for new chapter officers. Tracks included all six Ritual Officers and Recruitment Chairs.

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. Chapter Presidents also learned about important risk management issues and how to manage them during a crisis. Vice Presidents reviewed chapter programming expectations and how to develop an effective committee system.

Secretaries focused on learning how to navigate Officer Portal and manage the chapter’s roster. 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. Sentinels discussed topics including member accountability strategies and tips on how to better implement rituals in their chapter. Finally, 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 2023 Conclave: Officer Academy saw great success in that participants felt more confident in their roles, built stronger relationships with the Grand Chapter and International Headquarters professional staff, and gained a better understanding of their expectations as officers and advisers. One of the major takeaways for all participants in Atlanta was networking with other brothers from all over the country to share ideas from those who come from similar chapters. After Officer Academy, the IHQ professional staff has seen an increase in communication with chapter officers, another critical goal of Officer Academy.

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.

Additionally, the International Headquarters professional staff plans to continue to support local chapter officers through the chapter coaching model, ensuring that all chapters have a specific point of contact with the staff when they have questions or need assistance. In addition, the IHQ staff encourages all chapter officers, members, advisers, and alumni to reach out to staff with questions.

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#PHISIG150 ON THE ROAD Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation Celebrates 150 Years of Brotherhood!

This past January, the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation hit the road to begin celebrating the Fraternity’s Sesquicentennial!

The cross-country tour began in sunny Anaheim, California, with a gathering at Brewery X, hosted by Chris Pennington (Southern Cal AI). More than 50 brothers and guests took part in the celebration. The event featured the first signatures on the 150th cross-country banner that will hang in the International Headquarters building.

The team will continue traveling throughout the year with stops in Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee. If you would like to host a 150th celebration in your metro area, please contact Augie Farwig, Director of Development, at augie@phisigmakappa.org.

The celebration continued the next week in even sunnier Orlando, Florida! This gathering took place in conjunction with the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and Properties midyear meetings.

Brothers and guests from central Florida joined Board members and professional staff at Top Golf for a fun night of celebration and mediocre golf swings! The night was hosted by Grand Council Director Darald Stubbs (Stetson ’88), Foundation Trustee Sean Hamilton (Stetson ’89), and Properties Board member Michael Gonzalez (Stetson ’10).

After two warm weather events, the team headed to the Big Apple, New York City, for a night of celebration with more than 75 brothers and guests! The night featured remarks from Grand Council Director David Cohen (Union ’88) and former Grand Council Director Jonathan Taylor (RIT AI). The New York event continues to be one of the Foundation’s biggest events, year after year.

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Left to right: Loyola Marymount alumni Marcel van der Sluys (Loyola Marymount ’79), Witold Dudzinski (Loyola Marymount ’79), and Ron Peralez (Loyola Marymount ’79) were reunited at the Brewery X reception.

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Left to right: Former Grand Council Director and Foundation Trustee Emeritus Bruce Johnson (Illinois ’70), Grand Council Director David Cohen (Union ’88), Court of Honor member Tim Vojtasko (Indiana/PA ’85), and former Grand Council Director Jonathan Taylor (RIT AI) were among the attendees at the New York City reception.

A banner is taken to all receptions and signed by those in attendance.

Left to right: Naiara Spallone, Jack Spallone (Penn State ’02), and Roger Wiley (Cornell ’58) attended the Los Angeles area reception at Brewery X.

Alumni gather in New York City in February.

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Donovan H. Bond

Robert B. Abbe

Alvin S. Rudisill

Harold W. Pierce

Robert C. Carter

William H. Aaron, Jr.

Robert M. Zillgitt

Charles V. Loring

Albert D. Shonk, Jr.

Anthony Fusaro

Drury G. Bagwell

Bernard M. Berman

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150 Years of Leadership (Part 2 of 2 parts)

By Albert D. Shonk, Jr. Past Grand President and Historian

In 1960 Donovan H. Bond (West Virginia ’42) was elected. He was a journalism professor at West Virginia University and had become Director of Development at the University and Executive Director of the West Virginia Foundation. He served as Chairman of the Fraternity’s 1973 Centennial Celebration. Don served as Grand President until 1962 when Robert B. Abbe (Worcester ’38) was elected. Bob had been an executive with a family-owned company, which was sold. He then went into the insurance business and later taught at the college level.

In 1964 Alvin S. Rudisill (Gettysburg ’50) followed Brother Abbe. He was a Lutheran minister who moved from a parish in New Jersey to Southern California, as the Lutheran Campus Pastor at Southern Cal and Cal State/LA. He was later appointed University Chaplain at Southern Cal and also served as the first head of the Office of Community and Civic Affairs on campus.

He left the office of Grand President in 1968 after serving two terms. He then served for 24 years as the Fraternity’s Chaplain.

Harold W. Pierce (Tennessee ’58) served from 1968-1970.

He is a self-employed businessman. In 1970 former Fraternity Headquarters staff member Robert C. Carter (Southern Illinois ’71) was elected. After serving on staff he had returned to school to complete work toward his undergraduate degree. He resigned 11 months after being elected Grand President and has not kept in touch with the Fraternity since that time. For the next six months, Chancellor Hal Pierce served as acting Grand President until January of 1972 when William H. Aaron, Jr. (Michigan ’58) was elected by the Grand Council. Bill was a radio and TV advertising

Part 1 of this article appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of The Signet. It discussed the first 25 of the 46 brothers who have held the office of Grand President. Part 1 ended with the 1958-60 term.

Editor’s Note: Interesting fact — there have also been 46 Presidents of the United States! sales executive in Chicago and Atlanta. He presided over the Centennial Convention and retired at the end of the Convention in 1973.

Robert M. Zillgitt (Cal State/LA ’60) was elected at the 1973 General Convention. Bob was a charter member of the Omega Tetarton Chapter at Cal State/LA and was an executive with J. C. Penney Co. He left office as Grand President in 1975, but continued to serve on the Grand Council until 1989. Charles V. Loring (UC/Santa Barbara ’72) became one of our youngest Grand Presidents at the age of 25. He was with the Bank of America when elected but went into the clothing business shortly thereafter. He owned stores in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Spokane, and San Diego. In 1988 he served as President of the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC). Chuck served for two terms before leaving office in 1979. He served on the Fraternity’s Headquarters staff as Executive Director of the Foundation after serving as Grand President.

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Jay Stanley

James R. Schmitz

David M. Spreitzer

R. Todd Simpson

Timothy Vojtasko

William Neugebaur

Scott Jacobson

Sean Shingler

Chris Hoye

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Chuck passed the gavel to me — Albert D. Shonk, Jr. (Southern Cal ’54) — I was self-employed as a Publisher’s Representative with offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I served for two terms until 1983. Following my service as Grand President I spent 11 years as President of the PSK Foundation (1984-95).

I am currently the Recorder of the Court of Honor and the Historian. In 1996 I was given the title of Mr. Phi Sig. Anthony Fusaro (Rhode Island ’58) followed me as President in 1983 and presided over the merger of Phi Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma Epsilon in 1985 and was re-elected at that Convention. Tony was the Assistant Provost at Northern Illinois University and later became CEO at a Penn State branch campus. He is now retired.

He followed me as President of the Foundation in 1995 and has served for many years as Chairman of the Ritual Committee.

Drury G. Bagwell (Tennessee ’64) became Grand President in 1987 and was re-elected in 1989. He resigned due to health problems in 1990. He was the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Maryland. His health improved and he has remained active, serving when asked to do so. Following Dru’s resignation, the Grand Council appointed Chancellor Tony Fusaro as Grand President to complete Dru’s term between 1990-91.

Bernard M. Berman (Swarthmore ’62), an attorney , who has served as Legal Counsel for the Grand Chapter since 1968, was elected in 1991 and served two terms, until 1995. Jay Stanley (Tennessee ’62) was elected at the 1995 Convention and re-elected at the 1997 Convention. He was a professor at Towson State University in Maryland. He was Grand President when the Fraternity celebrated its 125th Anniversary.

In 1999 James R. Schmitz (UC/Santa Barbara ’80) was elected Grand President. As an undergraduate at UCSB he was IFC President and President of the Western Regional IFC. He had a very successful career in banking. He served a term as President of the PSK Foundation. After Jim’s two terms, David M. Spreitzer (Kentucky ’80) was elected in 2003 and served for two terms.

He is a self-employed businessman.

R. Todd Simpson (Central Missouri ’86), an undergraduate member of Phi Sigma Epsilon at the time of the Fraternity’s merger with Phi Sigma Epsilon, was elected in 2007 and served until 2011. He was a former member of the Headquarters professional staff for several years. He also served a term as President of the PSK Foundation. Timothy Vojtasko (Indiana/ PA ’85) was another former Headquarters staff member. He was elected in 2011 and served until 2012. He took a job on a college campus, which made it impossible to serve as Grand President, without creating a conflict of interest. He, therefore, resigned in 2012.

The Grand Council elected William Neugebaur (Indiana/PA ’67) to fill the remainder of Brother Vojtasko’s term. He was elected by the 2013 Convention for a full term. He is a retired teacher.

Scott Jacobson (Cal Poly ’01) was elected in 2015. He was another former Headquarters staff member. At the time of his election he was the Associate Athletic Director at Southern Cal. During his two-year term he did much to modernize many aspects of the Fraternity. One of his greatest accomplishments was renovating the International Headquarters and creating the Shonk Archive and Educational Center. He still works closely with the Archives Committee in maintaining our historical collections.

Scott went out of office in 2017 and was followed by Sean Shingler (George Mason ’97). Sean was also on the Headquarters staff.

He served as Grand President for one term and is currently the Chancellor of the Court of Honor. He is in the mortgage field.

Our current Grand President Chris Hoye (Ferris State ’91) was elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. He is a former Headquarters staff member. He works as a sales executive. He will preside over the 150th celebration.

Phi Sigma Kappa has been fortunate to have had such outstanding leaders over the last 150 years. I have been fortunate to have known many of these brothers.

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ALUMNI NEWS (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run), Brother Kobren supervises the CommuniSt. Louis to Kansas City Run (260 miles), cations Department in his new role. He is Springfield to Kansas City Run (165 miles), responsible for managing and improving 1 mile for every first responder killed in Phi Sigma Kappa’s membership engagement 2019 (189 miles), and 59 70.3 Triathlons. tools, including overseeing the organization’s transition to the ChapterSpot platform.

Through these runs, he has helped Project Upon Associate Executive Director Kathy Remember raise more than $150,000 for Cannady’s retirement, Brother Kobren will various police charities. He takes pride in manage the production of the Signet and knowing he has represented the Blue Springs oversee all external mass communication Police uniform well all over the country. coming from International Headquarters.

Keegan Hughes

Brother Runs for a Cause Blue Springs, Missouri Police Sgt. Keegan Hughes (Missouri Western ’02) completed a Half Ironman Triathlon once per week in 2022 to raise funds and awareness for Project Remember Missouri.

Daniel Kobren Returns to Professional Staff Executive Director Joe Kern (Radford ’09) is pleased to announce Daniel Kobren (Minnesota ’17) has returned to staff as Director of Membership Engagement.

Brother Kobren previously served as the Associate Director of Communications from 2018 – 2020.

The organization honors fallen first responders and their families.

December 23, 2022, marked his 52nd 70.3-mile Triathlon in 2022, which was more than double the world record at the time. Each week of 2022, Brother Hughes completed a 1.2-mile swim, a 56mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run, which is commonly known as a half marathon.

He completed the running and biking portions in his police uniform.

In the last 10 years, Brother Hughes has completed the following events while wearing a police uniform: Kansas City Marathon (three times), Des Moines Marathon, Las Vegas Marathon, Wausau, WI Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, Louisiana Marathon, Run to Remember LA Half Marathon, Ironman Boulder

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Danny Kobren and his fiancé, Sami Ayres

After his departure, Brother Kobren earned his Master of Arts Degree from George Washington University, studying Higher Education Administration. He is an alumnus of the Beta Deuteron Chapter at the University of Minnesota.

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Beta Deuteron Seeks Resident Adviser Beta Deuteron alumni at the University of Minnesota gathered with the undergraduates for the local Founders’ Day ceremony on Saturday, April 29 at Jax Café in Minneapolis.

By tradition, the chapter celebrates in late April with the likelihood of better weather.

This is the chapter’s 113th anniversary as Phi Sigs.

Alumni are looking for a suitable grad student, either from Beta Deuteron or elsewhere, to serve as a resident adviser for the coming year. This role has been filled for about ten years, providing a moderating adult presence in the building.

Alumni welcome those entering grad school at Minnesota to consider this as a great way to keep their costs low. In return for living in the historic and convenient house, and helping to advise the undergrads, the resident adviser will get free private housing and utilities, parking, internet, and a stipend of $500 a semester. Previous RAs have easily worked in their professional fields or attended full-time grad school while serving in this capacity. Contact Alumni Club President Steve Schmeling at elias637@yahoo.com or at (612) 221-7217 to apply.

Those alumni who are not receiving the annual chapter newsletter should contact editor Tom Jackson, at tom@pro-activemktg. com or reach him at (612) 801-0708 with a call or text, to update your info.

ALUMNI NEWS

The “Kings of Pickwick”

By David Ridings (Tennessee/Martin ’91) About 125 miles south of Martin, Tennessee, you will find Pickwick Lake and Pickwick Landing State Park. The lake and park attract more than one million annual visitors, making it the perfect place for summer fun and a festive lake atmosphere. Two to three times each year, Pickwick becomes the meeting place for a group of men that formed a lifetime bond while attending the University of Tennessee/Martin — the Fall, 1987 class of the Tau Tetarton Chapter. They come together to celebrate Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Character.

Initiated on January 10, 1988, David Ridings (Tennessee/Martin ’91), Joe Ada (Tennessee/Martin ’92), Marty Duke (Tennessee/Martin ’90), Mike Griffin (Tennessee/Martin ’91), Tony Murphy (Tennessee/Martin ’93), Mike Patrick (Tennessee/Martin ’90), and Troy Roller (Tennessee/Martin ’92) are living out their Third Degree Obligation by getting together at the lake houses of brothers Roller and Patrick (three doors down from each other in a nice, quiet neighborhood) to laugh, reminisce, eat good steaks, and tell stories from their undergraduate days of Phi Sig, which seem to grow more outlandish and further from the truth with each passing reunion.

Brothers from Tau Tetarton at Tennessee/Martin enjoy regular get-togethers

the group found it more enjoyable to meet at the lake. Social media came along and made it easier for the brothers to keep up with each other and stay in touch about their families and careers. Most of their children are grown. The first grandchild was born earlier this year to Joe Ada’s daughter and brought much-deserved congratulations to him and his wife, Mary Beth. More grandchildren will be celebrated soon.

Together, the seven men have celebrated weddings, career promotions and advancement, second careers, and have been together for funerals of grandparents, parents, and unfortunately, even fellow brothers from the Tau Tetarton Chapter.

drive in from the Nashville area. Brother Patrick fell so in love with the area that in 2020 he bought the house right up the street from Brother Roller. Brother Patrick is a wholesale meat distributor in West Tennessee and is the one responsible for supplying the steaks, bacon, and sausage for the meals. Brother Griffin, a healthcare IT manager, also brings down some of the best pulled pork around from his BBQ food truck he owns jointly with a friend.

Brother Murphy, the one who actually lives only a 20-minute drive from Pickwick, rolls in sometime Friday night because, as he claims, he has “things to do.” The “things” are often shrouded in secrecy and, others believe, are probably related to Murphy’s hunting passions.

The gatherings have become the envy of many Tau Tetarton alumni and the brothers often get calls asking for an invitation to join them. The seven brothers are content to keep their group as is for now but encourage the other initiate classes to start getting together as well. The seven men feel that it is important to get together often, especially as the number of Phi Sigs from their chapter joining the Chapter Eternal grows.

Brother Roller built his house at Pickwick in 2000, primarily for his family’s recreational use. He lives in nearby Memphis and wanted a nice getaway place. Pickwick was perfect as it provided excellent boating and golf opportunities and was not too far away.

After the group decided to host their reunions away from their alma mater, Brother Roller offered his lake home.

There was plenty of room for everyone and they had access to the lake, a boat, and the golf course. A slight misunderstanding about the durability of a golf cart that occurred during one reunion weekend has become one of the most-told stories.

The seven brothers began going back to campus as often as they could, not long after they graduated for their group get-togethers.

But as they got older (and allegedly wiser),

The weekends tend to follow the same schedule: Brother Ridings drives from the farthest away and picks up Brother Ada on his way. Brothers Griffin and Duke

Pickwick will always be a second home to these brothers. They enjoy their time at the lake, these “Kings of Pickwick.” The most interesting part? Once they all arrive at Brother Roller’s house, despite being on one of the most beautiful lakes around and having access to boating, fishing, and skiing, these kings have never left the porch.

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While these weekends are extremely fun, can’t-miss events, their time together is rooted in their love for the Tau Tetarton Chapter; not the day-to-day operations of the house or undergraduate chapter when they were still around, but the brothers and memories that connect them. These memories dominate the conversations at their reunions.

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Members of the current Grand Council, left to right, David Cohen, Jeff Liesendahl, Atif Elkadi, Grand President Chris Hoye, Brandon Paternoster, Darald Stubbs, and Matt Gregory.

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Call for Nominations — Grand President and Grand Council In accordance with the Constitution and By-laws, it is the responsibility of the Chancellor of the Court of Honor to appoint and chair the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will receive nominations for the offices of Grand President and Grand Council Directors, interview all candidates, and present a slate to the General Convention in New Orleans, LA, this summer. The slate will also be announced 30 days prior to the Opening Business Session of the General Convention ( June 27).

The executive power of the Fraternity is vested in the Grand Council, consisting of the Grand President and Grand Council Directors. The Grand President serves for two years. There is no limit to the number of terms a brother may serve as Grand President. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Chapter and a member of the Grand Council. Grand Council Directors serve for two years if filling a vacant position, or four years for a regular term.

Any brother in good standing may submit nominations. The deadline for nominations is May 29, 2023. Those nominated must be brothers of the third or higher-ranking degree and may not include the Chancellor or any brother “who is or within the two years immediately preceding the Convention has been on the paid staff of the Fraternity,” according to Article IV, Section 1 of the Bylaws.

As a result of the Organizational Design Effort, the Grand Council periodically assesses the appropriate mix of skills and characteristics required of Grand Council Directors in the context of the needs at a given point in time. The Grand Council communicates that assessment as appropriate to the Nominating Committee of the General Convention.

In seeking Grand Council Directors, the Grand Council seeks to achieve a mix of members that represents a diversity of background and experience. continued •

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ALUMNI CLUB VOTING AT CONVENTION DEPENDENT ON SUSTAINING DUES MEMBERS The Sustaining Dues Program (Forever Phi Sig) was implemented in 1995 at the 55th General Convention, as a way of raising funds for both the Grand Chapter and local alumni clubs. Local groups use their funds in whatever manner they choose. Many use the money for improvements to the chapter house, alumni gatherings, alumni newsletters, etc. The Grand Chapter uses the money to offset the cost of printing The Signet and maintaining the Fraternity’s membership files.

Alumni clubs solicit dues through newsletters and other direct mailings, as well as in person at Homecoming and

Founders’ Day events. The recommended amount of dues is $25. The clubs then remit $5 for each alumnus who paid their dues to the Grand Chapter. Please keep in mind that payments toward sustaining dues are not tax-deductible, whereas gifts to the Foundation qualify.

According to Article III, Section 4 of the Grand Chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws, “The voting privilege of the alumni clubs in good standing with the Grand Chapter and represented at the General Convention will be apportioned according to their number of sustaining members as paid to the Grand Chapter no later than the June

The following experiences and skills have been identified, but the Nominating Committee reserves the right to select the best candidates. All Grand Council members should possess the following qualifications:

• High personal and professional ethics, integrity, an inquiring and independent mind, practical wisdom, and mature judgment; • Broad training and experience in business, government, education, or technology or in areas that are relevant to the Fraternity’s mission and activities; • Service on other boards so as to bring broad governance experience;

• An understanding of fiduciary duties, and a clear view of the role of a Board member;

• Expertise that is useful to the Fraternity and complementary to the skills, abilities, expertise, and background of other Grand Council Directors, so that an optimum balance of members on the Board can be achieved and maintained; • Willingness to devote the required amount of time to carry out the duties and responsibilities; • Commitment to serve on the Grand Council for the full 4-year term of office to ensure a robust knowledge of the Fraternity and its operations;

• Willingness to represent the best long-term interests of all members and of the Fraternity as a whole, rather than any chapter or special constituency, and to appraise objectively management performance; and

• Involvement only in activities or interests that do not create a conflict with the Grand Council Director’s responsibilities to the Fraternity and its members.

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30th preceding the General Convention as follows: 0-25 members

one vote

26 to 45 members

two votes

46 to 65 members

three votes

66 to 85 members

four votes

86 or more members

five votes

If you wish to have your alumni club properly represented at next summer’s 69th General Convention, please consider a sustaining dues payment prior to June 30. Dues can be paid online at phisigsustainingdues.org.

Specifically, the Grand Council has determined a need for the following skill sets:

• Time to perform the duties of the role, with the ability to travel; • Courageous decision-making;

• Reputation of integrity, respect, and trustworthiness; ability to not play politics; • Solid comprehension of Phi Sig Mission, Constitution and Bylaws, Policies, and Rituals; • Solid comprehension of finance, budget development, and budget oversight; • Proven legal and risk management comprehension; • Prior governance/management experience;

• Prior data, analytical and logistics experience; • Prior fundraising experience;

• Experience with various PSK Committees, events, regional/national meetings; • Ability to build healthy, cohesive Board dynamics with all three Phi Sigma Kappa Boards The Nominating Committee is comprised of the members below: Sean Shingler (George Mason ’97)

• Chancellor of the Court of Honor (2019 – present); • Grand President (2017 – 2019);

• Grand Council Director (2009 – 2017);

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• Chapter Adviser — Xi Septaton Chapter (George Mason) (1999 – 2009);

Grand Chapter Seeks Proposed Changes to Governing Documents

• Loan Officer First Heritage Mortgage R. Todd Simpson (Central Missouri ’86)

• Chancellor of the Court of Honor (2011 – 2015); • Grand President (2007 – 2011);

Those brothers wishing to submit Constitution and Bylaws, Policy Manual, or Ritual changes should do so by June 27, 2023. Only those proposed changes from members in good standing will be considered.

• Grand Council Director (1997 – 2007); • Foundation President (2014 – 2015); • Foundation Trustee (2011 – 2017);

• Community Outreach & Grants Manager, City of Surprise, Arizona

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee will review the proposed changes. In the case of the Constitution and Bylaws, those approved by the committee will be presented to the voting body in business sessions to be held during the 69th General Convention.

The Convention will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana July 26 – 29. Only those proposed changes with prior approval from the committee will be presented on the floor.

Atif Elkadi (Cal Poly ’01)

• Grand Council Director (2017 – present); • District Governor (2006 – 2007);

• Led Fraternity’s rebranding initiative (2016 – 2017);

• Chief Executive Officer, Ontario International Airport Sean Eaves (Midwestern State ’93)

• Foundation Secretary (2020 – present); • Foundation Trustee (2018 – present);

For proposed changes to the Policy Manual, those approved will be submitted to the Grand Council for discussion and vote.

Any proposed changes to the Ritual will be discussed and voted on during Ritual Exemplification, also to be held during the General Convention.

• Chapter Adviser — Lambda Septaton Chapter (Florida International) (1996); • Field Sales Leader, US Health Advisors Ryan Ward (Idaho State ’96)

• Foundation Trustee (2012 – 2015); • District Governor (2000 – 2007);

• IHQ Director of Member Services (1997 – 1999); • EVP and Senior Real Estate Manager, Citizens Community Bank in Idaho

Two undergraduate members will be appointed from those registered to attend the General Convention.

Sitting members of the Grand Council who are not term-limited may be applying for another term on the Grand Council.

While current service is an indication of involvement with and contribution to the Fraternity at the national level, all candidates will be considered on a level playing field and no candidate will be advantaged or disadvantaged solely because he is or is not running for re-election to the Grand Council.

The Constitution, Bylaws and Policy Committee is a standing committee, appointed by the Grand President. It is comprised of three members of the Third or higher-ranking degree. Grand Council Director Atif Elkadi (Cal Poly ’01) chairs the committee. Other members are Grand Council Director Matt Gregory (Southern Illinois ‘95), John Sheehan (Northern Illinois ‘82), David Schell (Clarion ’73), and Alex Fefolt (Indiana/PA ’21). Three undergraduate delegates will be appointed at the time of the General Convention.

Nominations should be made using the approved forms.

Please email convention@phisigmakappa.org to request the appropriate information. When complete, forms should be sent to convention@phisigmakappa.org or mailed to the International Headquarters at 2925 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

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Proposed changes should be submitted on the appropriate form by June 27. Please request the form by emailing convention@ phisigmakappa.org.

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Phi Sig’s Legacy: A Historical Timeline What was happening in the world as Phi Sigma Kappa was maturing into the organization it is today? The timeline on the following pages follows the history of the Fraternity, the accomplishments of notable alumni, as well as inventions and technology that helped shape today’s lifestyle.

Andrew Hallidie tests the first cable car system in San Francisco

Development and commercial production of electric lighting

1870’s

1880’s

March 15, 1873 Phi Sigma Kappa Founded

January 26, 1888 Fraternity Becomes National Organization, with Chartering of Beta Chapter

June 19, 1878 Grand Chapter Organized

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June 18, 1888 First General Convention — Amherst, Massachusetts

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1900’s Fall, 1903 Gamma Chapter Builds the First Fraternity House in the Nation January 1, 1909 The Fraternity is Coast to Coast, with the Chartering of the Omega Chapter at Cal/Berkeley

First radio receiver developed by Guglielmo Marconi

Commercial production of the automobile begins

Charles Strite invents the first pop-up toaster, and the Model T dominates the automobile market

1890’s

1910’s

June 27, 1894 Seventh General Convention — New Haven, Connecticut

February 20, 1910 Phi Sigma Epsilon Founded at Kansas State Teachers College, now Emporia State University

Constitution Revision is Complete, and Grand Chapter Officers First Referred to as the Council

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F E AT U R E S

1920’s

1940’s

May 12, 1923 Unveiling of Memorial Tablet on the Outer Wall of North College Dormitory, Dedicated to the Founders. (Known as the Phi Sigma Kappa Shrine)

October 21, 1947 First meeting of Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation Incorporators in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

August 26, 1926 Raymond Lafean (Penn ’19) Selected to Design Ritual Equipment

Cedric Foster (Dartmouth ’24) is a top news analyst for the Mutual Broadcasting System, broadcasting nightly during World War II with his News of Europe Tonight.

Harry Steenbock (Wisconsin ’08) demonstrates that irradiation by ultraviolet light increases the Vitamin D content of foods and other organic materials. His technique is used for food, but most notably for milk.

Introduction of the microwave oven

Many beloved food brands begin — Kool-Aid, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Velveeta Cheese, Baby Ruth candy bars

1930’s RCA Victor introduces the first long-playing phonograph record

August 8, 1934 Creed, Written by Stewart W. Herman (Gettysburg 1899), Adopted at the 26th General Convention

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August 8, 1934 Cardinal Principles, Written by Ralph Watts (UMass ’07), Adopted at the 26th General Convention

Nate Barragar (Southern Cal ’30) is an All-Pro for the Green Bay Packers.

1938 First Headquarters Opened in Chicago, Illinois at 10 South LaSalle Street

Red Rolfe (Dartmouth ’31) is a four-time All-Star and five-time World Series Champion with the New York Yankees.

Elden Auker (Kansas State ‘32) is the winning pitcher in Game 4 of the 1934 World Series.

Ernie Smith (Southern Cal ’33) is a two-time NFL Champion with the Green Bay Packers.

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1960’s 1966 Fraternity Purchases Its First Headquarters in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania Richard F. Gordon, Jr. (Washington ’51) serves as the pilot of the 1966 Gemini 11 mission and command module pilot of the Apollo 12 mission in 1969.

Burl Ives (Eastern Illinois ’32) voices Sam the Snowman as the narrator of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Thomas B. Smothers, III (San Jose State ’61) and his younger brother, Dick, star in their own variety show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour from 1967 until 1969.

Chris Schenkel (Purdue ’45) moves to ABC in 1965, where he broadcasts college football, Major League Baseball, NBA basketball, golf and tennis tournaments, boxing, auto racing, and the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

Dean Torrence (Southern Cal ’66) is one half of the rock duo Jan and Dean. In the early 1960s, they are pioneers of the California sound and vocal surf music styles popularized by the Beach Boys. Among their most successful songs is 1963’s “Surf City,” the first surf song to hit the Hot 100. Their other charting top 10 singles are “Drag City” (1963), “Dead Man’s Curve” (1964), and “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena” (1964).

Televisions become a staple of living rooms across the country

1950’s 1952 First Medallion of Merit Presented 1956 Fraternity Headquarters Moves to Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania Frank Gifford (Southern Cal ’52) wins the NFL Most Valuable Player Award from United Press International in 1956.

Alfred Bertram Guthrie, Jr. (Montana ’23) wins the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for The Way West, and his screenplay for Shane is nominated for an Academy Award in 1953.

Arnold R. Jones (Kansas State ’27) serves as Deputy Director of the Bureau of the Budget.

President Eisenhower appoints him a Director of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for a nine-year term.

The space race results in the first moon landing

1970’s March 17, 1973 Spring Observance of the 100th Anniversary — Queen Mary, Long Beach, California August 7-11, 1973 Centennial Convention held in Amherst, Massachusetts 1977 Fraternity Headquarters Moves to Indianapolis, Indiana August 18, 1979 Formation of the Memorial Endowment Foundation Lou Boudreau (Illinois ’40) is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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First MRI image published in 1973

James Hodgson (Minnesota ’38) serves as Secretary of Labor under President Richard Nixon from July 2, 1970, until February 1, 1973. He also serves as Ambassador to Japan from July 19, 1974, until February 2, 1977, under Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

Robert Lindsey (San Jose State ’56) receives the Edgar Allan Poe Award for best non-fiction crime book for The Falcon and the Snowman.

Chris Sarandon (West Virginia ’64) is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Leon Shermer in Dog Day Afternoon.

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1990’s 1992 Fraternity Purchases Its Current Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana Establishment of Phi Sigma Kappa Properties Glen Hiner (West Virginia ’56), a former General Electric senior vice president, becomes chairman and chief executive of Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation in 1992.

Don Knotts (West Virginia ’46) is named #27 on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars of All-Time. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Arthur Levitt, Jr. (Williams College ‘52) serves as Chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 1993 to 2001.

Development of the World Wide Web, with the first web browser going online in 1993

MTV re-shapes pop culture

1980’s September 7, 1984 Merger of Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and Memorial Endowment Foundation 1985 First Distinguished Alumnus Award Presented August 14, 1985 Phi Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma Epsilon Merge August, 1988 Establishment of the Order of the Diamond Circle Anthony Coelho (Loyola Marymount ’64) serves as House Majority Whip.

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2000’s David French (Cornell ’60) is CNN’s first Washington weekend anchor, beginning in 1982.

David Selby (West Virginia ’63) stars as Richard Channing in the prime-time soap opera Falcon Crest. He is best known for portraying Quentin Collins in the daytime soap opera Dark Shadows.

John Sununu (MIT ’61) serves as Governor of New Hampshire from 1983 until 1989. He also serves as White House Chief of Staff from 1989 until 1991.

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2007 Development of the Fraternity’s Core Values Eric I. Cantor (George Washington ’85) serves as the United States representative for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District from 2001 until 2014. As a member of the Republican Party, he becomes House Majority Leader when the 112th Congress convenes on January 3, 2011.

John Cochran (Alabama ’61) is ABC’s senior Washington correspondent from 2001 until 2011. He had previously served 21 years with NBC as chief White House correspondent.

David Cook (Central Missouri ’05) is named the winner of American Idol in 2008.

F E AT U R E S

2020’s 2020 Completion of the Shonk Archive and Educational Center and renovation of the International Headquarters

2010’s

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV in 2021.

Bryan Glazer (American ’86) and Joel Glazer (American ’89) are owners/co-chairmen of the team.

February 20, 2010 Phi Sigma Epsilon Celebrates its 100th Anniversary David Poile (Northeastern ’71) is General Manager for the men’s hockey team at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games

A cultural shift includes the heavy use of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

James Franklin (East Stroudsburg ’95) coaches the Penn State Nittany Lions to a Rose Bowl victory in 2023.

Sales of electric vehicles grow significantly

The popularity of mobile phones and text messaging surges

This timeline only tells part of the story which is Phi Sigma Kappa. The Shonk Archive and Educational Center, located at the International Headquarters in Indianapolis, preserves the cherished accomplishments of the Fraternity and its members. Visitors can learn more about the brothers listed above, as well as many more!

THE SIGNET

To make a donation to help preserve Phi Sigma Kappa’s Legacy of Brotherhood, click on the QR code!

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Your Donation Can Help Us Celebrate 150 Years of Brotherhood!

The Sesquicentennial will be celebrated throughout 2023, culminating at the 69th General Convention in New Orleans. The event should be one of the largest in Phi Sig history.

We are asking brothers to help fund the educational programming and scholarship opportunities that come with a celebration of this size. Our goal is to raise $150,000 for 150 years of Phi Sigma Kappa. Please take a look at the benefits below if you choose to donate to recognize our rich history.

$250

• $100 discount on the full convention registration fee for you or an undergraduate representative of your choosing

$500

Use the QR code to make your donation today and help continue the Legacy of Brotherhood.

Please mention the 150th Anniversary in the notes section.

$2,500

• All perks of $1,000 level • Full Convention registration fee for you or an undergraduate representative of your choice

$5,000

• All perks of $250 level • Special Phi Sig Anniversary lapel pin • Special 150th Anniversary swag bag

• All perks of $2,500 level • Special seating at opening and closing banquet of the General Convention • Recognized as a 150th Anniversary Trustee • Special dinner provided by the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation during the General Convention

$1,000

• All perks of $500 level • Signed copy of the General Convention poster

should be made as attachments to an email to What Does Phi Sig Mean to You? Submissions be sent to Kathy Cannady at kathy@phisigmakappa.org.

We all have a story to tell about Phi Sigma Kappa. We have all played a role in its history, just as it has played a role in our lives.

As part of the celebration of the Fraternity’s 150th Anniversary, Phi Sigma Kappa is hosting a contest that will help convey brothers’ feelings toward the Fraternity.

Your feelings and passion could come through in a song, dance, sculpture, painting, short story, poem, etc. We will use these pieces of art in The Signet, on our website, as posters, and displayed at the 69th General Convention in New Orleans, etc.

Please be aware that when you submit your project it will become the property of the Fraternity for use as it sees fit.

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In the case of sculpture, paintings, etc., a photo of the artwork will suffice. For social media posts, please send a link. Please contact Kathy for any questions you may have.

Winners will receive a $100 discount on the full Convention registration fee for themself or an undergraduate of their choosing, the 150th Anniversary lapel pin, and a 150th Anniversary swag bag. There will also be a place in the time capsule for recognition of the winning entry(ies).

The contest will conclude on June 30, 2023, and winners will be announced at the 69th General Convention, to be held in New Orleans July 26-29, 2023.

THE SIGNET

CHAPTER ETERNAL George Washington

Rensselaer

Wisconsin

Jared S Kalina ’89

William J Montgomery, Jr ’68

Robert W Black ’53

Gettysburg

Rhode Island

Michael R Connolly ’03

Henry E Berry ’53

Wisconsin/Eau Claire

Austin E. Stiles ’52

Stephen A Celona ’61

Kenneth W Balts ’67

Rider

Wisconsin/Milwaukee

Jack S Moncrief ’56

John A Burgess ’94

Craig Wilson ’02

Henderson State William H Arnold ’57

Rutgers

Paul L Holt, Jr ’52

OF NOTE…

Indiana

Robert A Gasser ’59

American

R Patrick Handley ’67

David R Loza ’96

Billie Hougart ’68

Kent State

St. Lawrence

Thomas E Zajkowski ’91

Robert V Lyle ’58

who had a successful career in

Maryland

San Jose State

George B Falck ’52

Jack V Houser ’57

planner and investment adviser.

Minnesota

Southern Cal

Michael J Smithwick ’76

Fred E Biederman ’52

Montana State

Tennessee

Charles W Proff ’65

Edward M Duncan ’53

Northern Illinois

William F Norton ’67

Matthew J Peperak ’93 Karl W Viehe ’65 Lawrence E Wells ’74

Arizona State Graham A Walker ’54

Cal State/LA John J Merget ’64

Cornell Lee J Alexander ’64

Emporia State Larry L Becker ’59 Larry Black ’59

Herb Eldean ’63

Northern Iowa Ohio State

Dr. James L Brown ’67

Bernard R Craft ’53

Howard E Clark ’63 Frank D Colborn ’54 Richard G Fuller ’49 Dan M Horiuchi ’67 Michael S Keck ’67 Wendell E Lady ’52 Donald R Lohrengel ’60 Louis L Orr, III ’70

W G Carter, Jr ’69

Roland M Wright ’51

Howard E Blender ’72 Stanley D Brown ’60

Tennessee Wesleyan Texas James L Hailey ’59

Tufts

Penn

Joseph C Abate ’58

Michael D Strong ’62

Valdosta

Purdue

Jackson Bebiak ’26

David R Butcher ’62

Washington State

Kerry D Dorsey ’86

Maxwell Pitts ’22

RIT

Waynesburg College

Dale E Spafford ’91

Robert E Russell ’57

David G Spafford ’67

Carl D Simmons ’56

Radford

FDU/Madison

David L Jessup ’79

Frank J Destefano Jr ’67

West Virginia Gage Bootay ’19 William Douglas ’60

Armando Lopez ’96

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.

Bill Kovacic (Northern Illinois ’79) was an accomplished alumnus finance, working as a financial He was also a dedicated family man, survived by his wife and children. He joined Chapter Eternal on March 14.

In addition to his work with the Phi Sigma Kappa Investment Committee, Brother Kovacic was active in his local community and served on the board of directors for several organizations.

Richard (Dick) Taylor (American ’52) joined Chapter Eternal on November 19. He was the founder of the Epsilon Triton Alumni Club and served as both its President and Treasurer at various times.

He was also a long-time Chapter Adviser to the Epsilon Triton Chapter. He was the recipient of a Founders’ Award in 1998.

The Dick Taylor Diamond at Jacobs Complex at American University is named for Brother Taylor. He played baseball for the University and is a member of its Cassell Hall of Fame.

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

THE SIGNET

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CHAPTER NEWS

Phi Deuteron at Kentucky

ALABAMA

INDIANA/PA

Omicron Deuteron Tuscaloosa, AL

Theta Pentaton Indiana, PA

The Omicron Deuteron Chapter hosted its annual brotherhood paintball event in February.

The Theta Pentaton Chapter hosted a trash clean-up in their community to make the city of Indiana a nicer place.

CAL POLY

Eta Septaton San Luis Obispo, CA

The Eta Septaton Chapter welcomed their alumni back to campus in March for their annual alumni weekend!

ILLINOIS

Alpha Deuteron Champaign, IL

The brothers of Alpha Deuteron cleaned up their home arena after the last Illinois home game.

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KENTUCKY Phi Deuteron Lexington, KY

The Phi Deuteron Chapter participated in UK’s “DanceBlue,” a dance marathon taking a stand against pediatric cancer.

STETSON

Kappa Hexaton Deland, FL

In addition to several other awards, Kappa Hexaton took home the Fraternity of the Year award for the 2022-23 academic year on the Stetson campus.

WESTERN MICHIGAN Chi Tetarton Kalamazoo, MI

Chi Tetarton secured its second consecutive intramural championship in February.

RIT

Upsilon Tetarton Rochester, NY

Recent alumnus brother Liam Ryan (RIT ’22 ) donated bone marrow to someone with a life-threatening disease. The chapter commends him for his selflessness.

THE SIGNET

Clockwise, from top, left: Kappa Hexaton at Stetson, Chi Tetarton at Western Michigan, Omicron Deuteron at Alabama, Eta Septaton at Cal Poly, Liam Ryan, Alpha Deuteron at Illinois, Theta Pentaton and Indiana/PA. •

CHAPTER NEWS

THE SIGNET

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CHAPTER NEWS

Chapters Participate in Polar Plunge Phi Sig chapters across the country take part in local Polar Plunges to help raise funds and show their support for the Fraternity’s international service project. Special Olympics International was chosen by delegates to the 55th General Convention in 1995 as the international service project of Phi Sigma Kappa.

The Polar Plunge is a popular event across the nation and raises a significant amount of money for Special Olympics. Participants enter a body of water despite the low temperatures. Whether it be on a beach, or in a pool, it’s a shared experience with brothers!

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THE SIGNET

Job Openings Growth Specialists to Join Professional Staff

Undergraduate Opportunity: Signet Intern

Phi Sigma Kappa International Headquarters is seeking two Growth Specialists to provide local chapter-focused training and support to undergraduate and alumni members. This includes a key service to these local chapters: the growth of membership numbers and the development of leadership skills. To qualify for a Growth Specialist role, candidates must demonstrate the skills, resources, and professional understanding necessary to exceed the expectations of our undergraduate members.

Phi Sigma Kappa International Headquarters is seeking an undergraduate to serve as an intern for The Signet. This is a fantastic opportunity for a student seeking a degree in journalism to publish their work in a magazine that is distributed to more than 10,000 people biannually. To apply for this position, please send a resume and two writing samples to Director of Membership Engagement Danny Kobren (daniel@phisigmakappa.org).

Growth Specialists will serve as a primary provider of training and support to the chapters, new expansions, and their members in the areas of recruitment and membership retention. Growth Specialists build upon prior knowledge to help identify strengths and weaknesses in a chapter’s operations outside of recruitment, offering assistance and enrichment opportunities. This will include providing instruction in the expectations, practices, policies, and guidelines of the Fraternity, interacting with members of the campus staff and surrounding communities, and promoting the services and opportunities available to members of Phi Sigma Kappa.

For more information, email Director of Organizational Growth Lindsey Hollis at lindsey@phisigmakappa.org.

Responsibilities: • Submit one article of content for each issue of The Signet

• Work closely with the Communications Coordinator and Director of Membership Engagement to collect chapter news from chapters around the country

• Provide an undergraduate perspective during the production of the magazine • Serve as the undergraduate representative to the Signet Publishing Board

Key Competencies: • Seeking a journalism or communications degree • Excellent written and communication skills • Confident in group settings

• Top to bottom, and left to right: Gamma Triton at South Carolina, Upsilon Tetarton at RIT, Beta Epsilon at Pitt State, Mu Hexaton at Radford, Epsilon Tau at Ball State, Delta Triton at Purdue, Pi Deuteron at Ohio State, Gamma at Cornell, Sigma Epsilon at Ferris State, and Upsilon Septaton at Clemson.

THE SIGNET

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

Registration is now open for the 69th General Convention. Read about planned activities on page 10 and use the QR code to register!!

Use this QR code to book your room at the Mariott!

Jeff Anding/NewOrleans.com