Star & Lamp - Fall 2010

STAR & LAMP OF PI KAPPA PHI

2010 FALL 2010

CEOCORNER

by MARK E. TIMMES

THE CHOICE OF INTERFRATERNAL LEADERSHIP Pi Kappa Phi’s vision is to “redefine fraternity as a lifelong brotherhood of leaders.” Undoubtedly, being a “Leader by Choice” entails being a leader both inside and outside the fraternity.

My predecessor and now Executive Director Emeritus Durward Owen ingrained in me as a student the obligation to pay my interfraternal dues and that Pi Kappa Phi would be better because of it. I saw this first hand as a student at the University of Florida when I was elected Interfraternity Council president after serving the Alpha Epsilon chapter as archon. We were not too proud to learn from our interfraternal peers and incorporate some of their best practices into our chapter. At the same time, our involvement helped improve the Greek community.

Today at the national chapter, I see that again first hand with our interfraternal involvement and my recent election as president of the Fraternity Executives Association. Interfraternal leadership means more than learning from others. It includes sharing, taking a leadership role and serving as role model. We applaud our students and alumni who have made the choice of interfraternal leadership, and I would like to take the opportunity to share a few examples: • Bryce Bennett, archon of our Alpha Delta chapter at the University of Washington, took a leadership role to help UW’s Greek community address its alcohol practices and create positive change toward safer Greek events. As a result of his efforts, we were pleased to recognize him with Pi Kappa Phi’s inaugural Interfraternal Leader of the Year award for outstanding student interfraternal service.

• Over the summer, Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity hosted a summit of fraternity/sorority life professionals from campuses in the Southeast. The summit was held in Charlotte at the Kelley A. Bergstrom Leadership Center of Pi Kappa Phi to share common concerns and explore collaborative solutions.

• Through his company CAMPUSPEAK, alumnus T.J. Sullivan, Alpha Psi (Indiana), has expanded Pi Kappa Phi’s award-winning “Ladder of Risk” risk management education program, making it available to campuses and Greek organizations across the country as we collectively deal with the challenges of alcohol use and abuse and the choices made by our students.

• Interfraternal leadership also means recognizing those outside our organization who have ably served the Greek community. We were pleased to recognize Indiana University’s long-serving Dean of Students and proud member of Delta Chi Fraternity with the Durward W. Owen Interfraternity Award for Greek Service at Supreme Chapter in Orlando this August.

Your fraternity has been recognized for its interfraternal service. It brings us honor and distinction. It has made us better. We challenge more of you to do the same.

Lastly, we congratulate Mark Jacobs, Delta Psi (UT-Arlington), for his election as national president and thank departing National Council members Jeff Wahlen, Alpha Epsilon (Florida), and Dave White, Beta Alpha (NJIT), for their service.

As always, enjoy this issue of the Star & Lamp!

Yours in the Brotherhood of Pi Kappa Phi,

MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

Mark E. Timmes Chief Executive Officer mtimmes@pikapp.org

EX PA NS IO N N ews

PAGEONE

MONTANA

MAINE

MICHIGAN TECH

OREGON (Alpha Omega)

CENTRAL MICHIGAN (Beta Xi)

NORTHERN COLORADO

CINCINNATI (Theta)

ARKANSAS - FT. SMITH

OKLAHOMA (Alpha Gamma)

FALL 2010 SPRING 2011 FALL 2011

MARSHALL (Zeta Pi) W. CAROLINA (Gamma Epsilon)

MISSISSIPPI STATE

UT-DALLAS McNEESE STATE (Beta Mu)

The map details Pi Kappa Phi’s expansion plans through Fall 2011. For more information about expansion or starting a new chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, contact Assistant Executive Director Christian Wiggins at cwiggins@pikapp.org.

SOUTH FLORIDA (Zeta Eta)

FLORIDA SOUTHERN (Beta Beta)

pi kappa phi returns to oklahoma After a three year absence, Pi Kappa Phi came sweeping back to the University of Oklahoma with a strong expansion. Thanks to the dedication of the university staff, local alumni and motivated fraternity staff, the chapter is once again ready for success in Norman.

The expansion efforts began last spring when Pi Kappa Phi Director of New Chapter Development Curt Herzog, Theta Lambda (Missouri State), visited campus to begin building relationships with Oklahoma staff and rallying Alpha Gamma alumni. While visiting campus, Herzog met with a number of student leaders who expressed interest in becoming re-founding fathers of the chapter.

During the summer, those men began to recruit and spread the word of the Pi Kappa Phi’s return to campus.

In late August, Pi Kappa Phi expansion team returned to Norman to begin an intense recruitment and training effort.

Leadership Consultants Tyler Johansson, Chi (Stetson), and Bryan Janzing, Theta Iota (Washington State), joined Herzog to recruit men of class at Oklahoma. The staff spent nearly 12 hours per day presenting to student organizations and recruiting quality men who would redefine fraternity at Oklahoma.

“This was one of the best new chapters I have had the pleasure to start,” said Curt Herzog. “Each of these men brings diverse experience to the chapter and truly represents what a true ‘leader by choice’ is.”

With 12 National Merit Scholars and 10 International Scholars as well as members of the OU marching band, resident advisors, Presidents Leadership Class and the elite campus spirit organization, the Ruffnecks; the 59-man Alpha Gamma chapter is looking forward to future success.

In addition to the staff support from the national office, local alumni—led by Director of Marketing and Development for the University of Oklahoma Alumni Association Michael Dean—provided invaluable support in order to help new members understand the value of Pi Kappa Phi’s lifelong brotherhood.

Shane Pruitt, newly selected archon of the Alpha Gamma associate chapter, said, “In the past few weeks, we have seen great success with recruitment and campus involvement. None of this would be possible without the outpouring of support we have seen from the alumni.” Pruitt continued, “We are all thrilled to be part of the re-founding of the Alpha Gamma chapter of Pi Kappa Phi!” Over the next 12 to 18 months, the chapter will continue to recruit men, educate members and solidify their commitment to Push America in order to establish themselves as a leading chapter among the fraternities on campus. With the strides the chapter has already taken, Pi Kappa Phi brotherhood will undoubtedly thrive once again at the University of Oklahoma.

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Each year, the Fraternity Executives Association gavel is passed down to the newly elected president. After serving on the FEA board of directors for several years, Pi Kappa Phi CEO Mark E. Timmes was elected FEA president in June. Timmes is only the second member of Pi Kappa Phi to have served as FEA president.

Durward W. Owen served from 1972-1973.

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INSIDE COVER

CEO CORNER 01 PAGE ONE 04 PUSH AMERICA 06 Foundation 08 Properties 20 ALUMNI news 24 collegiate news 28 chapter eternal Spring 2011 Deadline 4/1/2011

Winter 2011 Deadline 1/15/2011

PARENTS The Star & Lamp is being sent to your address while your son is in college. Please feel free to read through the magazine as we hope it is a publication you will enjoy too! If your son is no longer in college or is no longer living at home, please send his new contact information to the P.O. Box address or e-mail address shown to the far right.

Pi Kappa Phi hosted the 52nd Supreme Chapter at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. With more than 750 in attendance, Supreme Chapter 2010 was one of the well‑attended conventions in the history of Pi Kappa Phi.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER TIM RIBAR

A Wonderful World It Was

ASSISTANT EDITOR BRADLEY CHARLESWORTH

14 Periodical postage paid at Charlotte, N.C., and additional mailing offices.

PUBLISHER Star & Lamp, (USPS 519-000), is issued quarterly by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at 2015 Ayrsley Town Boulevard, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28273. A lifetime subscription is $15 and is the only form of subscription.

This summer, 41 undergraduate members attended the newly redesigned Pi Kapp College. Held at the College of Charleston, Pi Kapp College 2010 was transformed into an intense, sixday institute for emerging leaders of Pi Kappa Phi.

MANAGING EDITOR JARED THURSTON

SUBMISSIONS/DEADLINES Materials for publication should be sent directly to the managing editor at the P.O. Box address or e-mail address shown to the right.

Letters to the editor will be printed at the discretion of the editors.

Pi Kapp College 2010

CONTRIBUTORS TOM ATWOOD ADAM PHILLIPS BILL SIZEMORE CHRISTIAN WIGGINS

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARK E. TIMMES

E-MAIL ADDRESS star&lamp@pikapp.org

Star & Lamp P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224-0526

POSTMASTER Send address changes to:

STAR& LAMP FALL 2010 Vol. XCIX, No. 4

DEPARTMENTS

COVER Pi Kapp College was completely redesigned this year as an emerging leaders institute. Its new logo, which appears on this cover, symbolizes change, individuality and diversity.

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PUTting VISION INto ACTION

Since 1977, Push America has seen tremendous growth in the impact the organization has had on the disability community through fundraising and awareness events. Each year, Push America’s outreach continues to expand. With new events that incorporate Pi Kappa Phi members and nonmembers alike, Push America’s impact continues to flourish.

Much of Push America’s growth is tied to Pi Kappa Phi’s expansion efforts. As Pi Kappa Phi is introduced on more and more campuses, more students are, in turn, introduced to Push America. Each semester, new students are excited about the opportunities that present themselves through Push America. Build America, a Push America summer event, is just one of the programs that is changing people’s lives across the country. And it is doing so by putting Push America’s vision—to change the way society views people with disabilities and fraternities—into action.

This August, Pi Kappa Phi hosted its 52nd Supreme Chapter in Orlando, Fla. Building upon the tradition started in 2008 at the Supreme Chapter in Denver, this year’s Build America team was set to arrive in Orlando to the cheers of Pi Kappa Phis, students and

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alumni alike, and their families. Because of the high number of alumni in attendance at Supreme Chapters who graduated prior to Push America’s founding, the Build America arrivals have been impactful to all those present at Supreme Chapter.

The arrival was once again awe-inspiring as 16 Build America team members burst into the Push America luncheon following a team-created video recapping their summer. In it, these young men were able to demonstrate the impact they had at the six camps—from Ohio to Florida—that appeared on the team’s itinerary.

“Incredible” and “life changing” were just a few of the descriptors the team members used to summarize their summer before entering the room to a raucous applause and a standing ovation.

During the team’s presentation to the hundreds of attendees, they led the audience in camp songs and presented Pi Kappa Phi with a new set of concrete letters for the national headquarters—each letter weighing 50 pounds!

In what clearly became the high point of the arrival, Build America Project Manager Tyler Quinn, Theta Xi (Arizona State), spoke to the audience about the team’s successes and trials of the summer.

“Build America is the summer of a lifetime that takes guys out of their comfort zones and removes whatever boundaries they might have had in the beginning,” said Quinn. He also explained how the Build America program truly embodies Push America’s vision.

Quinn recalled a story from one camp that had themed cabins, one of which was fraternity-themed.

It was littered with root beer bottles and incorporated other stereotypes of fraternities. The entire Build America team was concerned with negative perception that it presented.

“They were completely negating the fact that we, as fraternity men, were at this camp that serves people with disabilities to help them improve their facilities.

The team cared so much that we approached the camp staff to discuss the situation,” said Quinn. “They were empathetic to our concerns.”

The camp administration indicated they would consider ways to correct the situation. And because of the team’s commitment to Push America’s vision, several campers and counselors gained a greater appreciation of stereotypes that fraternity men often face.

Alumnus Brian Baber, Beta Eta (Florida State), was in the audience as the Build America team arrived and was moved and invigorated after seeing such a commitment to service from these younger brothers.

“Seeing the Build America team welcomed at the Push America luncheon was one of the highlights of Supreme Chapter for me,” said Baber. “It amazes me how much Push America has grown over the years. I

can remember seeing the Journey of Hope teams finish their trip in Charleston in 1995. The Build America team inspired that same feeling of pride in my fraternity.”

Eyes filling with tears and chills welling up inside, Baber continued, “I was so proud for every young man on that stage and humbled to be wearing the same letters that they wore. I just kept thinking how life changing it is for men to experience the events Push America has to offer...memories, friendships and perspectives that they will carry for their whole life.”

Many alumni like Brian are amazed to witness Push America’s growth. Gone are the days of solely constructing playgrounds, manning toll roads and using “PUSH” as an acronym. Today, Push America annually fundraises $1.5 million, cycles more than 12,000 miles, builds barns and amphitheaters for organizations, and hosts countless campus-wide events across the country.

In fact, 75 percent of Pi Kappa Phi’s 7,500 undergraduate members work directly with people with disabilities in one form or another.

And as Push America continues to grow with Pi Kappa Phi, it is important to realize that everyone, not just students, can have a hand in furthering Push America’s vision to change society’s perception of people with disabilities as well as of fraternity men. It could be participating in a local 10k as a Push America Challenge event, hosting a Push America city event, or even spending a Saturday at a regional Give-A-Push Weekend. How ever you participate, it is important to realize how impactful a life lived for others can be.

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theta xi (arizona state) senior / 3.94 g.p.a. political science, history

Pi Kapp Scholars

Matt brinkmoeller

beta eta (florida state) senior / 3.98 g.p.a. history, creative writing, religion

epsilon phi (uab) junior / 3.91 g.p.a. biomedical engineering

Quinn Dunlap

delta rho (usc) senior / 3.72 g.p.a. gerontology

Spencer Kirklin Kenneth Ma

eta omicron (san francisco state) senior / 3.57 g.p.a. political science, criminal justice

delta (furman) senior / 3.94 g.p.a. biochemistry

scholarly ambition Since 1927, Pi Kappa Phi has recognized its best and brightest student leaders as Pi Kapp Scholars for their accomplishments inside the classroom and out. Since that time 638 student have been selected for this prestigious honor, bringing credit to themselves and their chapter.

Each year as spring gives way to summer, the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation’s Distribution & Stewardship Committee hunkers down to select the recipients of the Pi Kapp Scholars award. The committee pores through dozens of applications—hundreds of pages of personal statements, transcripts and letters of recommendation for some of Pi Kappa Phi’s leading student members. While the sheer scope of the work is challenging in and of itself, the real work comes in selecting just a handful of winners from the dozens of applications that are submitted each year.

“In some cases we’re down to the smallest level—looking for those tiny things that distinguish one candidate from another,” said Foundation Trustee John Davis, Beta Beta (Florida Southern). “It’s very tough when comparing two or more students who have obviously challenged themselves by taking tough courses, maintained a high G.P.A., and committed themselves to serving their fraternity 6

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and community. Often we have to look for the intangibles to separate the extraordinary from the highly competitive.”

This year’s applicant pool, while slightly lower in number, was more competitive than in previous years. With an average G.P.A. of 3.74 and a variety of majors represented—biomedical engineering to gerontology to history—students in this class of scholars were as diverse in their studies as they were lauded in the classroom.

Balancing academic work with a wide array of extra curricular activities and pursuits helped distinguish candidates from one another. The class of 2010 scholars also distinguished themselves by serving in roles as an executive officer of their chapter or a key committee position such as Push America or Risk Management chair. Some were involved in student government while others had compelling international experience such as serving as part of a medical missions group delivering primary medical care in the Third World.

gamma iota (lsu) senior / 3.96 g.p.a. biology

scholars by the

numbers Being named a Pi Kapp Scholar not only recognizes the individual, but brings credit to his chapter as well. These chapters have a tradition of academic excellence as evidenced by the number of Pi Kapp Scholars who have come from their ranks since 1927.

omega (purdue) 31 scholars

alpha tau (rensselaer) 30 scholars

mu (duke)

22 scholars

epsilon (davidson) 18 scholars

omicron (alabama) 17 scholars

moka memorial scholarship for upsilon (illinois)

porterfield memorial scholarship for alpha delta (washington)

morgan “extra mile” scholarship

for beta omicron (northwestern state)

hardee memorial scholarship for delta zeta (appalachian state)

mccollum memorial scholarship for north carolina chapters

Time management is a skill that serves everyone, but few in the fraternity world understand the value of squeezing every minute to its fullest value more than Pi Kappa Phi’s associate members. Balancing their academic demands with the initiation requirements of the chapter presents a real challenge for even the savviest time managers.

To help encourage thoughtful time management, the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation created the Outstanding Associate Member scholarship to draw attention to and recognize those students who help serve as an example for others to follow in this regard. This year, the Foundation selected four new members for the Outstanding Associate Member class of 2010.

winkelmann scholarship

for students of heallth-related professions

Outstanding Associate Members

pi kapp scholars outstanding associate members international scholars

associate members making their mark

alpha upsilon (drexel) sophomore / 4.0 g.p.a. computer science, math

In addition to the national scholarships available from the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, several chapter-based scholarship are endowed through the Foundation as well.

Several are listed below. For more information about endowing a scholarship for your chapter, contact us at foundation@pikapp.org.

Erik Groch

scholarships

zeta mu (csu - northridge) Ryan Chiarello sophomore / 3.93 g.p.a. beta eta (florida state) cinema and television arts sophomore / 3.76 g.p.a. delta alpha (virginia tech) junior / 3.94 g.p.a. biology mechanical engineering

the

Gerard Bifulco

International Scholars

kappa (north carolina) sophomore | london, england political science, economics theta delta (florida international) junior | seville, spain advertising and public relations

Brandon Collins

delta alpha (virginia tech) sophomore | france and germany accounting, information systems

Sterling Parker theta kappa (baylor) junior | italy international business

kappa (north carolina) sophomore | united kingdom political science

international scholars

spanning the globe

Global problems require global thinking. This was part of the impetus behind the launch of the Foundation’s International Scholars Program in 2007. Since its inception, the International Scholars Program has awarded $28,750 to talented student leaders who have been accepted into an accredited study abroad program, but who might not otherwise have the resources to participate. This year, scholarships ranged from $1,500 to $3,000. If you would like additional information on the International Scholars Program, or if you would like to support the fund with a tax-deductible gift, please contact the Foundation at (800) 929-1906 or foundation@pikapp.org.

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look homeward Kappa chapter’s quest for a house ended this summer at 216 E. Rosemary Street.

For the men of the chapter at the University of North Carolina, moving into their new home was just a part of the journey they began in 2009.

Plagued with low membership numbers, Kappa closed its doors and surrendered its charter in 2005.

Members said their distance from campus contributed to their recruitment woes. Kappa’s previous chapter house—home to the chapter for a number of years—was located nearly two miles from campus on Finley Golf Course Road.

Following the chapter’s closure, Kappa Council (the chapter’s alumni organization) sold the Finley property to the university.

After a period of dormancy, the chapter was re‑colonized in the spring of 2009. The new group of men worked diligently toward their chartering requirements, and on January 30, 2010, the National Council granted a new charter to a resurgent Kappa chapter. It was long before the chapter and Kappa Council began discussing the need for a chapter house on a such a competitive campus for Greek organizations.

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Fortuitously, Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity was looking to sell its property located just one block from campus. However, the chapter would need to act quickly. They did not hesitate.

Within a month of their chartering banquet, the men of Kappa collected and signed the 30 leases required for the deal to move forward.

Meanwhile, Pi Kappa Phi Properties worked with Kappa Council to negotiate the terms with Tau Epsilon Phi and secure financing.

“With the help of Pi Kappa Phi Properties, we closed on the house in early June,” said Mike Collins, Kappa Council president. “A group of our students agreed to live in the house during the summer to assist in its refurbishment.”

Over the summer Kappa Council poured more than $100,000 into renovations and upgrades for the house, which needed interior and exterior paint, new roofing and guttering, new flooring, new air conditioning units and updated kitchen appliances.

Mu (duke) Mu chapter was able to secure a

“section” on Duke’s Central Campus after lobbying key university administrators with an extensive proposal and subsequent meetings. Pi Kappa Phi Properties consulted the chapter during the process.

The chapter moved into the 30-man section this fall.

alpha nu (ohio state) After securing Blake Zanardi, Kappa’s secretary and house manager, helped coordinate the repairs and summer upkeep. Once the repairs were finished and the house was cleaned, the brothers landscaped the lawn and hung letters above the door. They were home.

The remainder of those who had signed leases moved into the house in early August. Already, the men have said having the house has made recruitment easier.

According to recruitment chair Patrick Ryan, having a house helped the chapter recruit a new member class of 24 this fall—second largest on Carolina’s campus.

“Having the house has improved every aspect of Kappa,” said Todd Stacy, Kappa archon. “We have grown closer as a chapter and strengthened our bonds of brotherhood. Having a home has solidified Pi Kappa Phi as a force on UNC’s campus for years to come.”

For more information about housing for your chapter, contact Greg Buehner at gbuehner@pikapp.org or (704) 504-0888 ext. 105.

a small infrastructure loan from Pi Kappa Phi Properties, Alpha Nu negotiated a lease on a 14-man chapter house. Located on 15th Ave., the house is exposing the chapter to an aspect of fraternity life they previously weren’t able to experience.

Theta omicron (nevada-reno) This fall, 12 men moved into Theta Omicron’s very first chapter house after working with a local landlord to lease the former boarding house.

Pi Kappa Phi Properties provided legal advice and assistance in obtaining insurance for the chapter.

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PI KAPP COLLEGE

This June, Pi Kappa Phi redesigned Pi Kapp College as an emerging leaders institute. Rather than simply providing chapter leaders with another opportunity to learn skills to more effectively carry out their role in the chapter, this new institute would provide up-and-coming leaders with the opportunity to discover and grow their leadership potential.

Fifty-one years ago, a small group of Pi Kappa Phis traveled to Camp Burnt Gin just outside Sumter, S.C., with a goal of strengthening their fraternity. The men gathered to bond with brothers from across the country, discuss common issues and learn how to better lead their chapters.

These men attended the first Pi Kapp College, a revolutionary new experience within the Greek world to provide officer training. As one of the first fraternity leadership conferences, Pi Kapp College enabled student

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members to return to their chapter with the knowledge and confidence to improve chapter operations.

This summer, a group of 41 “leaders by choice” traveled to South Carolina to bond with brothers from across the country, discuss common issues and learn to be better leaders. However, these men did not simply gather to receive officer training, but instead to explore Pi Kappa Phi’s brotherhood, ritual and values to empower them to truly become leaders by choice.

“After the success we’ve seen with officer training at the Mid Year Leadership Conferences, we saw Pi Kapp College as an opportunity to offer an entirely different leadership experience­. Our goal was to provide a transformative experience that would allow brothers to learn what it truly means to be a leader by choice and a man of Pi Kappa Phi,” said Abbie Schneider, Pi Kappa Phi’s former director of leadership who led the efforts to develop Pi Kapp College as an emerging leaders institute.

“The new Pi Kapp College format allows our men to discover their personal strengths and identify ways to build upon those strengths to better themselves and their fraternity.”

In order to create an experience that would have a powerful impact on the men in attendance, the fraternity enlisted a team of seasoned professionals as faculty members—a team with collectively more than 75 years experience in higher education and leadership development.

More than 70 rising sophomores and juniors from 46 different chapters applied to attend Pi Kapp College. Once selected, the students did not have to wait until they arrived at the College of Charleston to begin their experience. Participants joined the Pi Kapp College Facebook group and uploaded video messages to introduce themselves to fellow participants.

This allowed the men to begin to bond and converse before coming together for the intense, six-day conference.

In addition to utilizing Facebook and personal videos, each man was asked to

sign up for the social communication tool Twitter before arriving in Charleston. During the conference, students and facilitators “tweeted”—in 140 characters or less—to continue conversation on interesting topics, ask questions and even hunt down Pi Kappa Phi prizes located throughout the campus.

Upon arriving in Charleston, the students toured the birthplace of Pi Kappa Phi and were immersed in the fraternity’s history and contributions to the city and college. Though they came from as far away as Arizona, New York and everywhere in between, the men quickly found that while they had vastly different backgrounds, they had an instant connection through their passion for fraternity.

“It was incredible how quickly we bonded.

I think just being at the College of Charleston and experiencing the home of our fraternity really helped us come together,” said Jaime Varela, a junior from Theta Sigma (California State University - Long Beach).

The larger group was divided into five smaller groups, called “huddles”—each led by a faculty team of one alumni member and one friend of the fraternity. Within each huddle, the men reflected on various aspects of their fraternal experience to discuss and build upon each day. They were challenged to talk about subjects such as character, brotherhood, aspiration and

living the commitment. This allowed the men in attendance to reflect on issues including their personal ethics, the importance of service, individual strengths and how to stay involved as alumni.

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Jared Hunsucker, a sophomore from Theta Alpha (Southern Mississippi), found this personal reflection difficult but felt that by gaining a better understanding of his own values and strengths, he would be better equipped to achieve his goals and empower those around him.

“Sometimes it’s hard to step out and be honest with yourself, but if you do, you grow and learn more about yourself,” said Hunsucker. “I truly believe in my own strengths and better understand how I can use them to contribute to my chapter and my personal success.”

Each day the men took part in large group educational sessions, small group conversations and team challenges that focused on a particular concept. At the conclusion of each day, the facilitators and students came together to participate in a subordinate ritual specifically designed to drive home the concept the men had discussed during the day. Finishing each day with a ritual gave the men an opportunity to reflect on and share their intense experiences in order to grasp and understand the tough conversations they had throughout the day.

“It was great to learn how to be a better leader and focus on skills to help us grow, but when we all came together to experience the sub-rituals, it really hit home,” said Cory Carson, a sophomore from Alpha Theta (Michigan State).

Each day built upon the previous day’s lesson, and the men were increasingly

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motivated to bring what they were learning back to their home chapters. On the third night, a diverse panel of alumni joined the students to answer questions about how they have stayed connected to the fraternity and how their involvement has prepared them for building a career and starting a family. The panel shared their experiences of serving as chapter volunteers and national staff members as well as stories and examples of how the work they did as undergraduate chapter members prepared them to lead in the business world.

One of the most impactful experiences of Pi Kapp College was the “Friendship Visit” arranged with a local organization that works with the disability community.

After spending the morning discussing the importance of service and how it ties into the values of Pi Kappa Phi, the students and facilitators joined athletes from the Charleston Miracle League, a baseball league for children with disabilities, for a bowling party. Throughout the afternoon the brothers bowled frame after frame with new friends, high‑fiving and sharing the excitement of each falling pin.

After returning to campus, each of the brothers felt inspired by the abilities of the children they had met that day. More importantly, they were able to experience first hand that the value of brotherhood can deeply impact members of the fraternity as well as touch the lives of members of the community.

t w eets f rom PI KAPP COLLEGE Eta Omicron Chillin with Pi Kapps from ‘round the nation at 90 Broad, home of PKP in Charleston, SC. #PKC2010

UTPiKapps What an amazing nt! In the past nothing has...at the present nothing can...in the future nothing shall...tear us asunder. #PKC1010

Jon Campbell Great talks @ #PKC2010.

Cannot wait to see how 41 men will move us toward ideal chapters.

Brad Middleton Just finished up day 2 at #PKC2010! Learned a lot about who I am and what I stand for.

On the final day of Pi Kapp College, the brothers rose early to gather one final time as a group. Using Twitter, each brother shared a success that he believed he could achieve within his chapter. As the men tweeted, their thoughts were projected live on‑screen, allowing the group to share the goal each had planned for his chapter.

To conclude the six-day experience, the men participated in a graduation ceremony during which each participant was recognized by then‑National President-elect Mark Jacobs, Delta Psi (Texas-Arlington), as a member of the “alpha class” of Pi Kappa Phi’s emerging leaders institute.

Cully Leist It is truly amazing how brotherhood can be created within just 3 or 4 days here at #PKC2010.

Armando Mendez Creating positive, sustainable change at Pi Kapp College in Charleston, SC!

Christopher Rettich Diving into the ritual tonight. So proud to be a brother of @PiKappaPhi. #PKC2010

Eric Lynch Reaching a level of self-awareness I never thought I’d have the privilege of experiencing thanks to #PKC2010

Cory Carson A chapter with no values is a chapter with no value. #PKC2010

Alex Prichodko Ultimate respect can be tough. But I’ll tell you what, it’s pretty awesome. #PKC2010

Eric Lynch Hard to believe #PKC2010 is over...definitely one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Miss you guys already!

As a farewell to the birthplace of the fraternity and Pi Kapp College 2010, the students and facilitators walked through campus taking note of the significance of each of the fraternity’s gifts to the college.

As they passed by the clock atop Randolf Hall, they reflected on the ability each brother has to make an impact on Pi Kappa Phi. As they passed through the anniversary gate, they thought of the transition they each made during the powerful experience of the previous week. As they passed by the rose garden, they were reminded that they must constantly cultivate themselves as well as their relationships with their brothers. And as they gathered at the bell tower, each brother stood and recited the Creed in unison. While their voices faded and the bell tolled three times, they were empowered to guide Pi Kappa Phi as the next generation of fraternity leaders.

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A Wonder World It Was

SUPREME CHAPTER CONVENES IN ORLANDO A wonderful world was promised to attendees of Pi Kappa Phi’s 52nd Supreme Chapter this summer, and a wonderful world it was. Held at Walt Disney World Resort in beautiful Orlando, Florida, Supreme Chapter 2010 provided the perfect summer vacation setting for family and fraternity.

More than 750 students, alumni, and guests traveled to the Sunshine State for the occasion, making Supreme Chapter 2010 one of the best attended conventions in Pi Kappa Phi’s history.

The convention began with a bang at Downtown Disney’s House of Blues. The fraternity filled the venue for the opening event with more than 500 for a barbecue buffet and a live blues band. The evening proved to be a hit and set the stage for a truly wonderful convention.

Friday morning, alumni learned about new trends in social media at the Alumni Breakfast. However, business officially began as the first session of the Supreme Chapter was called to order. As is tradition, the session started with the ceremonial parade of Past National Presidents, Hall of Fame inductees and Mr. Pi Kappa Phis in attendance.

Among those recognized were Joe Alexander, Gamma Alpha (West Alabama); John Andrews, Delta Delta (Truman State); Kelley Bergstrom, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State); Jerry Brewer, Sigma (South Carolina); Harry Caldwell, Omicron (Alabama); Stephen DePalma, Beta Alpha (NJIT); Pat Figley, Chi (Stetson); Nathan Hightower, Omicron (Alabama); Ernest Johnson, Alpha Iota (Auburn); James Krucher, Beta Alpha (NJIT); David Morgan, Beta Omicron (Northwestern State); Durward Owen, Xi (Roanoke); Lonnie Strickland, Omicron

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(Alabama); Phillip Summers, Alpha Psi (Indiana); and Allen Woody, Xi (Roanoke).

Also recognized during the first session were the 13 chapters that had received charters since the last meeting of the Supreme Chapter in 2008. The five recently chartered chapters—Kappa (North Carolina), Alpha Nu (Ohio State), Delta Rho (Southern Cal), Eta Tau (Kentucky), and Theta Psi (RIT)—were presented with their charters.

The highlight of the day was certainly the Build America team’s arrival at the Push America Awards Lunch. As is now customary at any Build America event, the team entertained the crowd by performing their favorite camp songs. In a moving address, Project Manager Tyler Quinn, Theta Xi (Arizona State), recounted the team’s impact at the six camps they visited over the summer.

Nominations for National Council were on the docket for the second session of the Supreme Chapter. The slated officers were presented to the body—Mark Jacobs, Delta Psi (Texas-Arlington), was slated as president; Dudley Woody, Xi (Roanoke), as vice president; Tracy Maddux, Zeta Theta (Texas), as treasurer; Tom Sullivan, Delta Omega (Texas A&M), as secretary; Tim Hebson, Alpha Eta (Samford), as historian; Jeremy Galvin, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State), as chaplain; and Dan Bosshart, Gamma (Cal-Berkeley), as chancellor. With no further nominations from the floor, the slate was adopted as the new national council.

Business was adjourned for the day at the conclusion of the second session, and attendees were dismissed for the evening. While students and alumni had the evening off to explore Disney’s parks, the Nu Phi Society inducted its class of 16 new members who joined the veteran members at the 14th banquet dinner at Buena Vista Palace.

Past staff members gathered on Saturday morning at a breakfast for former employees of the national fraternity.

However, much of the day was spent in committee meetings to debate and discuss legislation, including a proposed change to the Ritual of Initiation and an increase to member dues.

Several alumni were honored during the Foundation Awards Lunch as well as the scholarship recipients.

Saturday evening was reserved for the much‑anticipated Supreme Banquet. Following a steak dinner, President Jeff Wahlen gave an inspiring State of the Fraternity address,

Mr. Pi Kappa Phi mR. jerry t. brewer Jerry Brewer, Sigma (South Carolina), was honored as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi 2010 on Saturday night of Supreme Chapter during the Supreme Banquet. Brewer is the 44th recipient of Pi Kappa Phi’s most prestigious honor and is the first from Sigma chapter.

For more than 30 years, Brewer has served the greater fraternity in a number of different roles, most impressively, serving on three of Pi Kappa Phi’s four national boards.

Brewer first served on the Push America’s Board of Directors during the 1980s and then on the National Council from 1985 to 1996. In 1994, he was elected as national president at the 44th Supreme Chapter in Atlanta. Brewer was the first national president during Mark E. Timmes’ tenure as chief executive officer.

Following his term as national president, Brewer was not done giving back to Pi Kappa Phi. Several years later, he joined the Foundation Board of Trustees and was selected as chairman in 2007. As chairman, he oversaw the completion of the Kelley A. Bergstrom Leadership Center of Pi Kappa Phi, which involved the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the Foundation.

In his career, Brewer has become a leader in higher education, currently serving as associate vice president for student affairs at the University of South Carolina. One of the highlights of his tenure at South Carolina has been the development of the university’s Greek Village project, which has resulted in new houses for nearly all of the university’s fraternities and sororities. This project has since become a model of Greek housing development within the higher education community and is being adopted by other major universities around the country.

recounting the fraternity’s progress over the past two years.

The banquet concluded with the presentation of Pi Kappa Phi’s biggest honors—including the Phillip M. Summers Student of the Year Award, the Durward Owen Interfraternity Award, the Founders’ Awards, the Pi Kappa Phi Hall of Fame and the Mr. Pi Kappa Phi Award. It was certainly humbling experience to be in the presence of some of Pi Kappa Phi’s biggest and brightest stars.

Following the Supreme Banquet, initiated members were allowed to witness Theta Delta chapter perform the Ritual of Initiation for model initiate Channing Proctor. Additionally,

Pi Kappa Phi Hall of Fame Frank Ryll, Beta Eta (Florida State)

Durward Owen Interfraternity Award Richard McKaig, Delta Chi Fraternity

Volunteer of the Year

Dick Baker, Delta Beta (North Georgia)

Regional Governor of the Year Dave Adickes, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State)

Chapter Advisor of the Year

Travis Kennedy, Epsilon Epsilon (Virgina-Wise)

Assoc. Chapter Advisor of the Year Dwayne Todd, Alpha Eta (Samford)

Alumni Advisor of the Year David Conn, Epsilon Psi (Slippery Rock)

Outstanding Friend of the Fraternity Kim novak, Delta Gamma FraTernity

Alumni Chapter of the Year Beta Eta (Florida State)

Housing Corporation of the Year Gamma Kappa (Georgia Southern)

Alumni Event of the Year

Epsilon Alpha (Elon) - 30th Anniversary

Alumni Newsletter of the Year The Omegalite - Omega (Purdue)

the Supreme Chapter posthumously initiated Blake Thomas, brother of past staff member Scott Thomas, Eta Zeta (Queens).

The final day of Supreme Chapter began with the Founders 5K run, sponsored by Push America. A group of 16 participated in the early morning tradition.

Later that day Pi Kappa Phi’s most outstanding chapters and students were recognized at the Fraternity Awards Lunch.

Immediately following was the final session of the Supreme Chapter, during which the new national council was installed.

Outgoing President Wahlen presented incoming President Jacobs with the National President’s Pin. In turn, Jacobs presented Wahlen with a ring to commemorate his term as national president.

Jacobs concluded the session with his inaugural address. Jacobs spoke of his personal journey in Pi Kappa Phi as well as the fraternity’s successes and challenges. He closed by presenting each member with a gold challenge coin as a token to remind each man of the challenge before them—to become a leader by choice.

LEADERS BY CHOICE

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A New Day Dawns president jacobs at the helm Today, I want to talk about successes and challenges.

Indeed, we can all celebrate the success that we, as Pi Kapps, have achieved. We have celebrated it all week, and we should continue to celebrate it. We are a fraternity of leaders, and our success is meaningful and measurable.

Pi Kappa Phi has great influence in this world today, because we are defined not by what we say we are, but by what we do and by what we truly believe.

The values our founders instilled in the very being of our great fraternity are still vibrant and relevant today. Though times have changed over the past 106 years, we, as a fraternity, have responded very well.

You as individuals and as chapters have achieved at the highest levels. You have proven that Pi Kappa Phi is a brotherhood of leaders.

Your successes are evident, and I assure you that we will continue to achieve. We will continue to innovate. We will continue to lead the fraternal world. With these as priorities, I am certain we will continue to succeed.

However, we do face challenges that we must meet. But with each challenge, we have opportunity for new success.

We, as a fraternity, must continue to grow. We must continue to serve. And we must continue to develop leaders by choice.

We must also continue to redefine and change our paradigm. To accomplish this, Pi Kappa Phi is working hard to eliminate hazing and alcohol abuse on our campuses. We are committed to redesigning and implementing an innovative new member education program. We are committed to ending the practice of hazing on all of our campuses. We are committed to eliminating alcohol abuse.

There are and will be other challenges, but we as a brotherhood welcome these challenges and we will meet all of these challenges together.

So here is the challenge I leave with you as you return to you chapters: I challenge each of you to be leaders by choice—whether it is through Push America, growing your chapter, service to the community, academics. I challenge you to be leaders by choice.

Gentleman, I accept that challenge. I make the choice that I will continue to lead. Let’s lead together.

This is a redacted excerpt from President Mark Jacobs’ inaugural address to the Supreme Chapter.

The Model Initiate Mr. Channing proctor On the evening of Saturday, August 7, 2010, the Supreme Chapter witnessed the initiation of Channing Proctor into Pi Kappa Phi as the 1,180th member of Alpha chapter.

As founder of the Charleston Miracle League—a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy America’s pastime— Proctor aims to create a shift in how people with disabilities are perceived in their community.

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Proctor was first introduced to Pi Kappa Phi while helping to organize a “Friendship Visit” for Pi Kapp College this summer.

“Channing is a phenomenal addition to Pi Kappa Phi,” said Chad Coltrane, CEO of Push America. “His accomplishments with the Charleston Miracle League are truly inspiring, and Pi Kappa Phi and Push America are lucky to call him a brother and volunteer.”

Phillip M. Summers Student of the year Daniel Cronin, Omega (Purdue), was honored as the Phillip Summers Student of the Year, which recognizes Pi Kappa Phi’s most outstanding student member. As archon of his chapter, Cronin led Omega to one success after another, all while maintaining a 3.75 g.p.a. as a civil engineering major.

On a campus of 41 fraternities, Cronin was named Fraternity President of the Year, and the chapter earned Purdue’s Fraternity of the Year award for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Under his leadership, Omega grew to 115 men with a class of 50 new members, planned and executed $10,000 in renovations to the chapter house, and raised $10,000 for Push America.

Mixson Award

epsilon phi (alabama-birmingham) With 51 members, Epsilon Phi is UAB’s second-largest fraternity.

Epsilon Phi earned UAB’s award for academic excellence for a 3.04 chapter g.p.a.

Epsilon Phi received the President’s Trophy for intramural excellence.

The chapter raised $3,000 for Push America and logged 1,120 hours of community service.

Fogarty Award

Eta chi (texas christian) Eta Chi’s 3.39 g.p.a. is a half point higher than TCU’s all men’s average.

Eta Chi established an official alumni chapter, produced three newsletters, and hosted several alumni events.

The chapter raised $30,000 for Push America and volunteered weekly at KinderFrogs, a education center for children with Down syndrome.

Kroeg Award Omega (purdue)

With 115 members, Omega is fourth in size on a campus with 41 fraternities and maintains a chapter g.p.a of 3.03.

Omega was named Purdue’s top fraternity for a third consecutive year.

The chapter raised $10,000 for Push America and sent four men on the Journey of Hope this summer.

Howard Baker Leadership Award

FOR outstanding CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

david rad, theta tau (High point)

Archon of the Year

Jerry Ursin, Theta ALpha (Southern Miss)

Vice Archon of the Year Eric Allen, Omega (Purdue)

Thomas Sayre Award

Push America Chairman of the Year

James Fine, Theta Eta (American)

Interfraternity Leader of the Year Bryce Bennett, ALpha Delta (washington)

Chapter Leader of the Year Michael DiPietro, Theta Mu (UMASS)

Emerging Leader of the Year Joe Sevillano, Theta Delta (FIU)

Philanthropist of the Year Pietro Bortoletto, ALpha Chi (Miami)

Theron Houser Most Improved Chapter Sigma (South carolina)

Champion Master Chapters Kappa (north carolina) Xi (roanoke) Upsilon (illinois) Psi (cornell) Omega (purdue) Alpha Delta (washington) Beta Eta (Florida State) Gamma Theta (UNC-Wilmington) Gamma Iota (LSU) Delta Alpha (Virginia Tech) Delta eta (Morehead State) Epsilon Phi (Alabama-Birmingham) Zeta Nu (West Chester) Zeta Chi (Albright) Eta Zeta (Queens) Eta Sigma (UCLA) Eta Upsilon (Miami) Eta Phi (Maryland-baltimore county) Eta Chi (Texas Christian) Theta Alpha (Southern Miss) Theta Delta (Florida International) Theta Eta (American) Theta Lambda (Missouri State) Theta Mu (UMass) Theta Nu (Delaware) Theta Xi (Arizona State) Theta Phi (Louisiana Tech) Theta Psi (RIT)

LEADERS BY CHOICE

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State of the Fraternity Stats MEMBERSHIP In 2008, Pi Kappa Phi had a total

of 6,459 student members. The National Fraternity reached an all-time high of 7,655 students in 2010, exceeding its goal of 7,000.

Expansion

Pi Kappa Phi has 156 active and associate chapter, up from 140 in 2008. This has been accomplished by executing an aggressive growth strategy that has led to 25 expansions in the last two years—including five new states and 11 expansions west of the Mississippi River.

chapter servicing All chapters are visited

by their leadership consultant twice a year and 30 percent receive two additional visits. Nine of every 10 chapters are supported by a chapter advisor.

chapter Operations Pi Kappa Phi has

been able to significantly reduce insurance rates for chapters— from $250 per man to $155. In addition, 72 percent of chapters have migrated to OmegaFi’s platform for dues billing and financial services.

The Seven Objectives of chapter excellence

SOCIAL MEDIA & communications

As the fraternity seeks new ways to connect and communicate with its members, Pi Kappa Phi has amassed 14,258 Facebook fans, 1,649 Twitter followers and 2,905 LinkedIn members.

interfraternal leadership

In June, Mark Timmes was elected as president of the Fraternity Executives Association. He is only the second member of Pi Kappa Phi to hold this position.

Earlier this spring, the North American Interfraternity Conference recognized Push America with its Laurel Wreath Award and alumnus T.J. Sullivan with an Award of Distinction.

leadership schools Pi Kappa Phi

continues to grow and improve its leadership schools. In 2009, the fraternity celebrated Pi Kapp College’s 50th anniversary; in 2010, a completely redesigned Pi Kapp College was introduced as a six-day institute for emerging leaders. And with 100 percent of chapters participating in the 2010 Mid Year Leadership Conferences, attendance topped 1,000 for the first time in history.

2) Associate Member education Lighthouse Award

FOR most outstanding member education program

Alpha Delta (Washington)

Most Improved Member Education Theta Lambda (Missouri State)

1) recruitment success Most Outstanding Recruitment Program Omega (purdue)

Most Improved Recruitment Success

3) Academic achievement Most Outstanding Scholarship Program Theta Xi (Arizona State)

Most Improved Academic Achievement Omicron (Alabama)

Eta Sigma (UCLA)

W.E. Edington Award

Executive Award

Psi (Cornell)

FOR largest associate member class

Alpha Psi (indiana)

Outstanding Recruitment Growth FOR highest membership percentage growth

Eta Alpha (Concord)

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FOR most outstanding chapter g.p.a.

Most Improved G.P.A. Epsilon Epsilon (Virginia-Wise)

Push America Cup

FOR most outstanding chapter fundraising

Eta Chi (Texas Christian)

Leadership Through Service

FOR outstanding participation in Push America events

Theta Alpha (Southern Miss)

Altruist Award

FOR most outstanding chapter fundraising per man

Eta Chi (Texas Christian)

Emerging Leader Award

John Bennett, Gamma Iota (LSU) James Slepicka, Theta Phi (Louisiana tech)

Volunteer Hours Award Theta Phi (Louisiana tech)

Volunteer Relationship Award Delta (Furman)

Eta Gamma (Colorado)

Innovators Award

Gamma Iota (LSU) TheTa Eta (American)

Core Values Award

Delta (Furman) Alpha Delta (Washington) Omega (Purdue) Theta Alpha (Southern Miss)

Push America Week Award Beta Theta (Arizona)

Chairman’s Award mR. ROBert A. LANE Bob Lane, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State), was honored at Supreme Chapter with the Chairman’s Award. The Chairman’s Award recognizes those who display extraordinary commitment to and vision for Push America.

For the past nine years, Lane has provided dedicated and exemplary service to the Push America Board of Directors, serving as chairman from 2006 to 2008.

Lane played an integral role in the development of Push America’s strategic plan and mission statement and was instrumental in the implementation of a safety management plan for Push America’s events and programs.

During his time as a member of the board, Lane challenged the organization to stop talking about the a new construction program and start planning it. Now in its ninth year, Build America serves as the organization’s best example of its mission in action.

Perhaps most impressive is Lane’s commitment Pi Kappa Phi’s students. Lane regularly attends Push America events across the country and has serviced in an advisory role for Alpha Omicron (Iowa State) and the Beta Nu (Houston).

4) sound chapter operations

6) commitment to service

Most Outstanding Chapter Operations

Star of Hope

Delta (Furman)

Most Improved Chapter Operations Theta Phi (Louisiana tech)

Website of the Year Theta Mu (UMASS)

5) living the ritual

FOR most outstanding commitment to service

Eta Chi (Texas Christian)

Most Improved Commitment to Service Psi (Cornell)

7) effective alumni relations Most Outstanding Alumni Relations Alpha Delta (Washington)

Living the Ritual Award

Most Improved Alumni Relations

Most Improved Living the Ritual

Student Newsletter of the Year

Joe Sewell Intramural Cup

Excellence in Parent Programming

Commitment to Values Award

Commitment to Lifelong Brotherhood

Eta Chi (Texas Christian)

Eta Sigma (UCLA)

Theta Alpha (Southern Miss) Delta Alpha (Virginia Tech) Eta Chi (Texas Christian)

FOR most outstanding standards board

Delta Iota (Middle Tennessee State)

The Link, - Eta Omicron (San Francisco State) Theta Alpha (Southern Miss)

FOR most outstanding senior programming

LEADERS BY CHOICE

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ALUMNI New s

LIFELONG Veteran recounts 21 ‘miserable’ months spent as a POW during the ‘forgotten war’ SIXTY YEARS AFTER BEING DRAFTED FOR THE KOREAN WAR, TOM NICHOLSON, XI (ROANOKE), TALKS ABOUT SURVIVING FOR TWO YEARS AS A PRISONER OF WAR A photo album with pictures of Nicholson on his way to Korea. Above, he is aboard a transport ship.

Courtesy of The Virginia-Pilot

It has been called the “forgotten war,” but Tom Nicholson remembers it in vivid detail.

One evening in particular sticks out in his mind. He and a fellow U.S. solider, a country boy from Alabama named Wheeler, were hunkered down in a foxhole atop a battlescarred hill in Korea, fighting for their lives under a fierce bombardment from Chinese forces.

The top of the hill had been reduced to dust by the constant artillery fire.

Toward midnight, the firing slacked off. Gradually, a sick feeling began to overtake Nicholson.

“I said, ‘It’s gotten kinda quiet, Wheeler. Looks to me like we’re in the 10 percent that didn’t get the word.’”

The fellow troops had withdrawn and left them behind.

Nicholson is among a dwindling band of American veterans of the Korean War, the first outburst of overt hostilities in the Cold

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War that polarized the world for the last half of the 20th century.

He is 82 now and in failing health. Dredging up the 60-yearold memories of what he calls the most miserable 21 months of his life is not easy, but he does so willingly. He had a frontrow seat for a world-shaping episode of history and feels an obligation to tell his story.

The Korean War grew out of the spoils of World War II as the United States and the Soviet Union, onetime allies, began squaring off in what became an epic clash of ideologies. In many ways the Korean conflict was a precursor to the Vietnam War. Both were proxy wars for the struggle between capitalism and communism.

The Korean peninsula had been ruled by Japan, one of the vanquished World War II powers. After Japan’s surrender, the peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel, with U.S. troops occupying the south and Soviet troops the north.

ALUMNI NEWS

CHAPTER ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR Pi Kappa Phi would like to congratulate the chapters that will reach a milestone anniversary in 2011.

100th ZETA

Wofford College Founded: April 29, 1911

The fighting began in June 1950 when North Korean forces invaded the South. The United Nations, led by the United States, quickly came to the aid of the South. China, aided by the Soviets, lined up with the North.

Looming over the warring armies was the ominous threat of nuclear warfare as the emerging superpowers raced to amass arsenals of unprecedented destructive power.

Into this maelstrom were thrown thousands of American GIs, shipped halfway around the world to a place most of them knew little or nothing about.

One of them was Pfc. Thomas H. Nicholson Jr. He was not exactly a gung-ho recruit. Adrift on the cusp of adulthood, the Norfolk banker’s son dropped out of college in his junior year and, in December 1950, was promptly drafted. He was 22.

“I recognize the inevitability of it,” he says now of his military service. “But I hated it right much, I can tell you that.”

Nicholson was an M1 rifleman. His troopship landed at Inchon on the west coast of South Korea in October 1951, and his unit was immediately

TOP: Nicholson is surrounded by his family upon his return to the States after nearly two years as a POW. BELOW: Nicholson today at age 82. Photos courtesy of Tom Nicholson and The Virginia-Pilot

sent to the front lines along the 38th parallel in a war that had become a grinding stalemate.

As the memories come flooding back, he has to stop for a few minutes to choke back the tears. This happens more and more the older he gets, he explains: his emotions are closer to the surface now.

“We were in fire fights every day practically,” he says. “It was pretty nerve-wracking. We were under constant bombardment by the Chinese.

They had taken over the whole war.”

On one patrol, 16 of the soldiers in his 40-man platoon were wounded, some seriously.

It was a grim daily struggle to take and hold territory in the rugged Korean countryside, hill by hill. One sticks out in Nicholson’s mind above the rest: Hill 200, near the town of Yong Dong Po. “We would go across no-man’s land and take it every day, and the Chinese would take it back every night,” he says. “We had the feeling, what the hell are we doing this for?”

Nicholson had been in Korea only three weeks when, on November 5, he found himself stranded on top of Hill 200 with his fellow GI, Wheeler.

For the life of him, Nicholson can’t remember Wheeler’s first name.

Once it dawned on the two soldiers that they had been left behind, the artillery fire picked up again, only this time it was from the U.S. side.

Their own troops were firing on them.

The two GIs could do nothing but hunker down in their foxhole and sweat it out. Toward dawn, they could hear Chinese soldiers on all sides of them, talking. Clearly, once again the Chinese were in control of Hill 200.

“I said to Wheeler, ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to commit suicide. If they come, I’m going to surrender.’”

When two Chinese soldiers appeared, the two Americans threw their hands into the air and gave themselves up. They were taken to the Chinese commander, who had them lie down side by side, under guard, on the churned-up hilltop.

50th BETA UPSILON

University of Virginia Founded: May 6, 1961

25th EPSILON OMEGA

Texas Tech University Founded: March 1, 1986 ZETA BETA California-San Diego Founded: May 24, 1986 ZETA GAMMA University of North Dakota Founded: November 22, 1986 ZETA DELTA Shippensburg University Founded: December 6, 1986 ZETA EPSILON George Mason University Founded: December 6, 1986

10th THETA DELTA

Florida International Founded: February 3, 2001 THETA EPSILON University of Kansas Founded: December 8, 2001

For more information on anniversaries or for help in planning an event for your chapter, contact Senior Director of Alumni Development Steve Evans at sevans@pikapp.org.

LEADERS BY CHOICE

21

ALUMNI NEWS As they lay there, a mortar round from the American side landed between them and blew both of them into the air. “It deafened the hell out of us, but there wasn’t a scratch on either of us,” Nicholson says.

After that close call, he figured, maybe he could make it through this.

Wheeler, apparently, wasn’t so sure. When the Chinese rounded them up with a few dozen other POWs and began marching them back toward the Chinese lines, Wheeler panicked and broke into a run, headed toward the American lines.

“To this day,” Nicholson says, “I don’t know what happened to him.”

For more than a month, Nicholson’s family back in Norfolk heard nothing from him. Finally, a week before Christmas, the news broke that he was among more than 3,000 American POWs in communist hands. “Seventeen Norfolk Area Soldiers Held in Red Prison Camps,” blared a headline in the December 19 Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch.

On January 2, 1952, the newspaper carried an update: Nicholson’s parents had received a letter from him. Written on Christmas Eve, it was cheery and reassuring. The camp was bustling with holiday activity, the young GI wrote, describing plans for a big feast with duck and chicken on the menu.

It was the first of several such letters he wrote his family during his captivity, each one more effusive than the last. They were all full of lies, he admits.

His motivation was twofold. He assumed his captors were reading the letters, and he wanted to be sure they got through. In addition, he says, “I wanted to make my parents think I was okay and wasn’t suffering.”

His parents weren’t so easily fooled. “Sounds like someone was looking over his should with a .45,” his father told a reporter after reading one of the letters.

The reality was more grim. For the first few weeks, Nicholson and his fellow POWs were held in an old mining camp. Their rations became drearily predictable: fish heads and rice.

“We were getting pretty hungry,” he says. “I was glad to get fish heads. They were delicious at that point.”

The famished captives took to drawing pictures of steak, banana splits and chocolate sundaes on the stone walls of the camp.

Soon the POWs were moved 200 miles north— the first half of the trip by foot, then by truck—to Pyoktong, a village on the Yalu River, the border between North Korea and China.

Nicholson was housed at Camp 5, the main

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camp for Allied POWs. By his count, there were about 300 white Americans, 200 black Americans, 250 Britons and 200 Turks segregated by race and nationality. That would be Nicholson’s home for the rest of the war.

The prisoners were housed in groups of 10 to 14, in stone huts with straw roofs. “We were like sardines in a can,” Nicholson says.

The rations remained sparse. There were two meals a day: turnip soup and rice in the morning, soybeans and tofu in the afternoon. “Now and then we got a pig,” he says.

The worst thing was the cold. Winter temperatures got as low as 50 below zero. The primitive heating system consisted of wood fire beneath a stone floor. The POWs slept on their folded uniforms directly on the floor to say warm.

To this day Nicholson suffers from nerve damage in his legs, which he suspects originated with those frigid nights in Korea.

During his captivity he had bouts of hepatitis, boils from malnutrition, and worms—which his Chinese captors treated with arsenic pills. “It worked,” he says.

For all the privations, Nicholson characterizes his overall treatment as “not too bad.” He was never beaten or tortured.

His timing was good, too. In the winter prior

LEFT: Nicholson in his U.S. Army uniform circa 1950.

RIGHT: A map of North and South Korea. Photos courtesy of Tom Nicholson and The Virginia-Pilot

to his capture, before the Chinese took over management of POWs from the North Koreans, hundreds died as a result of primitive conditions, disease, malnutrition and extreme cold.

During Nicholson’s time in Camp 5, there was only one POW death, from a lightning strike.

Instead of brutality, the Chinese preferred indoctrination—always delivered with a smile.

The one English phrase every Chinese soldier knew, Nicholson says, was “We are your friends.”

There were regular sessions in the camp lecture hall where the POWs were schooled in the glories of the communist system and the failings of capitalism.

Midway through Nicholson’s incarceration, his captors announced that the Allied forces had resorted to biological warfare. Two U.S. Pilots who had confessed to dropping germ-laden bombs on North Korea were brought to the camp to tell their story.

At the time, Nicholson figured the pilots had been coerced or brainwashed and discounted the allegation. Today, having learned that war is generally a dirty business on both sides, he’s not so sure.

The United States has always dismissed the Chinese claims, but some Western historians have found them credible.

ALUMNI NEWS

PUBLISHED PI KAPPA PHIS One Seashell, Two Seashell, Flap, Flap, Flap

Erik Raj, Zeta Kappa (Stockton) This award-winnng children’s book is about Lukas, a little fish with big ideas of getting out of the ocean. Bored with the same old Saturday morning swim routine, he relies on his best friends to reach his goals and show everyone that there’s no limits to how far hard work can take you. *A portion of the proceeds from this book are donated to Push America. www.erikxraj.com/store

Change Through Power

Bob Newman, Alpha Epsilon (Florida) Are you satisfied with just getting by each day? Are the circumstances of life dictating your fate? You can do better and should want more! This book contains a simple, time-tested plan that will allow you to design the life you desire and begin to live out your dreams. www.changethroughpower.com

Nicholson’s nearly two years in captivity were not an unbroken stretch of misery. The POWs developed a variety of coping mechanisms that produced moments of pleasure, joy and comedy.

The Turkish prisoners were particularly adept at such survival skills.

One of the Turks became a close friends of Nicholson’s. “When I got sick from malnutrition, he salvaged food from his own meager rations and brought it to me,” he says. “He nursed me along for several weeks.”

The Turks were great entrepreneurs, Nicholson says, and controlled the primary medium of exchange in the camp: marijuana.

“They got it by trading with Koreans in the village,” he says. “They would sneak out of the camp at night. Then they would trade it for boots, wristwatches, sugar rations—everything.”

Did Nicholson succumb to the temptation? Now it can be told: Yes. “I’ve never told anybody that before,” he says.

“But I’m 82. I don’t care anymore.”

Once, on a wood-gathering foray into town, Nicholson emulated his Turkish friends and traded a silver ring to a Korean for a big bag of pot, stuffed it under his shirt and smuggled it back to camp.

“It was the best stuff you’d ever want to try,” he says. “It was a blessing to us.”

Two Guys in a Garage

John Ruud, Zeta Beta (UC - San Diego)

Ruud’s first novel, “Two Guys” takes a satirical look at our peculiar American business behavior and our penchant for financial self-destruction. Railroads, gold, junk bonds, dot–coms—the list could go on. Investors try to ride the ‘Bull’ and avoid the ‘Bear.’ More often than not, speculation turns to disappointment, but by that time, the next opportunity is just around the corner. www.amazon.com

Silent Selling

Murder on 15/501

“Silent Selling” describes a unique approach for the enlightened sales professional. Brand’s book builds on behavioral sciences and applies it in the real world. His approach puts the fun back in selling—even in a down economy.

Another chapter in the Palmer Morel series, this novel depicts the media’s character assassination attempts to bring down the presidency. Violence spreads in North Carolina as the president arrives for a speech. All the operatives are in place. Can Morel stop the right-wing conspiracy?

Mac Brand, Beta Delta (Drake)

www.bellwetherfoodgroup.com/SilentSelling.htm

One night, he and his buddies sneaked into the mess hut, found a big bowl of leftover mashed potatoes and passed a jovial night smoking and eating. Mashed potatoes never tasted so good, before or since.

Another time, the Chinese held a contest to see who could kill the most flies. Why, Nicholson still isn’t sure: a morale-boosting strategy maybe, or just a novel sanitation measure. The champion fly-killers won cigarettes for their efforts.

When the dead flies were turned in, the Chinese counted them and dumped them into a trash can.

Ever resourceful, Nicholson and his pals figured out a way to game the system. When the Chinese weren’t looking, they dug the counted flies out of the trash and turned them in again, winning more cigarettes.

“It was one of our few little victories, “ he says.

By the second year in Camp 5, the POWs were carving musical instruments out of scrap wood.

The formed a band and started holding Saturday night dances, even though there wasn’t a woman in the camp. No matter—a dance is a dance.

Many of the GIs, Nicholson included, paired up and danced the night away.

Hostilities ceased with the signing of an armistice on July 27, 1953. Nicholson was released in August as part of Operation Big Switch, an exchange of thousands of POWs from

Larry Rochelle, Beta Iota (Toledo)

www.amazon.com

both sides. A full 50 pounds lighter than when he left home, he flew back to Norfolk and a joyful reunion with his family and friends.

Not everyone came home. In a little remembered chapter of the war, 23 Americans renounced their citizenship and elected to say in China. Two of those, acquaintances of Nicholson’s from Camp 5, subsequently changed their minds, came home and were court-martialed.

In a series of talks to local civic clubs in the months after his release, Nicholson never spoke ill of those men of or the pilots who confessed to germ warfare. You must remember what they went through, he told his audiences. You had to be there.

Today, after a successful career in real estate, Nicholson lives with his wife, Jerrie, in the Algonquin Park area of Norfolk. They have two children and five grandchildren.

In the end, the war that took 21 months of Nicholson’s life settled nothing. The Cold War has faded away, but the two Koreas remain as bitterly divided as ever—and the nuclear threat remains.

Nicholson is more philosophical about it now than he was as a 22-year-old GI. “At that time, I was very patriotic,” he says. “We made our point, but it cost us 54,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands wounded. That’s a pretty stiff price.”

This article originally appeared in the June 27, 2010 issue of The Virginia-Pilot.

LEADERS BY CHOICE

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c olle g ia t e N e ws

ONCAMPUS Delta

furman

GREENVILLE, S.C.—The men of Delta chapter began the 2009-2010 academic year by winning several awards at Supreme Chapter, including Champion Master Chapter, Most Outstanding Sound Chapter Operations and Outstanding Legacy Recruitment. The chapter was excited to also earn recognition from Furman for many of these same accomplishments.

Delta chapter’s current success stems from the momentum it generated during the spring 2009 semester. Forty members of the chapter participated in an AccessABILITY project at Camp Spearhead, a local camp serving people with disabilities. The chapter finished constructing a wheelchair ramp that had been started by the Build America team during the summer of 2009.

The chapter also held its annual War of the Roses during the spring, which included an empathy dance during which people with disabilities and Furman students were invited to dance and socialize. “Pie-a-Pi Kapp” and penny wars were included as fundraising activities during the week. Over the summer, Scott Cameron participated in Gear Up Florida and had a blast cycling across Florida with fellow Pi Kapps. Brothers Benton Jones and Zack Prudowsky also put their passion for people with disabilities to work at Camp Spearhead in Greenville, S.C. Delta chapter’s recruitment efforts have remained strong as well. In the spring, an associate class of 18 men was initiated. This semester, the chapter has held more than 12 recruitment events, attracting more than 30 young men. During the first weekend of October, the chapter will sign its new fall class. Delta also remains on top in Furman’s G.P.A. rankings with a current cumulative G.P.A. at 3.31.

The chapter is once again preparing for Furman University’s homecoming festivities. Over the past eight years, Delta has won the Wachovia Cup seven times for its performance in Furman’s homecoming activities. In addition to the friendly competition of homecoming, the brothers look forward to spending the weekend with alumni, friends and family to celebrate the many successes of the Delta chapter.

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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2010

SIGMA

SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA, S.C.—The past several months have been quite exciting for Sigma. March 5 marked Sigma‘s centennial anniversary. As Pi Kappa Phi’s fifth chapter to reach this milestone, Sigma chapter hosted an event to remember. The chapter celebrated with alumni from as far back as the 1930s with an oyster roast, a barbecue lunch at the chapter house and a banquet in downtown Columbia. The banquet included a keynote address by then-National President Jeff Wahlen, Alpha Epsilon (Florida), and musical guests The Embers of beach music fame.

The chapter celebrated not only a century of success but also the announcement that Sigma alumnus Jerry Brewer, USC’s vice president for student affairs and past national president of Pi Kappa Phi, was to be honored as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi 2010 at Supreme Chapter in Orlando, Florida.

One week following the centennial celebration, the chapter received two Chapter Achievement Awards for scholarship and service at USC’s annual Greek Awards ceremony. In addition to the chapter awards, Archon John Kagley was recognized with the Chapter Loyalty Award for unsung service, Vice Archon Ricky Kopec received the Outstanding New Member Award, and Sam Mahoney was awarded a scholarship to the 2010 UIFI Leadership Seminar at Indiana University this summer.

Sigma also continued its traditional spring service project for Push America with the 9th annual Palmetto Centurion Ride. As is custom, members of the chapter collected donations for Push

America around Columbia, USC and the Greek Village to benefit Push America.

Early in the morning of April 17, cyclists and the brothers who volunteered for the support team made the long haul down Old Charleston Highway to the coast of Charleston.

Now that summer is over and everyone has moved back to campus, the chapter has recruited 13 new men this fall. Last year’s retention improved more than 20 percent, and the chapter hopes to maintain its trend of retaining its new members. This fall and next spring, Sigma hopes to recruit another 10 to 20 men in order to remain a top recruiter among the Greek Village fraternities as well as put the chapter at the 100-man threshold.

UPsilon Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— This past year has been an excellent year for Upsilon chapter. The chapter worked diligently to recruit quality men and in September and welcomed 22 new associate members into its fall class. The new members are true gentleman, and the actives are confident in their abilities to one day lead the chapter.

Over the summer, three brothers donated their time to Push America. Mike Yam rode Gear Up Florida in May, while former archons Tommy Carrato and Alex Stezskal rode across the country on the Journey of Hope. Their commitment to service inspired the chapter as Upsilon hosted its 4th annual Push America fundraiser, Camp Out on the Quad.

This fall, the chapter has enjoyed hosting recent alumni during football games and looks forward to seeing many more alumni on campus to celebrate Illinois’ 100th homecoming in October.

The Upsilon chapter greatly appreciates the help and the support of the alumni and look forward to sharing the chapter’s successes with them during homecoming.

As Upsilon marks 90 years at the University of Illinois, the men will continue to work to bolster the traditions of lifelong brotherhood in Pi Kappa Phi.

LEFT: Senior members of Sigma chapter pause for a photo in front of the chapter house.

RIGHT: Beta Eta chapter’s associate member class.

COLLEGIATE NEWS

beta omicron

northwestern state

Beta Eta

Florida State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Beta Eta chapter recently signed and pre-initiated 46 associate members, thanks to the leadership of Recruitment Chairman Biron Smythe and Vice Archon John Frazier Strickland. The associate member class included two legacies (Ben Newell and Josh Shelton), numerous Florida State athletes including one FSU football player (Darren Logozzo) and men with a heart for servant leadership who are involved in organizations such as the Special Olympics and Easter Seals.

A number of the new associate members have already begun to make an impact on campus. Terry Decker and Rafael Batista were recently slated for positions in FSU’s Student Government Association with the STATE Party.

Terry will be running for a seat on the Campus Recreation Board while Rafael will be running for an undergraduate studies seat in Senate.

The chapter is excited to educate and initiate these men and cannot wait to see the positive impact they have on the future of Beta Eta and Florida State.

NATCHITOCHES, La.—This summer Beta Omicron brought home numerous awards in academics and Push America fundraising from Supreme Chapter in Orlando. This national recognition complemented the recent success the chapter has enjoyed on the local level. The brothers were also honored by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life with the Greek Intramural Trophy, the Alumni Relations Award and the President’s Cup, which is awarded to the most outstanding fraternity or sorority on campus.

After receiving these recognitions, the men of Beta Omicron chapter were even more motivated to begin the fall semester with another excellent recruitment.

After successfully recruiting 12 associate members, Beta Omicron is excited and determined to continue to implement recruitment strategies learned from other chapters and national staff during Supreme Chapter.

With the assistance of academic coach Dr. Mike Land, Beta Omicron is committed to maintaining their recent academic excellence. After placing second in the academic standings last spring, the brothers are working diligently to earn the highest G.P.A. on campus this year.

Brother Chase Harvey is planning this year’s homecoming activities with alumni Lane Luckie and Mike Murphy.

Homecoming will be an exciting celebration of Northwestern State and Pi Kappa Phi, as the chapter will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the re-chartering Beta Omicron. The chapter looks forward to celebrating another year of Beta Omicron by constantly striving to strengthen and grow the chapter.

DELTA ETA MEMBER NAMED TOP CADET IN THE NATION

MOREHEAD, Ky.— Wesley Tudor, senior member of the Delta Eta chapter at Morehead State University and ROTC Battalion Commander, was recently recognized as the number one cadet in the nation. Cadet Tudor (center) is Tudor ranked first out pictured with Maj. Robert (left) and Morehead of 5,342 cadets from 272 Mason State University President universities across the nation Wayne Andrews (right). (not including West Point).

Tudor is the highest ranking cadet in Morehead State’s history. The national ranking system, called the Order of Merit list, is a combination of accomplishments from the last three years. The top 20 percent of cadets on the list are recognized as Distinguished Military Graduates.

“We are very proud of Cadet Tudor,” said Maj. Robert A. Mason, professor of military science. “It is a very big honor to be the top ranked cadet in the nation.”

All ROTC cadets are rated on a point system based on activities completed prior to their junior year. Numerous factors go into an accessions packet, and all 5,342 cadets are ranked according to the number of points they achieved.

Students earn points based on grade point average (Tudor earned a 4.0 g.p.a.); military performance during summer training, which includes land navigation, extracurricular activities and community service (Tudor ranked first out of 44 cadets in his platoon); and the Army Physical Fitness Test scores from the campus, summer training, and Combat Water Survival Training scores.

Aside from being involved in Pi Kappa Phi, Tudor—an accounting major and military science minor—is involved in Raider Company, the ROTC fraternity. He is also a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honors Society.

Tudor will be commissioned in May as an active duty second lieutenant in the Finance Corps.

LEADERS BY CHOICE

25

COLLEGIATE NEWS

Members of Theta Alpha gather to celebrate their new associate class on Bid Day at Southern Miss.

Delta Rho

southern california

LOS ANGELES—This fall, the brothers moved into the newly renovated Delta Rho house in the heart of Los Angeles and have started the semester off with a bang.

The chapter executed a fantastic rush, strengthening the chapter by 15 men. The new associate members are all excellent additions to the chapter and add unique character to the brotherhood. Formal recruitment, lead by Rush Chairman Kyle Raines and Vice Archon Pedro Moura, began with an IFC barbecue followed by house tours and events throughout the week. The chapter finished recruitment week by hosting a Blue Chip Dinner at Trastavere Restaurant in Santa Monica and pre-initiated the new members the next night.

After classes started the chapter began organizing their social calendar and have already arranged events for the coming months including many activities with USC’s top sororities. On the academic front, Delta Rho is preparing to implement a newly reformed scholarship program. With this program, the chapter hopes to rank among the highest academic achievers on campus.

Delta Rho recently welcomed home Mike Coverley and Brandon Hochhauser from the Journey of Hope. Both Mike and Brandon had the experience of a lifetime, cycling from San Francisco to D.C., and interacting with and raising awareness for people with disabilities. The chapter will soon host its annual Tournament of the Roses Powderpuff Football Tournament. Planning for this event and other Push America events is currently underway.

With the start of collegiate football, USC began the football season by hosting the Virginia Cavaliers at the Coliseum. Pi Kappa Phi was present on campus for game day with a fantastic turnout from alumni and family. Many Delta Rho alumni attended the tailgate, with some brothers even making

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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2010

the trip from the east coast. All in attendance enjoyed a successful day as the Trojans marched on to victory.

Delta Rho is once again thriving and proud to be representing Pi Kappa Phi at USC.

ETA Pi

Coastal Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—The brothers of the Eta Pi chapter dedicated themselves throughout the summer and fall to grow the chapter both in terms of quantity and quality.

Their hard work paid off when the brothers welcomed a 27-man associate class. The group was the largest class on campus and Eta Pi’s most successful recruitment effort since its Alpha class in 1995. The brothers credit their growth from a 16-man chapter to the largest chapter at Coastal Carolina to an increase in on-campus involvement and a strong brotherhood.

During the past year, many brothers have taken key positions throughout campus.

Brother Derek Frimpong was elected SGA Vice President after an intense campaign.

The chapter also took a leadership role in the Interfraternity Council as two brothers were elected to the IFC executive board; Brothers Randal Harper and Damian Hollar were selected IFC President and Vice President, respectively. Eta Pi also had two orientation leaders; numerous CINO Quest counselors, which is a newly designed Freshman Leadership Conference developed and run by Brother Damian Hollar; and three resident assistants.

The Eta Pi chapter is determined to build upon the success of the fall and excited to see what the future has in store. The chapter will commemorate 15 years on campus this fall and will welcome alumni from Eta Pi and other Pi Kappa Phi chapters to celebrate the milestone. In order to commemorate Pi Kappa Phi’s contributions to the university community, the chapter will donate a bell tower memorial in honor of Eta Pi

founder, Chad Michael Beaty. The bell tower memorial will be placed near the recently opened Atkins Field House at the Coastal Carolina Football Stadium. The dedication and 15th anniversary celebration will take place on November 5, 2010.

Eta Chi

Texas Christian

FORT WORTH, Texas—The Eta Chi chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is off to a strong start this semester. The men completed a very successful summer and fall recruitment by signing 37 new associate members. The brothers are excited about these new leaders and are looking forward to seeing what they can do for our chapter.

Earlier this semester the chapter hosted its annual Push Week and is currently in the process of adding a new event for later in the semester. The brothers raised $30,395 for Push America last year and have set a goal to raise $34,000 during the 2010-2011 academic year.

This fall the chapter will host its first formal in Cowboys Stadium and looks forward to gathering with brothers, alumni and family for a memorable homecoming weekend celebration in October. Between the success of recruitment, upcoming events and the success of the TCU Football team, this semester is shaping up to be one of the best for Eta Chi.

COLLEGIATE NEWS

Theta Alpha

Southern Mississippi

HATTIESBURG, Miss.—Theta Alpha had an incredible experience at the 52nd Supreme Chapter in Orlando and received a number of awards, including Champion Master Chapter, Commitment to Continued Growth, Living the Ritual and several Push America awards. Along with these awards, Brother Jerry Ursin was honored as the Archon of the Year.

The chapter worked all summer to recruit new group of men for the fall semester. Led by Vice Archon Rudy Chopin, the chapter hosted recruitment events in Hattiesburg; Perdido Key, Fla. and Kiln, Miss. Kiln has become one of the chapter’s most fun and successful summer recruitment sites thanks to the hard work and generosity of alumni initiate Mike Curtis, father of Brother David Curtis.

The chapter’s hard work during the summer paid off during fall recruitment.

On bid day, Theta Alpha signed 32 new associates. Between new associates, active brothers and alumni, more than 100 Pi Kappa Phis were present at the chapter house to celebrate the most successful recruitment in chapter history. Chi class is sure to be strong in every facet of chapter and campus life and includes Presidential, Leadership, Luckyday, and Honors Scholars.

In other news, the chapter’s new website (www.southernmisspikapps.org) in now live.

Historian Will Stringer has begun the process of creating member profiles and is continuing to update various sections of the site. Push America Director Luke Post is working on a new Push America Bike-a-Thon set for October 19.

Chapter brothers will ride a stationary bike in front of the student union throughout the day, raising funds and awareness while they ride.

Theta Alpha is definitely as competitive as ever with the largest chapter on campus and one of the highest G.P.A.s. Future events include a Parent’s Day on Homecoming and an academic dinner for brothers who earned a G.P.A. above 3.0. The brothers are excited to see what the remainder of the year has in store will continue to take Pi Kapp at Southern Miss to the top!

Theta Theta Iowa

IOWA CITY, Iowa—After a number of tough semesters, Theta Theta is bouncing back with one of the most successful semesters since chartering. The chapter began the new

semester by nearly doubling in size with a 22-man new member class. The brothers are excited about the new associates and have no doubt these future leaders will help take Theta Theta to new heights.

The chapter has instituted a new Push America fundraising plan in order to raise at least $150 per man, which would be a record for the chapter. In just a few short months, Theta Theta has already raised $1000 towards the goal. In addition to improving their fundraising, the chapter also has a very active local volunteer relationship with SPORTability, a local organization that provides people with disabilities the opportunity to take part in competitive sports.

The brothers of Theta Theta are excited by their recent accomplishments and motivated to continue to work with their leadership consultant to continue down the road to success.

Theta Omicron Nevada-Reno

RENO, Nev.—Theta Omicron is prepared and ready for its best year ever. The chapter has improved by leaps and bounds since chartering three years ago. This year, the chapter moved in to a chapter house for the first time.

Theta Omicron signed 12 new associate members during fall recruitment, and the warden is currently educating the associates on what it means to be a man of class.

The chapter’s strong commitment to Push America is the university’s gold standard when it comes to philanthropies and the brothers are extremely excited for this year’s War of the Roses week.

The fall successes can be credited to the chapters positive national experiences over the summer. Jesus Palma, the chapter historian, attended Pi Kapp College this summer and brought back numerous ideas and has encouraged the chapter to continue to be leaders by choice. Brother Palma is also serving as a ranking Senator in the Student Government and is actively involved in the Greek community. Brother Marshall Grill had the experience of a lifetime this summer as he cycled across the country as a member of the Journey of Hope North team.

His stories from the trip have motivated the chapter to continue to support Push America and people with disabilities.

The brothers look forward to building on their recruitment success by competing in homecoming week, continuing academic excellence and committing to leading the university community.

theta SIGMA

cal state-long beach

LONG BEACH, Calif.—Over the past year, the Theta Sigma chapter has become one of the strongest chapters on campus.

The chapter had one of its most successful semesters last spring as the chapter recruited 17 new members, the largest new member class on campus. Theta Sigma continued to recruit based on the tenets of class and recruited 25 associates this fall.

One of the largest contributing factors to the chapter’s success in recruitment has been their involvement in Push America. Brother Brent Freeman, a member of the Journey of Hope team, shared stories with the chapter and new recruits about his summer cycling across the country to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities. The chapter also has a strong relationship with Ability First, a local charity that provides services to children and adults with disabilities. The Theta Sigma chapter is proud of their recent success and is motivated to be a leading chapter at Cal State-Long Beach for years to come.

theta Psi RIT

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Since colonizing in April of 2009, the Theta Psi chapter has grown rapidly to become the largest fraternity on campus. The brothers initiated all seven of their first associate class in the spring and continued their growth by signing 12 new men this fall.

After using the spring to plan for recruitment, the chapter was able to meet a large amount of quality potential members.

The chapter utilized simple events such as flag football, poker, bowling, information sessions and a barbecue by the dorms. The on-campus barbecue was a huge success with 15 potential new members and the entire chapter in attendance. The chapter is excited and confident that their Beta class will be the next leaders at RIT.

LEADERS BY CHOICE

27

obituary news

CHAPTERETERNAL alpha charleston Mr. David Neville Goin Mr. Henry Willis Griffin Mr. Timothy Wayland Scruggs beta presbyterian Mr. Thomas Jefferson Holbrook Jr. Mr. Marion “Hack” Mixson GAMMA California - BerKEley Mr. Robert W Johnson Mr. William Sumner Pascoe delta furman Mr. Charles Francis Dawes Mr. William Robert Dendy Mr. Julian Pelham Hopkins Mr. John Drayton Hopkins Sr. Mr. James Towler Mr. Gettis Wood Jr. EPSILON Davidson Mr. John Parks Boylin Jr. Mr. Odell F. Dobson Mr. Donald Harris Dublin Mr. William Waters Duke Dr. Harry Lothrop Powe Jr. Mr. Frank Simmons Jr. Mr. William Peebles Yelverton ZETA Wofford Mr. Thomas Marvin Denson Jr. Mr. Marion Miller Dowling Mr. Curtis Pettigrew Jackson IOTA Georgia Tech Mr. Walter Bennett Gentry Jr. Mr. David Newton McClanahan Mr. Alexander Hewitt McGraw Mr. Leonard B. Sheffield Jr.

KAPPA NORTH CAROLINA Mr. Lawrence Huntley Rouse LAMBDA Georgia Mr. James Warren Alford Mr. John David Baston Jr. Mr. James Edwin Fargason Mr. Thomas Baisden Heys Mr. John Lester Lightner Mr. George Ray Love Mr. Joseph Melvin McRae Mr. Irby Henry Meadors Mr. James Belser Morris Mr. James Edwin Perryman MU Duke Mr. Andrew R. Everson Mr. John Dudley Moylan Mr. George Dewey Underwood Jr. XI Roanoke Mr. James William Brittan Mr. Clarence Monroe Conner Jr. Dr. Henry Bentley Hahn Jr. Dr. Robert Samuel McIntyre Mr. Charles Arch Patsell Mr. Dewitt Clinton Ward Mr. Harry Woodrow Whiteside Jr. OMICRON Alabama Mr. John Willliam Bray Mr. Jerry Nicholas Graf Mr. John Alvin Lowery pi oglethorpe Mr. John Renfroe Jr. Mr. Robert E. Rivenbark RHO Washington & Lee Mr. Philip Charles Braunschweig Mr. William Robert Jones Mr. Robert Davin Phillips Mr. Thomas Ruffin Warfield

SIGMA South Carolina Mr. Marvin Odell Dover Jr. Mr. Garrett William Loomis TAU NORTH CAROLINA STATE Mr. William Campbell Buchanan Sr. Mr. Robert Allison Greene Mr. Charles Frederick Latham UPSILON ILLINOIS Mr. E. Douglas Deuss CHI Stetson Mr. Joseph Wyatt Courson Mr. Frank Clyde Deen Sr. Mr. J. Neal Faircloth Mr. Robert Henry Gaughan Mr. W. D Griffith Mr. Charles Wesley Gunn Jr. Mr. James Thomas Owens

ALPHA ZETA Oregon State Mr. Donald Rinard Clark Mr. Robert G. Harris Mr. James Gustave Voelz ALPHA ETA samford Mr. Oren Stevens Anderson Mr. Charles Douglas Cash Mr. Edward Lane Nichols Jr. ALPHA THETA Michigan State Mr. Scott Blair Durren II Mr. Robert Jay Hazelton Mr. Chester Anthony Simpson Jr. Dr. William Leland Webb ALPHA IOTA Auburn Mr. William Wesley Jones Jr. Mr. Lloyd Leftwich Stone Jr. Mr. Wilson Roe Wood Jr.

PSI CORNELL Fr. Robert Stephen Smith

ALPHA LAMBDA ole miss Mr. Thomas Terrell Boswell

OMEGA Purdue Mr. William Charles Bradshaw Mr. Louis Philip Doyle Mr. Harvey Ray Hall Mr. Edward John Masline Jr. Mr. James Henry Nicholas Mr. Donald C Obermeyer Mr. Michael Francis Paluch Mr. Edwin Theodore Sherwood Mr. Robert Dale Sills Mr. Clyde Preston Smith Mr. Roland C. Sutton Jr.

ALPHA MU Penn State Mr. Howard Oscar Beaver Jr. Mr. Lewis Blaine Grube Mr. James Otto Hertwig

ALPHA alpha mercer Mr. Stephen Lamarr Pankau ALPHA EPSILON Florida Mr. Roy Cureau Thompson Mr. William Gilmer Veal

ALPHA XI St. John’s Mr. Paul J. Schwanenflugel ALPHA omicron iowa state Mr. John Carroll Devitt Mr. Stanton Eugene Fritz Mr. Jo Francis Hamlett Mr. Robert G Koons Mr. William George Nechanicky ALPHA rho west virginia Mr. Christopher Damian Baruffi

FOUNDER MIXSON’S SON PASSES TO CHAPTER ETERNAL

Marion “Hack” Mixson, Beta (Presbyterian), known for his kind heart and passion for helping others, passed to the Chapter Eternal on May 19, 2010. Born March 20, 1918 in Charleston, S.C., he was the son of Elizabeth McCarthy and Pi Kappa Phi Founder Lawrence Harry Mixson.

Growing up, he enjoyed boating and sailing. Hack attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., where he was initiated into the Beta chapter of Pi Kappa Phi on May 27, 1937. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. Infantry in 1939. Hack served as a B24 Squadron Commander in Italy during World War II and later served in Vietnam. Hack was also involved in the operation of the Lockheed U-2 aircraft for nine years and commanded B47 and U-2 wings in Strategic Air Command. He received numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After retiring from the Air Force, Hack moved to Tampa where he worked as a real estate broker for 20 years. In the spirit of service to others, he delivered Meals on Wheels for 29 years.

Hack was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club and St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Hack was inducted into the Pi Kappa Phi Hall of Fame in 2000 for his exemplary military service and went on to serve on the fraternity’s Centennial Commission from 2002 to 2004.

Mixson (back row, third from the left) is pictured as part of the Air Force’s 461st Bombardment Group during World War II.

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STAR & LAMP / FALL 2010

OBITUARY NEWS

ALPHA sigma tennessee Mr. Walter Allen Brown Jr. Mr. Lance Kennith Kuderewski Mr. Thomas Arnold Savage Jr. ALPHA UPSILON DREXEL Mr. Albert Russell Chaney Mr. James Eugene Convey III Mr. Clarence Robert Crede Mr. Alan Robert Jenny Mr. Michael Schoenen Mr. Royce John Stout III ALPHA PHI IIT Mr. Walter Ernest Breisch Mr. Brian Francis Diaz Dr. Henry Rowland Fallerius Mr. Frank Edward Slavin Mr. John Valentine ALPHA cHI university of miami Dr. Richard H Dougherty Jr. Mr. Leo Augustine Furlong Jr. Mr. Dean Losey Mr. William Pettigrew McWhorter Mr. Richard John O’Mara ALPHA PSI Indiana Mr. Gary Thomas Schlichte Mr. Robert Ray Sturgeon BETA beta florida southern Mr. Ramsey Gergis BETA gamma louisville Mr. Charles Alexander Rose BETA delta drake Mr. Byron George Kunzman Jr. Mr. Vernon Albert Sodawasser Mr. L Hume Ward BETA epsilon missouri Mr. Edward Owen Oliver BETA eta florida state Mr. John Patrick Adams Mr. Peter J. F. Newell Mr. James Sie Ralston Mr. Sidney Moore Wilson Jr.

BETA IOTA Toledo Mr. Dean Allen Curtis Mr. Glenn Ray Moore BETA kappa georgia state Mr. Richard Stewart Briggs BETA Lambda tampa Mr. Robert George Baron II Mr. David Clinton Meadows BETA mu mcneese state Mr. Frederick Marvin Wills BETA nu houston Mr. Charles Alvin Bond BETA xi central michigan Mr. Robert Allan Swartz BETA OMICRON northwestern state Mr. Roy Darden Bostick

GAMMA zeta west virginia tech Mr. Thomas Melvin Powell GAMMA kappa georgia southern Mr. Origen J James Mr. William Franklin Pierce GAMMA lambda missouri s&t Mr. Raymond Leslie Venable GAMMA Nu lagrange Mr. Charles Wayne Everstine GAMMA xi georgia southwestern Mr. Claude Bearden Speer Mr. Victor J. Wanner Sr. Mr. Bill Tom Wooldridge GAMMA rho lander Hon. Jimmie Ernest Nunnery Mr. Charles Robert Reese

BETA sigma northern illinois Mr. Ronald Leigh Keeffer

GAMMA upsilon oklahoma state Mr. John Douglas Danvers Mr. David Lee Mick

BETA tau valdosta state Mr. Stephen Shannon Snipes

GAMMA chi jacksonville Mr. Michael Fred Strocchi

BETA upsilon virginia Mr. Malcolm Wray Cole Mr. William Darrell Easley Mr. Timothy Brandon Fewster Mr. William Grant Hennekey Mr. Scott Campbell McIntyre Mr. Richard Gerard VanRyper Mr. Roy Malcolm Vaughn Mr. Peter Schuyler Wynkoop

GAMMA psi augusta Mr. Robert C. Beheler

BETA psi tennessee weslyan Mr. Chris Alan Harrison Mr. Ernest Saunders GAMMA alpha west alabama Dr. Harold Clyde Steele GAMMA epsilon western carolina Mr. Martin Edward Levy Mr. Robert Brady Shaver Sr.

GAMMA omega montevallo Mr. William Ray Self II Mr. James Shannon Jr. delta zeta appalachian state Mr. Marty Brian Campbell Mr. Gary William Carr Mr. Robert Reed Whitmire delta kappa pembroke state Mr. James Albert Wilkins DELTA sigma bowling green Mr. James William Miller DELTA phi radford Mr. Kirby Porter

DELTA chi kansas state Mr. Rogers Lee Barker Mr. David Alan Beck Mr. Kelly A. Meek DELTA omega texas a&m Mr. Erik Kristoffer Grout EPSILON alpha elon Mr. Brian William Cari Mr. Mark Eugene Hollan EPSILON delta auburn-montgomery Mr. Johnathon Ray Munoz EPSILON rho lenoir-rhyne Mr. James Franklin Jackson Jr. EPSILON sigma christian brothers Mr. Brent M. Creedon EPSILON tau st. joseph’s Fr. Albert Harry Jenemann EPSILON psi slippery rock Mr. David Robert Barron EPSILON omega texas tech Mr. Terry Don Davis ZETA alpha clemson Mr. Mark H. Heniford ZETA zeta north florida Mr. Thomas Dean Stevens Jr. zeta iota indiana-pennsylvania Mr. Roy Albert Green ETA delta kennesaw state Mr. Samuel B Iraci eta kappa SUNY-Plattsburg Mr. Douglas Jules Uvyn theta eta americaN Mr. Declan J. Mulcahy Jr.

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i wish to receive only the digital magazine (via e-mail).

address 2:

please send both, the print magazine and the digital magazine.

city/state/zip: phone:

Please submit this form to: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, P.O. Box 240526, Charlotte, NC 28224 or at star&lamp@pikapp.org Fore-mail moreus information or to register, visit orlando.pikapp.org.

chapter/school: date of birth:

cell: