A FORMER ARCHON’S PERSPECTIVE
FRIENDSHIP, BROTHERHOOD AND MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME
BY STEVE BOONE
Iwas archon of the chapter in the spring of 1980. It doesn’t seem possible that it could have been so long ago! Officers were elected each semester in those days, except the treasurer, who served for two semesters. Mike Devito (my daughter’s godfather) was vice archon, and Dan Hensley was treasurer. Unfortunately, I don’t recall who else was on the Executive Council then. To be fair, it was 45 years ago!
The dramatic memory of that semester was that we were going to lose the chapter house at 408 N. Indiana. The truly disappointing point was that the chapter had been going through a period of incredible and unprecedented success in the years prior. Russ Lindsey, one of the architects of that period wasn’t even from Indiana. He transferred from the College of Charleston and was an initiate of the Alpha Chapter.
Russ was one of the driving forces behind recruiting in 1976 and 1977, and he also served as IFC president. At that time, the chapter added several good-sized (for us) pledge classes that helped build on the existing solid core and led to some great successes.
Led by our chapter advisor and bike coach, Jim Pivarnik, and our mechanic, Gary Ashton, the chapter had three straight top 10 finishes in the Little 5 Bike race. Riders included John Leonard, John Hayden, Jim Kaufman, Steve Smith, Mike Baccash, Jerry Solon, John Rosner and others.
Our little chapter of about 60 men was very active in intramurals, including a great flag football team that was 27-2 over three years and won the campus championship in the fall of ’79.
Led by David Schleibaum, we had three consecutive top prizes in the Homecoming float building contest. Russ Henning led the team to three consecutive top-three finishes in the IU Sing variety show. Who will ever forget Count Sig Machi!
The card inside, signed by several guys, said that for our 50th anniversary, they would get something “mostly” for Marie. A word of warning, she has the card and knows who you are!
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Myself, Dave Deal, Gerry Essling, John Hayden, John Leonard, Steve Smith, Mark Weibel and Bill Wyllie were on the team. Our playbook was designed mainly by Hayden, a high school linebacker who was our quarterback. (By the way, I swear I saw the Hoosiers run an X-out against Old Dominion!) As a small chapter, everyone had to participate in nearly every activity. During water polo, I was briefly referred to as the Rock for my swimming prowess — there was absolutely no irony in the nickname.
Led by David Schleibaum, we had three consecutive top prizes in the Homecoming float building contest. Russ Henning led the team to three consecutive top-three finishes in the IU Sing variety show. Who will ever forget Count Sig Machi!
As undergrads, we were mainly on our own, running the day-to-day operations of the chapter, including hiring our cooks, ordering food, paying the rent and so on. We had a handful of alumni that we could count on, including Paul Bender, who had his own real estate agency and whose family-owned Bender Lumber; Scott Evenbeck, who was on the IU faculty; Newell Gooldy, who owned Gooldy and Sons Restaurant Supply in Bloomington; and a young alumnus who was living in Chicago, Dave Shook. Ironically, Paul Bender made an offer on behalf of the chapter to buy the old Sigma Kappa house on Jordan Avenue, just south of the library. Although the deal never materialized, maybe it was foreshadowing.
Pi Kappa Phi has had a tremendous impact on my life. I met my wife, Marie, through the retired Little Sister program, led by Jean Rice and Kris Archer Hole. Marie and I will celebrate 44 years of marriage this winter, and Mike and Kris Hole have been married almost as long! Three Pi Kapps stood alongside me at my wedding: Brian Hinton, Kevin McDonald and my best man, Kevin Michaels. Some of the brothers bought us a football for our wedding gift. The card inside, signed by several guys, said that for our 50th anniversary, they would get something “mostly” for Marie. A word of warning, she has the card and knows who you are!
As some of you know, I am president of a nonprofit organization in memory of my sister Beth (also a Little Sister). Dan Holt and Mark Kusatzky are fellow board members. Pi Kappa Phi is a lifetime commitment and adventure. I am blessed to have regular contact with so many of my brothers. Our era’s reunion, which we started four years ago, will be in Bloomington in July 2026.
JOURNEY OF HOPE TEAM VISITS
THE ALPHA PSI HOUSE
BY TODD WALDMAN
On Wednesday, July 23, the Journey of Hope TransAmerica team rolled through Bloomington for a memorable stop at Alpha Psi. Before arriving at the chapter house, the cyclists visited Stone Belt, where the community warmly welcomed them.
The visit sparked fond memories, as Stone Belt’s volunteer coordinator recalled when Alpha Psi brothers regularly hosted BINGO, board games and even karaoke. The alumni chapter looks forward to helping reignite this tradition of friendship this academic year.
From there, the team made the short ride to the chapter house, where my wife, three children, our dog and I joined our House Director Tracy Rogers-Tryba in greeting them. The cyclists were immediately struck by the size and scale of our facility — so much so that they pulled out their phones to capture photos and videos before even stepping fully inside. It was a great reminder of how fortunate we are to have such a remarkable home and why we should never take it for granted.
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After a team photo in front of the house, the cyclists cleaned up, hand-washed clothes and hung them on the back deck to dry while enjoying the summer weather. Dinner that evening was generously hosted at Nick’s by Jim Crews. Fellow alumnus Tom Clark and House Director Tracy joined. The meal was a highlight, capped by Tom leading the group in singing The Rose to the waitress at Nick’s — a performance that left her smiling and blushing.
Back at the house, the team settled in for the evening and enjoyed spending time on our new deck and walking around the chapter house grounds. They had many thoughtful questions about the chapter house operations, how they could get a house for their chapter and the important role alumni play in supporting the undergraduate chapter.
A MINI-INVASION
The visit sparked fond memories, as Stone Belt’s volunteer coordinator recalled when Alpha Psi brothers regularly hosted BINGO, board games and even karaoke.
The next morning, Tracy provided a hearty breakfast before the team’s daily huddle, during which they reviewed the day’s route and riding conditions and shared a prayer. In a touching moment, the team dedicated their day’s ride to Tracy in appreciation for her hospitality and the late-night conversations she shared with several riders about their career aspirations.
It was an honor to host the Journey of Hope team in Bloomington again. We look forward to the day when Alpha Psi Pi Alphas (brothers who have completed an Ability Experience cycling event) ride through town as part of this inspiring journey.
MEET IN LA PORTE, INDIANA
BY BRETT BALTZ BROTHERS
In the spring, Brent Bollinger and I drove to La Porte, Indiana, where we met up with Fran Martinez and his wife, Suzanne, to see Scott Lenig as the director of “The Music Man” at La Porte Little Theater. Scott’s direction and the entire cast were fantastic! We had so much fun catching up and watching the show together that I only had the presence of mind to take one photo (I’ll do better next time).
Although this photo suggests otherwise, Brent did not fall asleep at the show.
WHY I CHOSE TO BE A FOUNDING FATHER
THREE STARS WHY I CHOSE TO BE A FOUNDING FATHER
BROTHERHOOD CHOSE ME
BY SEAN OGAR
FOUNDATION OF BROTHERHOOD BY HEATH OSBURN
I’ll admit, I was a little surprised when Brett Baltz asked if I’d share why I chose to become a founding father of Alpha Psi back in 1987. But I’m glad he did.
It has been 36 years since the rechartering of Alpha Psi at IU, and even longer since Pi Kapp National Headquarters sent blue recruitment pamphlets in the mail to IU freshmen and sophomores. Ken Kaiser guided the first dozen of us, and we recruited a few dozen more while working out of a small office in an unused portion of the Student Union. Looking back, we were a somewhat scrappy group, but we were determined to form a brotherhood and to have a house!
To be honest, I’m not sure I chose it — at least not in the way most people think. In late 1986 and early 1987, joining a fraternity wasn’t even on my radar. I wasn’t your stereotypical “fraternity guy,” especially not at IU. But something about the Pi Kappa Phi field staff’s pitch intrigued me: the chance to build something new on such an established campus, form friendships with like-minded men and create memories that were ours to shape.
While we completed National Headquarters requirements for rechartering, we also built
Very few 18 to 22-year-olds get the chance to build something from the ground up during their college years. Founding Alpha Psi gave me that. It taught me creativity, hustle, patience, time management, salesmanship, marketing, negotiation, tolerance — and just as important, how to laugh at myself (plus, if we’re being honest, an advanced degree in partying).
THE BELL CALLING BROTHERS TOGETHER
FUTURE CHICAGO INVASION
BY BRETT BALTZ
Brent Bollinger, Tony Cochren and I plan to invade Chicagoland this spring and attempt to get a group together for dinner or a
As Skip Bailey wrote in the 2024 newsletter, brotherhood is real and everlasting. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
But something about the Pi Kappa Phi field staff’s pitch intrigued me: the chance to build something new on such an established campus, form friendships with like-minded men and create memories that were ours to shape.
our presence on campus with a reputation that included anti-hazing, a focus on GPA and serenading.
When we secured space in half the old Ashton Foley Hall, we had a place to call “our house.” Then, we expanded to the full building while still keeping our eye on having a “real” house up on Jordan Ave (now Eagleson Ave/David Baker Ave).
They weren’t selling tradition, they were selling opportunity. And once I listened to Ken Kaiser and met guys like Brian MacDonald, Jeff Shreve, Heath Osburn, Todd Fields and Howard Hirsh (you couldn’t have assembled a more eclectic crew if you tried), the vision came to life. I realized this wasn’t about me trying to fit into an existing mold. It was about helping create something different. Looking back, I think the opportunity chose me, not the other way around.
During this time, our brotherhood grew through more people and through deeper relationships. We competed in IU Sing and
game or something. Just looking to hang out and regroup for a fun afternoon and/or evening, nothing major. If you are interested in accompanying us from Indy, possibly by train, or joining us in Chicago (whether you live there or not), stay tuned or reach out
The memories are vivid: chapter meetings (the good, bad and ugly), our first “house” at Ashton Foley (and sharing it with the ZBTs), quiet side vs. loud side (I always thought I belonged on the loud side, even while living on the quiet one). Year-one stories are still legendary. And doing it all alongside my best friends and brothers — Brett Baltz, Brook Bollinger, Brent Bollinger, Fran Martinez, Dan Peck and so many others — was priceless. Without Alpha Psi, I wouldn’t be where or who I am today.
BY DAVID SHOOK
Alpha Psi alumni gave roughly $31,000 from 26 donors in 2023. Thank you for your help in making those contributions happen. This is more than twice the number of contributors from last year and a $10,000 increase.
Since graduation, I haven’t always been the best at staying in touch; life has a way of taking over. But whenever I reconnect, whether back on campus, at an event, on a call or even in a quick email, it feels like nothing has changed. We pick up right where we left off. As Skip Bailey wrote in the 2024 newsletter, brotherhood is real and everlasting. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
God Bless Pi Kappa Phi!
IU HOMECOMING GAME AND EVENTS
OCTOBER 17-18, 2025
PI KAPP COLLEGE DELEGATION EXECUTIVE BOARD AND CHAPTER NEWS
BY SECRETARY WILL SCHMELTER
ALUMNI TAILGATE
As we wrap up our first semester of the 2023-24 school year, there’s much to reflect upon.
The Alpha Psi alumni tailgate will be held in the East Parking Lot (between the chapter house and Memorial Stadium). We will gather there before, during and after the game.
Just look for the flag!
INDIANA VS. MICHIGAN STATE: MEMORIAL STADIUM (TIME TBA)
Many thanks to the Shook and Crews families for hosting — especially the wives!
UNIVERSITY SPONSORED EVENTS
This semester has been notably strong for the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi at Indiana University, marked by both achievement and enjoyment. The aspects that stood out to me the most were our continual growth in both philanthropy and academics. Placing academics as our primary focus has always been a goal, recognizing that education is the core purpose of our college experience. Throughout this semester, we have emphasized the significance of prioritizing school above all else, and it’s rewarding to observe the ongoing rise in our average house GPA. While perfection remains elusive, witnessing progress is always gratifying. Moving forward, we hope to sustain this positive momentum into the next semester, staying dedicated to our academic pursuits.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
To learn more about IU events during homecoming weekend, visit the IU Countdown to Homecoming page. 9:30 AM 10 AM 10:15 AM
ALPHA PSI ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
MEETING AND HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
ELECTION
Member Meeting – House Tour – Reception 1720 N David Baker Avenue
Another aspect of pride is our unwavering commitment to philanthropy, an area of significant importance which we have dedicated considerable effort and intend to continue growing. This semester showcased our dedication, starting off strong with a successful 3 V 3 Basketball Tournament. This event not only served as a fundraiser for The Ability Experience but also functioned as a rush event, drawing an enthusiastic turnout. We carried over this success through various other philanthropy events. One particularly favorite event of mine was distributing candy to local kids in Bloomington during the week of Halloween. Seeing the direct impact an individual can make and the joy expressed by the children upon receiving candy only heightens the fulfillment of our philanthropic
Meeting Agenda assumes noon kickoff. If kickoff is moved to 3 p.m., this meeting will be postponed with the welcome at 11 a.m.
OF OFFICERS AND FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW BOARD
BY DAVID SHOOK
Welcome, coffee and tour the new chapter house improvements Alumni Introductions
Todd Waldman, President, Housing Corp.
Committee Reports
Financial – Todd Waldman
Chapter Advisor – Oliver Sutter
Undergraduate Chapter Archon – Mason Isaac
Election of Board Members
Initial presentation of new separate bylaws for Housing Corporation and Alumni Chapter
This is an effort to align with the national Fraternity and legal best practices. A discussion and a vote will follow the presentation.
The Alpha Psi Housing Corp Board had an organizational meeting on December 17. New President Kyle Williams was joined by new Vice President David Shook and a group of new board members, including Todd Waldman, who takes over from Jim Crews as treasurer, and Oliver Sutter, who is the new chapter advisor. The year 2024 will be a transition year as the board launches new organizations to manage alumni relations and advise the undergraduate chapter. Look for more news soon.
Adjourn and depart for tailgate/game
Anyone wishing to know more or get involved should contact Kyle at kyle_p_williams@
From left to right: Treasurer Ethan Mundt, Chaplain Luke Souza, Warden Joe Carangalo, Archon Max Avrilon, Standards Board Chairman Wil Logan, Risk Manager Tripp Ix, Vice Archon John Bakley and Chapter Advisor Oliver Sutter
MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ALPHA PSI CHAPTER HOUSE
BY TONY COCHREN AND MARK KUSATZKY
EXECUTIVE BOARD AND CHAPTER NEWS
BY SECRETARY WILL SCHMELTER
As we wrap up our first semester of the 2023-24 school year, there’s much to reflect upon.
PI KAPP COLLEGE DELEGATION
This semester has been notably strong for the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi at Indiana University, marked by both achievement and enjoyment. The aspects that stood out to me the most were our continual growth in both philanthropy and academics. Placing academics as our primary focus has always been a goal, recognizing that education is the core purpose of our college experience. Throughout this semester, we have emphasized the significance of prioritizing school above all else, and it’s rewarding to observe the ongoing rise in our average house GPA. While perfection remains elusive, witnessing progress is always gratifying. Moving forward, we hope to sustain this positive momentum into the next semester, staying dedicated to our academic pursuits.
The Alpha Psi Housing Corporation of Pi Kappa Phi has been busy since the spring, adding more than $400,000 in improvements to the facility. We have taken these actions because the house is more than 30 years old. We want a chapter house that is safe and comfortable for our undergraduate brothers to live in and for alumni to visit when in Bloomington.
Another aspect of pride is our unwavering commitment to philanthropy, an area of significant importance which we have dedicated considerable effort and intend to continue growing. This semester showcased our dedication, starting off strong with a successful 3 V 3 Basketball Tournament. This event not only served as a fundraiser for The Ability Experience but also functioned as a rush event, drawing an enthusiastic turnout. We carried over this success through various other philanthropy events. One particularly favorite event of mine was distributing candy to local kids in Bloomington during the week of Halloween. Seeing the direct impact an individual can make and the joy expressed by the children upon receiving candy only heightens the fulfillment of our philanthropic
First-floor improvements include new tables and chairs in the dining room, new flooring and a new wall structure. The formal room has been improved with new flooring and furniture. The stairwells were upgraded with new runners, making the stairs aesthetically appealing. The first-floor bathroom was improved, and the house manager’s apartment was refreshed. The hallways, flooring, rooms and bathrooms on the second and third floors have all been improved. Additionally, the fire alarm, lighting
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW BOARD
and smoke detection systems have been upgraded throughout the house. The basement has an improved washer and dryer room. The old deck was torn down and replaced with a modern structure. A new deck off the dining room has been completed.
BY DAVID SHOOK
While more work will be completed in the future, the housing corporation believes the improvements will make the house a showplace on campus.
Those of us on the Housing Corporation became involved because of the experiences each of us gained during our undergraduate years. We hope that alumni can be proud of it and will take the time to step inside while on campus. It is your house.
Come see it for yourself!
The Alpha Psi Housing Corp Board had an organizational meeting on December 17. New President Kyle Williams was joined by new Vice President David Shook and a group of new board members, including Todd Waldman, who takes over from Jim Crews as treasurer, and Oliver Sutter, who is the new chapter advisor. The year 2024 will be a transition year as the board launches new organizations to manage alumni relations and advise the undergraduate chapter. Look for more news soon.
Anyone wishing to know more or get involved should contact Kyle at kyle_p_williams@
From left to right: Treasurer Ethan Mundt, Chaplain Luke Souza, Warden Joe Carangalo, Archon Max Avrilon, Standards Board Chairman Wil Logan, Risk Manager Tripp Ix, Vice Archon John Bakley and Chapter Advisor Oliver Sutter
CHAPTER HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS
DINING ROOM
STAIRWELLS
AFTER
ALPHA PSI ALUMNI CHAPTER RECOGNIZED AT PI KAPP ALUMNI REUNION
CONGRATULATIONS, ALPHA PSI ALUMNI!
In July, Pi Kappa Phi presented Alpha Psi with three awards: Alumni Chapter of the Year, Newsletter of the Year and Champion Master Alumni Chapter. Dave Shook was in attendance and accepted the awards.
FEELS
LIKE OLD TIMES!
THREE STARS WHY I CHOSE TO BE A FOUNDING FATHER
FOUNDATION OF BROTHERHOOD BY HEATH OSBURN
It has been 36 years since the rechartering of Alpha Psi at IU, and even longer since Pi Kapp National Headquarters sent blue recruitment pamphlets in the mail to IU freshmen and sophomores. Ken Kaiser guided the first dozen of us, and we recruited a few dozen more while working out of a small office in an unused portion of the Student Union. Looking back, we were a somewhat scrappy group, but we were determined to form a brotherhood and to have a house!
While we completed National Headquarters requirements for rechartering, we also built our presence on campus with a reputation that included anti-hazing, a focus on GPA and serenading.
FUTURE CHICAGO INVASION BY
BRETT BALTZ
NEW CENTRAL INDIANA PI KAPPA PHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EVENT
Wednesday, December 10 | 6-9 p.m. | Gator Electric 10405 Crosspoint Blvd, Fishers, IN
Hosted by Jim Crews and Dave Shook Limited hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine will be served.
Brent Bollinger, Tony Cochren and I plan to invade Chicagoland this spring and attempt to get a group together for dinner or a game or something. Just looking to hang out and regroup for a fun afternoon and/or evening, nothing major. If you are interested in accompanying us from Indy, possibly by train, or joining us in Chicago (whether you live there or not), stay tuned or reach out to me!
Check our calendar and mark yours for these other upcoming events:
Stay tuned! Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters will send more information about this event in November. Meanwhile, RSVPs and questions about the event or the Central Indiana Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Association can be emailed to Dave Shook.
“I’M BACK! DID YOU MISS ME?”
When we secured space in half the old Ashton Foley Hall, we had a place to call “our house.” Then, we expanded to the full building while still keeping our eye on having a “real” house up on Jordan Ave (now Eagleson Ave/David Baker Ave).
First Thursday Dinners, monthly at the Chapter House Little 500, April 19-20, 2024 Supreme Chapter 2024
Indiana Athletics shared some exciting news recently. Click the links below to learn more.
During this time, our brotherhood grew through more people and through deeper relationships. We competed in IU Sing and received guidance from Dr. Phil Summers. We were luckier than we realized at the time to have Dr. Summers with us so often. He was president of Vincennes University and also served in prominent roles with Pi Kappa Phi. Plus, he was a smart and deeply caring person.
Want to add an opportunity to the iupikapps.org/events calendar?
AThere were countless shenanigans at the Pi Kapp house. Some memories are very fresh, like the rowdy fun of the “loud side” and our serenading. Other memories are not as clear.
FUNDRAISING
BY DAVID SHOOK
lpha Psi alumni gave roughly $31,000 from 26 donors in 2023. Thank you for your help in making those contributions happen. This is more than twice the number of contributors from last year and a $10,000 increase.
