LETTER FROM THE ALUMNI CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Brothers,
Over the past few years, we have been on a mission to ‘get the band back together’ - to provide more opportunities for alumni of the Delta Lambda Chapter to share stories, laughs and good times. More importantly, we have worked to organize ourselves to build upon our legacy and ensure the next generation of Charlotte Pi Kapps benefits from the Delta Lambda experience as we have.
Let’s rewind. In 2022, more than 150 brothers, family and friends attend the 49th Anniversary Tailgate, many returning to campus for the first time in years. In 2023, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary with a remarkable turnout at the Hall-Fisher Memorial Golf Tournament, Banquet and Tailgate events. Combined, there were more than 350 alumni, guests, and students in attendance that weekend.
It’s clear that Delta Lambda is engrained in the campus community. Numerous alumni serve on various boards at Charlotte. We give to both the chapter and the university. Our ranks boast past student body presidents, class presidents, IFC presidents, Greek men of the year and many other accomplishments and accolades.
I can tell you that with the strength of our legacy, the future looks promising. The Delta Lambda Alumni Chapter is committed to creating more opportunities for brothers to connect with one another, fostering communication channels to keep you informed and engaged and identifying ways to support the success of the undergraduate chapter.
Because of this event's success and the hard work and commitment of many of you, the Delta Lambda Alumni Chapter was awarded the Alumni Chapter of the Year at the 58th Supreme Chapter!
Just a few months ago, we ended 2024 in fashion with our Homecoming Tailgate. We will continue this tradition and hope to get more brothers to attend each year.
Our work is not done, and we continue to need your support. The Alumni Chapter will be reaching out to seek advice, input and fresh ideas. We ask that you consider helping where you can as our future is bright. Thank you again for all your hard work and your love for Pi Kappa Phi.
Yours in Delta Lambda,
Bill Kincaid, #9 President Delta Lambda Alumni Chapter
LETTER FROM THE ARCHON
Dear Alumni,
It is my pleasure to serve as the current archon of the undergraduate chapter. I’m excited to share some updates with you.
This past semester, the brothers of Delta Lambda finished strong in the classroom, with many achieving dean’s and chancellor’s list honors. We remain committed to academic excellence and will continue to push ourselves to further our education here at UNCCharlotte. We also celebrated our annual Mountain Weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where the brothers and their dates gathered to unwind and celebrate a successful semester.
More recently, our new executive council had the incredible opportunity to travel to Dallas, Texas, for Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers. This experience allowed us to deepen our understanding of our roles
within the chapter while forging new connections with brothers from Pi Kapp chapters across the country.
Looking ahead, we are excited for the semester to come, with fresh ideas aimed at strengthening our chapter and enhancing our relationships with alumni. A key focus is our Third Friday Alumni Happy Hour event, started in February 2025, designed to foster greater engagement within the Charlotte area alumni.
I am truly honored to lead the Delta Lambda Chapter in these upcoming endeavors, and I look forward to working alongside such dedicated brothers who share a deep passion for Pi Kappa Phi.
Fraternally,
Sebastian Mesanza, #921 Archon
LETTER FROM THE HISTORIAN
Fellow Brothers and Alumni of Delta Lambda,
My name is Aaron Conklin, and I am honored to serve as the historian of the undergraduate chapter. In addition to being a student, I work at Hendrick Motorsports as an accounting intern and serve in the US Air Force Reserves. I have a passion for excellence and am excited about the things we have planned for my term as historian!
My motto for the year has been, “Be the change you want to see.” Below are a few things I want to implement during my term.
• Host evening brewery meetups on the third Friday of each month with the location rotating to ensure maximum participation from both alumni and undergraduate members.
• Work with alumni to obtain job listings or internship opportunities at companies they work at, own or have connections to. The aim is that our undergraduate brothers can easily apply to these opportunities and bolster networking among Delta Lambdas.
• Host a semesterly Alumni Cookout where we can grill out, reminisce and network with each other.
If you have any ideas or would like to help support these initiatives, please email me or reach me on my cell, (704) 292-9126. I look forward to everything that is going to happen this year and would like to thank you for all your support of the undergraduate chapter.
ODH,
Aaron Conklin, #905 Historian
UNDERGRAD INTERNSHIPS AND STUDY ABROAD
As part of our efforts to promote networking and professional development, we are pleased to highlight internships currently held by our student members.
• Sean Avilla – Recovery Analyst Intern at PMMC
• Matthew Blocher - Internship abroad
• Donovan Civitella - Programmatic Intern at Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Collegiate Services at Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
• Matthew Coffey - Field Intern at Brasfield & Gorrie LLC
• Aaron Conklin – Accounting Intern at Hendrick Motorsports
• Brandon Hass - Development Services Intern at Kimley-Horn
• Sebastian Mesanza - Financial Manufacturing Controlling Intern at Corning Inc.
• James Milligan - Officer Candidate School USMC
• Jonny Pretell - Audit Intern at Bank of America
• Daniel Santana - Abroad Intern at HelpHousing Madrid
• Jack Washburn – studying abroad in Paris, France
2024 HOMECOMING TAILGATE
One thing about Delta Lambda is that we love to tailgate!
Carrying on the tradition that started with our 49th Anniversary Celebration, alumni and student brothers, families and friends gathered for a day of brotherhood and 49ers Football. Unfortunately (although not unexpected), USF won the game with a final score of 24 to 59. With a new head coach and some promising transfers and recruits, we have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming football season.
Keep an eye out for updates on the 2025 Homecoming Tailgate – we hope to be in the same spot again this year!
THE 58TH SUPREME CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA PHI
From July 25-27, 2024, brothers of Pi Kappa Phi came together in Baltimore, Maryland, for the Fraternity’s 58th Supreme Chapter. Throughout the weekend, students and alumni conducted official Fraternity business, celebrated our brothers’ achievements since 2022 and spent quality time reconnecting with brothers and friends of Pi Kappa Phi. This Supreme Chapter was special for Delta Lambda because we were named Alumni Chapter of the Year!
Delta Lambda was represented well with a strong turnout: student delegates, Donovan Civitella, Sebastian Mesanza and James Best; and alumni, Bo Proctor, Jamie Best, Ethan Norman, Matt Ramsay, Rob Ramsay, Chandler Crean and Dick Beekman.
During the Supreme Banquet, the location of upcoming national events was announced. We hope each of you will be able to join us in representing Delta Lambda at these events. Click on each event to learn more.
Pi Kapp Alumni Reunion in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the JW Marriott New Orleans from July 24-26, 2025
59th Supreme Chapter in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Phoenician Resort from July 23-26,2026
Though this event is a great time for all, we know our student members gain a new perspective of the fraternity and get the chance to network and learn. Here’s what the undergraduates who attended had to say about their experience.
“Seeing Pi Kappa Phi on a national scale was incredible. I have never and probably will never again be in a place with so many Pi Kapps at once. Every night was filled with fun events; my favorite was the Orioles game.”
-Donovan Civetella
“Being a part of Pi Kappa Phi at such a high level was mind-blowing. I have always loved doing and seeing more of the technical and legislative aspects of fraternal life. Taking part in ceremony and tradition and casting our votes on the future of the Fraternity is something I will never forget.”
-Sebastian Mesanza
“Supreme Chapter was by far the best event I have attended as a brother of Pi Kappa Phi. I got a taste of the decisions made at the national level that affect every brother of our organization. We proudly represented Delta Lambda. Seeing the beautiful city of Baltimore was the icing on the cake.”
-James Best
PI KAPPS ON GAME DAY
Share your game-day memories here to be featured in the next newsletter.
CHARLOTTE SPORTS UPDATE
BY BARRETT MCGUIRE, #879
The Tim Albin Era is underway at Charlotte. The 49ers new head coach, who most recently held the same position at Ohio University, took the job without ever stepping foot on campus, a glowing endorsement of what we’re building here. While at Ohio, Albin led the Bobcats to a 10-2 regular season record and a blowout win in the MAC Championship Game over Miami-Ohio. While we’ll have to wait until the fall to see the team on the field, Coach Albin and his staff have been hard at work acquiring talent from all over to represent Charlotte.
Saturday, February 8, 2025, was Bobby Lutz Day at Halton Arena, where the winningest coach in program history was immortalized as a banner was put up in his honor. Leading the 49ers men’s basketball from 1998-2010, Lutz amassed 218 wins and five NCAA Tournament appearances. After being down by double digits multiple times in the first half, the niners came roaring back to get a 78-75 win over Rice, doing their part to have the home fans head home happy.
In other sports news, first year women’s softball Head Coach Courtney Breault got her first career win on Friday, February 7, in a 5-3 decision over Southeastern Louisiana. The following day, women’s lacrosse got their first win in program history, boat racing Gardner-Webb 20 to 2 at Jerry Richardson Stadium, in what was also their inaugural game. Baseball kicked off its 2025 season, hosting Northeastern on February 14-16, winning the first game, losing the second and ending the series in a draw due to a canceled third game.
I hope you enjoyed this passionate 49er’s take on the Charlotte sports landscape. See you at the next game!
BROTHER SPOTLIGHT: JOHN MCCURDY’S UNWAVERING SPIRIT
BY MATT RAMSAY, #843
John McCurdy, #505, stands out not just as a superfan of the Charlotte 49ers but as a beacon of resilience and the power of an unwavering spirit. A proud member of the class of ‘97 and an enthusiastic supporter of Charlotte athletics, John has shown incredible dedication to our alma mater. His journey is one marked by challenges, triumphs and an indomitable will to inspire others.
Many of us have followed John’s journey over the past couple of years, keeping him in our hearts and minds, supporting his recovery and cherishing the fellowship of his brotherhood. John is a testament to the values of lifelong commitment, responsible citizenship and campus involvement. His story models what it means to be a Delta Lambda Pi Kapp. It is in this light that I reflect on John’s story with the hope that we may follow his example.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, John has always approached life with positivity and tenacity. Despite the limitations imposed by his condition, he overcame the obstacles before him through his determined spirit and strong faith in God. However, John’s recent medical journey has tested his resilience like never before. In his own words, John describes his story as that of an “independent and pretty successful construction supply salesman, who just got sick one day and had his life turned upside down.” In September of 2023, he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, battling a severe staph infection linked to a defibrillation procedure he received two years prior. The ensuing chaos saw his body under siege - his kidneys shocked, his lungs shut down and multiple organ systems failing. About a month after arriving at the hospital, he underwent surgery that resulted in the partial amputation of both his arms and legs to improve blood flow to his heart. Against all odds, John’s spirit remained intact, leading to a remarkable recovery journey. John considers himself to be a “living miracle.”
For John, Charlotte athletics and Pi Kappa Phi have provided an atmosphere of connection and joy.
While in the hospital, John was visited by former head football coach Biff Pogi, and players Jalon Jones and Demon Clowney of the Charlotte 49ers football team. Having previously developed a relationship with Coach Biff, the team knew they had to visit John. He greeted them in true super fan fashion, challenging them to, “Beat Tulsa!” They presented John with a game ball from the 2023 season ECU victory and asked him to call the first play of the Tulsa game. His call, the flea flicker. Not in the team’s playbook; it was immediately implemented after their visit.
Since then, John has made strides in his recovery and was recently honored on the field at the Charlotte vs. ECU game on October 5, 2024. Told by doctors that he may never walk again, his resilience was on display as he stepped onto the field to be recognized. Celebrating this moment with him were his family, friends and of course, his brothers.
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to chat with John about his journey and his love for Charlotte sports and Pi Kappa Phi. Admittedly, I didn’t know John well before this. We first met when I was a freshman, barely initiated, at a First Friday lunch. Over the years, we greeted each other the way brothers from different generations do, with a sense of commonality and respect.
A common theme throughout our conversation was the importance of community. For John, Charlotte athletics and Pi Kappa Phi have provided an atmosphere of connection and joy. Often, these two passions have merged together, like when he traveled to the 2019 Bahama Bowl with other brothers. John encourages others to understand that being part of a community
means “contributing, being positive, putting on a smile and embracing what people are willing to give you.”
A good place to start is by showing up and finding moments of joy.
I asked John what advice he would give to the next generation of Delta Lambdas. His response offers a blueprint we can all benefit from, “Don’t quit after four years, keep going. Remember that these guys are your brothers for life, and they’ll be there for you. I've found that even brothers I didn’t go to school with, who were older or younger than me, were some of the first people to support me when I got sick.” Shocked by this unwavering support, he asked why people were helping him; the answer was, “Because you’re my brother and I love you, man.”
We may not be able to repay what brotherhood provides, but we can try. We can go all in and continue to show up, even when circumstances make it hard. We can follow John’s example.
I remember when I first heard that John was sick and following along as updates were passed along by other brothers. Over the past few years, I couldn’t tell you of an event or gathering of Delta Lambdas at which John was not mentioned or praised for his character and willpower. It wouldn’t be feasible to list the brothers who proudly testified to the kind of man John is, that he is an example to not just Pi Kapps but anyone who hears his story. One thing I know for certain is that while John may be a Charlotte 49ers superfan, there are a hell of a lot of Delta Lambdas who are John McCurdy superfans.
BROTHERS PARTICIPATING IN THE ABILITY EXPERIENCE 2025 SUMMER EVENTS
Five Delta Lambdas have signed up to participate in The Ability Experience events this summer. Some are Pi Alphas taking on yet another event, others are just starting their journey. Let’s show them our support by offering encouragement, providing wisdom or sharing their fundraising page.
To learn more about each brother, click on their photo.
ALUMNI CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
William " Bill" Kincaid, #9
MATTHEW BASEL, #763
Gear Up New York
MATT COFFEY, #931 Gear Up New York
PHILIP GRASSMANN, #764 Gear Up New York
JOSH HILL, #933 Gear Up Florida
ETHAN NORMAN, #714 Gear Up New York
ATTN: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
BROTHER UPDATES - LET US KNOW!
Have you got married? Had kids? Changed jobs or been promoted? Get together with brothers? Have a memory to share? Let’s celebrate life’s moments together - submit your news!
As we restart our newsletter program, we want every brother to have an opportunity to share their story. If you have ideas or want to contribute an article for our next newsletter, please email Matt Ramsay, mramsay@pikapp.org, #843.