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OMICRONICLE THE OMICRON CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA PHI | FALL 2026 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
LETTER FROM THE ALUMNI CHAPTER PRESIDENT DEAR OMICRON BROTHERS, We wanted to take a moment to update you on current events with the chapter and house. The chapter pledged 69 new members, bringing our total membership to 187. This returns the chapter to pre-COVID numbers. The chapter’s financial situation is stable and continues to improve. We lowered our delinquent house bills to one of the lowest our accounting firm collects. The new Executive Council did a good job getting philanthropy back to the forefront. They conducted several events that were highly visible on campus and around Tuscaloosa. We continue to work closely with Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, leveraging their resources to foster a collaborative, growth-focused environment for our undergraduate brothers and alumni. We had multigenerational alumni at the Omicron Alumni Tent on the Quad last football season. Brother’s Night Out was a huge success with more than 75 alumni and families in attendance. One of the big highlights of this event was the 60-year photo display from everyone’s time as students. We received more than 2,000 photographs from alumni.
The Future Together as Always Omicron continues to grow, develop and evolve, but we need alumni help to keep up the momentum. Whether through your time, talents or financial support, there’s a place for you to get involved. Over the years, we’ve relied on just a few dedicated individuals to shoulder much of the burden. We are two years into having a solid group of almost 20 alumni engaged with the chapter on a weekly, if not daily basis.
One of the Omicronisms I learned during my tenure was the term “deadwood brother.” The guy who never came to the house. We continue to need multiple generations of alumni involved with the undergraduate chapter and national Fraternity events. If you have the time to commit, please reach out to chapter advisor Wesley Paterson at Wespatterson12@yahoo.com.
Let’s keep it going. Kendrick Reaves President, Omicron Alumni Chapter
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THE OMICRONICLE
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING PI KAPPA PHI FOUNDATION’S DAY OF GIVING A heartfelt thank you to all who supported the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation’s 2026 Day of Giving. Your generosity added almost $10,000 to the Foundation and directly benefits Omicron Chapter under graduates. These funds help cover educational opportunities, convention expenses and national meetings. We were over one-eighth of the total donors. ALUMNI DONORS David Adams Hunter Allen Scott M. Anderson Danny Beggs Fred Bertron William T. Bishop John Boggan Tom Borton Clint Brown Andrew D. Burke Patrick W. Bussey, III David Calvert Seth Chapman Patrick W. Cogburn Mark T. Cotton Jeff Cull Donald Curry Kevin Davis Jonathan H. Day David and Ryan DeBardelaben Warren DeBardelaben Robb Dern Daniel DiGuglielmo
Bora A. Diruman Ryan T. Dolmanet Ben Dooley Larry Dooley Ben Douglas Steve Eaves Chuck Eaton Jeff Fields Andrew Fowler Nicholas Frerman Patrick Giangrosso Jeff Gilbertsen John A. Greaves Jr. David Gross Scott Hannon Mike Hawkins George Hayes Chris Helgoth Justin Holt Brian Hubbard Hamilton W. Hurd Ryan Hunter Robert F. Inman Mike Innes Thomas Joy Ken Kilinski Steve Luther
Joseph B. McCormick Bryan A. McCullick Matthew W. McGee Christopher M. McNeese Brandon Minor Ladson Fraser Montgomery Joey Morris Jarrod Nackley Brian Neill Troy Ong TJ Osborne Andrew Outzen Clynt Parrish Wesley S. Parker Andrew T. Patterson Wesley A. Patterson John Pfaudler Billy Pittman Thomas A. Pittman Henry Popee Bryan Prewitt Bradley N. Ray Kendrick Reaves Mark T. Reilly Joseph Ross
Kevin T. Russell Trey Rutledge David Sharpe Roman A. Shaul E. B. Smedberg, Jr. John A. Smith Ron Smith Stephen Smith Reynolds Sorrell Mark Stenmark Dr. Lonnie Strickland David A. Tanory Christian H. Tant Drew Turner Andrew M. Wade Glenn Wade Andrew A. Watts Christian Weichsel James Terrell White Jeff Wiggins Mark Wiggins Robert B. Wilks Nick Wilmott Todd Wood Stan Woodson
Laura R. Armistead Scott Boostrom Dr. and Mrs. Gertner Mike Kelly Tara M. Singer Melissa Stone Erin Wass
STUDENT DONORS Mangene Amanda Colin P. McAlpin William S. Sasser Special recognition goes to Laura Armistead and Dr. Hebson, whose extraordinary dedication to Omicron reflects years of pouring their hearts into the success of the chapter and its members.
840
$295,175
OVERALL WINNER
OVERALL WINNER
116
$61,913
(ALABAMA)
(DREXEL)
TOTAL DONORS
THANK YOU
PARENT AND FRIEND DONORS
TOTAL DONORS
OMICRON
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TOTAL RAISED MONEY RAISED
ALPHA UPSILON
FALL 2026
A STRONG START TO THE 2026–27 ACADEMIC YEAR Omicron is beginning the new academic year with strong momentum and a continued focus on strengthening the undergraduate experience. The chapter remains on probation with both the University of Alabama and the national Fraternity through December 31, 2026, but there are currently no restrictions on chapter activities, including its full social schedule.
Associate members are getting an early start on building connections with one another and the broader fraternity community. An upcoming retreat will focus on strengthening relationships within the new-member class, while new IFC-sponsored opportunities are helping them become more involved on campus. Associate members, initiated brothers and House Director Laura Armistead are also participating in weekly IFC exercise sessions.
Over the past year, alumni advisors have worked closely with undergraduate leaders to provide greater structure and support around chapter operations. Chapter Advisor Wesley Patterson, now entering his second year in the role, is building on that progress with new plans and processes focused on academic performance, newmember education, philanthropy, alumni engagement and campus involvement.
Laura has introduced two additional programs designed to help associate members feel at home and prepare them for life beyond college. Through etiquette training, members are learning skills they can use at professional lunches, dinners, interviews and internships. She is also hosting small dinners with groups of five new members at a time, giving her an opportunity to get to know each of them personally while helping them develop a stronger connection to the chapter house.
One of the most encouraging signs this fall has been the initiative shown by undergraduate members. Brothers are increasingly reaching out proactively to their area advisors for guidance and to identify ways to improve Together, these efforts reflect an encouraging shift their areas of responsibility. The chapter also has toward greater engagement, stronger relationships and ambitious plans for philanthropy and greater involvement shared responsibility for Omicron’s continued progress. across campus.
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ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT STRENGTHENS OMICRON
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lumni involvement continues to play an important role in Omicron’s progress. Today, the chapter benefits from a strong, multigenerational group of alumni who are investing their time, expertise and resources to support our undergraduate brothers. That support is organized through two primary groups. The Omicron Club (Housing Corporation) A team of 10 alumni oversees the financial health of the chapter house and the property’s maintenance. Alumni have also maintained a consistent presence at the house, with someone visiting nearly every week and attending almost every chapter meeting over the past year. One of the Omicron Club’s biggest priorities is the chapter house mortgage, which currently has 19 years remaining. Reducing that debt will put Omicron in a stronger financial position and make it easier to fund future repairs, upgrades and capital improvements. Council of Advisors
Alumni who would like to help can make a tax-deductible contribution to the Building Fund. Monthly or quarterly recurring gifts are especially helpful, providing consistent support that can be directed toward the mortgage and ongoing needs of the house.
Nine alumni serve on the Council of Advisors, working directly with members of the Executive Council and alongside Chapter Advisor Wesley Patterson. Their role is to provide undergraduate leaders with mentorship, perspective and support as they strengthen chapter operations and the member experience. We are especially grateful to Seth Chapman, who stepped in as interim chapter advisor during the spring and summer of 2025, and provided important leadership and continuity during a challenging period. There is always room for more alumni to get involved. Whether you have expertise to share, time to mentor an undergraduate leader or simply want to reconnect with Omicron, serving on the advisory team is a meaningful way to make an impact. Alumni interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Wesley Patterson at wespatterson12@yahoo.com.
SCAN TO DONATE TO THE BUILDING FUND
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OMICRON CLUB AND COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ROSTER OMICRON CLUB President Kendrick Reaves kendrick@braxtonharris.com | (205) 999-0560 Vice President and Secretary Elliott Rowe erowe213@gmail.com Treasurer Trey Rutledge treyr95@gmail.com Food Service Director Justin Holt justin@holthospitality.com President Emeritus Warren DeBardelaben debardw@bellsouth.net Barden Smedberg ebjr@everhope1852.com Andrew Fowler dafowler09@gmail.com Hamilton Hurd hamilton.w.hurd@gmail.com Bryan Prewitt gbprewitt1967@gmail.com Robert Hollingsworth Rahollingsworth11@gmail.com OMICRON COUNCIL OF ADVISORS Chapter Advisor Wes Patterson Wespatterson12@yahoo.com | (704) 905-1337 Philanthropy Advisor Seth Chapman seth@weezabi.com Finance Advisor Bradley Ray Bray@alliancemetalproducts.net Member Education and Ritual Advisor Brian Hubbard Kenbhubbard@att.net Recruitment Advisor Georgia Hayes Gehayes@uab.edu Standards Advisor Judge Stephen Smith sgilbs@gmail.com Academics Advisor Dr. Tim Hebson Dean Emeritus of Student Life Advisor-at-Large David Adams rush1527@yahoo.com Scholarship Advisor Matt Crawford mdcrawford86@gmail.com
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Nathan Hightower accepts Omicron Alumni Chapter’s Excellence Engagement Award at Supreme Chapter from CEO Jake Henderson and National President Joe Brady.
OMICRON REPRESENTS AT SUPREME CHAPTER
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his summer, Pi Kappa Phi brothers from across the country gathered in Scottsdale, Arizona, for Supreme Chapter 59, bringing together undergraduate leaders, alumni and volunteers to learn from one another, share ideas and celebrate the Fraternity.
Engagement, and the Omicron Chapter and its alumni were also honored for their participation in the 2025 Day of Giving. For the third consecutive year, Omicron has led the way in Day of Giving participation, a testament to the continued commitment of our alumni and undergraduate brothers.
Omicron was well represented, with undergraduate Archon Jack Cesare and Warden Chandler Berry joining alumni brothers John Greaves, Nathan Hightower, Landry Jacobs and Kendrick Reaves. The event provided an opportunity to connect with brothers from across Pi Kappa Phi and exchange ideas about strengthening chapters and supporting undergraduate success.
Looking ahead, John Greaves will reach another milestone at the next Supreme Chapter when he is inducted into the Nu Phi Society, recognizing his fifth Supreme Chapter attendance. Supreme Chapter is more than a Fraternity meeting. It is an opportunity to build relationships across generations, learn from other chapters and volunteers and strengthen our connection to Pi Kappa Phi beyond Omicron. We hope to see even more Omicron alumni take part in future national events and continue building a strong, multigenerational connection to the Fraternity.
Omicron also had plenty to celebrate. Past Archon Trent Jones received the Howard H. Baker Leadership Award for leading the chapter through a period of rebuilding and cultural reform. Nathan Hightower accepted the Omicron Alumni Chapter’s award for Excellence in
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FALL 2026
Omicron alumnus John Greaves (left) and Omicron Alumni Chapter President Kendrick Reaves with Zeta Alpha (Clemson) Archon Ben White (son of Omicron alumnus Mark White) at Supreme Chapter 59.
OMICRON MEMBERS OF THE NU PHI SOCIETY DAVID ADAMS HARRY CALDWELL, JR. WARREN DEBARDELABEN, III EMMETT DENDY ROBERT NATHAN HIGHTOWER, ESQ. LANDRY JACOBS TRAVIS JULIAN JAMES MAY. JR. A.J. STRICKLAND, III PAUL WESCH
Foundation Chairman Rick Berk shares a toast with Nu Phi Society members and their guests at Supreme Chapter 59.
FALL FOOTBALL MEANS MORE CHANCES TO RECONNECT
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ootball season is here, and we have several opportunities for Omicron alumni and families to come back together in Tuscaloosa.
The Omicron Alumni Tailgate Tent is also back on the Quad this season. Find us at Tent #283D, just east of Denny Chimes, for three of Alabama’s biggest home games:
Brother’s Night Out returns Friday, October 9, from 6–11 p.m. at the chapter house ahead of the Georgia game. Join us for dinner, reconnect with brothers and bring the family. With Tuscaloosa restaurants often facing one-and-a-half to two-hour waits on game weekends, the chapter house offers an easy alternative, complete with convenient parking behind the house.
• Georgia: October 10 • Texas A&M: October 24 • Iron Bowl: November 24 Food will be provided at each tailgate, and alcohol is BYOB. More importantly, the tent is a great home base for reconnecting with Omicron brothers across generations before kickoff.
Back by popular demand, we’ll also have an alumni photo slideshow. Have a great picture from your Omicron days? Send it to Seth Chapman at seth@weezabi.com to be included.
Questions about Brother’s Night Out? Contact Seth Chapman. For tailgate details, contact Hamilton Hurd at (205) 242-2964. We hope to see you back in Tuscaloosa this fall!
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FALL 2026
We’re continuing to improve how we stay connected with Omicron alumni, but we need your help to make sure our records are up to date. If you haven’t been receiving emails or mailings, please take a moment to update your contact information through the Pi Kapp Hub. For the past 10 years, the University of Alabama has provided only university-issued student email addresses, which means we may not have a current personal email address for many alumni. Others may have moved or changed contact information since graduation. Keeping your information current is the best way to make sure you don’t miss chapter news, alumni events and opportunities to stay involved with Omicron.
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