Star & Lamp - Fall 2015

OF PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY

Jacob & David

Clemson brothers living our values

The Summer Experience A picture is worth a thousand words

FALL2015

Thirty Under 30

Second annual young alumni awards

CEO CORNER

Making an impact.

Mark E. Timmes

This year marks another milestone for Pi Kappa Phi and the impact we continue to have on young men’s lives across the country.

SUBMISSIONS Materials for publication should be sent directly to the managing editor at the P.O. Box address or email address shown below. Letters to the editor will be printed at the discretion of the editors.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With the print and online STAR & LAMP, we accept materials on an ongoing basis.

Jared Horman

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 or email address below.

PUBLISHER STAR & LAMP (USPS 519-000) is issued three times a year by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at 2015 Ayrsley Town Boulevard, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28273 and additional mailing offices.

Mark E. Timmes MANAGING EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Todd Shelton

GRAPHIC DESIGN

COMMUNICATION TEAM

Johnny Andrews Jeremy Osborne CONTRIBUTORS

Greg Buehner Brent Grunig Curt Herzog Pat Kuhnle James Maloney Christian Wiggins

We are excited about the unprecedented success to date in support of our Common Loyalty Campaign—the capital campaign for leadership development, academic success and service learning. As you can see from the chart on page 14, we are well on way to reaching, and hopefully exceeding, our goal by the 55th Supreme Chapter next summer.

As our mission states, “we seek to create an uncommon and lifelong brotherhood that develops leaders and encourages service to others for the betterment of our communities.” We are excited to share features and content in this issue of the star & lamp which exemplify that mission.

We recognize thirty young alumni who have made a mark early after graduation in this year’s Thirty Under 30. Next, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and in The Summer Experience we share some amazing photography that conveys the emotions and success of The Ability Experience signature summer events.

We invite you to meet Jacob Stark and David Saville of our Zeta Alpha Chapter at Clemson. These brothers embody the values of Pi Kappa Phi and The Ability Experience.

Also, as you hopefully already know, Basil Lyberg took the lead at The Ability Experience earlier this year. In Five Minutes With we offer Basil an opportunity to introduce himself.

And lastly, we have a call for nominations for National Council as we look for leaders to serve at the highest volunteer level.

We appreciate your lifelong support and look forward to continued success. As always enjoy this issue of the star & lamp!

Yours in the brotherhood of Pi Kappa Phi,

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: STAR & LAMP P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224-0526 EMAIL ADDRESS letusknow@pikapp.org

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

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PAGE ONE EXPANSION

Seven spring semester charterings

During the spring 2015 semester, Pi Kappa Phi chartered on seven campuses. We invite you to read about each at pikapp.org.

Beta Phi at Eastern Carolina Re-founded: February 15, 2015

Iota Omega at Nevada - Las Vegas Founded: March 7, 2015

Zeta Alpha at Clemson Re-founded: March 7, 2015

Kappa Gamma at Montana Founded: April 18, 2015

Kappa Alpha at Case Western Founded: April 11, 2015

Kappa Beta at Illinois State Founded: April 11, 2015

Kappa Delta at Florida Atlantic Founded: April 18, 2015



Fall 2015  OKLAHOMA STATE

(GAMMA UPSILON)

 WISCONSIN - MADISON

    

 SETON HALL

(EPSILON THETA)

 VILLANOVA

(EPSILON OMICRON)

 AUGUSTA (GAMMA PSI)  MARYLAND (ETA EPSILON)



THIS MAP DETAILS Pi Kappa Phi’s expansion plans through Spring 2016. For more information about expansion or starting a new chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, contact Assistant Executive Director of Chapter Development Brandon Belote at bbelote@pikapp.org.

update us on your life: pikapp.org/submitnews



Spring 2016  EASTERN WASHINGTON  CALIFORNIA - MERCED

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FALL2015 || VOL CIV, NO. 1 FEATURES

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THE SUMMER EXPERIENCE

We captured The Ability Experience summer from the beginning to the final celebration in Washington, D.C.

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DAVID & JACOB

Relationships and faith guide two recent initiates living out our values at Clemson University

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THIRTY UNDER 30

These men are all examples of how to live the values of Pi Kappa Phi after leaving your college campus

COLUMNS

i || CEO CORNER 1 || EXPANSION NEWS 14 || COMMON LOYALTY 15 || SUPREME CHAPTER 16 || HOUSE & HOME 38 || FIVE MINUTES WITH 40 || BY THE NUMBERS 41 || PHINAL THOUGHT

ON THE COVER: Brandon Lackner, Eta Chi (Texas Christian), a cyclist on the Journey of Hope North Route

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Copyright Š 2015 Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Pi Kappa Phi, the Coat of Arms, Star Shield and additional logos are trademarks of Pi Kappa Phi, all rights reserved.

David & Jacob Relationships and faith

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THE SUMMER

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AS THE SAYING GOES,

a picture is worth a thousand words. With the successful completion of the first summer of events under the new philanthropy name, The Ability Experience, star & lamp felt there was no better way to convey the emotions and successes than through images chronicling the summer.

Historians on each team along with staff photographer Johnny Andrews captured the summer from beginning to the final celebration on the Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C. We hope you enjoy the following pages which represent some of our efforts through The Ability Experience to use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders.

THE TEAM EXPERIENCE Learn about being part of a team next summer, visit: ABILITYEXPERIENCE.ORG/REGISTER update us on your life: pikapp.org/submitnews

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Gear Up Florida

Cyclists travel down Lookout Mountain before rolling into Denver, Colo.

Build America

Journey of Hope North Route

Journey of Hope South Route

Johnny Andrews (above) used a drone camera this summer to capture some pretty amazing shots including this one of the Journey of Hope South Route at Texas Christian University.

Journey of Hope TransAmerica Route

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Mount Rainier sets the backdrop for TransAmerica Route cyclists

Journey of Hope friendship visit at the Ashley House in Enumclaw, Wash.

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Team members perform for the crowd during a Build America Friendship Visit at Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

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Hundreds more photos available at: FLICKR.COM/ PHOTOS/ABILITYEXPERIENCE/

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COMMON LOYALTY GOAL $7,000,000 FUNDS RAISED AS OF 10.30.2015 $6,307,660

COMMON

LOYALTY

A campaign to forge uncommon leaders THE PI KAPPA PHI FOUNDATION

Donor Spotlight David S. Shook

Alpha Psi (Indiana) Former Archon Member, Alpha Psi Housing Corporation Common Loyalty Campaign donor, David S. Shook, Alpha Psi (Indiana), is no stranger to leading diverse teams. As a Senior VP & Managing Director with Siemens, his territory spans nearly the entire Western Hemisphere. When he’s not traveling for work, Shook volunteers with the Alpha Psi House Corporation helping to ensure the fraternity’s students at Indiana University have a safe and competitive chapter house.

The Foundation recently caught up with Shook and he had this to say about his involvement with the fraternity and advice to a younger self.

challenge. My territory of responsibility includes both North and South America, so I deal with mature and developing markets. Specifically, my team deals with software technology that is used in a wide variety of applications ranging from the design, simulation and manufacturing of cars, jet engines, space launch systems, phones, tablets and medical implants to name a few.

As a Senior Vice President and Managing Director with Siemens Corporation, and someone who has been with the company for a long time, what’s the best part of your job?

Network! Opportunities don’t usually come to you; you have to seek them out.

Today networking is usually associated with social media but I am talking about belonging to social, fraternal or religious organizations where you have people to people contact. That is where you will practice communication and presentation skills that social media doesn’t develop well.

I like developing our “go to market” strategy for the technology products offered by Siemens. I also enjoy leading a diverse group of people from different countries. Every week brings a new

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If you could go back in time to 1972, the year after you were initiated into Alpha Psi Chapter, what career advice would you give yourself?

You’ve shared in the past that you reconnected with the fraternity in 2009

and The Ability Experience through the Common Loyalty Campaign seek unrestricted gifts from alumni and friends of the fraternity to establish long term funds that will impact the greater fraternity’s programs in the following areas: Leadership Development, Academic Success and Servant Leadership Experiences.

For more information about the Common Loyalty Campaign or to make a commitment please contact Curt Herzog, director of development at cherzog@pikapp.org or (980) 318-5366.

when you met Past National President Phil Summers at a homecoming event.

The second anniversary of Phil’s passing is around the corner. What did he mean to you? To Alpha Psi? Dr. Summers was a tremendous influence on the Alpha Psi undergraduate chapter at Indiana University. He was instrumental to re-colonization in 1987, the acquisition of the current chapter house and the person who was there for the initiation of over a thousand men into our Indiana University brother hood over the past two and a half decades.

Unfortunately I did not meet Phil until 2009 but he and Jim Crews, a fellow 1972 initiate, encouraged me to reengage with the local chapter and it was Dr. Summers who asked me to join the local housing board. Phil made everyone feel important and always expected the best from students and adults. He made every encounter feel special and was always interested in everyone he met. 

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SUPREME CHAPTER

Call for nominations to National Council AT THE 2014 SUPREME Chapter in Atlanta, Ga., the fraternity celebrated the success of its Second Century Vision and embarked on a new plan for our future called Uncommon Leadership­— The 2020 Strategic Plan for Pi Kappa Phi. The National Council, our governing board of directors, is charged with the implementation of this plan and the overall direction of the fraternity as we continue to grow and prosper at now over 180 college campuses.

It is my duty as past national president and chairman of the nominating committee to conduct a “call for nominations” for the National Council.

As provided in Supreme Law, the nominating committee is charged with assembling a list of nominees for National Council. The five-member committee is comprised of a student member and four past national presidents, which includes Brennan Trask, Alpha Lambda (Mississippi); John R. Andrews, Delta Delta (Truman State); J. Jeffry Wahlen, Alpha Epsilon (Florida); Mark F. Jacobs, Delta Psi (Texas-Arlington) and myself.

Any initiated member of the fraternity—student or alumnus—can nominate any initiated alumnus (including himself ) to serve on the National Council. Above all, nominees must have an unwavering and proven commitment to the fraternity. Past service to the fraternity and a general understanding of the national fraternity are of utmost importance.

Please send your nominations to: Dudley F. Woody P.O. Box 14125 Roanoke, VA 24038-4125

All nominations must be received no later than January 15, 2016.

The committee’s proposed slate will be announced no later than March 28, 2016, and presented to the Supreme Chapter next July 28th at the second Supreme Chapter session.

While we hope that we are overwhelmed with nominations for the Council, we recognize that not everyone has the interest or resources to serve at a board level. Pi Kappa Phi has always been a volunteer-based organization with multiple opportunities at a variety of levels. To that end, we would encourage you to fill out our volunteer interest form on www.pikapp.org.

Whether you would like to engage at the Council level or volunteer for one of the more than 2,000 positions within the fraternity, we sincerely hope you will make the choice to serve your fraternity and give back so that other young men will have an experience similar to the one you enjoyed.

Also, make plans to join your brothers at the 2016 Supreme Chapter in Austin, Texas, on July 28 — August 1, 2016.

Thank you for your continued support of our fraternity.

Yours in Pi Kappa Phi,

Dudley Woody Xi (Roanoke) Past National President

Your nominations may also be emailed to nominations@pikapp.org. update us on your life: pikapp.org/submitnews

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HOUSE & HOME

Pi Kappa Phi Properties celebrates five decades

Gamma Gamma Chapter chartering and first Pi Kappa Phi Properties meeting on April 10, 1966

THIS YEAR, PROPERTIES

celebrates its 50th year as a national housing corporation. During the past half century, many volunteers, staff, alumni and student leaders have shaped the growth of Pi Kappa Phi Properties and thereby Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity itself.

During the mid-1960’s Durward, along with other national fraternity leaders saw the need for supporting the fraternity’s growth. Housing was a significant challenge to Pi Kappa Phi’s success on many campuses. Seeking out models from other national organizations to determine what was best for Pi Kappa Phi, Durward spoke with Fr. MacIlhenny, a leader within Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity at a North American Interfraternity Conference meeting. Phi Kappa Theta had faced challenges within their model of leasing directly to students from the national fraternity. Durward determined that if Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity were to be successful, more support was needed from local alumni housing corporations.

As such, the lessons learned from the challenges that Phi Kappa Theta faced led to the creation of Pi Kappa Phi Properties.

Properties was incorporated in the state of Florida on February 4, 1966. The first meeting of the newly formed volunteer executive committee was held on Easter Sunday, April 10 in conjunction with the chartering of the Gamma Gamma Chapter (Troy) in Troy, Ala. Gamma Gamma Chapter would benefit as Properties’ first chapter house recipient that same

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year. Additionally, Gamma Delta Chapter (Memphis) would benefit in 1966 from an early chapter house purchase.

In the mid-1980’s, while serving as National Treasurer, Steve DePalma, Beta Alpha (NJIT), was contacted by a student member regarding the possibility of borrowing money for furnishings for their chapter house. The recently chartered chapter was living in a rented home with no alumni or other finances to draw on to purchase the furniture. This challenge transformed into opportunity as DePalma worked with the National Council to propose legislation to form what was to be known as the Infrastructure Loan Fund.

Through much discussion the fund was created by Supreme Chapter vote at the 1987 convention in Dallas, Texas. The new fund, with revenues generated from $20 from each new initiation fee began in the spring 1988, continues to serve as a lending platform for chapters and housing corporations today. In 2012, the fund was renamed the Stephen P. DePalma Infrastructure Loan Fund in his honor.

Over the most recent decade, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity has seen tremendous growth through existing chapters and expansion to new campuses. In 2009, seeing a need during his presidency to provide greater housing support, newly elected National President Mark Jacobs, Delta Psi (Texas-Arlington), called on then Pi Kappa Phi Properties Board Chairman Eric Almquist, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State), to form a special committee

on housing in order to evaluate the opportunities and challenges facing fraternity housing. Almquist along with a number of fraternity leaders discussed options available to the fraternity over months of time and in early 2012, made several recommendations to the National Council. Most notably was to create a new fund which would be operated

by Pi Kappa Phi Properties to assist chapters in acquiring new housing.

Many conference calls were held with volunteers, chapter advisors and students leading up to the 2012 Supreme Chapter in Washington, D.C., to inform chapters about the legislation coming and how it would benefit chapters now and in the future. The fund was successfully enacted at Supreme Chapter and began in the spring 2013 semester. The Housing Investment Fund is funded by $20 per undergraduate member each year. While the Housing Investment Fund remains in its infancy stages, Properties has acquired six chapter homes with proceeds from the Housing Investment Fund in the first three years of operation.

This year, as Properties celebrate the many successes with alumni, students, volunteers and friends of the fraternity, it also looks forward to fulfilling the mission and vision in the years to come. 

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WHAT’S ON Always current!

STARANDLAMP.COM FEATURES & SPOTLIGHTS Iota Lambda sponsors second annual Electric Ability Carnival Over 1,200 students attend second annual Electric Ability Carnival at Quinnipiac University.

Eta Gamma brothers take part in 40 year tradition

The brothers of CU Boulder continue a 40 year tradition running with Ralphie the buffalo.

Pi Kappa Phi brothers create business to help impoverished Nicaraguan families

Two Iota Pi (Dayton) alumnus create business to employ Nicaraguan artisans and build homes for the impoverished.

Opportunities in Oxford

A home is found for Alpha Lambda Chapter after recolonizing in 2013.

Easy to like & share on social media!

CHAPTER NEWS

YOUR FEATURES

OUTSIDE SOURCES

Reported by your chapter and published almost as it happens. No more waiting months to see the success.

Stories of our members and friends successes in life. Professional and personal accomplishments from around the world.

Articles written by outside sources featuring various Pi Kappa Phi activities and the accomplishments and stories of our members.

Five Minutes with . . . Tyler Williams, Alpha (College of Charleston)

Tyler Williams was selected as this year’s student representative to the National Council. He recently sat down with star & lamp to discuss his new appointment to the position, as well as some of his thoughts on leadership.

FOR THE LATEST SUCCESSES, PHOTOS AND BREAKING NEWS, FOLLOW PI KAPPA PHI ON . . .

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SUBMIT YOUR NEWS AT PIKAPP.ORG/SUBMITNEWS

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Living our values at Clemson University

BY JARED HORMAN WITH TODD SHELTON

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. Jim, 51, answered the door to find two young men standing on his doorstep. “David, Jacob!” The two young men entered the house as casually as if it were their own parents’ home. David headed straight to Mrs. Clements to show off his new associate member pin and copy of The White Diamond. The two had come directly from their pre-initiation ritual with the Zeta Alpha Chapter (Clemson) to share the excitement of their experience with a very close friend . . . the university president. Jim Clements was clearly happy to see the two, and has a very close relationship with them.

“David and Jacob are two of the most

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incredible guys I know. I love them both,” said Jim Clements, president of Clemson University.

David and Jacob have had the opportunity to build a close relationship with President Clements and his wife through the ClemsonLIFE Program which is designed for students with intellectual disabilities who desire a postsecondary experience on a college campus.

“They are both like rock stars on this campus,” said Jim. “They are loved and adored by many. Both are always positive and such a joy to be around. I am blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with them on the campus and at my house. You can’t find two nicer guys. Seriously.”

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President Clements, Billy Stark and Jacob at a ClemsonLIFE reception

Fraternity is relationships Pi Kappa Phi is about relationships.

Brothers, fathers and sons—the fraternity continues to thrive and grow because the men of Pi Kappa Phi see the value in relationships with others.

David and Jacob’s story—this story—is about relationships: their parents’ deep friendship and faith, their friendship with each other and their fraternal bond through the Zeta Alpha Chapter at Clemson, the relationship they have with the ClemsonLIFE Program and the university president, and David’s relationship with the Clemson football team. David and Jacob are two young men that understand fraternal values and the importance of friendships. Their positive spirit shapes who they are and their drive is an inspiration to not only the people with disabilities, but every person and group they touch.

“David and Jacob add positivity to everything they attend. Very few people can give a smile like they can. They mean a lot to us,” said Drayton Reeley, philanthropy chair of Zeta Alpha Chapter.

Family relationships In 1972, William (Billy) Stark was initiated into the Alpha Eta Chapter at Samford. Billy is Jacob’s dad. As an undergraduate, Billy showed his strength as a leader and rose to the rank of archon. Executive Director

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Bobby & Diane Saville, Sallie & Billy Stark Emeritus Durward Owen took notice and appointed Billy to serve on the first national Council of Archons.

Billy has also built a strong friendship with Glenn Aspinwall, Gamma Kappa (Georgia Southern), and Bobby Saville (David’s dad). The three, living in the Atlanta area, have been close for decades and belong to the same men’s group at church among other activities.

When Jacob was born he suffered from severe seizures. His parents had to make serious decisions on how to deal with his medical situation. Already close family friends, Bobby and Diane Saville were

supportive of the Starks as they searched for either a cure or relief for Jacob’s seizures. Six months after Jacob’s birth, David was born with Down syndrome.

In an interesting twist of fate, the Stark family now had the opportunity to repay their friends’ kindness and stand by the Savilles as they worked through the early years with David. Their parents’ bond paved the path for Jacob and David’s friendship.

Jacob continued to battle with seizures until age 14, when he had a surgical procedure that eliminated his seizures.

“It was one of the hardest decisions we

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ever had to make to go forward with the surgery,” recalls Jacob’s mom Sallie. “We prayed and knew it was the right decision to end his seizures. It was hard because some family and friends disagreed with our decision.”

Up until that point, Jacob and his family had lived knowing that without constant watch and care, one of those seizures could easily have been his last.

The procedure left him with some limited intellectual and physical disabilities.

There seems to be no doubt in Jacob’s mind, though, whether he thinks the procedure was a good idea. If you ask him, he will tell you, with a smile, exactly how long he has been seizure free to the day.

As they got older, Jacob and David both attended different high schools and were very active and involved youth. David developed a passion for football and became a local celebrity as the team manager. The coaches and team embraced David, his love of the game and his outgoing personality.

Toward the end of high school, Jacob and David expressed to their parents a desire to have a college experience. Around the same time, a Clemson football coach approached David’s parents and stated that David should attend Clemson and be a part of the football team. The Saville’s research into Clemson University lead them to the ClemsonLIFE program. The family was definitely nervous about David leaving the safe, supportive community that he had built in Atlanta to move to Clemson, S.C., but they also knew that it was a great opportunity for growth. David was accepted to both the ClemsonLIFE program as well as the ranks of the Clemson Tigers.

Once again, David’s positive spirit and enthusiasm for football turned him into a fan favorite while he performed his role as an equipment manager.

A year after David started, Jacob was accepted into the ClemsonLIFE program and began attending school with his longtime family friend.

Zeta Alpha Chapter In the spring and fall of 2014, Pi Kappa Phi started and continued the expansion process on the Clemson University campus. Expansion Consultants Keenan Dollar, Theta Alpha (Southern Miss), and Trae Hestness, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State), had a very successful recruitment in the spring and returned for the fall semester to focus on brotherhood, philanthropy and teaching the chapter how to recruit on their own.

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“In the fall, I got a call from Glenn Aspinwall, who serves on the Pi Kappa Phi Properties board, about an opportunity to connect the chapter with some students from ClemsonLIFE,” said Trae Hestness.

“Glenn told me more about Jacob and David and things took off.” Many chapter members already volunteered with ClemsonLIFE and knew both Jacob and David.

The mission of the ClemsonLIFE Program at Clemson University is to provide a coordinated course of study that includes career exploration and preparation along with self-awareness, discovery, and personal improvement through a framework of courses, job internships, and community participation.

The ClemsonLIFE Program offers a two-year basic program that incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment, social/leisure skills, and health/wellness skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing selfsufficient young adults.

Additionally, the ClemsonLIFE Program offers a two-year advanced program for students that have demonstrated the ability to safely live independently, sustain employment, and socially integrate during the basic program.

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“I sat down with Jacob Stark first and I don’t think I’ve seen a kid enjoy life with a smile on his face as much as Jacob does,” Trae shared. “I told him that his dad is a member of Pi Kappa Phi and I’d like to have him join.”

“When we learned we had the opportunity to bring David and Jacob into the chapter, we did it without a thought,” said Drayton.

“Their membership has meant a lot to me personally,” said Drayton. “Having learning challenges myself and seeing what they have overcome, I can brush the smaller things off. If it wasn’t for their involvement with our chapter, I certainly would not have known them as well. For me personally, I am glad I joined Pi Kappa Phi over any other organization because they embrace people of all abilities. It’s great to be a part of an organization that acts on what it preaches.”

One of Drayton’s favorite moments with David and Jacob was after a Clemson football victory.

“After every game at Clemson, it’s tradition, win or lose, to rush the field and sing the alma mater with the players and coaches,” brags Drayton. “It was a very special moment. I put my arms around David and Jacob and we sung. Also with David working for the team, it is always fun to see him in his element.”

David and Jacob’s parents were thrilled that their sons and the Clemson undergraduates found each other. While neither of the Savilles are members of a fraternal organization themselves, Diane recalls a particularly strong example of fraternity. “Late one night, Jacob’s bus never arrived to pick him up, and so he called a brother who got up out of bed and went and picked him up. It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world to Jacob,” said Diane, “to have that support, through the fraternity, it’s just amazing.”

The greater fraternity In January, David and Jacob were invited to speak at the Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers in Charlotte.

“Jacob and David realize they have a role to play. They don’t try to play up their

ESPN College GameDay at Clemson

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Glenn Aspinwall introduces David and Jacob to attendees at Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers in Charlotte, N.C.

disabilities. They are just themselves.

They just take it in stride,” said Bobby.

It was a powerful experience for both David and Jacob’s families as well as the undergraduate brothers in attendance.

“David and Jacob kind of struggled through their speeches but those boys just stood up and gave them a standing ovation. Afterward, boys were coming up to them, patting them on the back and telling them what a great job they did. It was a tearjerker,” said Diane.

The atmosphere in the room was alive with the spirit of brotherhood— brotherhood greater than individual chapters, a brotherhood that the founders would take pride in.

“We were amazed with all the comments on Twitter—guys sharing the experience of David and Jacob’s presentation,” said Billy and Sallie.

“You look at that room of 400 guys and think about how many may have family members with special needs. I’m sure that they all look back and think about that connection and what the boys had to say.”

When asked if David enjoys speaking in front of audiences, his mom, Diane, said with a smile that he has been speaking at funerals for years.“He wants to do it. He wants to express his heart and how he feels.”

On March 7, 2015, Jacob and David were initiated alongside 68 other young men into the Zeta Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. “To me and Zeta Alpha, their membership has been a way to practically live out the values of Pi Kappa Phi and The Ability Experience,” said chapter Chaplain Baxter Morgan. “They have given us opportunities and connections to serve, love, and give to the ClemsonLIFE program while receiving back just as much we pour into them.”

As we were finishing this article, we reached back out to President Clements to follow up on a few more questions.

He had to cut the conversation a little short because he had a more important FaceTime coming in. . . David and Jacob. 

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David FaceTiming with President Clements

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NOW IN ITS SECOND YEAR, the Pi Kappa Phi Thirty Under 30 recognizes young alumni for their achievement after their undergraduate careers have come to an end.

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All of these alumni were nominated to be included in the Thirty Under 30 class by their peers, older alumni, friends of the fraternity and more. From there, a committee of volunteers reviewed all of the nominees in areas such as impact, leadership and service, and awards and recognition. After the herculean effort of reviewing all nominations was completed,

we had our list of 30 names. On the pages in this feature, you’ll read a little about each of these young men, and why they’ve been included in this group.

Again this year, alumni of 24 different chapters are represented. These alumni come from all types of backgrounds, and were nominated for all types of outstanding achievement including

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volunteerism and professional achievement. While the qualifications of the honor can vary, all of the recipients have a common commitment to fraternal values.

These men are all outstanding examples of how to live out the values of Pi Kappa Phi after leaving your college campus.

We introduce the class of 2015 Thirty Under 30 recipients.

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He recently began working for Wells Fargo Advisors-Solutions. An active marathon runner, Tyler participated in the Marine Corps Marathon for The Ability Experience in D.C., and runs for the Wounded Warrior Project and Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.

ZACK AGERTON

Advice for students and young alumni: “Keep an open mind to new experiences.

Remain positive and roll with the punches.”

Delta Beta (North Georgia)

under

Zack has excelled through his service to others. He is a three time Pi Alpha participating in Build America in 2011, advancing to crew chief in 2012 and project manager in 2013. After graduating he served The Ability Experience as a logistics coordinator for the 2014 Journey of Hope planning the Transamerica route.

Next he worked at Independence Place in Lexington, Ky., a center for independent living. There he was the Intake Specialist and planned a 16 team deep baseball league with teams from all over the world.

Zack recently was accepted into the Peace Corps and is now spending two years in a village of Samoa as a primary school English literacy resource teacher.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Follow your passion, no matter how much work it takes. If you enjoy it you’ll never work a day in your life.”

TYLER AIKEN

MANNY AUGELLO Beta Omicron (Northwestern State)

Manny was born and raised in Palermo on the Italian island Sicily before moving to Louisiana. While honing his culinary skills he served his chapter as warden.

After graduating he began working on his craft and soon took over as Executive Chef of Jolies Louisiana Bistro in Lafayette, La. Manny worked there for over five years before opening his own restaurant, Bread and Circus Provisions, where he is the owner and head chef and specializes in Cajun style cooking. Over the years Manny has been named one of five chefs in Louisiana to watch and one of the ten best chefs in Louisiana by the Louisiana Tourism Office. He also had the honor of cooking at the famous James Beard House in New York City. Manny believes in culinary activism and supports the farm to table and slow food movements. If you’re ever in Lafayette be sure to check out Bread and Circus Provisions.

Kappa (UNC-Chapel Hill)

Tyler was a re-founding father for Kappa Chapter. Following graduation he went to Washington, D.C., to work for Senator Kay Hagan first as a staff assistant in charge of all front office operations, then as a legislative correspondent where he assisted senior policy staff with research and analysis of legislation. While working for the Senator, Tyler also worked towards his master’s in government from Johns Hopkins culminating with his thesis, Legislative Impacts of Reforms and Limitations Placed on State Legislatures.

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ANDREW BARNHILL Delta (Furman)

While at Furman, Andrew received the President’s Voluntary Service Medal from President George W. Bush based on starandlamp.com

his record of service to the community.

Andrew later began his commitment to public service working in the office of Congressman Mike McIntyre. Following his work with the Congressman and time spent at a consulting firm in Washington, Andrew went on to graduate school at Duke University, where he was named as a student representative to the Board of Trustees and afforded the opportunity to speak at commencement.

During his time at Duke, he also served Mu Chapter as an advisor. He most recently served as State Director of New Leaders Council in North Carolina, worked in education research and policy analysis in the University of North Carolina System and worked for the federal policy department of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz. In 2013, Andrew was elected as one of the youngest members of the North Carolina Democratic Party’s executive council. As the Democratic candidate for State Senate in District 9, Andrew is breaking fundraising records for North Carolina candidates in his campaign that is slated to be one of the most competitive and closely watched legislative races in the state during the 2016 election cycle.

served as one of seven Dean’s Teaching Fellows providing academic and personal support to the student body. During summers between law school Gerard worked at both the Department of Justice-Antitrust Division in Washington, D.C., (2013) and at Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP in New York City (2014).

After taking the bar exam this summer, Gerard began work as a law clerk in the chambers of the Honorable Orinda D. Evans in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Following his clerkship, Gerard will then return to Davis Polk to begin his career in their litigation department.

Advice for students and young alumni: “You are at an age where you can afford to take risks, make sacrifices, and lay it all on the line; believe in yourself. Place yourself within an environment where you view knowledge as the wealth to accumulate and learn as much as you can!”

“Nothing beats adversity better than perseverance and a positive attitude.”

Advice to students and young alumni: “Maintain connectivity with those around you. Don’t silo yourself, expose yourself to different people and different ideas.”

Advice for students and young alumni: “Remember Pi Kappa Phi’s vast network and work within it to help other leaders gain opportunities as they launch their careers.”

GERARD F. BIFULCO Kappa (UNC-Chapel Hill)

Gerard was a re-founding father of Kappa Chapter in 2010. Since then he attended Emory University School of Law where he recently graduated with high honors and was honored as the Most Outstanding 3L by his classmates.

While at Emory, he was the Executive Symposium Editor of the Emory Law Journal, for which he hosted a symposium exploring free speech rights. He also

WILLIAM BLUM Iota Pi (Dayton)

William was a founding father of Iota Pi Chapter at Dayton and credits the lessons he learned starting a chapter to his successes developing his business.

After graduating he, along with a few friends, started Lagoon Systems Corp. for advanced water management. They began developing a first of its kind non-invasive pipe sensor for water meters that through a mobile app gives you back your water usage in real time for each appliance and fixture in your home or facility. They won South by Southwest’s 2014 Eco Clean Tech Award and were named to Forbes 2015 30 Under 30 list for energy. William is Lagoon’s Chief Creative Officer and deals with all of their marketing and branding.

Along with his work with Lagoon he is currently an Industry Sales Manager for Batterii, a visual innovation platform for enterprises that connects teams to collaborate, share research, and drive innovation.

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ALEX BRINK Iota Gamma (Wyoming)

As an undergraduate Alex was a founding father of the Iota Gamma Chapter at Wyoming and became a Pi Alpha riding the Journey of Hope in 2013. Alex has just wrapped up his second year of law school at George Washington University. While in law school he has been a part of the Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mock Trial Boards. Alex also serves as Vice-President of Christian Legal Society and as a GW Law Student Ambassador. He currently is in South Korea where he was chosen as one of 75 law students in the country to serve as an intern for the United States Army Judge Advocates General Corp. Alex continues to participate in The Ability Experience D.C. events, Marine Corps Marathon and Journey of Hope arrivals, as well as remain an active alumnus in the D.C. community. He will graduate from law school next year and hopes to serve in the U.S. Army in the JAG Corps.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Nothing beats adversity better than perseverance and a positive attitude.”

TAYLOR CLARKSON Sigma (South Carolina)

Since graduating from the University of South Carolina, Taylor has completed his

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Master’s degree in Accounting from the College of Charleston and earned his CPA license. He then accepted a position with Dixon Hughes Goodman and became a senior tax associate, where he worked on various types of tax returns and their cost segregation team. Taylor eventually left the firm to work for Kiawah Partners, a real estate development and private club operator. There he began as a staff accountant and worked his way up to accounting manager in only a couple years. He is now responsible for general ledger review, preparing financials for executive meetings, monthly business plans and end of the month reports.

Taylor is currently on Alpha Chapter’s council of alumni, was the first alumnus appointed to the board of trustees for his high school Charleston Collegiate and has participated in the United Way’s Day of Caring. While an undergraduate he was Sigma’s homecoming chair which is how he met his wife Alysia who was her sorority’s chair as well.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Don’t be afraid to fail, it’s ok to make a mistake from time to time, but make sure to learn from that mistake because that is a part of growth.”

ANDREW DANTO Theta Eta (American)

Andrew was a founding father of Theta Eta Chapter while at American. After graduation he stayed in D.C. and worked for the General Services Administration as a contracting officer. Not long after Andrew applied and was accepted for Foreign Service for the United States State Department. His first post was at the U.S. Embassy in Yemen working directly with the Ambassador during a tumultuous time. While there, he worked in counterterrorism and assisted in the 2013 evacuation of the embassy. Following his work in Yemen, Andrew accepted a post in Switzerland with the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. There he has worked in public affairs during the recent Iranian Nuclear talks. This October, he will be

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moving to his next assignment in Australia at the U.S. Embassy. His continued service to the country exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Be persistent because, success doesn’t come in a day or a year you have to play the long game.”

BRANDON GASTON Eta Beta (Indiana State)

ADAM FRIDLEY Zeta Pi (Marshall)

Adam was a re-founding father of the Zeta Pi Chapter where he was heavily involved on campus serving as the Pro Tempore of the Student Senate and Chief of Staff for the student body president.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded as the best political science student. His current position is research analyst for Performance Evaluation & Research for the West Virginia Legislative Auditors Office. There he works with state agencies to identify areas of weakness, determine the causes and craft policy recommendations. In one instance Adam found major accessibility issues with the states facilities for veterans with disabilities. From his report, the state has either renovated, relocated or are in the process of doing so, making these facilities accessible to all. Adam continues to support his chapter as Zeta Pi’s Housing Corp. chairman and he also co-chairs the community outreach committee of Generation Charleston, an organization that brings young professionals together to benefit the city.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Take advantage of all of the connections you’ve made to this point in your life, be it professional or personal. Those professional connections will help you get your foot in the door and establish yourself in the workforce, and the personal connections you’ve made help ease the stress.”

“Don’t be afraid to fail.”

Brandon has accumulated tremendous success in a few short years in the political realm. As an undergraduate he served Eta Beta Chapter as vice archon and archon. Following his graduation he began work as a campaign manager and legislative assistant for the Indiana House Republicans and their campaign committee. He was a political campaign consultant for Mark it Red as well.

Brandon then formed his own political consulting firm, Team Red Campaigns and has managed state legislature and congressional races in Indiana, Kentucky and South Carolina. Along with their headquarters in Indianapolis, Brandon recently opened offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles to serve his growing clientele across the country. In addition to Team Red Campaigns, he has also started a marketing consulting firm for startups, The Gaston Group and helped start a Political Action Committee, Indiana Rising. With all this going on Brandon still finds time to volunteer, he is the vice president of Eta Beta’s Alumni Chapter and a Master Mason.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Don’t be afraid to fail, better to take a risk and fail and learn from it and do it better the next time than to not try at all.”

GLENN GOORSKY Epsilon Rho (Lenoir Rhyne)

As an undergraduate, Glenn served his chapter as risk manager, treasurer, and archon. He also was a member of the Council of Archons. After graduating from Lenoir Rhyne, Glenn worked for Pi starandlamp.com

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Kappa Phi’s headquarters as a Leadership Consultant for 18 months. Following his time with the national staff he accepted a position with Accenture and was recently promoted to a Financial Management Specialist role. In this role, he supports the financial processes across Accenture’s account with Procter & Gamble, including forecast ownership of just over $30 million in project revenues, invoicing process management, pricing, internal controls processes and supervises two analysts who work remotely in India. Glenn continues to contribute to the fraternity as the Iota Chapter (Georgia Tech) advisor and a Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers facilitator. Beyond his service to Pi Kappa Phi, he is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and facilitates a leadership seminar for senior members of a local high school football team in Fayetteville, Ga. Advice for students and young alumni: “Give your best effort, be direct, and treat people with kindness. The best opportunities make themselves available from there.”

BILL HARDEN Theta Xi (Arizona State)

As an undergraduate Bill served as both chaplain and warden for Theta Xi. Following his time at Arizona State he, with his family, formed The Harden Team, a real estate sales team working for Keller Williams Realty in Tempe, Ariz.

Since their beginning in 2012, they have done $28 million dollars in sales working exclusively with residential homes. Aside from his successes in real estate, Bill continues to be a servant leader in his community. Along with his wife Chelsea, Bill started The Harden Education and Recreation Therapy Center, or HEART Center, which is developing educational curriculum for kids with various types of special needs. For the past two years Bill, has also served as Theta Xi’s chapter advisor.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Be willing to work hard and pay your dues in order to be successful.”

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JIMMY HOPPER Eta Chi (Texas Christian)

Jimmy Hopper served Eta Chi Chapter as Archon and immediately following his graduation he became TCU’s Student Affairs Program Director. In this role he started the schools Leadership for Life peer-mentor program and organized the school’s Hunger Week. He then took up an internship with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce and worked his way up to legislative assistant, assisting members in research. Jimmy left D.C. to join Teach for America where he was sent to a rural community just outside of Nashville. It is there he found his passion for educating the youth of lower income communities.

While teaching, he got his Master of Education in Institutional Practice from Lipscomb University. Jimmy led an effort to start a charter school, Tennessee’s first rural charter. Although it wouldn’t get approved just yet, the political, community and financial support he worked for led the county to adopt a number of reforms from his petition.

Jimmy continues to teach and serve as an instructional coach for another charter start-up in Nashville.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Try to think of others 10 times before thinking of yourself.”

TYLER JOHANSSON Chi (Stetson)

During his time at Stetson he was Chi Chapter’s vice archon and historian.

After graduation he went to work at the Pi Kappa Phi headquarters as a

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Leadership Consultant focusing on expansions. After one year he was promoted to director of expansion where he oversaw the fraternity’s expansion efforts for two years. Following his time with the fraternity, Tyler went to work for the accounting firm, Deloitte, as a recruiter. In his brief time there he has worked his way up to Lead Campus Recruit Sourcing Specialist where his primary duty is developing innovative ways for Deloitte to attract top talent through early identification recruiting and new program development.

Tyler continues to volunteer his time to the fraternity as the current chapter advisor of the newly chartered Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida Atlantic and as a facilitator at Pi Kapp College events.

He also gives back to the South Florida community engaging in an alternative spring break through United Way and working with local high school students.

more access to deserving students. He continues to give back to the fraternity as the Theta Chi Chapter advisor, serving on Epsilon Alpha’s alumni board and the national alumni engagement committee.

Jay has also remained active in Elon’s alumni community serving as co-chair of his class’ five year reunion and a member of the LGBTQIA Alumni Network.

“Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.”

Advice for students and young alumni: “Keep an open mind about every opportunity, don’t do something because you think it’s what you should be doing.”

Advice for students and young alumni: “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.”

ROBERT LACKEY Gamma Delta (Memphis)

JAY KAHN Epsilon Alpha (Elon)

While an undergraduate, Jay served Epsilon Alpha Chapter as archon before headed off to grad school At Bowling Green in Ohio. He received his master’s in college student personnel and recently got his MBA from Ohio. Jay started his higher education career in student affairs before moving his way to the Office of Giving. Since 2012, he has worked his way up to senior development director for The University of Ohio’s central office.

He oversees a team of major gifts officers and recently wrapped up the largest capital campaign in the school’s history raising over $450 million dollars. Jay has a passion for development as a way to bring down the cost of college and grant

Robert served Gamma Delta Chapter as archon and was a member of the Council of Archons as an undergraduate.

He has since returned to Memphis after a successful start to a career in Texas working in the insurance industry. He currently works as a series 7 certified financial planner for Shoemaker Financial and has been continually growing his business. Aside from his success in the financial sector, he remains an engaged alumnus and servant leader within the community. He volunteers for the fraternity as the city engagement coordinator in Memphis, Ladder of Risk and ASTP facilitator for undergraduate members and is on the University of Memphis Young Alumni Board. Robert is also the youngest member on the board of Jacob’s Ladder, a non-profit focused on local community development.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni regardless of age or chapter affiliation, our brotherhood goes beyond that and you’d be surprised how many are willing to help.”

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JOE LAPIN Chi (Stetson)

Joe Lapin is an accomplished writer.

Since graduating from Stetson he has gotten his Master of Fine Arts from FIU’s prestigious creative writing program.

While working towards his MFA, Joe taught classes at the university. After FIU he traveled west and made a name for himself as a writer and journalist.

His work has been published in the LA Times, LA Weekly, Slate, Salon and The Independent. He has written about everything from music to crime to investigative journalism, cultural essays and blue collar issues. Joe has published poetry, short stories and created a podcast entitled The Working Poet Radio Show.

The show is designed to tell stories of the working lives of creative people.

Today, Joe is the Creative Director for Circa Interactive, a digital marketing agency for higher education, where he leads the creative side of the digital marketing strategies for their clients.

He also is currently working on a novel, a psychological thriller based in a small New England town modeled after his hometown, with hopes of publishing it sometime next year.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Be confident and have faith in yourself.

Do not be afraid of not knowing how to get to your goal but trust and follow your passion. Don’t let the absence of direction stop you from going after what you want.”

SEAN LEAVY Eta Lambda (Brockport)

While an undergraduate Sean was

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Eta Lambda Chapter’s chaplin and involved in ROTC. Immediately following graduation he was commissioned to the United States Army. He served two tours of duty, one in Iraq and another in Afghanistan. During his time in service, Sean progressed through the ranks from Infantry Officer to Platoon Leader to Company Commander where he was in charge of over 100 men. Currently he is an Army Reservist and a Captain in the New York National Guard. Sean since has successfully transitioned to civilian life and is the manufacturing manager for Rochester based textile company, Newtx Industries, where he manages a team of 10. Always one to be civically engaged, Sean is currently running for the Perinton, N.Y., town board and is the current treasurer for the local Democratic Committee.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Stay in contact with your brothers and rely on them.”

JASON MARSICO Eta Upsilon (Miami -OH)

Jason was an exemplary student at Miami (OH), graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Following graduation, he went to work for Price Waterhouse Coopers as a management consultant, working with Fortune 500 companies like GM, HSBC and Scripps Networks to improve their financial operations. After a couple years and a promotion at PWC, Jason decided to leave a comfortable job and began law school at Northwestern. At Northwestern he was recognized as a top legal writer in his 1L class, was chosen for the Law Review, and graduated in 2014 magna cum laude.

He is currently wrapping up his clerkship for Judge Thomas Hardiman on the Third Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals and will begin his work with the prestigious Chicago-based law firm Sidley Austin later this year. While in law school, Jason volunteered with Chicago public school elementary students as a reading buddy.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Seek out a mentor. Don’t be afraid to ask

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for help. Don’t be afraid to ask how to get from point A to point B.”

MARK NAUFEL Theta Xi (Arizona State)

As an undergraduate Mark served Theta Xi Chapter as vice archon and was student body president for Arizona State. He is currently beginning his second year as the student regent for the Arizona University system, where he was appointed by then Governor Jan Brewer to serve on a team of 10. The board is charged with governance of the three public universities in Arizona and works on securing state funding, setting tuition and planning building projects for the schools. In his first year he got a master’s in business analytics and this upcoming year will get another master’s degree in systems engineering. This summer he will also be working for Cisco Systems in the supply chain department on big data projects.

Advice for students and young alumni: “It’s important to set goals, but don’t forget the present. Focus what you can do today to get better and move closer to those goals.”

LINCOLN PATEL Theta Zeta (George Washington)

Following his graduation from George Washington, Lincoln briefly worked as a corporate consultant for Marriott Hotels before attending New York Law School with a focus in real estate. After law school, Lincoln joined the Hudson Yards Development Corporation (HYDC) where he worked his way from law clerk to Vice President & Counsel. Hudson

Yard is a non-profit quasi-governmental corporation that is charged with the $3 billion redevelopment project of the Midtown West neighborhood in Manhattan. They are currently building three parks and working on the No. 7 Subway Line Extension to 34th Street and 11th Avenue. In addition to his work with HYDC, he opened a hotel management company in 2013 and is managing three hotels throughout Florida with plans to expand in the near future. Aside from his professional accomplishments, Lincoln has also found time to give back. He is actively involved with the LSP Foundation which has built a number of schools in impoverished Indian and African villages and provides funding for the health care for those in the villages.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Never shy away from an opportunity, be persistent. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and for advice.”

ANDRES PENALVER Theta Delta (Florida International)

Andres is a three time Pi Alpha being a part of the Gear Up Florida (GUF) 2008 team, Journey of Hope 2009 crew and GUF in 2010 as the project manager. He currently is working for International Sales Group in Miami on their marketing and graphic design team. Primarily they deal with ultra luxury residential homes and condominiums where he is charged with production of all marketing materials.

Andres is also an accomplished opera singer, having been introduced to it by a chapter brother nine years ago. In 2014 he played a leading role in a Miami zarzuela and this year performed at the finale concert for the Miami Piano Festival along side some of the biggest names in opera.

He also has lent his musical talents to the fraternity performing during various events, including the past three Nu Phi dinners. In addition, Andres donates his time as the philanthropy advisor for Theta Delta Chapter.

Advice for students and young alumni: “Find a balance between what you love starandlamp.com

and working to live, there has to be a happy medium.”

DRAYTON PERKINS Alpha Alpha (Mercer)

Drayton is a four time Pi Alpha riding Journey of Hope three times; he rode 2008 south route, was the crew chief for 2009 transamerica route, the project manager for 2010 north route and was on the 2011 Build America team. In 2009 he was the student representative to The Ability Experience Board.

Since graduating with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Mercer University in 2014, he worked at a local hospital for nine months and is now starting a new job with Benchmark Physical Therapy in Fayetteville, Ga., where he will begin his residency training in order to specialize in orthopedics and manual therapy. Drayton continues to volunteer for various programs of The Ability Experience and has facilitated various tracks at Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers.

accepted an opportunity to work for the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi, India, as a Henry Luce Visiting Scholar, where he launched a project on Indian economic diplomacy. Afterward, Cody was awarded the Francis Phillips Travel Fellowship and traveled through Europe studying European warfare. For this and other research he received the Herbert Scoville Jr. Fellowship in Washington, D.C., for future leaders in the field of national security policy, focusing on U.S. counterterrorism policy. Currently, Cody is a research associate in government studies at the Brookings Institution, one of the premier think tanks in the world. He works primarily in the national security realm and is the associate editor of the Lawfare, a digital magazine on national security law and policy published in cooperation with Brookings. Cody is also a Ladder of Risk facilitator for the fraternity and planning to attend law school in the near future.

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“Stay in contact with your brothers and rely on them.”

Advice for students and young alumni: “Go travel if you can, anywhere and everywhere. You will expose yourself to new cultures and gain empathy for others. It’s the quickest way to broaden your horizons.”

Advice for students and young alumni: “Believe that there is good in the world, be that good. The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”

BRYAN RILEY Theta Eta (American)

CODY POPLIN Kappa (UNC-Chapel Hill)

During his time at Kappa Chapter, Cody was a re-founding father and served his chapter as archon. He also is a Pi Alpha having ridden Journey of Hope south route during 2011. Following graduation he

As a founding father of Theta Eta Chapter Bryan served the chapter as secretary. Following graduation he remained at American to get his master’s degree in teaching with a concentration in elementary education. He then taught third grade for six years before taking on his current role as an assistant principal at one of D.C.’s public schools. During that time he served as one of 20 educators in the district for the Chancellors Cabinet and was selected as one of a handful of teachers to participate in a program that was funded through a grant from the

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Gates Foundation and the D.C. Public Education Fund. This program was used to film and interview teachers around their highly effective teaching practices.

In addition to Bryan’s work in public elementary schools he has also served as an adjunct professor for American University’s School of Teaching the past three years. There he educates both undergraduates and graduate students on teaching strategies for Language Arts and English. Bryan continues to serve the fraternity as Theta Eta’s chapter advisor.

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Advice for students and young alumni: “Follow your passion, that’ll make work more fun and rewarding”

TYLER SCHRODT Theta Psi (Rochester Institute of Technology)

To say that Tyler has an entrepreneurial spirt would be selling him short. First as a founder father and treasurer of Theta Psi Chapter. Then with starting his first business while still an undergraduate, Enraged Panda Boarding Company, which specializes in longboards and has an international presence.

He most recently has founded the Electronic Gaming Federation, with the mission of bringing competitive gaming to colleges across the country.

Aside from starting the NCAA of video games and employing a number of Pi Kapp’s at EFG, Tyler is entering his second year of his MBA at RIT, sits on the school’s conduct board and is the financial advisor for Theta Psi. Tyler has won a number of awards and recognition for his brief but wildy successful business ventures and practices.

RYAN SULLIVAN Alpha Epsilon (Florida)

While in school Ryan served his chapter as philanthropy chairman, warden and archon. Following graduation he began working in real estate development with Turner Construction in New York City. Within a couple years at Turner, he was able to gain a position in their corporate financial department with the help of a few mentors. Ryan now works for Greystone & Co., working on high end residential development projects. In his current role he is in charge of the entire development process from start to finish. He is currently working on residential condominiums, Waterbridge 47, in the Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO and following that he will begin a project in the West Village of Manhattan. Ryan remains an active Pi Kapp alumnus, helping plan events for local New York City alumni and is a member of Alpha Epsilon’s housing corp where they have begun a capital campaign to raise money for a new chapter house.

“Just concentrate on doing what you like and doing it right, the money will come later.”

Advice for students and young alumni: “Make sure you network with a purpose, have a plan.”

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Advice for students and young alumni: “Take control of your career, identify the people who can help you reach your goals and ask them for advice and direction.

Break things down to the smallest steps, accomplish each one and that will add up to something big.”

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MATT WISDA

MICHAEL WOESTE

Omicron (Alabama)

Eta Upsilon (Miami-OH)

Matt Wisda continues to excel in and out of the courtroom, just as he did as a student succeeding in and out of the classroom. While at Alabama, Matt served as Omicron’s rush chairman, risk manager, treasurer, and archon. He was also elected by the student body to the Senate, and a year later to the position of vice president for academic affairs of Alabama’s Student Government Association.

Ultimately, he was tapped into Jasons Men’s Senior Honorary, an exclusive society at Alabama. During his undergraduate years he worked as an intern in the Washington, D.C., office of nowretired Congressman Bud Cramer. After graduating, he went to the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

Matt decided to start his own firm, Wisda & Nation, only a few months after passing the bar exam. He primarily practices in the areas of family law, personal injury, and criminal defense. Matt is also a 2014 graduate of the National Criminal Defense College’s Trial Practice Institute, located at Mercer University, which is recognized as one of the preeminent Trial Colleges in the United States. He has been named as a “Top 10 Under 40” criminal defense lawyer in the state of Alabama by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and currently serves as President-Elect of the Young Lawyers Section of the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association.

As an undergraduate Mike served his chapter as historian, standards board chair and member of the Housing Corp.

In only a few short years since graduating, Mike has had success in both the public and private sectors of Washington, D.C. Following his time at Miami he moved to the nation’s capital where he began working for one of the city’s leading public relations firms. While there he was the youngest member of the staff and serviced Fortune 500 companies and major trade associations in the fields of energy, financial services, transportation and telecommunications in client management and strategy implementation. Michael then followed his passion for politics and left his firm for The Hill. He currently is working as the Deputy Press Secretary for the House Judiciary Committee where he is one of the youngest members of the team. The committee helps staff one of the most important committees in Congress with their media relations. He also handles all media duties for the Regulatory Reform and Constitution & Civil Justice Subcommittees. Mike maintains his commitment to Pi Kappa Phi, and continues his now six-year tradition of attending every Journey of Hope arrival on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.

“Take advantage of an experience. Always take advice when you can and always take an open opportunity when you can.”

Advice for students and young alumni: “Just concentrate on doing what you like and doing it right, the money will come later.”

Advice you wish you had graduating: “Take advantage of an experience. Always take advice when you can and always take an open opportunity when you can.” 

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Each Thirty Under 30 honoree has his own online page for you to like, share and tweet.

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Past National President Dudley Woody presenting Allen with his 2007 Mr. Pi Kappa Phi award

Allen Oat Woody III July 9, 1947 — July 13, 2015

Allen was born in Roanoke, Va., on July 9, 1947. He grew up in nearby Rocky Mount, Va., and in his early years achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Franklin County High School. He went on to Roanoke College in Salem, Va. While at Roanoke College, Allen joined Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and was initiated on October 15, 1967. Thus began his life-long brotherhood of service and leadership to his local Xi Chapter, to the national fraternity and most importantly to his Pi Kapp brothers.

As an undergraduate he was social chairman, steward and archon of the chapter. Following graduation he

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continued to support the chapter and served as a chapter advisor for more than 30 years. He served the fraternity at the national level as Regional Governor, member of the National Council and as Chairman of the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation as well as serving as a chartering officer for numerous chapters. In 2007 he was chosen as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity’s highest honor.

To recognize Allen’s many contributions, the National Council voted in September 2015 that the Charlotte session of Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers be designated as the Allen O. Woody III Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers.

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K O E O H RY B T F O ISTO Y P CO PHI H A : y b N d I e W KAPPA Sign PI

D O O H R E H T O R B E TH

IT'S EASY!

Books will be signed by CEO Mark Timmes and Executive Director Emeritus Durward Owen. Winners will be selected randomly from info updates received before 12/31/15.

Restrictions may apply.

Provide your email at pikapp.org/updateyourinfo

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FIVE MINUTES WITH

Basil Lyberg, Chief Executive Officer The Ability Experience Earlier this year, Basil Lyberg took over as Chief Executive Officer of The Ability Experience bringing his experience with the organization full circle.

As an undergraduate at Central Michigan University, he was a member of the 1998 and 1999 Journey of Hope teams. He also served Beta Xi Chapter as vice archon and archon. He was in Order of Omega and served on the Interfraternity Council as the vice president of recruitment.

After graduation, he joined The Ability Experience staff in a variety of roles including director of team services, director of team events and director of development. After nine years with The Ability Experience, he left to lead 24 Hours of Booty—an organization that gets communities active in the fight against cancer. In six years with 24 Hours of Booty, he lead the expansion efforts into four cities raising $2.5 million annually for the fight against cancer.

Basil lives in Charlotte, N.C., with his wife Michelle and their two children Emma and Luke. He is a member of Leadership Charlotte and serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

If you had the opportunity to start your collegiate career over again from scratch, is there anything you’d do differently? If so, why?

The easy answer is I would have gotten a business or accounting degree versus family studies. I wouldn’t change much else because I owe much of what I learned in college to a lot of mistakes. My grades were up and down early in school. I had a brother, Mike Kerr, Eta Epsilon (Maryland), who called me out for getting bad grades when we were on the Journey of Hope.

This was a big turning point for me. I got serious about school and had four straight semesters on the Dean’s List, raising my GPA by a point. Mike was a big part of this in that he followed up the first week of classes and kept checking in that year.

You are six months into your return to The Ability Experience. Why did you come back and what have you enjoyed the most about being back?

Ultimately, I made the decision to come back because I have had an incredible experience with the fraternity and The Ability Experience. I wanted to continue this work and, to steal Jeff Wahlen’s phrase, “ensure that every member has an Ability Experience ‘experience.’” As far as what I have enjoyed most, I would say everything. I am just on fire with where this organization can go and how we can ensures that the men that go through our chapters have experiences that impact the lives of people with disabilities and inspire them to continue to do really good things in their community for decades to come. There is a real power in what we can do for our community.

You have provided leadership for Pi Kappa Phi as an undergraduate, staff member and alumni volunteer. How has the concept of leadership changed for you over the years?

Each position I have taken on in different organizations has required me to provide different types of leadership. I believe it is dangerous to put yourself in a box as a certain type of leader. We each have our own tendencies and behaviors we gravitate toward. Right now, I have roles that might not be the most comfortable, but are critical in serving the mission of the organization. To answer your question a little more directly, I would say to be kind, be honest and make an impact.

Ultimately, I am accountable for getting results and setting our team up for success.

What are some of the most important pieces of advice you’ve received in your life?

One that I am sure my coworkers hear a lot from me is, “Communication is what the listener does.” I’ve learned this as my responsibilities increase with the complexities of managing a team. I wish I would have learned this lesson earlier.

It would have saved me a lot of time and

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energy. With the pace of communication today, it is easy to shoot a barrage of messages and then if signals get crossed— to blame the person receiving the message. It is much easier to say—this guy just doesn’t get it. If you just take a second to put yourself in their shoes and think of their perspective, communication will move faster. Go slow to go fast.

What have been two or three of your most meaningful Pi Kappa Phi experiences?

Hands down, my Journey of Hope experience. It was just a game changer in that I was able to realize my own abilities as a leader. I saw how great our country is and what happens when a group of people come together under the banner of service. I also had a fantastic chapter experience. We did some pretty cool things on campus to really go from the new guys on campus to one of the top chapters. I hate being so far away from the guys but each March a group of us get together to watch the NCAA tourney and it is just the best time.

What advice would you give to an undergraduate member getting ready for their first job?

Go out there and get your butt kicked and learn as much as you can. You are leaving school at an incredible time where there is so much information and the business landscape moves so fast. It is easy to get caught up in looking ahead to what is next. If you take a job where you are put in tough situations and you can gain a wide range of experience, you are going to be a step ahead of the next guy.

If you create value, the next steps will take care of themselves in your career.

I was fortunate to leave school and take a position with the fraternity where I had a ton of responsibility early in my career. I didn’t know it at the time because the work was so fun, but it set me up well to handle more responsibility as I progressed. 

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BY THE NUMBERS

Omega celebrates 2,000th initiate

CEO Mark Timmes and Austin Schroedwer, Omega Chapter’s 2,000th initiate.

Top 5 chapters by total number of initiates:

1. Alpha Epsilon (Florida) 2,549 2. Omicron (Alabama) 2,268 3. Omega (Purdue) 2,002 4. Lambda (Georgia) 1,925 5. Beta Eta (Florida State) 1,776

ON OCTOBER 24, the Omega Chapter (Purdue) became only the third to achieve 2,000 initiates and more than 130 undergraduates, alumni and parents gathered to celebrate.

populated the audience, there were more than 30 alumni who spanned 1,150 initiation numbers­—from No. 852 who was initiated in 1968, to an alumnus initiate who became No. 2,002 that day.

The Omega Chapter was established in 1922 and it took 54 years to get to 1,000 members. The second thousand took 39 years. Austin Schroeder, a sophomore from Carmel, Ind., majoring in financial counseling and planning, was the historic initiate. While he has earned the nickname “2K” from his chapter brothers, he downplayed the attention.

“I know that most of you don’t know me and I do not know you, but one thing—you are my brothers and I couldn’t be happier and I love you all,” alumnus Kim Tubergen (Omega No. 852) told the audience.

On behalf of the National Council and President Tracy Maddux, CEO Mark Timmes traveled to be at the event.

“It could have easily been another brother standing in front of you tonight,” Schroeder said at a banquet. “What I am trying to say is, tonight is not about me—it is about us. Tonight is about our brotherhood!”

He said several months ago when he accepted his bid, he didn’t fully recognize the impact that decision would have on him.

“I am forever grateful I was given the opportunity to join an incredible organization dedicated to the success of its brothers and service to others,” Schroeder said. “The Pi Kappa Phi organization has positively impacted my life thus far and I know it will continue to do so in the future.”

“We have created a sustainability here, a culture of excellence that has made Omega one of the great chapters in Pi Kappa Phi,” Timmes said. “Omega is a leading chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. You’ve heard about all the awards the chapter has won at the university and national levels and with your great volunteers, Omega has been a very impactful part of Pi Kappa Phi.” “One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life was to rush Pi Kappa Phi and I was honored to accept a bid from Omega,” said Ken Buchanan, who became Omega initiate No. 1,000 in 1976. “The ‘life lessons’ I learned from the other brothers still help me every day on my journey through life.” 

While undergraduates mostly

40 || FALL2015

starandlamp.com

PHINAL THOUGHT The Ability Experience summer events wrapped up in early August. One cyclist reflects upon his experiences and the friendships made.

Register or learn about being part of a team next summer, visit: ABILITYEXPERIENCE.ORG/REGISTER

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