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Mark E. Timmes Fraternally yours, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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CEO Corner
hile collecting interviews for
this issue's Focus, a quote came
across my desk that truly
spoke to the fundamentals
upon which this Fraternity was
founded. The statement was by Jimmy Shadid
(Oklahoma- Alpha Gamma), a founding father of
the recolonized Alpha Gamma Chapter and
currently a senior at Holy
Cross Seminary in Boston, Mass.
"As brothers, we no
longer focus on the 'I' or
'me: but on our fellow
brothers and brother
hood as a whole," notes
Shadid. "We realize that
Pi Kappa Phi is not a three or four-year plan,
but a lifelong commitment that requires us to func
tion as a team."
This quote also stands as one of the key elements in
the creation of the Mid-Year Leadership Conferences.
As we wrap up another season of educating future
leaders, it is vital to understand that these experiences,
if taken to heart, will translate into strong, successful
attitudes that may be applied throughout college and
beyond-as professionals, Pi Kappa Phi alumni, hus
bands, fathers, etc. In that regards, the theme
"Destination Known" can be applied to becoming America's leading fraternity by 2004, through becom
ing the best men we can become. To help us understand the power each of us possess,
we must first look at our base-the Ritual. When we
are first initiated into the Brotherhood, we take an
oath that carries with us past our undergraduate years. We take this oath into our lives, and our work reflects how true we hold these words.
This issue of the Star & Lamp takes a look at those special alumni who are living an extension of the Ritual, through religious professions from overseas
missionary to bishop to local minister (page 22). Their discussions and experiences lead us all to think about the lessons that Pi Kappa Phi has taught us,
and how we carry those into our everyday lives.
The best inspiration for success is to look toward
those who have achieved greatness and continue to
help others reach their own goals. Mr. Pi Kappa Phi
and former National President Phil Tappy (Georgia
Lambda) models such a standard through his note
worthy work with Habitat for Humanity (page 21).
Also, despite not receiving a degree, Ben Hill Griffin
Jr. (Florida -Alpha Epsilon) built himself into one of the most successful Florida businessmen, and gener
ously contributed to his alma mater, his chapter and
his state (page 18).
There is also another type of Pi Kappa Phi that
gives back to the Fraternity. This type of man uses
his acquired talents and love for the Fraternity
toward adding to the National Fraternity's growth
and improvement.
Recently, the National Headquarters welcomed back
three former employees to staff. Ken Kaiser (Bowling
Green - Delta Sigma) returns to the Fraternity as
director of development for the ever-expanding
Foundation. Ken was one of the instrumental people
involved in Push America's early developement (page
8) . Evan Erickson (Washington- Alpha Delta), former
Pi Kappa Phi Properties executive vice president,
returns as this Fraternity's director of strategic plan
ning, and JeffEsola (LaGrange- Gamma Nu) adds
his former leadership consultant experience to the
director of expansion position (page 1 ).
These men, along with the men who have gone on to provide spiritual guidance to future generations,
have lived the Ritual within their life's journeys-and
have never stopped growing.
As always, enjoy this issue of the Star & Lamp!
Fraternally yours,
Mark E. Timmes
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PAGE ONE
Pi Ka a Phi staff chan es Fonner Properties executive returns for strategic planning
Former Executive Vice President of Pi Kappa Phi Properties Evan Erickson (Washington - Alpha Delta) has returned to the National staff as the director of strategic planning, a
------ new position within Evan Erickson the Fraternity. (Washington -Alpha Delta) "This position will allow me to tackle some important improvement projects," explains Erickson. "Some of these include work with the Fraternity's internal business procedures, smoother chapter operational procedures, and planning and implementing long-term educational programs."
Erickson first joined Pi Kappa Phi staff in 1994 as a leadership consultant to the Midwest chapters. Erickson further traveled to the West Coast area, and from 1996-98 served as executive vice president of Properties.
During his tenure with Pi Kappa Phi, Erickson has overseen the purchase of the USC (Delta Rho) and Arizona (Beta Theta) chapter houses. In addition, he co-organized the development of the National Fraternity Loan Program and assisted with
numerous expansions and recharterings including Arizona (Beta Theta), USC (Delta Rho) , Colorado State (Zeta Phi) and Kentucky (Eta Tau) .
Fraternity hires director of expansion
Jeff Esola (LaGrange - Gamma Nu), a past leadership consultant for Pi Kappa Phi, has rejoined the National staff in the newly developed director of expan
L---'-"'----:.-..I..L---..:..1 sion position. jeff Esola Esola brings a (LaGrange- Gamma Nu) wealth of experience
to his new position. As a leadership consultant to the Southeast and Gulf States, Esola was part of the successful University of Central Florida expansion and helped organize the rechartering of Chi Chapter at Stetson University.
As director of the Fraternity's expansion work, Esola plans to maintain an aggressive schedule targeting respected, growing schools.
"Working toward becoming America's leading fraternity means having a presence at America's leading schools," notes Esola. "This Fraternity has a tremendous amount of growth opportunities to offer individuals and campuses."
WINTER 1999 1 /,
STAR&LAMP A Leadership/Education Publication USPS 519000 Winter 1999 Vol. LXXXVII, No. 1
Editor-in-Chief Mark E. Timmes Managing Editor Jason Stolarczyk Contributing Editor Laura Hogan Art Director Jennifer L. Armstrong Contributing Writers Todd Nelmes Chad Coltrane Thomas Atwood Jeremy Galvin Durward Owen Mary Ann Kelly Cover Model Michael Lowery Official Photographer Tim Ribar Contributing Photographer Stephen Little Office Manager Nancy Larsen
The Star & Lamp is published quarterly by the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at 2102 Cambridge Beltway Drive, Suire A. Charlotte. NC 28273. A lifetime subscription is $15 and is the only form of subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Charlotre, NC and any additional mailing offices. Mailing address: P.O. Box 240526, Charlotte, N.C. 28224; (704) 504-0888 FAX (704) 504-0880 E-mail address: [email protected] http:/ fwww.pikapp.org
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Star & Lamp, PO Box 240526, Charlotte, NC 28224.
Materials for publication should be sent directly to the managing editor at the address above. Members are invited to send materials concerning themselves or others. Letters to the editor also may be printed at the discretion of the editor.s.
Pi Kappa Phi was founded at the College of Charleston, Charleston, S.C., on Dec. 10, 1904, by Andrew Alexander Kroeg. Simon Fogarty * and L. Harry Mixson.
National Interfraternity Conference
FEATURES
The spiritual Pi Kappa Phi
DEPARTMENTS
Notebook 4
Collegiate 10
Lifelong 18
Scroll 26
Capsule 29
18
The legacy of Ben Hill Griffin Jr.
12 Chapter reports
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS P.O. Box 2-40526, Charlotte, NC 28224 (704) 504-0888; FAX: (704)504-0880 email: [email protected] http://www.pikapp.org Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Timmes
Administrative Assistant Betsie Fehr
Director of Communications Jason Stolarczyk
Assistant Director of Commun ications Laura Hogan
Director of Finance Pamela Meachum
Director of Information Technology Ryan M. Herring
Executive Director Emeritus Durward Owen
Director of Chapter Services Thomas Atwood
Director ofThe Journey Project Jeremy Galvin
Director of Expansion Jeff Esola
Director of Strategic Planning Evan Erickson
Senior Leadership Consultant Larry Keller
Leadership Consultants Ben Roman, Benjamin Bush,
Mike Young, Durwood Thompson
Office Manager Nancy Larsen Correspondence Secretary linda Littlejohn
Membership/Records Director Cindy Howell
Bookkeeper Robin Peralta
PI KAPPA PHI FOUNDATION P.O. Box 2-40526, Charlotte, NC 28224 (704) 504-0888; email: [email protected] Chairman Kelley A Bergstrom
714 Roger Avenue
Kenilworth, IL 60043
Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Tirnmes
Director of Development Ken Kaiser
Director of Annual Giving Michael Lowery
Administrative Assistant Amanda Lynch
PI KAPPA PHI PROPERTIES P.O. Box 2-40526, Charlotte, NC 28224 (704) 504-0888; email: [email protected] Chairman Mark E Jacobs
5238 W. New Jersey St
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Timmes
Executive Vice President David J. Sullivan
Administrative Assistant Betsie Fehr
PUSH AMERICA P.O. Box 241368, Charlotte, NC 28224 (704) 504-2400; FAX: (704)504-0880 email: [email protected] http://www.pushamerica.org President Leslie Paliyenko
108 Coach Ridge Trail
Matthews, NC 28105
Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Tunmes Executive Director Chad Coltrane
Director of Marketing Chris Orr
Director of Special Events John Powers
Director of Outreach and Grants Todd Nelmes
Office Manager Terrie Smith
Associate Chad Nicho las
4 SfAR& lAMP
jeremy Galvin Mary Ann Kelly DIRECTOR OF THE JOURNEY PROJECT JOURNEY ACADEMIC COACH
With coaching MAKING THE JOURNEY TOGETHER
he Journey has given our undergraduate members new and innovative programming, which empowers them with the ability to succeed while in college and have an ever improving
opportunity to be successful and happy
with life after college. Pi Kappa Phi has called upon volunteers to assist in preparing members for the rigors of the classroom and the world after college. The Journey provides chapters with an Academic Coach, a person who serves as an academic advisor to associate and active members. The Academic Coach is a member of the college or university's faculty or professional staff who is: known to be com
mitted to good teaching; enjoys working with undergraduate students in and out of the classroom; knows the college or university and what resources it makes available to help students (libraries, help centers, counseling services, etc.); and is open-minded and positive about fraternities.
The following paragraphs tell how one of Pi
Kappa Phi's first Academic Coaches, Mary Ann Kelly, became involved with The Journey.
Academic coaches, from left to
ltght Kim Lovelace (Georgia Tech -Iota); Roger Easson (ChrtsUan Brothers - Epsilon Sigma); Rocky Monts, archon at Gamma Iota (LSU); Mary Ann Kelly (LSU - Gamma Iota); Ann Staton (Washington - Alpha
Delta); and Alvin Sallee (New
Mexico State Associate). Not pic
tured: Uonel Maten (Southern Mississippi Associate); Jeff Hale {Oklahoma - Alpha Gamma); David
Lesczynsld {lhlman State - Delta Delta); Jan Loyd (Central Florida Associate); and Dr. Richard Voomeveld (Charleston - Alpha).
You want me to do what?
OK, I admit that my first reaction when asked to
become involved with a fraternity at Louisiana
State University was a little less than gracious, but
who can blame me? After all, along with millions
of others, I had seen the movie Animal House and
was well aware of what went on in fraternities. I
also recalled my brother's fraternity experience at
the University of Iowa and his stories of what went
on in the house (which was dearly reflected in his
freshman grade point average).
Retreating from my immediate knee-jerk reac
tion, I decided to give the Gamma Iota Chapter's
emissary Basil Elzein a chance to explain just what
it was he wanted me to do. Imagine my amaze
ment when he told me that his chapter was seeking an academic coach for a new Collegiate
Success Program the chapter was going to incorpo
rate into their current program. Now he had my
interest. After assuring me that this was a serious
commitment his chapter was making to provide a
structured academic support program for associ
ates, I was hooked.
Gamma Iota's proposal to become their aca
demic coach came when my professional activ
ities as assistant director of the International
Services Office at LSU were moving from stu
dent contact to working with faculty. I have
always enjoyed students and was seeking ways
to continue my involvement with them. I have
a background of working with young men,
going back to my volunteer work at an Army
hospital during the Vietnam War and my assis
tance with the Department of Defense
Information Program in Foreign Military
Affairs. In addition, as part of my master's
work in counseling and student personnel at
Oklahoma State, I had participated in an
internship with the athletic department in
their academic support program and worked
with the freshmen football players. I was
hoping this background would help me in
my new endeavor.
An extremely dynamic and enthused Dr.
Richard B. Voomeveld (Charleston- Alpha)
and National Scholarship Chairman Steve
Sanders (Indiana -Alpha Psi) administered my
coach's training in January 1996. I must con
gratulate both of them for putting together a
solid academic support program based on the
simple principle of bringing into balance the
mental, physical and spiritual aspects of life.
It was tough going at first. By starting the pro
gram in the spring semester, there were only a
small number of associates involved. Anytime a
new entity (the coach) is introduced into an
establish environment (the Fraternity), a natu
ral settling-in process will occur. The new asso
ciates knew my role, but the older brothers
eyed me with a little hesitation. It took quite
some time for all of us to become comfort
able with one another and establish the
level of trust necessary to facilitate open
communication. After a little time, patience
and a few mistakes along the way, I became
more a fixture of the house. One of the activities I introduced during my
first semester as a coach was the "15 minutes of
fame." During these sessions, each associate
would meet with me one-on-one to review his
progress during the semester. This has now
become standard procedure for our chapter,
and really helps the student identifY what's
working and what's not.
I have been extremely impressed with the
commitment these men have toward meeting
their educational goals. While they may not
incorporate every aspect of the Academic
Success Program into their daily lives all at
once, the seeds are planted, and they draw on
different aspects of the program as necessary.
The most interesting facet to observe has
been the change in culture of Pi Kappa Phi and
the shift to emphasizing academics. This
change has evolved because a majority of cur
rent members have participated in the
Academic Success Program and have made a
personal commitment to strive for high educa
tional goals. The officers of the chapter met this
summer to discuss ways to support that
emphasis and came up with some excellent
suggestions. These included mentors for the
associates and postponing initiation until the
week before spring semester, thus allowing dear
focus on keeping their grades up through final
exams. LSU also helped out by initiating a pro
gram that allows fraternities and sororities to
select their football seating according to the
overall grade point averages of their members.
In addition, this fall is the first year that stu
dents who have a strong high school GPA can
qualifY for tuition waivers-as long as they
maintain their grades throughout their under
graduate study at LSU. Approximately 80
percent of the new associates of Gamma Iota
receive these scholarships.
The fun and interesting pan about my
involvement with Pi Kappa Phi will be to see
what the future holds for these young men.
Now when I park my car, I'll hear one of the
guys shout hello and tell me he's on his way to class, and he got a "B" on his last biology test. It's immensely satisfying to feel I have con
tributed in some small way to helping these
students achieve their own individual goals.
Mark the following dates on your calendars for the months of FebnJary and April. The journey gives you excellent opportunities to grow academically and professionaJiy. Plan on attending
the 1999 journey events, they
look to be better than ever!
Career & Life Planning Conclaves
Feb.lO Albany, N.Y. Boulder, Colo. Indianapolis, Ind. jacksonville, Fla. Los Angeles, Calif.
Feb.27 Atlanta, Ga. Birmingham, Ala. Des Moines, Iowa
March 6 Fort Worth, Texas
Sophomore Leadership Institute (featuring the Seven Habits presentDtion)
Feb. 20 Charlotte, N .C.
April 10 jacksonville, Fla. Baton Rouge, La. Bloomington, Ind. Ames, Iowa Boulder, Colo.
~ April 17 Albany, N.Y. Atlanta, Ga. East Lansing, Mich. Los Angeles, Calif. Norman, Okla.
WINTER 1999 5 ~
Todd Nelmes
Notebook Chad Coltrane
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND GRANTS
''Challenge'' complete he past year was one of growth and development for Push America and
the Journey of Hope program.
In celebration of the lOth
anniversary of the Journey of Hope, many changes were made to mark the occasion. First, a third route was added to retrace
the path of founder, Bruce Rogers (StetsonChi). The team consisted of 10 Pi Kappa Phi mem-
bers from chapters across the country. Second, all past Journey of Hope
ACCESSAbility In Texas: (left to right) Chad Pope, James Wedding, Randy Stillinger, Russell Smutzer, ScoH Hillstrom, Andrew Cavazos, Audle Wright and Keith WhiH. Front row: team members were Quinton Cocales invited to participate in a and Micah MaHeson. "ride-a-long" with the
6 STAR&. lAMP
team as they cycled into Washington, D.C. More than 50
past team members came together at the steps of the Capitol for the celebration. Third, KRG Capital Partners
presented a challenge to Push America.
The challenge was given to raise $150,000 outside of team
member fund raising. For every dollar raised, up to the $150,000 mark, KRG Capital
would match. Push America is proud to announce that not only was the $150,000 challenge met, it was exceeded. Funds
raised for the challenge grant totaled more than $177,790. Combine this with the KRG Capital Grant, and Push
America received more than $32 7, 790 for the various projects and programs to benefit people with disabilities.
Push America appreciates all of the hard work done by everyone who contributed to this record-breaking totaL especially the managing partners of KRG Capital - Bruce Rogers, Mark King and Charles Gwirtsman.
ACCESSAbility Texas-style The Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni
Association recently completed work on a Superior Bank sponsored ACCESSAbility ramp in the city of Dallas, Texas. The ramp was part of a nationwide
donation of $25,000 from Superior Bank, FSB, to build 10 wheelchair ramps and make homes accessible for people
with disabilities. Superior Bank partnered with Push America during the 1998 Journey of Hope, and the ramps are a part
of their sponsorship in cities along the Journey of Hope.
Randy Stillinger (North Dakota- Zeta Gamma) led the project. Stillinger lives in Dallas and took on the ramp building
as a project for the Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni Association.
"I saw the ramp project as a
great opportunity to put some of my skills to work and utilize Push America on a local level, " says Stillinger. "It was also a great opportunity for our alumni from many different chapters to come together and work as a team."
Once completed, the ramp
stretched 30 feet long, with handrails, and met all ADA and local building codes.
"At first we were all kind of
overwhelmed by the size of the ramp; no one realized the
extent of the project to meet codes, remembers Stillinger. "As the day progressed, we
realized the alumni had the skills to make it happen, and by the end of the evening, with Halogen lights burning,
we completed the project with a tremendous sense of accomplishment."
Push America chose the
ramp recipient based on the immediate need for the ramp
and the lack of funds to pur
chase the materials and labor. This ramp would not have been possible without the support of Superior Bank and the local alumni chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
"It was great to see the young man ride up and down the ramp in his new wheelchair," says Stillinger. "It was
also cool to surprise the family, who didn't believe they were going to have a completed ramp
by the end of the day." Stillinger continues to be
very involved in all aspects of Pi Kappa Phi and Push America.
"Push America and Pi Kappa Phi have done so much for me in my life," assures
Stillinger. "I feel the need to
repay them in projects like the Journey of Hope and ACCESSAbility. Besides, it's a great time!"
Annie Kirchberg (left) serves as a spokesperson for camp Easter Seals In Tennessee. John Schuler (Southern
Tech - Epsilon Kappa) was one of the participants In this Push Amertca/Easter Seals event In Moont Juliet, Tenn.
Push America and Easter Seals are partnering in the spirit of ability and independence. Over the last seven years, Push America and Pi Kappa Phi have changed and enhanced the programming at 14
different Easter Seals camps across the nation, and contributed over $160,000 in
grant money and nearly $1.9 million in work hours to Easter Seals.
Easter Seals has a strong belief in making all people with disabilities as independent as possible. Push America and Pi Kappa Phi have provided the money and workforce to make this belief a reality through accessible fishing piers, boardwalks, climbing towers, buildings, pathways, nature trails, picnic tables-the list can and will go on because of our dedica
tion as Pi Kappa Phis. In 1998, Push America visited six Easter
Seals camps. Contributed grant money totaling $40,000 and well over 2,280 man-hours to Easter Seals. Some projects included a 30-foot sky bridge in
Alabama, adaptive picnic tables in Washington, accessible boardwalks in Virginia and accessible gazeboes in Colorado. All the projects culminated the 1997 project year into one of the most successful to date.
Todd Nelmes, Push America's director
of outreach and grants, presented at the national Easter Seals Institute this past
October. Nelmes encouraged continued involvement between the two organizations not only with further work projects, but also becoming a part of the volunteer network for the Journey of Hope. The possibility of a new venture project, "Build America," was presented as well.
The partnership between Push America
and Easter Seals will benefit millions of
lives throughout the United States, as well as thousands of Pi Kappa Phis.
For further information about this partnership and 'Build America' contact Nelmes at 704.504.2400 ext. 124 or mail to: tnelmes@ pushamerica.org.
WlNTER 1999 7
8 STAR& LAMP
espite having the task
of moving his family
from Batavia, Ohio, to
Charlotte, N.C., while
at the same time transi
tioning into a new job,
Pi Kappa Phi Foundation's Director of
Development Ken Kaiser (Bowling Green
- Delta Sigma) disrusses his new position
during lunch with his three children - with
noticeable energy.
'The most exciting thing for me is that
our mission, our vision is already very
dear-to become America's leading
FratemitYt" explains Kaiser as he calms
his two-year-old son Cole. "That means
that all of our members view Pi Kappa
Phi as being number one."
Again, Kaiser's son requires his father's
attention. With his wife Angela out run
ning errands, Kaiser's daughters, six-yearKen Kaiser (Bowing Qaan - Delta 59na) 11111 his family.
old Madison and four-year-old Bailey, chime in to
request their dad's audience.
"My children's names sound like a law firm
Madison, Bailey and Cole," jokes Kaiser amidst
the lunchtime commotion. 'They absolutely run
the place."
Kaiser's new position with the Fraternity is a
reflection of his previous post as executive
director of Push America. In the same vein,
Kaiser is looking to bring a better awareness of
the benefits the Fraternity can bring both
alumni and undergraduates.
'We'd like to get to a point were Pi Kappa Phi,
generally, is recognized as truly the best Fraternity,"
explains Kaiser. 'We have two products right now
the Journey and Push America-that no one else
has or even comes dose to, so we don't have to invent something.
'We just need to open better avenues for students
to experience these programs."
Kaiser faced a similar situation in 1986. As assis
tant executive director of Push, Kaiser's fust order of
business was to inform undergraduates about the
"Fraternity's best kept secret."
"My position had been created to help build
a stronger link between the Fraternity and
Push America," notes Kaiser. "Before I got
there, Push was never fully leveraged to maxi
mize the inherent benefits that a better rela-
. tionship could bring-not only for people
with disabilities, but for groups to receive
more grants and projects, and for chapters
to strengthen their relationship with those
organizations."
Along with Kaiser's "whistle-stop tour" at each
chapter, he saw to the creation of programs that
were designed to more easily allow students, alumni
and the community increased involvement in Push
and Pi Kappa Phi.
What worked for Kaiser back in 1986 was a strong
base of support. Similarly, the new director points to the Foundation's current structure as a sure recipe
for success.
'The (Foundation's) trustees are stronger than
ever, and their commitment to success is
unmatched," says Kaiser. 'When you have that cer
tain critical mass, then growth is exponential, and
everyone follows the lead."
Success marks Mid-Year his January, the crisp winter air enveloped the Carolina Piedmont Valley, the Mississippi River valley was chilled with ice and snow, overcast skies crept
across the mountains of western Pennsylvania, and the California sun gently buffeted the coast as students drove, flew, took a road-trip, and hopped a train with one thing in
mind: Mid-Year. From all across the country, the men
of Pi Kappa Phi gathered in record numbers to learn about Fraternity at one of the four Mid-Year Leadership Conferences. Nearly 900 Pi Kapps converged on Charlotte, N.C., St. Louis, Mo., Harrisburg, Penn., and Los Angeles, Calif., for a two-day conference with staff and volunteers. Nearly every chapter in the nation was represented with delegations ranging in size from just a few to over 20!
The theme of this year's conference was "Destination Known. " Pi Kappa Phi, through
the leadership of its volunteers and the action of its students, is destined for great things. The Fraternity's goal of these conferences was to arm undergraduate leaders with the tools and knowledge, steeped in a broad understanding of Ritual, to begin changing the culture within in their chapters and on their campuses.
The 48-hour conferences began with the State of the Fraternity address to provide a picture of where the Fraternity is today, while illustrating a clear direction for tomorrow. Afterward, chapter leaders separated into educational sessions cofacilitated by Headquarters' staff members and alumni volunteers.
Saturday morning began with an in-depth
look at Push America and how the idea of "service learning" is critical to the mission of Pi Kappa Phi. Partnership with Push America allows members to experience life-changing moments, with brothers helping others.
Following Saturday morning's opening ses-
sian, students participated in a rigorous schedule filled with officer meetings and intensive programming. Alumni relations, member education, recruitment and the Ritual were all components to this year's educational sessions.
Concurrent programming for chapter advisors and academic coaches made this year's
conferences a great experience, too. The opportunity for chapter archons and their advisors to attend together created an atmosphere of interactive learning. Similarly, the academic coach training afforded these special advisors the chance to see Pi Kappa Phi at its best, while focusing on the Journey Project and how to affect change in their chapter.
A new element for the Charlotte and St. Louis conferences was implementation and training for the Journey Ambassador Program. At these two sights, 29 volunteers underwent a daylong training program on the Journey Project and Journey Implementation Retreats. As part of the commitment level for the Journey Project, each chapter must participate in a Journey Implementation Retreat.
Sunday morning's "fire side chats" complet
ed the conference. These meetings allowed students and their advisors the chance to meet one-on-one with their chapter consultant or other Headquarters' staff member.
Mid-Year Leadership Conference has been educating Pi Kappa Phi leaders for more than 15 years. As the Fraternity approaches its centennial and the new millenium, its "destination known" becomes quite clear: America's leading fraternity by 2004.
WINTER 1999 9
Collegiate
Above: Chapter members relax at one of Beta Eta's first houses. Below: National President Howard Leake presents Beta Eta's charter at the celebration banquet. OpposHe:Nationalguests and Beta Eta's new archon gather for a photo.
10 STAR & LAMP
Thomas Atwood DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER SERVICES
Tallahassee a special place for those who
visit. Tucked away in the rolling hills of north Florida, near places like Apalachicola and Monticello, that with their very name conjure images of Florida's unique past, people are charmed by the tradition found in this capital city.
Among the many live oaks and azaleas, the mag
nolias and camellias, Florida State University and Beta Eta Chapter have, for nearly 50 years, been in the business of building better men. This particular tradition, however, started many years ago, in the spring of 194 7.
In an effort to meet the higher education need of the state's swelling population, the Florida State College for Women, by act of the legislature on May 15, 1947, became Florida State University, a co-educa
tional institution. Several
years after, with the assistance of Stetson (Chi) alumni Charles Gunn and Tom Henderson, as well as Auburn (Alpha Iota) alumnus James Stripling, a young colony of nearly 30 men at a new university was
about to take shape under the name of Pi Kappa Phi.
By 19 50 there were a handful of national fraternities on campus and a
student population of over 5,500 men and women. By today's standards, the differences are profound. What was once a 30-man colony is now a chapter with over 115 men, and a small university, which made a name for itself as a teacher's college, is now a Carnegie Level I Research Institution with over 29,000 students.
From its modest beginnings to its current "power chapter" reputa
tion, Beta Eta has stood out among other chapters within Pi Kappa Phi and other fraternities at Florida State.
"Leadership and involvement has made the biggest difference," says former Pi Kappa Phi Properties board member and Beta Eta alumnus Frank Ryll. "In the early '60s we were involved in student government and other key positions, but the partnership between the students and alumni has always been critical."
Evidence of Ryll's observa
tions is still true for today's chapter. Key IFC positions and representation in activities like Orientation, Student Alumni Association and University Ambassadors anchor a very involved chapter.
"We have officers and began to turn around. Student of the Year Award alumnus and former
membership in many cam- "(Current National Winners (Eric Wahlen '88, Florida Supreme Court pus organizations," relates Chaplain) Jeff Wahlen Mike Loy '93); 110 men ini- justice Alan Sundberg former Archon Jeff Pujals. transferred from the tiated in the last three years; received the Fraternity's "We work hard on main- University of Florida and Champion Master Chapter Hall of Fame award for taining our campus image immediately made an Award winner seven of the last distinguishing himself in through encouraging our impact on Beta Eta . The eleven years; 1996 IFC the field of law. Induction members to become 1980s were a rebuilding Fraternity of the Year; mem- in the Hall of Fame is one involved outside of the phase." bers on the FSU Homecoming of the highest awards chapter." As part of that renais- Court five of the last seven years; bestowed upon an
The chapter, however, hit sance, Beta Eta has left the current Homecoming alumnus. rough times in the 1970s. countless marks on Pi Chief; and next football sea- When asked about Beta
"We really struggled for Kappa Phi and Florida State son's Chief Osceola. Eta's achievements, Pujals several years, " remembers University. A few of the One of the chapter's simply says, "There's a Ryll. During the early chapter's many accolades proudest moments came strong brotherhood that '80s, however, while Ryll include: one of only nine this past August at the causes brothers to respect was serving on the chapters nationally with 46th Supreme Chapter in each other and respect Properties Board, things over 1,200 initiates; two Chicago, Ill. Beta Eta themselves."
WINTER 1999 11
Collegiate
12 STAR & LAMP
Georgia Tech(lota) For the second year in a row, the Iota Chapter has welcomed one of the largest associate classes on campus. The new class is 25 men strong.
At Homecoming festivities, the chapter placed first in the Fixed Body portion of the Ramblin' Wreck
Parade. Brother alumnus Pete Petit was the grand
marshal of the parade. Another Iota alumnus, Don Johnston, was the recipient of the George C. Griffin award, given to an alumnus who performs exemplary community service. The namesake of the Griffin award is also an alumnus
of Iota.
Cornell (Psi) On Oct. 19, the chapter hosted a Scholarship, Leadership and Service Dinner. In attendance was Cornell President Hunter Rawlings III and his wife, as well as a number of Cornell professors who had been instrumental in Psi's second re-founding in 1990.
Archon H. Ron Davidson presented President
Rawlings with a plaque which read: "Presented by
the Brotherhood of Pi Kappa Phi, Psi Chapter, to President Hunter Rawlings III for Challenging us to Excel in Academics and Service." Rawlings then addressed the chapter, recognizing the chapter's
efforts and encouraging the
men to continue to reach
higher. Pi Kappa Phi is the largest
fraternity on campus.
Oklahoma (Alpha Gamma) The men of Alpha Gamma, paired with the women of Chi Omega, placed first in
Homecoming activities. To help the cause, Brother Ryan McComber was also selected
as a finalist for the title of Homecoming King.
Samford (Alpha Eta) For the first time in the school's history, each class president at Samford is a Pi Kappa Phi. During Homecoming, the court was made up of all Pi Kappa Phis but one (two freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors and
two of the three seniors),
another first for Samford. Brother Scott Stake was named king.
Tennessee (Alpha Sigma) The Alpha Sigma Chapter teamed up with Delta Zelta to win the 1998 Greek Week trophy. The brothers won the event with the help of 65 per
cent participation between both houses - the highest the Greek Week committee had
ever seen.
Drexel (Alpha Upsilon) It has been six years since the Alpha Upsilon Chapter held such a large associate class,
~ ·
Indiana (Alpha Psi) ....................................
WlNTER 1999 13
ranking them first on campus. The brothers welcomed a 19-member class.
Indiana (Alpha Psi) Alpha Psi Brother Kevin Yeh
was honored with greeting President Clinton, on the President's visit to China. Yeh was an intern at
Chamber of Commerce in China this past summer.
Brother Jason S. Knight, a bio-chemistry major at the University of Indiana, was one of 39 IU students to receive the Distinguished
Alumni Service Award scholarship of $1,200 for his 4.0 grade point average. Knight
was also presented with the school's Gen. Joseph 0.
Butcher Award, which also commends extracurricular
activities, civic activities and future plans.
In addition, Pi Kappa Phi was honored with the following awards at the 1998 IU Greek Awards Banquet: finalist for the Chapter of the Year; the Most
Philanthropic Funds raised by a fraternity ($11,500); Brother Joshua Dowell, pres
ident of Order of Omega,
received a Merit Scholarship; Jason Pinter and Pat Sly received the Order of Omega Scholarship; and Sly was named Outstanding Greek Man of the Year.
Florida State (Beta Eta) Pi Kappa Phi is the largest
14 STAR & lAMP
and most respected of the 22 fraternities at Florida State,
with a 125-man chapter and 41-man associate class. Among the chapter's many honors and titles are the brothers' strong showing at
Homecoming. This year Scott Herman was elected as the Homecoming Chief (King). Also, Brother Dan
Kennerly was selected as the 21st rider of Renegade as Chief Osceola (the school's
mascot), and Brother Dave Hill will serve as the Seminole Warrior at all home basketball games.
Toledo (Beta Iota) The Beta Iota Chapter con
tinued a long-standing tradition by winning the 1998 Homecoming float competition. Also, for the entire
week of Homecoming, the brothers voted to remain completely alcohol free,
attracting positive stories from the local press.
Central Michigan
(Beta Xi) The Beta Xi Chapter was presented with the President's
Cup trophy for the best fra
ternity on campus. The chapter has been awarded this honor four out of the past five semesters. Among the chapter's accomplishments: received the highest cumulative grade point average on campus; Brother Brian Battani was elected IFC president;
Basil Lyberg was named IFC vice president of recruitment;
and Andrew McEvoy was
named the most outstanding new member of the semester for Order of Omega.
Old Dominion (Gamma Beta) Jason Bierenbaum, archon of the Gamma Beta Chapter,
was recently accepted to the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. The
Society requires a 3.0 grade point average and excellence in: scholarship, athletics,
campus/community service,
speech/mass media or creative/performing arts.
Georgia Southwestern (Gamma Xi) The Gamma Xi Chapter has reached a remarkable feat in the campus sports' arena. Since 1991, the chapter has
not lost a single volleyball game during intramurals and IFC sports. Now, after seven years, the chapter has
recorded a win-streak of 106 games.
Oklahoma State (Gamma Upsilon) After a two-week re-colonization effort in September, the
Gamma Upsilon Chapter more than doubled its membership and has a bright outlook to the future. The
process, which included an advertising campaign,
informational meetings
and personal interviews, yielded 15 new members for the chapter.
South Alabama (Gamma Phi) After 27 years since its char
tering, and through five previous houses, the Gamma
Phi Chapter has moved into Epsilon Iota Chapter was and Cortland Mayor Ron SUNY-Plattsburgh received
a house on campus. On Oct. able to set up a benefit Walsh. one of the four statewide
17, the chapter presented the concert for Push America, awards given to a student new house to its alumni, featuring Cravin' Melon. The Cal. State-Fullerton organization in a New
family and friends. chapter hopes to make the (Zeta Rho) York school. Over 200 people attend- event an annual occurrence, The Zeta Rho Chapter The Association of
ed the event, including Pi featuring a different band assembled a 19-member Council Members and
Kappa Phi CEO Mark E. each year. associate class - the largest College Trustees, comprised
Timmes. The University fac- on campus - bringing their of administrators represent-
ulty present included the Alabama-Birmingham total membership to 82. In ing 20 institutions, award-
dean of students, dean of (Epsilon Phi) intramurals, the brothers ed Pi Kappa Phi the honor
academic affairs, director of The brothers at the Epsilon captured the football cham- for their Roof-A-Thon event
campus involvement and Phi Chapter broke all cam- pionship for the third year in held on Oct. 24-26, 1997.
director of Greek housing. pus rush records this fall a row, outscoring their oppo- The 48-hour event was held
The alumni in attendance with the largest associate nents 832-36! This year will to raise money for Push
included the chapter's num- class ever. The chapter wei- also be the third year the America and the North
ber one initiate and two corned 22 men, bringing men travel to the West Coast County Center for founding fathers. their new class to 27. Regional Championship, Independence.
The house is one of eight where they previously placed Criteria for the award new Greek houses that were Texas Tech first and third, respectively. not only included the sig-opened this year, with a cost (Epsilon Omega) Pi Kappa Phi also received a nificance of the event, but of over $750,000. Each The Epsilon Omega Chapter 2.6 overall CPA, better than that the event was com-house is 9,500 square feet raised their semester Push all sororities on campus pletely organized by stu-with 12 bedrooms and a America fund-raising goal to and behind only one other dents, with no help from total capacity of 23 people, $10,000 as they raised fraternity. the university. The chapter including a graduate student $2,900 in two hours at a raised over $1 ,700 through
resident advisor. The two- toll-road. In addition, the Colorado State (Zeta Phi) contributions and corpo-
story facility is equipped chapter raised an additional On Aug. 29, the Zeta Phi rate sponsorships, and with private bathrooms, a $1 ,600 from local businesses Chapter celebrated its new managed to capture the carpeted chapter room with and sororities. chapter house grand open- attention of the local internet access, a 1,400- ing. Parents, alumni and press, including the NBC square-foot multipurpose SUNY-Cortland neighbors enjoyed touring affiliate station. room and a fully furnished (Zeta Omicron) the house and discussing Brothers accepted the kitchen, laundry room and Brother Dave Marsh was re- future plans for the chapter award at a ceremony held formal living room. elected to the position of and the housing corpora- in Albany, N.Y.
Gamma Phi Chapter is a President for the Cortland tion. Acquiring this 16- On campus, the Eta recent winner of the Summit States Student Government room house in May 1998 Kappa chapter has held the Award, Bronze Star Award Association. Also on the marked a milestone for the President's Cup for the best and the Red Rose Club. council is Brother Jeremy chapter, which has been fraternity twice in the past
Basis, elected as Sergeant active at the University three years and captured UNC-Greensboro of Arms. since March 1996. the intramural volleyball (Epsilon Iota) The brothers also initiat- championship this fall. After speaking with the ed two distinguished mem- SUNY-Plattsburgh owner of a local dub in bers: Dr. Shane Frechlich as (Eta Kappa) Wingate (Eta Mu) Winston-Salem, N.C., the the chapter's new advisor, The Eta Kappa Chapter at Brian Johnson, an alumnus
WlNTER 1999 15
of Eta Mu Chapter, is cur- the single largest class this far, the support has been $500 for every coach who rently making plans to chapter has recruited since great." volunteers at the camp. Ho hike the entire its chartering in 1993. The program would is hoping the program will Appalachian Trail starting directly benefit the official net $15,000, which will be in May 1999. He is plan- UCLA (Eta Sigma) charity of UCLA, Unicamp, a definite boost in the ning the trip in conjunc- The brothers at the Eta which provides sports- IFC's charity history. tion with Push America, Sigma Chapter at University related programs for "Last time the IFC and would like to use the of California - Los Angeles children of low-income tried anything like this event to create awareness are hoping that a new families. they only raised $2,000,
and the check bounced,"
adds Ho. Pi Kappa Phi is leading
the charge with volunteer
coaches as well as rush on campus. The brothers just welcomed an 18-man associate class-the largest on campus.
TCU (Eta Chi) The Eta Chi Chapter rushed its first class after its chartering last March . The Beta class consists of 29 men, one of the largest classes on campus.
The chapter, along with Pi Beta Phi, also
placed first in Homecoming and swept all events. Pi Kappa Phis Justin Hensely and Tyler
for people with disabili- fund-raising initiative will Conceived and organ- Smith both made ties. For more information better unite the Greek ized by Ho, the program is Homecoming court; five or to help Johnson, you community and help being supported by Nike brothers were inducted can contact him at 704- boost the IFC name. Corporation, thanks to a into Order of Omega; and
341-2330. "The Greek system has chance meeting by the Pi the chapter raised $1,700 The chapter recently never had a charity that Kappa Phi. in one day for Push
completed its fall recruit- they all contributed to; "''m a camp counselor America. Brother Ben ment with 21 new associ- they have always been during the summer, and Jenkins was also elected ate members. This is a unique to each house," after speaking with a Nike student government treas-huge accomplishment for says Pi Kappa Phi Dean representative on campus, urer, and Adam Ryan was the chapter as it represents Ho, who holds the posi- found out he was a coun- elected vice president in not only the largest associ- tion of IFC director of selor, too, " explains Ho. charge of programming ate class on campus, but is community service. "So Nike will now donate for the group .
16 STAR & LAMP
West Georgia (Associate) fourth largest on campus fathers, combining for a On Oct. 20, the newest (out of six). 60-man chapter. associate chapter of Pi The expansion began Homecoming was also Kappa Phi held its first Oct. 1 and continued with a big success for the associ-chapter meeting at the State informational meetings, ate chapter, placing second University of West Georgia personal interviews and in Black and Gold sign, in Carrollton, Ga. The Rush events throughout the third in Spirit Banner and expansion, headed up by month. The final organiza- second place in skit. Leadership Consultants tional retreat was held Oct. Brother Chris Riehl was Larry Keller (Kansas State - 23-24. elected to the student gov-Delta Chi), Mike Young ernment as a senator repre-(Washington - Alpha Delta) Central Florida senting the college of arts and Durwood Thompson (Associate) and sciences. Vice Archon Jr. (Florida State - Beta In the largest rush in Joe Sarrubbo was also initi-Eta), recruited a group of University of Central ated into Omicron Delta 22 men, ranging from Florida's history, Pi Kappa Kappa National Leadership freshmen to seniors. This Phi welcomed 3 7 new Honor Society.
I. ranks Pi Kappa Phi the members to the founding
WINTER 1999 17
18 STAR & LAMP
jason Stolarczyk
MANAGING EDITOR
Griffin's ifts
A University of Florida football fan
attending a Gator game glances up
at the impressive facade of the Ben
Hill Griffin Stadium; a student ath
lete trains in the Ben Hill Griffin training center; a student pours over research at
the Ben Hill Griffin Biomedical Research Pavilion; a tardy professor glances at the Griffin-Floyd Hall as he hussies to lecture; a Pi Kappa Phi brother
relaxes in the Fraternity house addition made possible by (and named after) Griffin.
At the University of Florida in Gainesville, there isn't a day that goes by without someone using the
gifts given by Ben Hill Griffin Jr. (Florida -Alpha
Epsilon) .
Griffin, who attended the University from 1930-
3, was one of the largest patrons to the school
despite not receiving a degree. His donations
totaled more than $19 million after state matching funds were added.
At the time of his death in 1990, Griffin was president of Ben Hill Griffin Inc., and owned more
than 10,000 acres of citrus groves and 85,000 acres of ranch and timberland. He had started his citrus empire in 1933 when his father gave him 10 acres of groves as a wedding present.
PHOTOS BY RAY SKlNNER AND CHARLES E. ASKEW
Lifelong
20 STAR & LAMP
Alumnus earns national corporate honor
Kurt Engelstad (Oregon State -
Alpha Zeta), Mail Boxes Etc.
(MBE) area franchisee for
Western Washington and
Oregon, has been named
Domestic Area Franchisee of
the Year by the national organi
zation, which is the world's
largest franchiser or retail busi
ness, communication and
postal service centers.
A northwest native and for
mer newspaper reporter,
Engelstad has held the Oregon
and Southwest Washington
MBE master franchise for 10
years. He was chosen from
among 80 area franchisees in
the United States for the honor,
largely because of the consistent
growth of the area in terms of
new stores and for assisting
center owner-operators to
maintain high sales.
His Oregon/Southwest
Washington area has grown to
52 stores over the last 10 years,
consistently ranked among the
top 10 revenue generating terri
tories in the country and is
among the growth leaders in
new franchises for similar size
areas.
While a student at Oregon State, Engelstad was extremely active on campus, including
participation in: student coun
cil, Memorial Union board, Blue Key Honorary Society,
Sigma Delta Chi Journalism
MBE Franchisee of the Year Kurt Englestad (Oregon State - Alpha Zeta).
Honorary, Alpha Delta Sigma
Advertising Honorary and exec
utive editor of the student
newspaper.
"I was able to participate as an officer in the chapter, and active in other campus affairs,
largely to the support by the
Fraternity," remembers Englestad. "My experience also
helped me to hone my leader-
ship skills and forced me to
focus my study habits."
Mail Boxes Etc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of U.S. Office
Products Company, has more than 3,600 stores operating worldwide, with master licens
ing agreements 62 countries.
Alumnus' namesake goes Hollywood
Carroll Hall is not only the home of the University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill Business school, it's also the namesake to Pi Kappa Phi
alumnus Dudley DeWitt Carroll (UNC-Chapel Hill - Kappa). DeWitt was
the founder of the commerce school at the University, which later
became the business school. He served as dean for 31 years.
The building recently went through a brief identity crisis when
Universal Studios was filming for Robin Williams' new movie, Patch
Adams, this past summer. Through the magic of Hollywood, the build
ing became the Virginia Medical University, set in the 1970s.
The movie, which was released Christmas, is based on the early life
of Dr. Hunter D. "Patch" Adams, an unorthodox physician from
Virginia who uses humor to help heal his patients.
Focus
22 STAR & LAMP
jason Stolarczyk MANAGING EDITOR
The living Ritual Working in Faith
n March 25, 1905, a committee
was appointed within the new
Fraternity of Pi Kappa Phi.
Chairman Lawrence Harry
Mixson presided over his con
stituents, Simon Fogarty Jr. and Pelzer Wagener,
with a grace that was reflective of their topic of
discussion - a ritual of initiation.
This was, by no standards, a small order. For it
was through this ritual that the entire Pi Kappa
Phi being was to be ordained. It would be
through this ritual that chapters from the east
would find conversation with chapters from the
west; that scholars in science would bond with
students of literature.
For inspiration, Mixson, Fogarty and Wagener
looked to the customs and philosophers of
ancient Athens. They knew that there were deep
er and finer elements to a fraternity than the
mystery of its language: morals, personal devel
opment, accountability.
On May 20, 1905, the Ritual was adopted and
became Pi Kappa Phi. Over 73,000 men have since been baptized through the Ritual's journey, and have gone on to become business leaders,
sports heroes, political trailblazers, enduring
entertainers, respected scholars - and inspiring clergymen. These men continue to live the
morals and values they adopted as Pi Kappa
Phis, and extend those faiths into their own workplace.
For Presbyterian Clergyman Dave Nash
(Davidson- Epsilon), his spiritual motivation came early in his college experience.
"I asked many questions about my own relationship with God, and in this struggling, dis
cerning process, it emerged that God was calling me to the ministry," recounts Nash. "That was
one request I couldn't exactly turn down."
At the 600 student (all male) campus of
Presbyterian-founded Davidson College in
Davidson, N.C., Nash definitely had a larger
affinity toward religion than most. He went on
to study at Union Seminary in Richmond, Va.,
and attended graduate school at Columbia
Seminary in West Virginia, where he focused on
pastoral care. Nash has served as director of an
alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, headed a
psychiatric hospital, and founded the nationally
honored "Carpenters for Christ" program in
West Virginia, which organizes volunteers to
remodel substandard housing.
"Most kids coming to college are looking for a
meaning in life," notices Nash. "Sometimes
they may start out saying, 'I'm against all that
stuff; but there comes a point where these
same people begin to instead say, 'What am I
committed to?'
According to Nash, this is where the Fraternity
plays such an important part.
"Fraternities have a role in shaping a young man's beliefs," explains the clergyman. "It's not a
role that tells people what to believe, but rather
helps a person with his moral journey; helps
him find what he is committed to."
There is probably no better an example of reli
gious commitment as someone who leaves his
home, his family, his customs, even his language, and transplants his life in a foreign country to establish churches.
That's what Wade Wilson (Troy StateGamma Gamma) does for living. Wilson is the coordinator of Urban Ministries for the Indianapolis-based Christian Missionary
Fellowship. He is currently serving in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Focus
"Everything here stands in contrast, " writes Wilson via email. "It is a country
of rich potential, but still one of the poorest nations on earth.
"I guess that is what makes living and serving God here such a blessing and such a challenge. Each day, I see the best of what God has created, and the worst of what humanity can do."
The city's population stands at nearly five million. As missionary coordinator, Wilson has the task of wearing many
24 STAR & LAMP
spiritual faces - as leader of small group studies, traveling preacher, Bible college teacher and one-on-one spiritual mentor. In addition, he works with a group of young adults each Friday night, and acts as the primary organizer of city-wide youth rallies four times a year. Wilson also volunteers a few hours each week at a Mother Teresa orphanage for children with AIDS.
After completing two bachelor degrees, Wilson received his master's
degree in divinity at the Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tenn. This vast education, however, complimented his more valued growth in Pi Kappa Phi.
"My Fraternity experience developed within me a foundation that set the stage for who I am today," writes Wilson. "Fraternity taught me to care
about others, to give of myself, to abandon selfishness, to work within a team, and to truly consider everyone in the world as my 'brother:"
When Wilson first went to college, he remained staunchly non-fraternity until his sophomore year and subsequent initiation into Pi Kappa Phi. His views were mainly centered on the information he received in the mainstream media, which tended to focus on the negative more than the positive.
The Rev. Daniel Ruff (St. Joseph -Epsilon Tau) held the same negative views before he was alumni initiated,
became the chapter's advisor and later assisted in the chartering of Zeta Nu (West Chester) and Zeta Omicron (SUNY-Cortland) .
Ruff was not an easy person to gain as an advisor. The chapter continuously challenged the then-campus minister to become associated with Pi Kappa Phi.
When Ruff accepted the position, he, in turn, challenged the chapter.
"I was always there to give the guys my best opinions, but also to point out they were adults, now, and had to make their own decisions," says Ruff.
Now an associate professor at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md., Ruff teaches other aspiring priests the "how-to" of clergy. As a religious professional before his initia
tion, a participating role in subsequent Rituals, and his continued study and teaching of his faith , Ruff still holds the highest standard for men of the Fraternity based on the quality of initiation.
"Some people think that ritual is a drunken debauchery," notes Ruff. "But what these people don't see is the seriousness and care taken by these students."
Students that are serious about Ritual, and live its messages, tend to be better alumni notices Keith Ackerman (TexasArlington- Delta Psi).
"If we want to see successful alumni organizations, then we have to make sure that the men we initiate have good lives," explains Ackerman. 'The Ritual sets up guidelines, not just as Pi Kappa Phis, but as men."
By profession, Ackerman is a social worker and director of human resources at BHC Millwood Psychiatric Hospital in Arlington, Texas. In addition, he serves as youth director at St. Mark's Church in Arlington, youth advisor of
the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, and Ritual advisor to the Delta Psi Chapter.
For Ackerman, the Ritual will always hold an importance on two levels: the first on his final journey toward becoming a Pi Kappa Phi, and the second that his dad - Bishop Keith Ackerman Sr. - was able to be initiated with Keith the same day.
"It seems that priests' kids are always
one of the two extremes - either a
complete rebel or a goodie-goodie, " says
Keith. "I credit my dad with keeping me
right down the middle."
Keith's father is currently bishop of
the Diocese of Quincy, Ill., which
includes 26 churches. At the time he
was ordained, he was one of the
youngest Episcopalian bishops in
the country.
Bishop Ackerman can remember
receiving his special calling to the
church at an early age. "When I was 5, while I was praying, I
felt a strong sense that God was calling
me," remembers the bishop. "Then at
12, while I was at church camp, every
thing seemed to click, and I just
thought, Wow, I'm going to be a
priest!'"
Not all clergy, however, have such an
early, clear calling in their life. It took 13 years in the world of advertising and
public relations before Rob Droste (Charleston- Alpha) joined an
Episcople seminary in California.
There was definitely a significant tran
sition for Droste - one that may not have been appealing at first. His deci
sion was settled, however, during his over 400 hours of training at a Catholic hospital in San Jose, Calif., that served mainly poor immigrant workers.
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"I dressed, threw the chain with my
ID around my neck, and went down
(to the emergency room)," explains
Droste of his first day at the hospital.
"There, I saw an everyday ER sight:
an elderly patient, tube down her
throat, I.V.s started, clothes off, CPR being done - real CPR, where the
chest is depressed several inches and
you can hear the ribs crack."
After the final push by the doctor and a sullen silence, the nurse
looked up and noted the time.
"It was my first night on call," remembers Droste, "and I had just
watched someone die." In a separate room, Droste con
soled the son, cried with him and led him in prayers.
"In that moment, I realized that every
decision it had taken for me to be there
was right," shares Droste. "While I loved
much of the work that I did in PR and
advertising, I would not have changed places with my old self for anything in
the world. I finally fit."
Although he can still recount similarly dramatic situations during his tenure at
the hospital, his spiritual motivation
remains rooted in that elderly woman
and her mourning son.
"I will always believe that my real
priesthood began that first night on call, when I realized the depth of my
inadequacy and the extraordinary privilege of serving people with prayer, ritual and simple presence in their most important hours."
WINTER 1999 25
Scroll
Chapters Alpha Kappa (Mkh;gan) C.mma Ddta {MemphU) Epoilon G<tmma (t.ong..ood) z.o. Lamlxb (CalSiale .QUro) Eta Omkron (San Fr.mdsoo Stale ) 903lincoln 3841 SponswoodAve ~College Box 3006 811 1000\koWay %Josh Koslov
Alpha (Ciwiesllon) Ann Arbor. Ml 48104 Memphis, 1N 38UI Fannville VA 23909 Otico, CA 95928 70 Bellevue Ave SPO Box 1493 Stem Student Ctr Daly Gty. CA 94014 Collego of Owleston Alpha Mu (fum Sial< ) Camma Epsilon (Western Carolina) Epsilon Ddta (Auburn -Montgomery) Z.O. Mu (Cai.Sia1e -Nrohridgo) Otarleston. sc 29424 409 E Fainnont Ave POBox 11 73 P08ox241332 17835 Panhenia St Eta p; (Coaslal Carolma)
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400 S Orange Ave PO Bax2306 Eta s;gma (Cal;fornJa.LosAngd .. ) Delta (Funnan) Alpha s;gma (T..,.,..,..) G;tmma Iota ( l.oWstma Stale ) Sooth 0rnnse Nl 07079-2692 Danville VA 24541 626landfair FunnanUM'mity PO Box8629 PO Box25068 Los Angde!. CA 90024 Box28569 Knaxville. 1N 37996-0002 BalOn Rouge. LA 7'0894 Epsilon Iota{~) Z.O. OmKron (SUNY.COnbnd) Greenville SC 29613 POBox: 1361-62 PO Box5335 Eta Tau (Kmtudcy)
Alpha T•u (-..,. Pl>l}udmM:) G;tmma Kappa EUCUNCG Cortland. NY 13045 %Ass!: Dean of Students Zeta <-d) 49 SerondSt (Geo<gi.> Southern) Greensboro, NC 27413 575 Patterson OfcT~ Pi Kappa Ph; • W>lford Collego Troy. NY 12180 LB t 2343 Georgia Southern z.o. p; (Manhall) l.oo<ington. KY 40506-0027 Spananbwg sc 29303 StateSboro, CA 30460 Eps;lon Kappa (Southern Pl>lytedmk) 1434 SthAve
Alph• Upsilon (D"""") 1100 s Marietta Pkwy Huntington. \W 25701 Eta Upsilon (Miami of Ohio) Iota {G<o<gia Tedt) 3405 Powelton Ave G<tmma lambda (Mmouri-Rolla) Marietta. GA 30060 Ill ESpringSt 220 N:rst Drive Philadelphia. PA 19104 1704 PineSt Z.O. Rho (Cai.State -1\dlerU>n) Oxford. OH 45056 Allanta, CA 30318 Rella. MO 65401 E¢1on lambda (SCSpananbw&) 2117Teri PI
Alpha Phi (Illinois lnU. of Pi Kappa Ph; Frnwnny Fullerton.CA 92831 Eta PIU Kappa (NCO>apd Hill) Tedtnology) G;tmma Nu (l.aQang<) 800 uru ... ersityWay (Uruv Maryland o.Jti""'"' CoontyJ 216 Finley Golf eou... Rd 3333 S Wabash Ave Box 11 70 U.Grange College Spananbwg sc 29303 Z.O. Thu (Bannn) UMBC Olapd HilL NC 27514 Otirngo, 11 60616 601 Broad St 811 Corbett /we UCBox77
U.Cr.mge CA 30240 Epsilon Mu (B..dley) Wilso n, NC 27893 Baltimore. MD 21250 Lamlxb(G«trg!•) Alpha rs; (ln<tiana) 1530 W Bradley A\"e 930 S 1\i.illedge Ave 1720 N. Jordan A\Uiue G;tmma Xi (Geo<gi.> Sooth""""") Peoria, IL 61606 Z.O. Upsilon (Bloomsburg) Eta au n-O>ristionJ Athms. GA 30605 Bloomington. IN 47406 800 \Vh<>dey St 95 1ron St ri. Kappa Phi Fraternity
Box 1197 Epsilon Xi (LaSalle) Bloomsburg. PA 17815 p 0 Box 297010 Mu(Duke) lleta Alpha (New Jmey- of Americus, CA 31709 P0Box692 Fort Worth. 1X 76129 Box 97675 J:>ulre Station Technology) I..aSaUe University Z.O. PIU (Coi...OO Slate) Durl1am, NC 27708 %Pat Guerra Gamma Rho (Land..-) Philadelphia. PA 19141 -5150 P OBox 1918
253AveA Box 6191 lander University R. Collins. co 80522-1918 Associate Xi(Romokr) lla)<>nne NJ 07002 c~ sc 29649-3049 Epsilon p; (Vtrg!n" Co~th) Box 1761 Roonol«! College P. 0 . Box 842035 z.o. au (Albright) Chapters Roanoke, VA 24153 11eta 11eta (Aorida Southern) G;tmma Upsilon (Oklahoma Slate) Rkhmond VA 23284 Box #74 Albright College
PO Box 1521 5 Oklahoma Slate Univmity Reading, PA 19612·5234 Omkron (Abbama) Florida Soothern Collego 1415WestThird Eps;Jon Rho (Lmo;r-Rhyn<) Alpha Om<ga (o..gon)
PO Box 866089 l.alo!lan<\ Fl. 33802 St.illwdta;. OK 74074 I.RC Box 8420 Z.U.,; (I.U.P.U.L) 1440E 19thSlk10
Th5caloosa. AL 35486 HKI«xy. NC 28603 %JeffHannan Eugene. O R 97403
lleta Epsilon (M;,ouri-Columbia) G<tmma PIU (Sooth Abbama) 10235 Orchard Pad< S Dr New Mexioo Slate: Rho (Washlngton & U.) 915 Richmond AYenue PO Box U-1208 Epsilon S4Pna ( Ouistlan 8ro<hen) Indianapol~ IN 46280 %Greek AlJaiJs NMSU 201 Ew..hingtonSt Columbia. MO 65201 Mobile AL 36608 650 E Parkw.Jy S Corbetts Std Union Univ lordan lexington. VA 24450 Memphis, 1N 38104 z.o. omep rr""""" Stale 1 Las Cruces. NM 88003
11eta Eta (Aorida Slate) Ddta Alpha (Vtrg!n" Pl>lytedtnk TSU PO Box 1971 Tau (Nonh Carotina State) 423 W College Ave Institute:) Epsilon Tau (St Joseph's) Tomon. MD 21204 Alpha lambda {Mlssisslppi) 2401 WFratemityQ Tallahasse<,F1.32301 1101 Redbud Rd % 1ooephWebber POBox II Raleigh. NC 27606 Blacl<obuq; VA 24060 340 Edmonds Ave Ilia Alpha (Concord Collleg<) University, MS 38677
lleta Theta (Arizona) Dnoo!l Hills. PA 19026 C49 Conrord Collego Upsilon (Diinois) 1449 N Oteny Delto lleta (North G<o<gia) Athms. wv 24n2 Arizona State: 306 E Cregooy Dr TUCSOI\ 1\L. 85719 Box5165 NGC Epsilon Upsilon (G<o<gia Collego) 371 S Country Club Way Otamp<Ugn n. 61820 Dahlonega, CA 30597 G<o<gja CoiJese Eta G;tmma (Colorado-Boulder) Tempe. AZ 85283
lleta Iota (Tolalo) CPO 2424 935 !6th St a,; (Sietsoo) 2999 w Banaofi Delu Ddta (Iiuman Stale) Mnledgev;lle. GA 31061 Boulder, co 80302 Delta E¢1on (JaOOonv;Ue Slate) Stetson Univ Box 8234 Greek Village A-2 P. 0 . Box562 Pi Kappa Ph i Fraternity 421 NWoodland Blvd Toledo, O H 43606-33!Xl Kirkwille MO 63501 Epsilon Phi Eta Delta (Kennesaw State) Box 3021 ISU I:>eLmd. A.. 32720 (Aiabama-Birnllngham) 2555 D Eli te Ln Jacksonville. AL 36265
lleta Kappa ( Geo'!Pa Slate) Delta z.o. (Appaladilim State) P 0 Box 40 University Center Kennesaw, CA 30144 .,; (Cornell) Georgia State Uni\.ttsity ASU Box 8991 Birmingham. AL 35294-1150 Southern Mississippi %Jeremy Sch\vartz 218 Unh.usity Center !loon< NC 2WJ7 Eta Epsilon (Maryland) % Jared Hopkins 55 Rk!gewood Rd 1\tlanta. CA 30303 Epsilon 1'\U (Stippay Rock) 8 Fraternity Row 208 Ross Blvd 1thaca.NY 14850 Ddt> Eta (Mofthrad ""'"') 8 105 UnM:My Union College Pari<. MD 20740 Hauiesburg. MS 39401
lleta Lamlxb (Tampa) Box 1247 uro Slippery Rock Univ Om<ga (Purdu<) Univ ofTampa Box 2171 Morehead KV 40351 Slippery RDck. PA 16057 Ilia z.o. (Quem> Coil'~!")
"""""'Florida 330NCram St 401 W Kennedy UIYd Box 958 Queens College P 0 Box 780640 W ~ayette. IN 47906 Tampa. H. 33606-1490 Deltolambda (NCOwiotte) Epsilon Om<ga (1e>w Thch) Ch arlou e. NC 28274 Orlando, Fl 32878-0640
9201 Uni\e'sity City Blvd 15 C reek Circle Alpha Alpha (Mer=) 11eta Xi (Central Michigan) Cone Center l ubbock, ·rx 794 16 Eta Eta (California-Irvine) West Georgia Mercer University Box 701 I 2 Pi Kappa Ph i 11'atemity Charlotte. NC 28262 University of Califomia-IIVine State University of West Georgia Maron. GA 31207-0001 904 UnM!Isity Zeto Alpha (Oemson) PO Box4741 P 0 Box 10034
Mt Pleasant. Ml 48858 Delto Rho (Soothem Catifornia) PO Box 2186 IIVine.CA 92616 Carrollton, CA 30118 Alpha G<tmma (Oklahomo) 742 W28th St Clemson. sc 29632 1714 Olautauq..aa.Ave lletaTau {v.oldoouSia'-') Los Angde!. CA 90007 Eta Iota (Otristophtt Newport) Norman. OK 73CY72 P0Box71 36 Z.O.IIeta 121 Barlow Rd
v.k1oota. GA 3t698 Delta s;gma (Bowling G=) ( Cilifornia-San o;<&O) Williamsburg, VA 23188 Alpha Ddta (Washlngton) R-3 Old Fraternity Raw BGSU p 0 Box 948555 4530 17th Ave NE lleta UpsHon (VI'!Pnla) Bowling Green, OH 43403 U. lolL> CA 92037-9405 Eta Kappa (SUNY-Plattsburgh) Seattle. WA 98105 510 Rugby Rd SUNY-Plattsburgh
O.ariottesville. VA 22903 Delta Thu (James Madison) Z.O. G<tmma (North Dakota) College Center- Pi Kappa Phi Alpha Ep<ilon (Aorida) SOOSMain St Box7187 407Cambridge:St Plattsburgh. NY 12901 II Fraternity Row Bela Phi (Ea..u CaroUna) l-1arrisonbuig VA 22807 Grand 1:000,. NO 58203 Gainesville A.. 32603 803 Hooker Rd Ilia lambda (SUNY-8~)
Creen\'ille NC 27834 Delta Upsilon (l'ittsburgh) z.o. Delta (Shippensburg) Ofc ofStd Activities Rm 203 Alpha z.o. (o..gon Stale) 3800Uniw:rsity Dr 26 Middlespring Ave Seymour 0g Un SUNY-Brocl<pon 2111 Hanison NW G;tmma Alpha PitiSburgh. PA 15213 Shippensburg, PA 17257 Brodqx>n. NY 14420 O:xva1lis. OR 97330 (West Alob>ma)
PO BoxM Delta a,; (Kama. Slate) Zeta EpsiJon (George Mason) Eta Mu (\'rrngate) Alpha Eta (Samfont) LM~on, AL 35470 1614 J:airchiki 4400 University Dr SUB I Box 85 Box I 648 Wingate University Samford UM~ty Box 292474 Manhmtan. KS 66502 1:airfax. VA 22030 Wingate NC 28174 Birmingham. AL 35229 G<tmma 11eta (Old [)onlln;on)
Old Dominion Univ Std Act Ofc Deha I'll (Texas-Arlington) z.o. z.o. ( Nonh Florida) Eta Nu (Pmmylvanb) Alpha Theta (Michigan Stale) Pi Kappa Phi 2122 wrob Center 705SSummit 4567 St John's Bluff Rood 4040v.lal.nutSt 131 BogueSt Norfolk. VA 23529-0519 Arlingtol\ lX 76013 Jacl<so<MIIe. FL 32256 Ph;ladelphia. PA 19104 E. lansing. MI 48823
Canuna Gamma (1\-oy State) Dell> C>mqp n- A&M) Z.U Kappa (Stod<!on Stale) Eta Xi (SUNY -Albany) Alpha IOU (Auburn) lSU PO Box 1738 1401 Athens Dr G-Wmg PO Box22102 861 Inn Morrison Dr Troy State Uni\"mity College Station, lX 77840 Pomona. NJ 08240 1400 WaV\ington Ave Auburn. AL 36830 Troy. AL 36082 Albany, NY 12222
26 STAR & lAM P
Alumni Chapters 1!- Ed Hahn
e-sc~ J Crase
1-CeneVISChe:lli U JlenWoody
0-1-lany E Caldwdllr.
S-Michael T l...o.vman 1: 1?Dbert L J..amph;er Jr. C FAw.ml Bennett Y-John S Kirk M -Ronny E Williams
AD-Iimllunt AE-Michaei Mitchell
All-James Smith AI-DaJ)1 R Griswold AJ<.Q\ristopher R Meono
AQ..Kelley A Berg;uom
AR-Palrid< E t:ariey
AU-Tom Hill
Af .. Cregocy J Pleszlrun
SA-Kevin !Jc:lerner
BH-Clenn M.'l)'O<
Ill-Mark Umuia
BM-CMAdri..-m lff-Oub-Jay llarrell
BF-Scou Smith
GA-Iooeph LAI<xandcr CB-Paul Dickson CC-D<Md B Doo;ey Cf:.-James M FLue
GZ-Mkh.-.d z;cgler CK.Cienn Aspirr.va.l l
CFStcvellryan IJC.MikeKallas F.G-T.C Jones rv El-Neil Brogdt."'Il EJ...-Mike Hoyd EO-Patrick Hrnla
EY-OlUck lluffmyer
ZE- lim Qukk
ZJ. Scott Ces.1.r z r- tason Johnson
1-I? .. Aicou Holmes
National Council President Mr J Patrick Figley PeninsulM Counselif'l8 Ctr 2819 Horatio Street Tampa. H... 33609
Vice President Mr l-lany E Caldwell 
Prospective
member
information
worksheet
Please send this
form to:
Prospective Member
Information, c/o Pi
Kappa Phi Fraternity,
PO Box 240526,
Charlotte, NC 2821 0,
fax to 704-504-0880 or
email prospective
member information to
28 STAR & LAMP
Name of rushee
Home address
Rushee is attend ing
College address
College class Major Age
High school City State
Number in graduating class Class rank GPA Grade scale ACTtSAT
College previously attended City State
Terms completed GPA
Character and personality description
Talents, hobbies and interests
Activities/offices held
Honors
Work/volunteer experience
Name of parents/guardians
Pi Kapp relatives (names, relationships and chapters)----------------------
Relatives in other fraternities ______________________________ _
Your information
Name
Address
Tele hone
Chapter School Year initiated
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS
el Metcalfe (OklahomaAlpha Gamma) used his
Sunday-school lessons to
help pass through new
membership require
ments, opening Pi Kappa
Phi to men of all racial, religious and ethnic
backgrounds. In late 1964, the move to eliminate racial
and religious membership requirements from
fraternities and sororities was at its peak. Although the federal government had excluded
fraternities and sororities, large numbers of
campuses, especially schools such as Cornell,
were adamant about making the change. It was
apparent that this Fraternity, which at the time
still hung onto the original membership
requirements of white, Christians only, would
have to make some changes.
In August 1964, at the 30th Supreme Chapter in
Mobile, Ala., the delegation called for a test vote
on the elimination of racial and religious membership restrictions. Surprisingly, all but a few chapters voted against a change, despite the expected loss in chapters.
But another significant event at the 30th
Supreme Chapter would soon tum that legislation
around: the election of the new National
President Melville Metcalfe. A Sunday-school
teacher personified, Mel, along with his magic
show, brought an interesting personality to the
position. Mel was not a typical member of the
National Council, but then, that was not his call
ing, nor was that Pi Kappa Phi's need at that time.
The Fraternity needed a person who could sway
the emotions of its students and alumni through
no more than his own persuasive personality,
character and witness to a perfect love of Pi Kappa
Phi. A financial and scheduling plan was developed
for Mel to do a Herculean job. His role for two
years was to visit every chapter and to politic for
approval of our much needed membership require
ment changes. On his tour, an effort was to be
made to ensure maximum participation from stu
dent members and associates, as well as influential
alumni such as advisors, housing corporation offi
cers and financial supporters.
Mel succeeded in grand fashion. He visited every
chapter in Pi Kappa Phi, even though his insur
ance agency in Port Arthur, Texas, was to suffer
from his absence. Mel also presided at one of
the potentially more disruptive Supreme
Chapter meetings held in the Fraternity.
Through his speeches, which were nothing more
than extensions of his Sunday-school lessons
taught at his Presbyterian church in Port Arthur,
Texas, no one person, nor any group of persons,
could have made the transition so quick, so suc
cessful and so non-damaging as was done by Mel.
He furthered his message through his intriguing
slight of hand tricks, which were dazzling, enter
taining, and within themselves, a message of frater
nity and brotherly love.
Mel died in 1992. He was perhaps one of the
most selfless people who has ever worn the Pi Kappa Phi pin, giving all that was needed, and whenever needed, to his Fraternity, an organization which he loved beyond imagination. He was
named Mr. Pi Kappa Phi in 1969.
This issue's historical
passage was taken
from Executive Drector
Emeritus Durward
Owen's unpublished
memiors, Connie, It will
be Only for 1Wo Years!
Fraternity brothers Is now just a
few clicks awayl
-Thanks to the Pi Kappa Phi--_,
Foundation, a new Pi Kappa Phi
Online Community allows mem
bers access to a variety of com
munication tools such as:
• resume and career center;
• permanent email address;
• bulletin boards; and
