Summer 2011 - Phi Kappa Psi

9/1/11 3:19 PM
The official publication of the Indiana
Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi
*Gifts made January 1, 2010December 31, 2010
SUMMER 2011
Raymond F. Widmer ’59
Merlyn C. Vocke ’53
Edward W. Tornberg ’53
Steve Matthew Tang ’00
Matthew Gregory Solak ’05
Corey Joseph Peart ’05
Benjamin S. M. Nicol ’00
Kevin J. Marks ’92
Todd Andrew Lighty ’87
INDIANA EPSILON
William J. Kusnierz ’69
Kurt J. Kollmeyer ’56
Individuals interested
in providing continued
academic support to the
chapter’s undergraduates
can do so by contributing
to the Indiana Epsilon
Chapter Scholarship Fund
through the Phi Kappa
Psi Foundation, a 501(c)3
educational foundation. Gifts
can be mailed directly to the
Foundation at 5395 Emerson
Way, Indianapolis, IN 46226
or can be made online at
www.PKPFoundation.org.
When contributing, be
certain to designate your gift
to the chapter by writing
“IN Epsilon Chapter
Scholarship Fund” in the
memo line or selecting it
from the dropdown online
giving menu.
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY
ndar!
George W. Erickson ’59
Robert Charles Dysert ’00
Kevin Lee Daelke ’84
James & Barbara Copouls,
FRIENDS OF IN EPSILON
Robby Stanley Copouls ’02
Neal P. Armstrong ’89
WOLFCALL
er 2
30 – Octob
SUNDAY,
011
2
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e
Hom
ur Cale
Mark Yo
Indiana Epsilon Bro
thers Pete Henning
’69, Dave Metzig
Kusnierz ’69 gather
’69, Steve Ihde ’68
to share stories abo
and Bill
ut their collegiate
years.
Sam Zucker ’09 - Chapter President & Jake Steuer ’09 - Chapter Vice President
Kevin Jessen ’98 - House Corporation President
Continued Emphasis of Internal
Operations & Community Involvement
As the semester comes to a close and we look toward summer we’re proud of the chapter’s recent
accomplishments, including most noticeably improved internal communication and leadership.
Much of the improvement has been a byproduct of a semester based listing of objectives/goals.
These, derived from committee meetings and chapter retreats,
have been pinnacle to our success.
Top row (left to right): Kyle Carter (Accounting; Griffith, Indiana), Stephen Carter (Business Management;
Grand Rapids, Michigan), Noah Schur (Undecided; Sterling, Massachusetts), Preston Currie (Finance; Midland,
Michigan), Kyle Bonatz (Civil Engineering; Lombard, Illinois), Vincent Martino (Economics; Carmel, Indiana),
Andrew Denecke (Undecided; Brown Deer, Wisconsin)
Evan Bentley ’08 & Ben Hecke ’08 - Chapter Pledge Educators
establishing a strong and
lasting financial foundation
As the undergraduate brothers
of Indiana Epsilon completed
finals, started summer
internships and began post
graduation careers for some,
it has been alumni members of
the House Corporation that
have had time to reflect upon
this past semester’s activities
and the organization’s financial
position. Of most significance
recently, was the House
Corporation’s announcement of
the retirement of the mortgage
on the chapter house.
Additionally, the chapter has worked tirelessly to increase
the number of philanthropy events and activities available to
brothers. Through more offerings it is our goal to increase the
chapter’s presence within the community. Whether it be Relay
for Life, Habitat for Humanity, the Big Brother Project, the Café
Mana Soup Kitchen or helping read to elementary students,
members of the chapter have committed hundreds and hundreds
of hours this semester to numerous organizations and causes.
While helping others continues to be a focus, the chapter also
spent much time revising and improving the chapter’s bylaws
which have resulted in an increased number of required
philanthropy hours, a higher GPA requirement to participate
in social and athletic fraternal events, and stricter risk
management policies.
With the spring 2011 semester behind us, we are looking
forward to building upon the foundation established when
we arrive back on campus in the fall.
In 1993, the University
approached the group’s
leadership and offered to sell
the land and property at 801
Mound Street back to the
chapter and terminate the
“operating agreement” that
was in place since the facility
PHI KAPPA PSI INDIANA EPSILON
PO Box 80095
Indianapolis, IN 46280-0095
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Over the course of the last
year, the Indiana Epsilon
House Corporation
awarded the following
eight undergraduates with
scholarships for their
outstanding academic
achievements: Austin Hook
’08, Kenneth Knuppel ’08,
Drew Kreienkamp ’07, Brett
Krill ’08, Matthew Lemus
’07, Nathan Maassel ’10,
Jacob Odell ’09 and Steven
White ’10. These scholarships
were made possible thanks
to the generous brothers
and friends who donated
to the Indiana Epsilon
Chapter Scholarship Fund.
The following supporters
contributed to the chapter’s
fund during the 2010
giving year*.
Bottom row (left to right): Mark Westendorp (Math & Sports Management; Barring Springs, Michigan), Thomas
Wettstein (Undecided; Neenah, Wisconsin), Steve Polacek (Sports Management; Crown Point, Indiana), Drew
Groth (Actuarial Science, Pewaukee, Wisconsin), Brock Galyon (Marketing; Mount Prospect, Illinois), James
Lockridge (Electrical Engineering; Hanna, Indiana), Kevin Wagner (Meteorology; Burbank, Illinois)
INPHISPI_Summer2011Newsletter_Revised8.2011.indd 1
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Be on the lookout for
a new and improved
online presence for IN
Epsilon. An updated
website is in the works
and will be unveiled over
the coming months.
REVISED AND
REENGINEERED
ent
Recruitm
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Rec
tions to
recognizing and
rewarding excellence
announcements
was built in 1969. Over the
next four years the House
Corporation negotiated the
terms of the mortgage, making
certain the group’s rights to the
property and building would
be restored when the mortgage
was retired. Over the next 13
years the House Corporation
never missed a payment and
because of careful planning and
effective budgeting the House
Corporation was able to retire
the mortgage four years early.
Again, the Indiana Epsilon
House Corporation now
owns the building and property
in full!
In addition to retiring the
mortgage, it has been the
House Corporation’s objective
to build and maintain a reserve
fund sufficient for future capital
improvements. The most recent
improvements have included
new carpet in the second and
third floor hallways, a new
concrete slab in the alleyway to
aid with trash removal and new
dining room furniture.
Since my time as House
Corporation President began,
I have been most fortunate
to volunteer with a dedicated
group of alumni. Not only
has this group worked to plan
and implement an annual
homecoming reception in the
fall and the annual golf outing
in the spring but they have also
worked tirelessly to secure and
ensure the financial health of
the organization, improve the
physical structure, recruit and
inspire alumni participation
with the undergraduate chapter
New Faces at 801 Mound Street
On March 27, 2011 at Laurel
Hall, Phi Psi’s Headquarters,
14 new brothers were
initiated into the chapter.
Indiana Epsilon’s newest
members continue to add
to the chapter’s diversity
with members hailing from
throughout the country. The
chapter’s revamped pledge
program teaches new members
various life and leadership
skills including resume
building, social networking
and chapter operations.
Congratulations to Indiana
Epsilon’s newest members!
and begin to strategically plan
for the chapter’s long-term
housing needs. These events
along with monetary and
physical improvements are
representative of the overall
flourishing group and are
necessary to maintain Phi Psi’s
relevance and competitive
living environment at Valpo.
I would encourage any
interested alumni to contact
me ([email protected]) as
we always welcome additional
volunteers. Whether you are
interested in serving on the
House Corporation Board or
simply could volunteer a few
hours in the summer to work
on a project around the chapter
house, everyone is welcome!
Indiana Epsilon undergraduates gather outside of Laurel Hall following the initiation of the spring 2011 pledge class.
9/1/11 3:19 PM
Phi Psi facts and figures
12
business
2
members of
Christ College
12
18
sophomores
56
undergraduate
members
engineering
undergraduate members
are a member of another
on-campus organization
communication
majors
phi psi continues to give back
Over the course of the last semester,
the chapter has participated in and
hosted several philanthropy events and
activities ranging from charity drives
to walks. These events underscore Phi
Psi’s commitment to give back and serve
others. “Our Fraternity was founded
on the ‘Great Joy of Serving Others’,
so inherently we should be and are
focused and committed to serving our
community,” explains Brother Jeff
Wulliman ’09.
This spring, the chapter hosted its
annual Phi Psi 500 event, a weeklong
competition between campus
organization teams that raises money
for the chapter’s main philanthropy, the
Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Porter County.
Traditional activities included the always
popular Phi Psi Olympics, a contest in
team and individual speed and agility as
well as a date auction, scavenger hunt
and bake-off. This year the event raised
over $1,600. The Kappa Delta Sorority
team finished in first place, followed by
the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and the
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
rounding out the top three.
on the interior finishes of the home.
“Volunteering is very rewarding. It’s
even more meaningful when you can
work side by side with your brothers,”
explained Dan Browe ’08.
The chapter, under the
direction of Brother Austin
Hook ’08, also recently
organized a partnership with
a local Habitat for Humanity
build. Twelve brothers
volunteered periodically and
through their experience
they were able to make a real
impact on one local Valpo
family.
The brothers concentrated
most of their time working
PRESIDENT
Brothers stop taping and painting for a moment to snap
a photo during a recent volunteer effort.
have a
share
in the
wolfcall
1998
CHAPTER ADVISOR
Kevin Marks ’92
Indianapolis, Indiana
FACULTY ADVISOR
Ruth Connell, Associate Professor
of Library Services
Valparaiso, Indiana
1995
Kevin Jessen ’98
Libertyville, Illinois
VICE PRESIDENT FACILITY OPERATIONS
Erik Johnson ’93
DeWitt, Iowa
VICE PRESIDENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
Brent Clark ’01
Indianapolis, Indiana
TREASURER
Bruce Morgan ’06
Eagan, Minnesota
SECRETARY
Ben Nicol ’00
Indianapolis, Indiana
2009
Currently, the committee is seeking
volunteers to fill several positions
including Finance Counselor,
Fraternity Education Counselor,
Alumni Relations Counselor
and Membership Counselor. If
you have expertise in any of the
aforementioned areas or just want
to lend a hand, please contact Kevin
Marks, the current Chapter Advisor,
at [email protected].
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2007
AT-LARGE
Jamie Acton ’88
Valparaiso, Indiana
AT-LARGE
Zach Albers ’04
N. Judson, Indiana
1993
PRESIDENT
Samuel Zucker ’09
New Carlisle, Indiana
VICE PRESIDENT
Jacob Steuer ’09
Alpharetta, Georgia
TREASURER
Randy Olson ’10
Tinley Park, Illinois
RECORDING SECRETARY
Benjamin Friedman ’09
Cedar Lake, Indiana
CORRESPONDING
SECRETARY
Drew Turro ’09
Kankakee, Illinois
CHAPLAIN
Adam Dickey ’10
St. Louis, Missouri
SERGEANT AT ARMS
Eric Mozynski ’10
Bellingham, Massachusetts
AT-LARGE
Kevin Marks ’92
Indianapolis, Indiana
AT-LARGE
Seth Teply ’99
Mound, Minnesota
Alumni Updates
undergraduates
fall 2010 chapter GPA
education
philanthropy hours
completed this semester
This year’s theme titled “Girls, Girls, Girls” focused on the
relationship between two college sweethearts. Songs such
as “My Heart Will Go On” (Titanic), “You Got a Friend
in Me” (Toy Story), and even “Teenage Dream” by Katy
Perry brought the house down. Brother Jeff Wulliman ’09
emphasized the importance of having fun and pleasing the
crowd during the chapter’s practice sessions saying, “It’s
not always about having the most complicated or most
synchronized choreography or moves. We do well every
year because we all have fun, and it shows!”
HISTORIAN
Nathan Maassel ’10
Saint Leonard, Maryland
MESSENGER
Jesse Fosheim ’10
Green Bay, Wisconsin
1992
2
13
from Indiana
DONATED
3.07
559
majors
undergraduate members
live in the chapter house
1991
majors
majors
47
$1,000
to charities last semester
2
38
in epsilon sings its heart out
Looking to defend its winning Songfest title and previous
“most entertaining” and “crowd-pleasing” awards the
chapter looked to the arena floor this May to battle
against other campus organizations. Songfest, the
culmination of Spring Week, is a longtime Valpo tradition.
Teams develop and choreograph a song and dance
routine, complete with costumes, and perform in front of
their peers and judges.
Although, Phi Psi did not take home first place this year,
its performance received rave reviews. Traditionally, the
chapter’s songfest routine tells a story through the music
and choreography. In 2009, the chapter’s performance
included songs centered on a student’s freshman year.
Last year the group chose songs about love.
Chapter Officers
House corporation
Board Members
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The Wolfcall is published by
the Indiana Epsilon House
Corporation. We are always
interested in hearing your
latest news, stories and event
announcements. Pictures
and updates are welcome at
all times.
Communications should
be directed to
The Wolfcall
PO Box 80095
Indianapolis, IN 46280
or emailed to
[email protected].
atthew Christian was appointed to Assistant Vice
M
President for Program Development in the Office
of the Vice President for Research and for National
Laboratories at the University of Chicago in
July 2010.
evin Marks accepted a position with the Phi Kappa
K
Psi Fraternity in Indianapolis, IN as the Director of
Alumni Services.
odd Varness joined chapter eternal on August 2,
T
2010 after battling cancer.
Marriage: Michael Jasaitis, October 9, 2010.
Birth:
To Michael and Katie Purse of Carmel, IN:
Annabelle born March 2010.
Marriage:
Kevin Jessen and Erin Whitehead,
September 18, 2010.
evin Jessen accepted a position with Uline in Pleasant
K
Prairie, WI as a Senior .net Developer.
irth: To Dave and Tina Stenberg of Lebanon, IN:
B
Annah Marie born April 28, 2010; joins brothers
Noah, Micah and Elijah.
Mark
Boeckman relocated to Milwaukee, WI and has
begun working for Thrivent Financial.
Joe Connolly’s band, Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys,
releases their new CD “Homegrown” in June 2010.
ryan Van Den Bosch has joined the front office of the
B
Lake County Fielders baseball team.
STAY INFORMED
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY
www.Valpo.edu
NATIONAL FRATERNITY
www.PhiKappaPsi.com
INDIANA EPSILON HOUSE
CORPORATION AND CHAPTER
www.ValpoPhiPsi.org
Chapter Advisory
Committee VOLUNTEERS
INPHISPI_Summer2011Newsletter_Revised8.2011.indd 2