Phi Kappa Psi - Alumni Blog

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Relay for Life

2008-04-20T14:57:00.001-07:00

The Phi Kappa Psi Relay for Life team raised $2548 for the American Cancer Society!

Relay for Life is an event sponsored by ACS with the purpose of supporting cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers, and remembering those who have lost their fight with cancer. All monies raised go to support the operations of the American Cancer Society.

Over half of our 61 undergraduate members participated in the event. As a member of Colleges Against Cancer, Brother John Sharkey served as Logistics Co-Chair of the event. According to Brother Sharkey, over $160,000 was raised by 1,800 participants this year, despite the event being cut short due to rain and a move to the Palestra.

The team thanks generous family members, friends, and alumni for their donations on our behalf.

Phi Psi brothers at Relay for Life

-Brother VGP

Softball Intramurals

2008-04-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

After a Spring of consistent rain on weekends, the Intramural Softball Season was compressed into a single elimination tournament. The Phi Psi team represented itself well by reaching the semifinals before dropping an 8-3 decision. Highlights of the tournament include an 11-9 win over DKE.

-Brother VGP

Help with Passage of Collegiate Housing Act

2008-04-03T14:06:00.001-07:00

The North-American Interfraternity Conference and Phi Kappa Psi are asking all brothers and alumni to help support the lobbying and passage of HR-643/S. 638 The Collegiate Housing Act. In short it will allow 501.3(c) status for making grants to the chapter to upgrade critical infrastructure. More details and information on lobbying your congressman can be found at http://www.fraternalcaucus.org/ .

-Brother GP

Whole Brotherhood (mostly)

2008-04-03T13:46:00.001-07:00

Taken just moments after initiation, the current brotherhood of a PA Iota with a few missing brothers. A photo of the new class of brothers and some mini-bios will be up soon.

30th Anniversary Highlights

2008-04-03T13:28:00.001-07:00

After months of work and anticipation, the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the chapter arrived on Saturday night and proved to be an outstanding event for alumni and brothers.

The evening opened with a brothers and alumni and meeting at the chapter house for a cocktails and snacks. Though learly eyed and exhausted, the ne wly initiated brothers turned out in force to mingle and meet alumni from 30+ years of PA Iota.

Following cocktails, the brothers and alumni proceeded to UC Sheraton for dinner and some remarks. Courtesy of Brother Lobron ('78), we learned that the Chapter Installation Banquet was held in the very same room 30 years ago. Brother Lobron also treated the assembled brothers to some stories of the early days of PA Iota and proved a gracious guest, entertaining a host of questions on what it was like to be a brother of the newly re-chartered chapter. He also

shared with the brothers some memorabilia from the chapter installa tion. Following Brother Lobron, the group was honored to be addressed by Brothe r Richard Templeton ('71) who shared his recollections of life in the old chapter house and provided some insight on the end of the old chapter. But the highlight of the night was our own, Brother Bill Staples who looked back on 25 years as a brother and chapter adviser and shared his many stories of brothers who ran afoul of the law. As a token of appreciation, the chapter and the alumni presented Bill with a framed picture of the U.S.S. Thresher and baseball tickets for him and his family.

Brother Richard Lobron ('78) shares his recollections of rechartering the chapter

Brother Richard Templeton ('71) talks about the old chapter

Brother Bill Staples ('85) poses with a picture of the U.S.S. Thresher given to him by the undergrads and alumni.

The undergrads of the chapter also took the opportunity to announce new alumni initiatives, including the reorganization of house corp into a wider alumni corporation and the relaunch of the chapter website (www.upennphipsi.com, its still being developed so make sure to check back constantly in the next few months as we improve and expand it). Finally, the brotherhood and alumni joined together for a rousing rendition of Amici and the Phi Psi yell.

Brothers Aaron Peskin, Matt Davis, Fred Beckley, and Greg Benz at dinner

Brothers Staples, Swierk, Weinstein, and Templeton

Four different classes together (Brothers Davis, Stein, Alcorn, and Pelhan)

Brothers and alumni took the celebration back to the chapter house and sharing beers and bonding. Rarely in the history of Phi Psi have alumni of so many generation and brothers bonded or spent such a pleasurable time as they did on Saturday night. We are working to make more pictures from Saturday available and we would like to invite everyone to share any comments or stories from Saturday night.

-Brother GP

Perhaps after one beer too many, Brother Davis and Beckley debate the merits of new brother Chris Pynn (left)

Brother Staples grimaces thinking about all the times he bailed a brother out of jail

We can't tell them apart either (in all seriousness Brother Sunny Saxena and new Brother Kirti Patodia)

Housecorp on April 21st

2008-03-30T15:46:00.001-07:00

The semesterly House Corporation meeting will on April 21st at 7pm in the PA Iota chapter house. Passover friendly refreshments will be available.

-Brother GP

Iota At the Greek Awards

2008-03-26T10:52:00.001-07:00

PA Iota represented herself well at last night's greek awards ceremony, winning a chapter award and two individual awards. Brother Jacobson was named the runner-up for "Outstanding House Manager" and Brother Swierk named an "Outstanding Greek Leader." The chapter was also named runner-up for "Outstanding Social and Community Programming." It was an outstanding evening for the chapter.

-Brother GP

Iotans Stumble in the Playoffs

2008-03-24T11:08:00.001-07:00

Despite a strong effort against undefeated Pi Kapp, Penn Iota fell on Wednesday night 46-34. The men of Phi Psi kept the game close in the half with lights out outside shooting, but stumbled in the second half falling to poor ball handling and the athleticism of Pi Kapp.

With the end of the basketball season, however, Phi Psi opens the spring with perhaps its strongest sport, soccer. Coming off a near championship last season and featuring an even stronger squad this year, PA Iota stands a good chance to roll through its division and find itself back in the playoffs.

Support Phi Psi at the Relay for Life

2008-03-24T11:01:00.001-07:00

Help the brothers of Penn Iota take a swing at cancer this year as they walk in the Relay for Life. Hosted by the American Cancer Society, the Relay for Life is an all night event going from 8pm on April 4th to 8am on April 5th. During those twelve hours a brother of Penn Iota will be walking or jogging at all time. All money raised by the team will go to the ACS to help with cancer research. Also, this year the brotherhood will be joined by this years pledge class who will be fielding their own team, giving PA Iota twice the presence that night. To help us in this cause, please visit our team website to donate and help us beat cancer.

-Brother GP

Iotans Return to Playoffs

2008-03-18T15:51:00.001-07:00

In another display of athletic prowess, the men of Penn Iota will open post-season basketball play tomorrow night against Pi Kappa Phi. The Iotans opened the season with an impressive beating of Alpha Chi Ro, then suffered a pair of shorthanded loses, one to powerhouse Tau Epsilon Phi and the other a near miss to AEPi. Penn Iota then closed the season with a physical drubbing of Skulls.

This season Iota, has relied on the stellar play of swingmen Adam Gifford and Clint Dewey along with the outside shooting of sophomore Walker Hawkins. Senior DJ Wallman has run the offense with stellar ball handling, leaving Kris "Yanson" Johnson and John Swierk to split time in the middle. Brothers Joshua Eisenson and Sean Flood have made multiple appearances with the squad.

Relying on stifling defense and hoping for some pop out of an inconsistent offense, the men of Penn Iota stand a fighting chance in the battle versus Pi Kapp.

-Brother GP

Message from Brother Gatschet

2008-03-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

Brothers,

Thanks for the update on the 30th Anniversary dinner. I will be unable to attend, alas California remains too far.

Thought I would take a moment to give an update to the brotherhood on what is going on in my life.

Since graduating University of Pennsylvania, I have gone on to law school and earned my J.D. from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. I passed the CA bar in 2006. Since my bar passage, I have practiced criminal law and work as a prosecutor at the Fresno County District Attorney's Office. Currently, I am prosecuting general felony crimes which range from vehicle burglaries to robberies with the use of a firearm.

In June 2007, Hsinju Ruby Wang and I were married. Brothers in attendance of the wedding included Vinni Ricci, "02", Christopher McLeester, "03" and Daniel Thistle, "03." Ruby and I dated throughout college and she was a pretty constant fixture of the Phi Psi chapter house. Ruby is finishing up her first year of residency in the general surgery residency program at U.C.S.F-Fresno location.

Ruby and I live in Fresno now. Our contact information is:

(Contact upenniota@gmail.com for contact info)

Please make my contact information known. Should any brothers, alumni or current, be forced to make a stop in Fresno for work or interviews, my small apartment (we are looking for a house at the moment) is available.

Hope the chapter is doing well,
John Gatschet...
Class of 2003

Brother Lobron and more RSVPs

2008-03-17T12:14:00.001-07:00

The chapter is delighted to announce that along with Brother Schlecker another re-colonization brother, Richard Lobron '78 will be attending the 30th anniversary dinner. Brother Lobron served as the chapter installation chair. Also RSVPing today, Brothers Josh Diamond '99 and Vinod Anantharaman '06. RSVP to upenniota@gmail.com ASAP to reserve your spot.

-Brother GP

More RSVPs

2008-03-17T07:53:00.001-07:00

Time is running out to RSVP for the 30th anniversary dinner. Join the undergraduate brothers and these alumni on March 29th:

Richard Templeton '70
David Schlecker '79
Bill Staples '85
Fred Beckley '86
Matthew Davis '87
Cyrus Mehta '97
John Buchanan '01
Brett Topche '02
Matt Fanno '04
Matthew Lattman '04
David Roman '04
Jeff Hammock '05
Jon Baker '06
Charlie Dan '06
Mike Stein '06
Kyle Williams '07
Dan DeFeo '07

RSVP today to upenniota@gmail.com or call Brother Swierk @ 814-779-9314

-Brother GP

RSVP Update

2008-03-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

Time is running out until the 30th anniversary dinner. So far these brothers have confirmed that they will be attending the dinner, with many more set to RSVP by week's end. Don't miss this special event. Respond to upenniota@gmail.com today to let us know you will be coming.

David Schlecker '79
Bill Staples '85
Fred Beckley '86
Matthew Davis '87
Cyrus Mehta '97
John Buchanan '01
Brett Topche '02
Matthew Lattman '04
Jeff Hammock '05
Jon Baker '06
Kyle Williams '07
Dan DeFeo '07

Mid-Pledging Update

2008-02-26T14:22:00.001-08:00

Four weeks in and the brothers of Penn Iota are pleased to report that all 22 men who signed bids are doing well on their way to being initiated into the chapter.

The pledges are now familiar with basic chapter and fraternity history, values, creed, and how the house operates. They also threw a very successful open party for Valentines Day which was met with good reviews all around. This weekend the pledges will be traveling to New York with the brotherhood to meet New York area alumni and join them for dinner. (If you are interested in attending, email upenniota@gmail.com).

Looking forward, the pledges are putting the finishing touches on their yet unannounced community service event and plans are in the works for the pledges to repaint the stairwell (which is certainly in need of a fresh coat).

If you are interested in attending the 30th Anniversary reception and dinner, please call John Swierk (814-779-9314) or email upenniota@gmail.com

-Brother GP

30th Anniversary Dinner Shaping Up

2008-02-26T14:15:00.001-08:00

With just over a month to the 30th anniversary dinner, plans for dinner are proceeding well. The undergraduate brothers are pleased to be able to welcome alumni to the chapter house at 5:30 pm for a reception. Immediately following the reception at 7pm, dinner will be served at the University City Sheraton.

Bill Staples Retires as Advisor

2008-02-26T14:11:00.001-08:00

Twenty years to the day that Bill Staples became the chapter adviser of Penn Iota, he has decided to retire as chapter adviser to Penn Iota. Between his association as an undergraduate member and as chapter adviser, Bill has been an integral part of Penn Iota for more than 25 of the last 30 years.

Stepping into role of chapter adviser will be Brother Brett Topche, a 2002 graduate from the chapter.

-Brother GP

30th Anniversary Event

2008-02-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

Message from David Schlecker

2008-02-15T20:04:00.001-08:00

I just want to let all Penn Phi Psi-ers know that I am so proud of the way our fraternity has grown over the years. I was a founding member of the re-colonization of our chapter and it was not an easy process. But we managed to get our chapter back and those that took over after us have done a great job.

I enjoyed my years at Penn and every one of you should make an effort to stay in touch with your friends after graduation. Although there will be many distractions once you graduate, it is well worth the effort to stay in touch with your friends.

David Schlecker 1978

Rush Round-up

2008-02-04T19:04:00.001-08:00

With rush finally at an end and all the bids signed, Pennsylvania Iota is proud to announce that 22 new men signed bids of pledge-ship leading to the largest starting class in Penn Iota history. Of the three men who declined Iota's bid, only one choose to pledge another greek house and I'm told that within a few days he openly regretted his choice.

-Brother GP

First Week of Rush

2008-01-20T08:55:00.001-08:00

The first few days of the have come and gone with Penn Iota in the thick of rush. Opening the week with whoppers from Burger King and Crown Fried Chicken, the chapter followed a successful first day of open rush with an even better second day of Ron's Ribs and Mac & Cheese. Iotans and rushes bonded over a few frames of bowling the next night and a spirited game of capture the flag on Saturday afternoon.

With six days of rush remaining, Penn Iota kicks off the homestretch tonight. Current estimates place the chapter at 40 to 30 serious rushes heading into the last week, with the expectation of inviting 30 rushes to the final bid dinner.

-Brother GP

Santa and Phi Psi partner up for CHOP

2007-12-18T17:13:00.001-08:00

For the second straight year, Phi Psi has partnered with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in order to provide toys and supplies this holiday season. Aided by a life size Santa Claus, the brothers of Penn Iota spent several days on Locust Walk collecting donations from the Penn community. Thanks to the generosity of UPenn students, faculty, and staff Penn Iota was able to raise over $675 for the Children's Hospital. The week was highlighted by a group of Iotans serenading the Penn community with a selection of holiday songs.

-Brother GP

Alumni Basketball Game Wrap-up

2007-11-11T12:41:00.001-08:00

On this cold November morning, the annual tradition of the alumni/undergraduate was revived in fine fashion as an alumni squad dropped two straight games in the best of three series. An inside/outside combo of Brothers Adam Gifford and Walker Hawkins proved too much for squad composed Brothers Tony Peebles, Ross Bruch, Daniel Thistle, Chris McCleester, Aaron Peskin, and Brett Topche.

With another season of Greek League basketball on the horizon, the friendly matches proved to be excellent practice for an undergraduate squad with their eyes on a Greek League championship.

-Brother GP

Phi Psi bows out of playoffs

2007-11-11T12:33:00.001-08:00

Despite a heroic effort all around, the fightin' men of Phi Psi fell to the men of Pike, 13-0 on Thursday night. Doomed by a slow first half, the Iotans roared back to start the second half, sniffing the endzone, only to come up short with a drive killing turnover. Even with stout defense for the second half, the Iotan offense could not get it done against a fast Pike defense. Thus ends another Greek League football season for the men of Phi Kappa Psi. -Brother GP

Brother Staples in Russia

2007-11-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

For those alumni that don't know, Brother Bill Staples and his wife left for Russia last weekend hoping to adopt a little Russian girl to complete their family. Despite the cold and looming threat of secret police, Brother Staples has kindly managed to update Brother GP on the course of his travels:

From Nov. 4th:

'John,

I will be on a train between St Petersburg and Moscow when you are having the chapter meeting.

We tried to go to a hockey game in St Petersburg on Fridaynight but it was sold out. There were tons of college aged kidsdrinking heavily just outside the stadium. Bottles were everywhere.

Yesterday I tried some green ice cream and I think that it wasseaweed flavored. For dinner I tried chicken giblits (liver andheart). I needed the beer to cut the taste.

It snowed today in St Petersburg.

Monday we fly from Moscow to Krasnodar and on Tuesday we will visit the orphanage.

Attached is a photo of a controversial statue of Peter the great with a shrunken Marlon Brando looking head.

Bill'

From today (Nov. 7th)

'Today went well. we are awaiting the doctor's word fromDupont-Nemours hospital in regards to the girl we found today. We hadto drive almost 4 hours each way today.

Bill'

Iotans Advance in Playoffs

2007-11-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

In a shocking upset, the twelfth seeded Iotans defeated the fifth seeded men of Phi Kappa Sigma (aka Skulls) by a score of 27-13. With "Bullet Train" Wallman running the option at quaterback, the Fightin' Iotans scored 4 touches, two going to Brother Dan Gallie and a third to Brother Dewey.

On defense, an opportunistic attack resulted in 3 interceptions, a sack, fumble, and several QB hurries.

The Iotans will take the field again Thursday in pursuit of the Greek League Championship.

Alumni Basketball

2007-11-04T10:07:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that the alumni/undergrad basketball game is going to be next Sunday, November 11th. Game starts at noon, so show up at the house a little early to walk over.

-Brother GP

Greek Week Wrap-Up

2007-10-31T08:35:00.001-07:00

Another Greek Week has come and past for the men of Penn Iota. This year the Greek awareness week also managed to coincide with Islam Awareness Week, Terrorism Awareness Week (formerly known as Islamo-Facisim week!), Asian Pacific Heritage Awareness Week, and Respiratory Care Awareness Week. Here's quick snapshot of what the Iotans were up to this year:

-We won the award for sweetest house on campus. Well, not quite, but we did get recognized for having a house GPA above the school average. In celebration we burned all our textbooks....and immediately regretted that.

-Block Party: For the 3rd straight year Penn Iota hosted a dry event during the Greek Week block party. While we other houses were having fire alarms pulled, composites stolen, and a human pyramid made in the middle of the party (seriously.) we were enjoying s'mores and candy with some delightful young women, proving chocolate (and marshmallows) really are the way to a women's heart.

-GLI Happy Hour: We also had a chance to spend some time with this year's "Gentlemen, Leaders, and Innovators" Scholarship candidates. 10 GLI candidates joined us to hang out, watch the World Series, and enjoy a few beverages. The scholarship process will finish this year with a date party downtown on the 6th of December. The scholarship chair tells me that its going to be an exceptionally tough decision this year because he lost the applications and doesn't remember their names (note: that may be grossly untrue).

-The Greek Week Community Service Event was postponed because of rain. Never ones to be frightened of rain (so long as it isn't acid rain) a group of Penn Iotans did brave the elements to help out at the UCHC Soup Kitchen on Friday night. We'll be heading back again this Friday (and every Friday)... mostly cause we're craving fish sticks and peas.

Brother GP

A Who's Who in the house

2007-10-27T17:47:00.001-07:00

As Brother GP is bored and looking for a way to kill some time at the library, here's a brief primer to the officers in the house right now:

GP - John Swierk, 5th year senior doing a dual degree in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering. Plans for next year include getting married on May 31st, 2008 and a graduate school for materials chemistry thereafter. Former VGP, AG (alumni relations), and risk management chair. When not inspiring quiet confidence in the brotherhood, he spends his time performing improv comedy. Currently killing time in Van Pelt library blogging about Penn Iota undergrads.

VGP - Jeff Weinstein, Senior doing a dual degree in Economics and Computer Science and Engineering. Plans to stick around for a fifth year to follow in the illustrious footsteps of the current GP. Former P and finance chair, current house mom.

AG - Matt Wang, Junior in Wharton. Hails from Salt Lake City, big into the Indie Rock scene. Matt was P last school year, but has moved up in the world to being top dog in alumni relations. Currently planning a plethora of events and a big 30th anniversary shin dig.

P - Dan Irwin, Sophomore dual degree in Wharton and Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Tragically, Dan is a passionate Cleveland sports fan who is desperately trying to forget what happened in the 2007 ALCS...and the 1997 World Series...and The Shot...and, well you get the picture. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19073240?pg=4#spt_070606_cleveland_woes)

Social Chair - Clint Dewey, Junior in Urban Studies. Clint comes from a long line of UPenn Dewey's, stretching back to Elias Dewey in 1879. Known more for his achievements outside the classroom than inside, Clint is currently chairing a very busy social calendar. When not tracing his ancestral alumni, Clint hits the links with the UPenn golf team.

Brotherhood Chair - Tyler Davis, Senior in Wharton. Currently recouping from a broken ankle courtesy of rugby, Tyler hails from the heart of Texas. A one time GP, rush chair, and social chair, Tyler is also captain of the Penn Rugby team. Tyler also happens to be chief embezzler of IFC funds otherwise known as IFC treasurer.

Rush Chair - DJ Wallman, Senior in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. DJ returns as rush chair again this year, making one half of the dynamic rush duo. He's also a former Scholarship Chair and house manager. In his spare time, DJ is an active member of Engineers Without Borders, traveling all over the world improving lives (shameless plug, they always love donations for their good work). DJ is also an avid soccer player, basketball player, and all around sports enthusiast.

Rush Chair - Noah Becker, Junior in History. The musician extraordinare of the house, Noah is an active member of the Pennsylvania 6-5000 comedy acapella group as well as an up and coming trombone player in both the Penn Band and a brass combo of his own making. Over the summer Noah slimmed down into a singer, dancing, comedy machine who hopes to stun freshmen into joining the house with a combo of talent. Noah is also a former recording secretary of the house.

Housemanager/Historian - Alex Jacobson, Sophomore in Urban Studies/Architecture. Resident Danish Carpenter Elf of the house. If it can be built or repaired, Alex is your man...literally. Fresh from freshening up the house, Alex is currently engaged in a project to build a life-sized Santa for the Phi Psi Holiday Community Service project. A writer for the Punchbowl humor magazine and avid member of Penn Ballroom, Alex is known to cut a rug when enjoying a tasty beverage or two.

Community Service Chair - Dave Fernandez, Sophomore in Wharton. One a several Mets fans in the house, Dave enjoys watching his team collapse late in the season. Dave is also and active fire fighter on Long Island and a fantastic bowler.

-Brother GP

Housecorp Date Confirmed

2007-10-27T15:22:00.001-07:00

The Fall 2007 Housecorp meeting has been confirmed for Monday Dec. 3rd @ 7:30pm.

As always some refreshments and appetizers will be served.

-Brother GP

Welcome

2007-10-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Fellow Brothers,

Welcome to the Phi Psi Alumni blog. We're coming up with better ways of keeping in touch alumni as well as brothers still here at Penn. Hopefully you will contribute by posting an update about how you are doing as well as pass the message along to other people in your class.

Also check here for messages from the chapter as well as events and other updates.

To post to this blog:

Email your entry to phipsi.upenn.blog@blogger.com and it will be posted automatically.

Welcome back!