MEMBER MILESTONES

Celebrating talents and achievements of our members, our member Milestones section include thrilling Phi Psi stories. We celebrate with our brothers and their families as they mark momentous occasions in their lives. Amici! We invite all brothers to share their milestones with us for a chance to be featured in future editions of The Shield.

Below is a list of recent milestone submissions from brothers, including those featured in the Summer 2024 issue of The Shield.

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SUBMIT MEMBER MILESTONES

Alabama Gamma – Huntsville

Alabama Gamma received three honors at the university’s IFC Greek Awards: UAH 2024 Chapter of the Year, Most Philanthropic Chapter, and IFC Man of the Year: Jack Stallings ’22.

California Gamma – UC Berkeley

Ken Perscheid ’78 and the Northern California Alumni Association celebrated their third-place finish in the 2024 Chapter Challenge.

California Eta – Cal Poly

In May 2024, Brothers Aidan Dapcevic ’21 and Trevor Sato ’22 completed the Morro Bay 70.3 Ironman Fitness Challenge, which consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.

California Kappa – UC Irvine

Jack Manalo ’22 was inducted into the oldest honor society in the country, Phi Beta Kappa. He was among the top 1% of UCI juniors selected for this honor and joins the likes of many notable alumni and faculty.

Florida Alpha – Florida State

Brett T. Davidson ’92 was appointed February 19, 2024, to the position of associate vice president for development and alumni engagement at The College of New Jersey. In this role, Davidson will be responsible for increasing overall support for the college and overseeing comprehensive and targeted fundraising campaigns. He also will develop goals, strategies and programs for the successful execution of the college’s alumni engagement initiatives.

During the spring semester, Brother Samuel Diaz ’23 was inducted into the SGA Student Senate Hall of Fame for his two years of service and for serving as president of the 75th senate.

Georgia Alpha – Georgia

Wil Bosbyshell ’80 held an interactive art exhibit, Climate Conversations, in the Grand Gallery of the Charlotte (North Carolina) Art League. The exhibit in April 2024 coincided with Earth Day and included a Memory Tree installation. Bosbyshell’s fascination with trees allowed visitors to share in his love for the natural environment and immerse themselves in its textures, colors and designs.

Illinois Theta – UIC

Nathan N. Florendo ’22 represented the chapter and served the community in the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8k run, completing it with a 7.05 min./mile.

Indiana Alpha – DePauw

Dr. Thomas R. Mote ’71 is the president of Tumaini Global Health. (“Tumaini” in Swahili means hope.) Brother Mote, along with some friends from DePauw, founded the nonprofit organization to promote global health education at small, liberal arts schools. Already partnering with Butler, DePauw, Rose-Hulman and Wabash, they are adding Berry, Carleton, Manchester, St. Olaf and Allegheny. For more information on this humanitarian endeavor, visit tumainiglobalhealth.org.

Indiana Beta – Indiana

In July 2024, Preston Gadd ’22 completed the Ironman 70.3 in Muncie, Indiana. In so doing, he raised more than $5,000 for cancer research in honor of his mom.

Indiana Gamma – Wabash

In April, Derek Miller ’20 represented not only his chapter and Phi Psi, but also 600,000 students across 700 U.S. campuses who are members of fraternities and sororities. As part of the Capitol Hill Visit, Miller was able to meet with both Indiana senators and both of his district representatives (IN-3 and IN-4) to discuss the treatment of Greek life members. “Overall, this was a life-changing experience that has definitely opened the door to a future of politics, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Phi Kappa Psi,” said Miller.

Hoyt T. Stafford ’20 accepted an associate project manager position at Bridge Builder Strategies, a nonprofit consulting firm. He will also become an Orr Fellow as the firm is becoming a partner company.

Indiana Delta – Purdue

The end of his presidency did not mark the end of his commitment to the Fraternity and the broader campus community. In the fall of 2023, Aaron Berghoff ’21 felt a profound sense of responsibility to contribute to the safety and well-being of his peers. This led him to collaborate with the Center of Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) and Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life (FSCL) to develop the Event/Sober Monitor Training Module. “I was left feeling like I had more to give,” Berghoff said. “Health and Safety is a major topic in FSCL, and it’s an area I felt compelled to contribute to. With the help of the FSCL and CARE staffs, we were able to create an online Brightspace course.” The app aims to educate students on how to identify safe and unsafe party practices. It includes checklists and guidelines that students can easily access on their phones, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions in real-time. The module not only addresses the logistics of party safety but also connects students with confidential university resources for additional support. Berghoff’s initiative has been met with widespread gratitude from the university community. By addressing a critical aspect of student life, the module can prevent incidents and promote a culture of safety and responsibility.

Indiana Epsilon – Valparaiso

William L. Steinbrecher ’53 celebrated his 90th birthday February 17, 2024, with 80 friends and family members in attendance.

Indiana Theta – IU Indy

The Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) promoted Nick Estrada ’08 to chief executive officer (CEO). Previously, Estrada served CHPA as the deputy CEO.

Indiana Iota – Ball State

Cameron Willson ’21 attended the annual AFLV Leadership Conference, and according to Brother Willson, “It was an amazing experience to meet, connect, and learn from leaders from all around the U.S., who share similar interests in advancing Greek life. The Interfraternity Council is ready to take these new ideas and put them to work here at Ball State.”

Iowa Alpha – Iowa

President Mitch Joines ’22 was awarded the Mary Peterson Award for Fraternity Man of the Year.

Kansas Alpha – Kansas

Jeff Maher ’87 received a six-star medal after completing all the World Major Marathons (to date). Click here for more of his story.

Louisiana Alpha – LSU

Parker G. Brown ’07, and wife Lindsey, welcomed their daughter, Maybeth JoAnn, March 20, 2024.

Louisiana Beta – UL Lafayette

At the spring 2024 FSL Greek Awards, Louisiana Beta received the Best Recruitment and Five-Star Chapter awards, and Dyland Clark ’20 was awarded President of the Year. The Greek Hall of Fame award went to Ayush A. Deshpande ’21.

Maryland Alpha – Johns Hopkins

Philanthropist, business leader, and three- term New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg ’61, was one of 19 individuals presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden during a ceremony at the White House on May 3, 2024.

Mississippi Alpha – Ole Miss

In October 2023, the Coahoma County Football Stadium in Clarksdale, Mississippi, was named after esteemed coach Davey L. Farris Jr. ’72.

New Jersey Beta – Monmouth

In April 2024, Michael Morgan ’23 received the IFC Emerging Leader Award for the 2023-2024 academic year at the Monmouth Hawk Honors Awards.

New Jersey Delta – TCNJ

In the spring of 2024, Brothers from NJ Delta attended the unveiling of the Hero Car at a ceremony in memory of Michael T. Sot ’18.

New Jersey Epsilon – Rowan

Spring 2024 IFC Awards were given to NJ Epsilon for Chapter of the Year and to Edward A. Hernandez ’22 for Fraternity Leadership.

New York Kappa – Oneonta

On August 12, 2023, Evan Englander ’09 was married to Corinne Thaxton in Dayton, Ohio. The Phi Kappa Psi spirit was in the air as brothers from across the country were present to celebrate the nuptials.

Ohio Delta – Ohio State

Brian J. Crosby ’91 won third place in both the Masters 50+ Men’s Classic Physique and Men’s Physique categories at the 2024 NPC Worldwide Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Competition.

Ohio Zeta – Bowling Green

Col. John Gargus ’53 is enjoying retirement in New Hampshire, where he is now writing his last book on the Son Tay Raid of 1970. Brother Gargus also writes articles about Vietnam and does some lecturing. He and his wife, Anita, are celebrating their 66th year together.

Ohio Eta – Toledo

At their Founders Day dinner and celebration, Ohio Eta’s highest honors were presented. Gino V. Menard ’22 received Brother of the Year and Josh S. Lewis ’23 received Brotherhood of the Year. These gentlemen represent the values of their chapter every day.

Ohio Mu – Dayton

Marty Murray ’22 designed his own brand of streetwear called, Redefined After Hours. As a college student, he felt as if his school life was on a routine repeat cycle, so he combined his creative hobbies and skills to redefine what he wants to become, “after hours.”

Ohio Nu – Ohio

During the spring semester, TJ Green ’22 and Jacob Wisenfelder ’22 had the opportunity to compete in one of the top Family Enterprise Case Competitions in the world. They represented Bobcat Consulting Group and Ohio University at the Schlesinger Global – Family Enterprise Case Competition in Vermont. This consisted of 25 teams of students from 12 different countries. Brother Green won the best presenter award in his division for his depth of analysis and conviction.

Ohio Omicron – Muskingum

Sam Vansickle ’21 was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honor society.

Oregon Alpha – Oregon

Robert E. Brasch ’58 is a retired attorney now playing the role of “gentleman farmer” at his Eugene-area farm.

With his business partner retiring, Steve Kokes ’81, will become the sole owner of Coates Kokes, a Certified B Corporation advertising and PR firm in Portland. For the past 24 years, Steve has centered the agency’s work on issues of sustainability, climate change and public health. Clients include Oregon Health Authority, Health Share of Oregon, City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and many others.

Virginia Zeta – Virginia Tech

Spring 2024 award winners include: Emerging Fraternity Leader of the Year – Luke Poteat ’23, IFC President Tommy Callahan ’21 – Fraternity Leader of the Year, and Chapter MVP – Sam Pierce ’21.

West Virginia Alpha – West Virginia

The West Virginia University Board of Governors (BOG) announced its officers for the 2024-25 term, and Rick Pill ’70 was elected as BOG chair. In 2021, he established the Richard and Thelma Pill Family Law Scholarship, primarily for WVU College of Law students who are members of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, and in 2023 was inducted into the WVU Greek Alumni Hall of Fame.