A SHARED VISION FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES

At the 81st Grand Arch Council this past summer, Hunter’s Fund was selected as Phi Kappa Psi’s official national philanthropy. But let’s start from the beginning…

It all started with a vibrant and passionate young man named Hunter. Son to a proud Phi Psi and founding member from the University of Alabama, Hunter embraced the family legacy and joined the New York Beta Chapter at Syracuse University. His decision was not based on legacy alone. Hunter met with guys from the different fraternities on campus and found brotherhood in Phi Psi.

He was getting ready to enter his junior year at Syracuse, when the unthinkable happened. Hunter Brooks Watson Syracuse ’15 was a passenger involved in a distracted driving accident and lost his life.

Hunter’s entire pledge class attended his memorial service, and his father’s chapter brothers from Alabama Alpha performed the Rite of Committal at his graveside service. His brothers from Syracuse returned to campus and collected funds to create and administer an on-campus safe driving program.

In 2016, Hunter’s Fund was founded by those who loved him to celebrate Hunter’s life by empowering young people to follow their passions and raise awareness about distracted driving. Through grants, the fund supports emerging talents in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship. Grant recipients, including Phi Psi brothers, have the freedom to pursue unique, self-directed projects, keeping Hunter’s spirit of curiosity and creativity alive.

In addition, using pledge commitments to change behavior, Hunter’s Fund works to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving.

What started as a safe driving program on one campus has spread to campuses across the country hosting Safe Driving Weeks with Phi Psi chapters leading the way. These events inspire students and save lives.

Hunter’s Fund is proud to partner with Phi Kappa Psi as its new official national philanthropy. Together, we aim to develop new programs that engage students, inspire safe driving practices, build leadership, and honor Hunter’s legacy.

By joining forces with Phi Kappa Psi, we hope to inspire more students to create lasting change. Hunter’s legacy serves as a guiding light for these efforts, reminding us all to live fully and make a difference wherever we can, whenever we can.

One shining example of this partnership in action is the rising Clemson University Colony. The brothers at Clemson have turned their relationship with Hunter’s Fund into a year-round effort, hosting safe driving initiatives, organizing fundraising events, and educating their classmates about the importance of pledging not to drive distracted. Their dedication serves as a model for other chapters and demonstrates how student-led initiatives can make a lasting difference.

For more information about Hunter’s Fund and its programs or to donate, visit hunterwatson.org. Help us reach our 2025 fundraising goal of $250,000. This official partnership with Phi Kappa Psi will drive lasting change and save lives.