A GATHERING OF FRIENDS
The 81st Grand Arch Council is in the books. Held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in July 2024, the four-day event welcomed 484 attendees, which included staff and guests. Our undergraduate attendance was at near-perfect numbers with 192 young gentlemen representing 90 chapters and colonies.
Brother Shawn Collinsworth Indiana State ’91 served as a wonderful symposiarch; poignant memories, witty jabs and thoughtful discussion ensued.
Members golfed, reminisced, networked, and got down to the business at hand.
Undergraduates had their own space to mix and mingle when they arrived. During their time away from the general sessions, they swapped T-shirts, made new friends, and challenged each other to lawn bowling.
One gentleman, Eugene Rennells Minn. State – Mankato ’69, was attending his very first GAC at the age of 78. Another, Phil Waddell South Carolina ’72 returned to GAC after a long stretch — 1996 in Charleston, South Carolina. His purpose: to reacquaint himself to be better equipped to volunteer with the upcoming expansions in his home state. Lifetime engagement is what it is all about!
Our guests were treated to scenic tours of industry and artistry and enjoyed a wide variety of local flavor. They were not daunted by rain showers or the high humidity, and their presence — as always — brightened the atmosphere.
Long-time attendees, dedicated members and volunteers were celebrated and cheered. The baton was passed as a new executive board was voted in, and history was made.
Every biennium, the GAC is an experience like no other for the brothers in our strong bond, each unique to its place and time in Phi Psi history.
WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY ABOUT GAC
I had an awesome experience at my first GAC. I was able to meet fellow undergrads and alumni from different universities across the country. I was also able to reconnect with alumni from my local chapter, Tennessee Epsilon, and plan for what alumni involvement could look like in the future. Having my chapter recognized for its hard work since the previous GAC and being recognized as the Undergraduate of the Year was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. My first GAC was an amazing experience that I won’t soon forget, and I am looking forward to attending the 2026 GAC in Scottsdale!
Being able to meet and shake hands with brothers from across the nation really opened my eyes to the sheer scope and range of the Phi Kappa Psi Brotherhood, and it is very encouraging to us as we continue our chartering process.
While the spouses of Phi Kappa Psi alumni brothers are brought together by our husbands’ love of their Fraternity, we have forged our own strong bond by supporting their mission to make a profound impact on the young men of the Fraternity! We look forward to gathering every two years, renewing old friendships, making new ones, and supporting Phi Kappa Psi. I see the spouses and guests of Phi Kappa Psi alumni brothers as support systems; we share the same values and ideals and provide encouragement and motivation. Attending GAC as a guest lets us see the passion and excitement they have for their Fraternity and the positive impact they have on society. And as an added bonus, we really enjoy seeing them in tuxedos!
The GAC was a profound experience, highlighting brotherly love on a national level. I had the privilege of conducting a model initiation for the assembled Brothers. I will do everything in my power to attend future GACs and hope to see everyone in Arizona!
Attending the 81st GAC was an unforgettable experience. The camaraderie, shared values, and incredible energy made it a truly remarkable week. One thing that stood out the most was networking with an alumnus who is working in the same field that I’m studying. GAC has made me unbelievably grateful for the memories and the connections I made. But most of all proud to be a Phi Psi.
I’ve met a friend for life in Kathy (Skrief)! She really enhanced this GAC with her involvement in the Guest Program. I always enjoy getting to know the gang at Headquarters. Thanks!
Brother Tony Hart Indiana State ’22 and I had the utmost honor of representing Indiana Eta at GAC. It was one of those experiences that I will never forget! Meeting my brothers young and old really opened my eyes. Making connections with undergraduates and connections with alumni is something that will help me out when I graduate. I’m very excited for this new administration led by the new SWGP Brother Dumas! And I’m looking forward to Scottsdale, with all seven pools!
As a first-timer, GAC was unforgettable. The mix of learning about the state of the Fraternity and how the individual components function and socializing with other chapters and alumni was the highlight of my summer. Attending has cemented my participation in the Fraternity through undergrad and into alumni status, and it gave me a lot of ideas to implement with our chapter. As a colony member, I didn’t see everything, but I was still very much treated as a brother by everyone. There was no divide of colony vs chapter. At the end of the day, we were all there for the same purpose.