On December 12, 2011, Reserve Officers (and PSK Grand President) Tim Vojtasko (Indiana University of Pennsylvania '85) and Jack Herriot responded to a disorderly call.  Shortly after arriving on the scene, the two were informed that a vehicle was blocking the street.  As they approached, the vehicle which was on a steep hill, the driver opened the door and stepped out.  As he stepped out of the vehicle it began to roll backwards, knocking him to the ground and underneath the moving vehicle.

Reserve Officer Vojtasko quickly ran behind the vehicle and began to push it forward in an attempt to prevent it from rolling over the driver. Reserve Officer Herriot quickly jumped inside and activated the emergency brake.  Once the vehicle was stopped, Officer Herriot cautiously pulled the driver who was unconscious from under the vehicle. Reserve Officers Vojtasko and Herriot assisted in rendering aid to the driver until the arrival of EMS who transported him to George Washington University Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

If not for the quick reaction of Reserve Officers Herriot and Vojtasko this incident could have been fatal.    

Officer Jack Herriott and Steven Vojtasko (Maryland '87) were recognized with a Life Saving Medal.  The medal was presented by Chief Cathy Lanier, Assistant Chief Patrick Burke and Commander Richard Southby. 

We are pleased to announce the launching of the Phi Sig Career Center! The Grand Chapter has collaborated with JobTarget to expand the Phi Sig network by providing a new service for current members and alumni alike. On the job board, current members and alumni can search listings and apply for jobs. Phi Sigs who are employers can also post their job openings on the board … another reason why it pays to be a Phi Sig!

Click here to get started!

To advertise a job, contact Executive Director Michael Carey at michael@phisigmakappa.org,or by phone at 317-573-5420.

 

The University of the Pacific is seeking qualified applicants interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Leadership with emphasis in Student Affairs.  They are also hiring Greek Residence Directors for the 2012-2013 school year as part of the graduate assistantship program which comes with full tuition remission. 

Click here for the PDF with more information.

The brothers of Iota Pentaton raised over $1,000 through their week-long philanthropy event appropriately named, "Phi Sigma Kappa: 1st Annual Sausages for the Special Olympics." The event consisted of selling hot dogs and having hot dog related games. The brothers said the event brought out a lot of friendly competition among the fraternities and sororities of Cal State/ Fullerton.

They had games that involved both sororities and fraternities throwing hot dogs to one another, accuracy game tosses, and ended the week with a hot dog eating contest. The winners were given points based on the ranking of each game they played, and at the end of the week, the winner was determined based on ranking in the games, purchasing hot dogs and donations to the Special Olympics.

The brothers are exceptionally proud of this event because it generated a lot of buzz around campus and had a big turnout, with little cost.                                                                   

One of the hot dog eating contest at Iota Pentaton's 1st Annual Sausages for Special Olympics.

Participants partake in a hot dog toss to raise money for Special Olympics.

After months of planning and preparation, the Phi Deuterons of the University of Kentucky successfully hosted the annual Polar Plunge for the first time on a college campus in the state of Kentucky on Saturday, November 12. After raising over $3,000 and participating in the event last year, the Phi Sigs came up with the idea to host the event themselves. This year, the event attracted 65 participants and raised over $4,000, with money still coming in.

The Polar Plunge consists of participants, some whom dress in costumes, jumping into ice-cold water to raise money for Special Olympics. The event was put together by the Phi Deut’s Philanthropy Chair, Seth Fortenbery, and Special Olympics Coordinator, Dylan Murphy.

For full media coverage, please visit http://kykernel.com/2011/11/13/first-time-freezing-fraternity-hosts-campus-polar-plunge/.

The Phi Deuteron Chapter showing their Most Outstanding Chapter award banner at the Polar Plunge.
 

Participants taking the plunge into the freezing water to raise money for Special Olympics.
 

The International Headquarters will be closed Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will re-open Monday, November 28 for regular business hours.

The Omega Deuteron colony at the University of Southern California is set to recharter this winter. The Banquet will be held December 3.

 

The Fraternity’s Grand Council has made the decision to close two chapters - Chi Triton/Arizona State and Epsilon Rho/ Henderson State.

While decisions such as this are often difficult, the Grand Chapter must stay true to its commitment to enforcing policy. These policies are in place to better our members, and in turn, our community. As Phi Sigs, we hold our members to higher standards, and encourage the growth and development of character through the respect and compliance of our policies.

The Grand Chapter wishes the students who remain at the schools the best of luck in their current and future endeavors. It is also the ultimate hope of the Grand Chapter to re-establish the chapters at a time in the future.

Phi Sig’s from Radford’s chapter dressed up as Zombies on Oct. 15 at a university soccer game to hand out information on an upcoming benefit to fight hunger.

The event is called a “Feeding Frenzy,” and asks people to bring a canned good and dress like a zombie. The food collected will go toward Feeding America Southwest Virginia.

The Feeding Frenzy will be held Saturday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Draper Mercantile & Trading Company in Draper, VA.

The Gamma Tetarton chapter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is residing in a newly purchased building this year thanks to their alumni association, who purchased a former rectory and church, and is planning to renovate the church into a useable space for the community.

"We really want to change that stereotype that fraternities have. And really make it more of a community instead of an Animal House," said Phi Sig, Jim Frosell.

As of now, 10 Phi Sigs live in the new fraternity house, but after renovations, it will be able to house 26 brothers.

For the full story, please visit http://saratoga-north.ynn.com/content/top_stories/561322/rpi-fraternity-has-new-home/
 

Court of Honor Member Tony Fusaro visited the Mu Hexaton Chapter at Radford University last weekend to give the Phi Sigs lessons in Fraternity rituals, and according to their Chapter Adviser, Wayne Slusher, “It was, by all accounts from the chapter, the most significant fraternity-related session they’ve attended.” By the end of Tony’s time there, the Phi Sigs were calling the weekend “Ritual Boot Camp.”

“It was a very positive spin from the guys,” said Slusher.

While other chapters were invited, only Mu Hexaton members were able to attend. The chapter and the new associates met with Tony for several hours Friday night and then went out to dinner after. On Saturday, the group started at 10 a.m., broke an hour for lunch and then went until 3:30 p.m.  That night, the group went to one of the houses for a cookout for Tony. At the end of the weekend, Tony was given a Radford University shirt by the chapter president, along with a handshake and a thank you at the end from each member.

“I can certainly attest that it was well worth it in every respect,” said Slusher. “I don't think Tony left any rock unturned, nor any aspect fully explained, not one question unanswered.”

At the annual meeting of the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation this past August in New Orleans, the Trustees approved an aggressive agenda for this fiscal year and a three-year strategic plan. To exceed our goals, a fresh new approach is needed.   

I am excited to announce some staff changes within the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation.

Kathy Cannady has been appointed to the position of Director Foundation Relations and Services.  In this new role, Kathy will be primarily responsible for developing and implementing various communication, cultivation, and solicitation strategies; managing a tracking system for (major) donors and prospects; and working closely with the Trustees, staff, and other key volunteers to identify and qualify prospects to support the Foundation.  Additionally, this role will oversee all the Foundation communication efforts, including, but not limited to the Foundation portion of the website, donor mailings and Foundation e-newsletters and the Foundation sections of the Signet and developing any written materials, manuals, pamphlets, or other technologically efficient media, as needed for increased awareness of the Foundation’s vision, mission, and/or goals.  Kathy’s 25 years on staff with the Grand Chapter make her an ideal person for this new role. 

Jim Ratliff (Ball State ’89) has been appointed to the position of Director of Development and Alumni Engagement.  In Jim’s new role, Jim will assist with the fundraising program - some activities may include managing parts of the annual fund, solicitation of (major) gifts, and planned giving.  Jim will also be tasked with managing Foundation alumni activities; assisting with the organization and implementation of area alumni/donor receptions as budgeted; provide phone and written correspondence assistance to chapters and alumni clubs on alumni issues; and developing and implementing various cultivation and solicitation strategies for pre-determined set of alumni.

Please join me in congratulating both Kathy and Jim in their roles. 

Michael Carey
Executive Director
 

      Brothers from the Mu Hexaton chapter at Radford University make a difference through their sponsorship of exit 109 on Interstate 81 in Radford, VA. Twice a month, the Phi Sigs donate their time and effort by cleaning up and preserving their quarter mile, in addition to the mandatory clean-up that is required by the school. “We clean up the mess that others leave,” said Mu Hex’s President, Brannon Ayers. “We do this to show the community that we want to keep the city clean for everyone.”

      At the last roadside cleanup, on Sept. 24, the chapter also had a table set up asking for signatures of people pledging to abstain from using the word “retard” with a negative connotation, in support of the Special Olympics. The Phi Sig’s obtained over 1,600 signatures, and they are planning on compiling the signatures in a special way as a gift to the local chapter of Special Olympics in Radford.

For those chapters not taking advantage of our discount program, here is a checklist of the things the chapter needs to complete before the final deadline of October 15:

• Insurance Fee: This should be submitted to the insurance carrier, not the International Headquarters. Chapters should have received an invoice from HRH Willis with the exact amount. They have been emailed to chapter presidents and treasurer as well as physically mailed. For questions, please contact Director of Fraternity Operations Kenny Rogers at kenny@phisigmakappa.org by October 15.
• Census Fees: A census fee of $50/man by October 15.
• Convention/Leadership School/Conclave Assessment: The conclave assessment is $60, while the leadership school/convention assessment is $150, by October 15.
• Opening of School Report: This report is found on the officer portal. It must be completed online by the chapter secretary by October 15.

If you want to take advantage of the Grand Chapter’s bonus program, in which your chapter will receive a credit on your Grand Chapter account for 7 percent of your insurance bill, you must complete the following items by October 3:

• Pay your full insurance invoice to Willis by October 3
• Remit payment in full for your census invoice by October 3
• Remit payment for the conclave and leadership school/convention assessments by October 3
• Submit the Opening of School Report through the Officer Portal (http:officerportal.phisigmakappa.org) by October 3

Again, those chapters that fulfill these requirements will receive a credit on their Grand Chapter account which totals 7 percent of their insurance bill.

Please note that chapters on payment plans or with past due receivables are NOT eligible for this program unless the chapter can pay the payment plan in full.

Patton Boggs LLP is seeking dedicated students with an interest in public policy and government relations to fill unpaid internship positions for the spring of 2012. Patton Boggs LLP is consistently ranked as the top government relations firm in Washington, DC, with a reputation for cutting-edge advocacy before Congress and the Executive branch. As an AMLAW 100 firm, Patton Boggs also has outstanding litigation, business transaction and intellectual property practices.

This internship program is available through the firm’s Public Policy Department, though participants will have the chance to be exposed to other areas of legal practice.

Applicants are accepted from all academic majors but should be able to demonstrate an interest in public policy or the law as a future career path. Previous government-related internship experience is recommended although not required. Eligible applicants must be in their junior or senior year of their undergraduate education.

The internship will take place over 12-16 weeks, beginning in January and ending in May. Applicants are required to secure academic credit for their internship.

To apply, eligible applicants must send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to Jessica Pung at  jpung@pattonboggs.com by 5 p.m. on Friday November 4.

The deadline for the fall issue of the Signet has been set for September 9. Please submit all articles for chapter news or alumni news by that time. The magazine is set to be published the last week of October.


 

The International Headquarters will be closed Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. The office will re-open Tuesday, September 6 at 8:30 a.m.


 

The deadline for submissions to the summer issue of the Signet is Friday, June 17. If you have chapter or alumni news, please send an email to kathy@phisigmakappa.org.

 

The Kappa Tetarton Chapter at Southern Illinois recently took home several honors from the University's Greek Awards. Each chapter is able to obtain one of four levels for each category: Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Bad Standing.

The chapter won 6 gold levels out of 7 categories and was the overall winner for recruitment and retention. The categories included academic programming, recruitment and retention, campus involvement, chapter operations, chapter advisory council and overall chapter. The chapter also won a silver level for risk management.
 

The Omega Septaton Chapter was chartered at Auburn University Saturday, November 20. Grand President Todd Simpson served as the inducting officer for the 43 members of the group. Also on hand were Grand Council Directors Doug Diekow and Tim Vojtasko; Regional Adviser Frank Tortorici; Regional Counselors Tom Childress and Len Gailes; and Regional Leadership Coordinator Justin Linne.

Brothers from the Omicron Deuteron Chapter at the University of Alabama served as the initiation team. They were accompanied by their chapter adviser, Gregg Cagle. Brothers from Clemson, South Carolina and Valdosta were also in attendance.
 

The Grand Chapter is pleased to report that three new colonies have been formed during the beginning of the fall semester.

A total of 21 members were associated Monday, November 1 into the newest colony at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. This group of men joins the Omega Deuteron Colony at Southern Cal and the Chi Hexaton Colony at Virginia Commonwealth to make up Phi Sig's newest groups.

With the financial assistance of the Signet Circle Corporation, the Grand Chapter was able to start a colony of 47 men on the Southern Cal campus. A total of 20 men form the colony at Virginia Commonwealth, which continues to grow.

Watch the winter issue of the Signet for more information on these new colonies.

The Alpha Deuteron Chapter will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding at the University of Illinois on Saturday, November 20. This event is being held in conjunction with the first football game at Wrigley Field since 1971. Illinois will play Northwestern at 2:30 p.m.

Phi Sigs and guests will gather at the Mystic Celt at 3443 N. Southport in Chicago for refreshments and a viewing party. Costs are $50 for alums, $40 for guests and $10 for children. (Guests are limited to 3.)

Purchase tickets at www.phisigs.net/100years. RSVP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147217458640158. For more information, contact Kenny Shogren at kshogren@gmail.com, or Aakash Bhansali at aakashbhansali1681@gmail.com.

Jim Ratliff (Ball State '89) has joined the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation as the GOLD Program Development Officer. He will serve as the primary fundraising contact between the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation and younger alumni through identification and cultivation on a one-on-one basis.

Prior to joining the IHQ staff in Indianapolis, Brother Ratliff served as a channel partner manager with Message Net Systems, based in Carmel, Indiana. He was charged with developing a nationwide product reseller network for a developing technology company.

He serves the Epsilon Tau Chapter as chapter adviser and previously served as alumni club president.

 

The Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation has an immediate opening for a fundraising position.Click here for details.

 

The International Headquarters will be closed Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day. The office will open Tuesday, September 7 for regular hours at 8:30 a.m.(Eastern)
 

During the most recent Grand Council meeting, Grand Council Directors voted to suspend the charter and close the Chi Septaton Chapter at Georgia Southern effective immediately.

The chapter hosted an off-campus social event that included unlimited access to beer (in the form of kegs) and hard liquor.

Additionally, the chapter advertised the social event on Facebook, which prompted the Georgia Department of Revenue to send undercover officers to the event. The chapter president, treasurer and another member have been charged with several offenses and are subject to monetary fines.


 

Executive Director Michael Carey is pleased to announce that Marsha Spears has returned to the professional staff at the International Headquarters in Indianapolis.

Marsha will handle accounting functions and donor records for the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. Her first day on staff was June 1.

Marsha returns to the IHQ having previously worked on staff in the 1980s and 1990s. She managed the database for the Grand Chapter and processed associates, initiates and expulsions.

 

Chapters, colonies and alumni clubs are reminded that applications for 2010 awards should be submitted to awards@phisigmakappa.org by May 15. Click here for applications.

 

All chapters and colonies are reminded to file their Closing of School Report with the International Headquarters by May 5. The form can be found by clicking here.
 

The International Headquarters will be closed Friday, April 2 in observance of Good Friday. The office will resume normal hours at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, April 5.

 

The Chi Triton Chapter and the Phoenix Alumni Club will celebrate the chapter's 60th anniversary at Arizona State on Friday, March 26. All alumni are welcome to attend the Founders' Day dinner at Monti's in Tempe. Social hour will start at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m.

The chapter is doing very well and the undergraduates look forward to attending the event. The cost will be $35 per person, and there will be a cash bar. This will be a brothers-only event, without wives or dates. Call Don Dotts (480/838-4658) for more information.

 

The Grand Council held its mid-year meeting February 26-27 and took action regarding two chapters. The Grand Council suspended the charters of the Tau Hexaton Chapter at Monmouth University and the Epsilon Xi Chapter at Central Michigan.

The Tau Hexaton Chapter was closed due to risk management violations over the course of the last year and the failure to comply with sanctions.

The Epsilon Xi Chapter was closed due to low manpower and a high accounts receivable balance with the Grand Chapter.

The Grand Council also voted to cease recognition of the Omega Colony at the University of California/Berkeley. Low manpower and the inability to progress as a colony were cited as reasons for the withdrawal of recognition.





 

A total of 26 men were initiated into the Psi Septaton Chapter at Valdosta State on Saturday, February 6. A chartering gala was held at the Valdosta State University Center with 131 guests in attendance, including charter members, dates, parents and university guests. Representing the Grand Chapter was Grand President Todd Simpson, Grand Council Director Doug Diekow and Regional Adviser Frank Tortorici. Congratulatory remarks should be sent to Chapter President Josh Boston at jeboston@valdosta.edu.

 

The Xi Deuteron Alumni Association will host Founders' Day 2010 Saturday, March 27 at Maggiano's Little Italy on West End Avenue in Nashville. RSVP and advance payment is required. The cost is $35 for dinner only or $75 for dinner and a Founders' Day golf shirt. Dinner will be held for the first 200 to RSVP. For more information, contact Dale Akins at 865/693-5066 or dakins@themarketedge.com.


 

Temperatures are at record low levels across the country. Pipe freeze and breakage can cause displacement of students from chapter houses. Please be sure to run faucets with a small stream to keep water moving to avoid freezing. For more information, click here.

 

The colony at Valdosta State will become the Psi Septaton Chapter on February 6. Grand President Todd Simpson, Grand Council Director Doug Diekow and Regional Adviser Frank Tortorici will represent the Grand Chapter at this historic event.

 

The deadline for submissions to the winter issue of the Signet is December 14. All chapters, colonies and alumni clubs are welcome to submit items for the upcoming issue, which will be mailed on January 29.

 

The Grand Chapter is proud to announce that it has colonized a group of 29 men at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. The Ritual of Association was conducted on November 1 and facilitated by Grand Council Director Doug Diekow (Florida AI), Regional Adviser Frank Tortorici (Alabama '60), Regional Counselor Tom Childress (Alabama '08) and a ritual team from the Omicron Deuteron Chapter at the University of Alabama. The Grand Chapter is pleased to be colonizing at an institution with a rich tradition of Greek life. Congratulatory notes can be sent to Colony President M.V. Young at mvy0001@auburn.edu.

 

Chapters and colonies are reminded to check the Risk Management section of the Collegiate Portal for information pertaining to Risk Awareness Week. The certification form is due to the International Headquarters by November 15.

 

Census fees are due to the International Headquarters by October 15. Insurance fees are also due to HRH Willis by October 15.

 

The International Headquarters will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. The IHQ will be open Tuesday, September 8 for regular office hours.

 

Larry Messing (Memphis '99) has joined the staff at the International Headquarters as Director of Alumni and Development. His primary responsibility will be fundraising for the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. Brother Messing was previously the President of Junior Achievement of Rockford, IL, a position he held since 2005. He was also a former Development Manager for Junior Achievement in Colorado Springs, CO.

 

   The Omega Colony was re-established Friday, March 13 at Cal/Berkeley. Regional Counselor Zach Jacobson and Fraternity Operations Specialist Erik Sederstrom represented the Grand Chapter for the re-colonization.
   To celebrate, the new colony hit the Pacific Coast Highway and visited chapters at Cal Poly, UC/Santa Barbara and the Signet Circle Corporation, which was celebrating Founders' Day at USC.
   The Eta Colony was re-established Thursday, April 16 at the University of Maryland. Grand Council Director Tim Vojtasko, Eta Alumni Association President Scott Shaul and Fraternity Operations Specialist Erik Sederstrom represented the Grand Chapter.
   The staff at the International Headquarters publicly thanks the Xi Septaton Chapter at George Mason for helping to recruit on the Maryland campus.


 

The Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation has announced an opening for the Director of Alumni and Development. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for the fundraising efforts of the Foundation, to include the annual fund, major gifts and planned giving. This position will also be responsible for coordinating alumni programs. The Director of Alumni and Development will report directly to the Executive Director of the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation.

Click on the link at the bottom of the home page for more information and a complete description.

 

     Hi. I'm Todd Simpson, Grand President of Phi Sigma Kappa.
     March 1, 2009 marks the 136th Anniversary of the founding of Phi Sigma Kappa. 136 years of commitment. 136 years of Brotherhood.
     I wonder what our founders would think if they saw Phi Sigma Kappa today? I wonder what Big Chief Barrett or Jabez Clay would say if they saw our re-designed website or our cyber footprint on Facebook or LinkedIn?
     What would our founders say to the expansion opportunities for Phi Sig at campuses like Cal/Berkeley or Maryland or the many other institutions where the Fraternity is working to raise the Phi Sig flag?
     What would they say to our structure of nationwide volunteers who counsel and advise and mentor our collegiate brothers? Men like Regional Adviser Dave Schell, Chapter Adviser Scott Christopher or Alumni Club President Chad Burney.
     What would our founders say to the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation or Phi Sigma Kappa Properties . . . separate corporations dedicated to serving the Grand Chapter and our members through educational funding and housing?
     What would they say to our dedication to the Cardinal Principles and our defined core values like Valuing Brotherhood Above Self or Demanding Excellence?
     Or what would our founders say to the largest and most successful merger in the 233 year history of the college fraternity movement . . . .the 1985 Merger between Phi Sigma Epsilon and Phi Sigma Kappa.
     What would our founders say? I think they'd look at the spirit of Brotherhood in our chapters and the dedication of our members and say . . . "I'm Damn Proud to be a Phi Sig."
     On behalf of the Grand Chapter I want to say happy Founders' Day, brothers. Let's let the 137th year of Phi Sigma Kappa be the best cycle ever!



 

     One of the most enjoyable aspects of being the Grand President is sharing all the interesting history and snippets of information about Phi Sigma Epsilon and the Merger. Not only was the merger between Phi Sigma Epsilon and Phi Sigma Kappa the largest and most successful merger in the history of the North American Interfraternity Conference (and still is), but is was also the beginning of a new era of Phi Sig brotherhood stretching across the country.
     I enjoy sharing the heritage of Phi Sigma Epsilon with my collegiate brothers, and I take great satisfaction in their keen interest in the Epsilon history of their Fraternity.
     February 20, 2009 marks the 99th Anniversary of the founding of Phi Sigma Epsilon. As I consider the date, I look back on the Merger with pride and conviction that when Phi Sigs put our minds . . . and our hearts . . . into something, there is truly nothing beyond our reach.
     Happy birthday, Phi Sigma Epsilon!

R. Todd Simpson, EI '86
Grand President