2024-25 Scholarship Recipients & Keynote

We’d like to congratulate the 21 brothers from 14 chapters who received scholarships for the 2024-25 Academic Year from the Psi Upsilon Foundation, including four graduate awards! Below is the list of recipients based on their award.

We held an online announcement for the Scholarship recipients on May 2nd hosted by the Psi Upsilon Foundation’s Chair and President, Alex Senchak, Eta ’06 (Lehigh), and our keynote speaker John Song, Omega ’91 (Chicago), offered comments on how Psi Upsilon has positively affected his life. You can view a transcript of that speech below.

We would like to thank all the generous donors to the Annul Fund and everyone who has helped make these named scholarships possible. Since 1959 The Psi Upsilon Foundation has awarded over 1.2 million dollars in scholarships to our members because of the generosity of our donors! As we are approaching the end of our fiscal year, please make a gift to support the scholarships and programs of Psi Upsilon today. If you already have, check here to see if your company will double your impact with a matching gift.

Graduate Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

Psi Upsilon was pleased to give out 21 scholarships this year!

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Psi Upsilon Foundation Scholarship Announcement Keynote 

THE BONDS

We have a bond.

Let’s face it, a fraternity can include a bond which is a roller coaster ride? From the drama of roommate squabbles to the delicate dance of navigating group projects, relationships in college can be… let’s say, eventful.

But despite the occasional turbulence, we must never lose sight of the fact that relationships are, indeed, a precious commodity. They enrich our lives, challenge our perspectives, and shape our futures in ways we may not even realize. Whether it’s the friendships forged over late-night study sessions or the mentorship of a wise professor, each connection we make adds depth and meaning to our journey.

And speaking of journeys, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the incredible odyssey each of our brother-scholars has embarked upon to reach this moment. The late nights spent poring over textbooks, the caffeine-fueled study sessions, the triumphs and setbacks—these are the building blocks of success, and each one of you has navigated them with grace and determination.

But of course, none of us reaches this level of achievement alone. Behind every scholar, there is a network of support—family, friends, mentors—who have stood by us through thick and thin, cheering us on when we needed it most. So tonight, let us not only celebrate our brother-scholars but also extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have helped them along the way.

Now, brotherhood, this bond, does not mean blind loyalty.  If a brother messes up, we call him on it.  And, I have been called out several times, thankfully. We hold each other accountable.  Because true fraternity pushes you to be a better human.  Thank you Brother Sam Tinaglia!

PSI-U FOR LIFE

Brotherhood at Psi Upsilon is also about timelessness.  Brother Alexander Senchak coined the phrase, ”Psi-U for LIFE.”  Psi U does not end at college graduation.

A little bit on my journey, after I graduated college, I disengaged from Psi-U.  In fact, I viewed college and Psi-U with a little more than slight disdain, something in my past, because if I did grasp onto Psi-U, it felt as if I was not maturing.  

Thankfully, I returned later in life; Psi-U was there.

Piece of advice: do not make my mistake.

Because here’s the thing, brothers: brotherhood evolves.  As we graduate, step into careers, and navigate the uncharted waters of adulthood, the nature of our connection changes.  The late-night calls might be about deadlines instead of Doordash, the pep talks might be for job interviews instead of keg stands, but the core of our bond – that sense of shared experience, unwavering support, and genuine camaraderie – that stays the same.

Shared experience and perspective.  Brother AE of the Beta Beta chapter, Trinity College was introduced to me by a brother from the Omega, UChicago. I was chest deep in operations at a portfolio company. Brother AE came onboard and helped me resuscitate that company. He helped turn around an operation that was on life support. Brother AE bailed me out.  And all Brother AE does is thank me for the opportunity to work together. He thanks me?!?

In the early days of your career, this brotherhood is your launchpad.  It’s the network you can tap into for advice, the shoulder to cry on when that dream job application gets rejected (it happens to the best of us!), the cheering section that celebrates your first promotion or big client win.

As life throws its inevitable curveballs – marriages, mortgages, the occasional office crisis – our brotherhood becomes your support system. 

A story of support… There is Brother B who was blind-sided in the politics of the office.  Brother B came with energy, experience, and vulnerability to a Psi U event. Brother B engaged and asked for help. As simple as that.  Brother Patrick Gilrane of the Psi led the charge to help.  We coached Brother B on how to navigate those rough office waters.  With Brother B’s hard work and a little dash of support, Brother B is now at a fantastic new chapter of his work life.  Thank you, Brother Patrick Gilrane.   

PRIVILEGE OF OUR BOND

Now that we have spoken of the bond, let’s talk a little about the privilege of the bond.  I know that “privilege” is an uncouth word these days.  But grant me some license here. We receive a privilege in being members of Psi Upsilon.  The privilege that we hold as Brothers of Psi Upsilon is the bond that we enjoy and the responsibility that we carry.  

This privilege and responsibility is a burden. We have been blessed with opportunities that many can only dream of.  We have also been blessed by this burden to continue the privilege.  Nay it is our duty to pay it forward.  

And here is an example.  Brother Doug Hahn, an Omega, showed tremendous graciousness. I had committed more than a faux pas at a public event hosted by Brother Doug Hahn.  We did not speak for years.  But at a Psi U event, Brother Hahn paid it forward, forgave everything, accepted me with grace. We chatted without skipping a beat.  Talk about paying it forward.  Talk about bearing that burden.

So when we talk about privilege and the burden of Psi U,

I am thrilled to bear this burden!

PSI U FOR LIFE

My fellow Brother-scholars, as you embark on the next chapter of your journey, remember this: the bonds we forge, the causes we champion, and the impact we make on society—these are the true markers of our legacy. And as you continue to strive for excellence, may you always do so with humility, integrity, and a generous spirit.

Congratulations, brother-scholars, on this well-deserved honor. The world awaits your brilliance, and I have no doubt that you will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for generations to come.  And Psi Upsilon is here to provide fellowship and support for all  stageS of your life.  So I challenge you to bear your burden of brotherhood throughout your journey. And we will be reaching out to you for help. But also be there for your support. 

PSI-U FOR LIFE

There are so many more brothers that deserve recognition in tonight’s speech.  You know who you are. 

With great anticipation, I humbly say YOURS IN THE BONDS!