The Delta Omicron Chapter at Purdue University has helped Psi U achieve a new milestone and has become our 50th Chapter. Established as a colony in the Spring of 2016, it received recognition from the University and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) by the following Fall. The chapter expanded to over 30 members in its first two years and transitioned to a Provisional Chapter in April 2019. However, like many organizations, it faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in membership by 2021. Despite these obstacles, the chapter successfully revitalized itself. Last Fall, it submitted a petition that was accepted by the Executive Council and then distributed to the chapters of Psi Upsilon for final approval over the winter.
We’ll be holding a special Installation ceremony this coming Fall to recognize this momentous achievement and all Psi Upsilon brothers will be invited to attend!
First Class in Fall of 2016Initiation and Provisional Chapter Status Granted Fall 2019Anniversary Dinner Spring 2024
The Coat of Arms for the Delta Omicron Chapter was created by our Director of Engagement, Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau, ’00 (Georgia Tech) with the Founding Class in the Spring of 2019.
The valknut emblem signifies the chapter’s commitment to courage and bravery. This symbol also connects to a forge, reflecting their affiliation with the University as Boilermakers. Each v-shape within the emblem represents the Greek letter “Nu,” which has a numerical value of 50. The golden Nu indicates that the Purdue Colony is the 50th Chapter of Psi Upsilon, while the combination of three Nu’s highlights that 2019 marked the 150th anniversary of Purdue University, which was established in 1869. The chapter’s motto translates to “We Create Dreams.”
The Epsilon Nu and Phi chapters are bringing back the Great Lakes Founders Day Dinner and all members of Psi Upsilon, from any chapter, are encouraged to attend!
Mark your calendar for Friday, March 21, and get ready to gather at the Lochmoor Country Club in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Meet our new pledges, active members, alumni and leadership of both chapters and enjoy dinner and drinks at the first Founders Day since 2019.
Psi Upsilon Fraternity has announced a new initiative to strengthen leadership and governance within its organization through Aboveboard for Student Leaders, an online training program developed by Plaid. This digital learning experience aims to equip fraternity leaders with the essential skills necessary for effective leadership and strategic decision-making.
A Comprehensive Approach to Leadership and Governance
The Aboveboard training covers four core areas critical to successful board leadership: Authentic Leadership, Board Governance, High Performing Boards, and Strategic Planning. Each module is designed to provide chapter officers with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and long-term vision within Psi Upsilon.
Authentic Leadership
This session delves into leadership development, exploring different leadership styles and the concept of authenticity in leadership. Key topics include:
Developing Leadership Skills
10 Common Leadership Styles
The 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership
Authenticity and Authentic Leadership
Board Governance
For any organization to thrive, a strong governance framework is essential. This session focuses on mission-driven leadership and structured decision-making processes, covering:
Mission and Vision
Governance framework
The Four D’s: Discern, Define, Deliberate, Decide
Problem finding before problems arise
Establishing norms for effective governance
High Performing Board
A well-functioning board is the backbone of any successful organization. This session outlines key characteristics and cultural considerations that contribute to board effectiveness:
Characteristics of a high-performing board
Cultivating a strong board culture
Strategic Planning
Long-term success requires strategic foresight. This session provides a roadmap for structured planning and execution, including:
The importance of strategic planning
Mission and Vision in strategy
Strategic planning methodology
GOST Framework: Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics
Strategic planning as an ongoing process
Strengthening the Future of Psi Upsilon
By implementing Aboveboard for Student Leaders, Psi Upsilon Fraternity is investing in the continued growth and sustainability of its leadership. This initiative reflects the fraternity’s commitment to fostering responsible governance and empowering its members to lead with integrity and purpose.
The Archons’ Academy serves as our annual leadership program specifically designed for chapter presidents. Unlike many other leadership initiatives available to our members, this academy is uniquely tailored for a select group, focusing on conversation and discussion to leverage the experiences of those in leadership roles. Originating in the 1990s, the Academy provides an opportunity for chapter presidents to connect with one another, share best practices, and acquire essential skills that will benefit them throughout their tenure. Over the years, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of our members and to capitalize on new opportunities. In 2024, we implemented one of the most significant updates to our programming by aligning the Academy with the Psi Upsilon Foundation’s Social Impact Fellowship and moving it to its new home in Alexandria, VA. Marking a new period in our development offerings and allowing more interaction between undergraduate and alumni leadership.
We had 21 chapters represented at the 31st Archons’ Academy in 2025, and over 30 alums participating in our Social Impact Fellowship Reception on Friday evening.
In recent years, The Birkman Method has been integrated as a fundamental component of the academy and the Social Impact Fellowship. This personality assessment tool sheds light on four essential aspects of an individual: Motivation, Self-Perception, Social Perception, and Mindset. By comprehending these perspectives and their interactions, individuals can gain deeper insights into the emotions and actions that shape their lives. Before arriving in Alexandria, every Archon and Fellow completed the assessment. A significant portion of the Saturday programming featured discussions led by Doug Opicka, founder and managing partner of Plaid, LLC, focusing on the assessment and tailored approaches to conflict resolution based on personality types. The format also included facilitated breakout sessions with the Social Impact Fellows, promoting more intimate discussions on these important topics.
Additional sessions in the academy reviewed Psi Upsilon’s history, values, chapter operations, crisis response, motivating and incentivizing members, reviewed Psi U resources, and gave Archons a chance to share their challenges.
Attendees shared the following about their experience:
“I better understood the goals and purpose of the International Fraternity and how other chapters employ strategies to succeed.”
“The Birkman test presentation was very good as it gave us a visual representation of what type of leaders we are and how to work with others.”
“I think the history of Psi Upsilon is an essential part of explaining the functioning of Psi Upsilon. The Birkman Assessment also provides valuable insights to us as leaders.”
“I had second thoughts about going to the Archons Academy, but I ended up leaving with a lot more knowledge than I thought I would have received. I also had fun meeting alumni and created a lot of great memories with members in our other chapters that I will never forget.”
This event consistently stands out as a key highlight of our programming calendar. It plays a vital role in demonstrating to chapter presidents that they are not alone in navigating their challenges and that they have access to valuable resources for support, including one another. To further strengthen these connections, we plan to maintain our monthly Town Halls and offer online educational opportunities, including our Roundtable and Summer Leadership Series, along with Coaching sessions and campus visits by our staff.
On Friday, January 10th, in Alexandria, VA Psi Upsilon held our annual retreat and reception for the 2025 Social Impact Fellowship.
Fellows came from around the country and as far away as Singapore to participate in the 2 day intensive leadership retreat.
The Psi Upsilon Social Impact Fellowship is an annual program that brings together alumni who are engaged in professional or volunteer work aligned with the fraternity’s value of Service to Society. Over the course of the year, fellows participate in in-person and remote training sessions to enhance their professional skills, and are also eligible for grants to support their ongoing community impact initiatives.
This workshop day is a launching point for self-discovery, skills development, and further engagement with the facilitators and coaches recruited from our broad network. Our hope is that participants leave brimming with ideas, useful contacts, and questions for further consideration. By design we have included members of past cohorts and a good number of brothers who have been part of the program leadership.
Presentations and presenters this year included: Marketing your Mission and Soliciting Engagement Kenneth S. Ball, Eta ’82 (Lehigh) Utilizing Boards and Advisors Alex Senchak, Eta ‘06 (Lehigh) Inclusive Leadership: Leading Beyond Bias Devon Trotter CPCC, ACC, Phi Beta ’06 (William and Mary) Leadership and Team Building Throughout Your Career Capt. Jimmy T. King (Ret.d) Phi Delta ‘97(Mary Washington) Optional, elevator pitch workshop with Jonathan Chaffin, GT’00 (Georgia Tech)
The reception, newly endowed, ran for several hours Friday night, including brief remarks as well as an introduction of our Fellows and Archons, followed by ample opportunity for networking and social engagement. All members of Psi Upsilon and spouses and guests had a grand time.
On Saturday the fellows joined the archons. For the fellows, this involved some large group learning alongside the archons analyzing their individual Birkman assessments and conflict resolution training) and some practical experience acting as a facilitator for some small group discussions (Relating to Others, Navigating Difficult Conversations). The fellows specifically mentioned enjoying interacting with the undergraduate archons and the opportunity for growing as a leader.
You and a guest are cordially invited to a special evening to celebrate members of. Psi Upsilon in Denver.
Join Psi Upsilon leadership and alumni at the LakeHouse Kitchen & Tavern in Littleton.
We’re looking forward to meeting a Psi U brothers and guests in Littleton, CO for a happy hour and networking meet and greet on May 30th. There are more than 300 Psi U brothers in the Greater Denver area, and we hope to make some introductions and forge new fraternal memories with brothers in the area.
Come join Psi U Fraternity Executive Director Thomas Fox, Omicron ’00, and Foundation Director of Engagement Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00, at The Lake House Kitchen & Tavern in Littleton, just south of downtown Denver, for a happy hour and brief remarks.
We’re looking forward to seeing some brothers we know, meeting new ones, and sharing updates from the Fraternity and Psi Upsilon Foundation.
Hope to see you soon! Please RSVP for free at the ticketing link so we know how many to expect!
Thank you again for all your support of Psi Upsilon.
Thomas T. Allan IV, Theta Theta ’89 (University of Washington) is passionate about Gin. Madrona Distillery is his gin-focused spirits producer located in Redmond, Washington.
Tom began building the business three years ago and opened our doors in February of 2024. To date they have accumulated 7 international awards including 5 gold medals. Product sales channels include our tasting room, direct distribution and a regional wholesaler. Tom started his passion project in 2024 by introducing small batch Dry Gin and Vodka in early 2024. Garden Club Gin, Barrel Reserve Gin, and Prayer Bottle Rum have since joined the lineup. The business is wholly owned by Tom Allan and his wife Anne. The name Madrona honors the beautiful red-barked trees that line the shores of their favorite sailing destination, The San Juan Islands of northwest Washington. Some of the botanicals used in production are harvested from their home on Orcas Island. Tom served as the 23rd president of the Executive Council of Psi Upsilon Fraternity
ATL Celebration of Psi Upsilon Achievement Brothers of all chapters and guests welcome. RSVP ASAP. Remarks from area Social Impact Fellows, Graduate scholarship recipients, volunteers, and Foundation leadership. (Details to come)
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 6pm start
McKendrick’s Steak House – 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346
You are cordially invited to a celebratory evening at McKendricks followed by a special evening of fellowship!
We will be celebrating Psi Upsilon Foundation programs and achievements with remarks from local Social Impact Fellows, Scholarship recipients, and Psi U volunteers. Please join us to support these brothers and learn about their achievments and honors.
Special thanks to JC Sparling, Chi ’89 (Cornell) and Joe McCaskill, Chi Delta ’00 (Duke) for sponsoring.
Psi Upsilon leadership including President and Chair Alex Senchak, Eta ’06 will be on hand to participate.
Guests welcome. Ticket includes two drinks tickets and heavy appetizers.
Join brothers from the History and Archives committee and others who are interested in the history of Psi Upsilon and travel to Indianapolis to work on organizing and cataloging the archives. For those unfamiliar with the archives, they currently occupy a new space in the office and contain material dating back to the founding of Psi Upsilon. Organizing them is a daunting task, to say the least.
The Psi Upsilon History & Archives committee was created in 2021 and charged with researching the materials in our archives, sharing stories with our brotherhood, and preserving and making the archives accessible for research.
Committee Chair and Psi U Archivist Evan W. Terry, Epsilon Phi ’93 (McGill University) said it best: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” During this work weekend we will continue better organizing the archives, make improvements to storage, and assess needs going forward.
Again, we are so thankful for all the time the committee spent on this important work.
The 181st Psi Upsilon Convention will be held in Syracuse, NY and is hosted by the Pi Chapter to celebrate its 150th Anniversary from Friday, July 25th with all events ending the evening of Sunday, July 27th and guests departing Monday, July 28th.
The 181st Convention website has more details, including a schedule of events, registration, and information on booking hotel rooms.
