2026 PsiU Today

03.12 – 03.16.26 – 2026 March Challenge: Strengthen Today, Expand Tomorrow

The March Challenge returns this year, bringing with it one of Psi Upsilon’s most spirited fundraising traditions—an annual, friendly competition among chapters to see which can rally the greatest number of donors. More importantly, the Challenge fuels the fraternity’s most critical growth initiatives, and thanks to the generosity of past participants, Psi Upsilon has achieved remarkable progress.

Donate Today

What Your Support Has Made Possible

Because of contributions from previous March Challenges, Psi Upsilon has been able to:

A Look Back at 2025

Last year, 136 alumni from 25 chapters helped raise over $35,000 for the Psi Upsilon Annual Fund. The Gamma Tau Chapter (Georgia Tech) claimed first place, followed by the Omicron (Illinois), Phi Delta (Mary Washington), Chi Delta (Duke), and Epsilon Nu (Michigan State) chapters. With your help, we aim to exceed that total in 2026 and continue building momentum.

Why the March Challenge Matters

Research consistently shows that the fraternity experience matters on today’s college campuses—supporting mental health, fostering student success, and creating lifelong bonds among members. The March Challenge directly strengthens these outcomes by ensuring our chapters have the resources they need to survive, thrive, and provide the same opportunities we once enjoyed.

This year, our goal is ambitious: to raise enough funds to hire a full‑time Growth Coordinator who will provide in‑person support to chapters and expansion groups, helping them recruit effectively and build sustainable foundations.

New for 2026: Volunteer Participation Counts

In addition to financial gifts, alumni who volunteer their time will also count toward their chapter’s donor total. Whether you assist with an alumni club, advise a chapter or expansion group, or contribute content for fraternity publications, your involvement makes a difference. Thanks to generous matchers, each volunteer contribution will add $25 to your chapter’s total for the Challenge.

A link to the volunteer form and additional details can be found here.

Join Us in Strengthening Psi Upsilon

So beginning March 12th we invite you to support the 2026 March Challenge—through a donation, volunteer service, or both—and help advance the mission and vision of our beloved fraternity. Together, we can continue building a stronger Psi Upsilon for generations to come!

Donate Today

03.12 – 03.16.26 – 2026 March Challenge: Strengthen Today, Expand Tomorrow Read More »

James Platner, Phi Delta ’00 (Mary Washington), receives the Distinguished Alumni Service Award

At the Archons Academy and Social Impact Fellowship Reception on Friday, January 9, in Alexandria, Virginia, Brother James Platner Phi Delta ’10 (Mary Washington) was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. Established in 1998, this award recognizes alumni whose dedication and service bring honor to Psi Upsilon—particularly through their impact on individual chapters. Jim now joins a select group of just 36 brothers who have received this distinction.

Jim’s commitment to Psi Upsilon began during his undergraduate years, when he served as Chapter President during a period of significant growth. Under his leadership, the chapter expanded its membership, strengthened internal operations, earned the Clasped Hands Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, and fully retired all outstanding undergraduate debt—an achievement that positioned the chapter for long‑term success.

His dedication only deepened after graduation. Jim served for many years as President of the Phi Delta Alumni Association, offering steady leadership, mentorship, and strategic guidance. Even after becoming an Alumni Board Emeritus member, he remained a unifying force, fostering connections across generations and helping sustain a vibrant alumni community.

Jim’s influence extends beyond the chapter level. He has served on Psi Upsilon’s Executive Board and represented the Phi Delta at numerous conventions. Among his most notable accomplishments was leading the Phi Delta 25th Anniversary Celebration and the Phi Delta 25 Fund—the largest alumni event in chapter history—which raised $15,000 and re‑energized alumni engagement.

Today, Jim continues to mentor undergraduates, support recruitment efforts, and contribute to major initiatives, including preparations for the upcoming 30th Anniversary Celebration. His steady leadership and ability to bring brothers together exemplify the very best of Psi Upsilon.

Please join us in congratulating Brother Jim Platner on this well‑deserved honor. His service, loyalty, and lifelong commitment continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood for all.

If you know of deserving Psi U alum for this award please nominate them by using this form.

“His sustained leadership, service at both the chapter and international levels, and his unique role in preserving and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood make him an exemplary candidate for this honor.” – Daniel Kauffman, Phi Delta ’10

Jim Platner receiving the Award from Executive Council President Tim Zepp, Chi Delta ’08

James Platner, Phi Delta ’00 (Mary Washington), receives the Distinguished Alumni Service Award Read More »

Dec 2025 Garnet Report Published

The Psi Upsilon Foundation published their Dec 2025 Garnet Report, an annual publication reviewing programs of the Foundation and a listing of contributors to the Annual Fund.

Articles Include:

  1. Donor profile of Joseph McCaskill, Chi Delta ’00
  2. A look at the Delta Omicron chapter installation
  3. A review of the 2025 Days of Giving
  4. Profiles of Psi U’s 2025-26 Social Impact Fellowship Recipients
  5. Details and profiles of the 5th Gilrane Economic Symposium at The Players in NYC

You can view the Dec. 2025 Garnet Report online here.

All donors who are a Gold Member of the Founder’s Society and above receive printed copies of all the Psi Upsilon Foundation Publications – if you would like to make your gift and support Psi Upsilon please do so here.

Dec 2025 Garnet Report Published Read More »

32nd Archons’ Academy A Success!

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 32nd Archons’ Academy in 2026, 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 Collin Binkley, Coordinator of Greek Life at the University of Rhode Island, 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 had a great time meeting with all of the alums, archons, and staff from the international office. I believe this was a worthy experience that will lead to my growth as an Archon.”

“A good leader isn’t always optimistic, you must realize when you are struggling and have faith”

“I learned a lot more about myself as a person and this will aid me in future situations.”

“I felt that I really learned about myself as a leader, and how I should lean on my E-Board for aspects that I am personally not that great at.”

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.

You can view photos of the weekend on our Flickr site and Facebook Page.

Attendees of the 32nd Archons Academy in Alexandria, VA

32nd Archons’ Academy A Success! Read More »

Psi Upsilon is Hiring: Join Us as Our New Growth Coordinator

Psi Upsilon is excited to announce an opening for the role of Growth Coordinator—a dynamic, full-time position for someone passionate about Psi Upsilon, recruitment, leadership development, and helping students thrive in their college experience.

As Growth Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in advancing Psi Upsilon’s mission by supporting recruitment and expansion efforts across North America. This will primarily involve reactivating dormant Psi Upsilon chapters and providing recruitment support to existing chapters in need. Working closely with the Chapter Services Team, you’ll travel to campuses, build relationships with university partners, and help undergraduates strengthen their leadership skills.

This role is ideal for a recent graduate who enjoys a balance of independence and teamwork, is energized by travel and personal connections, and is dedicated to making a positive impact within our fraternity. From identifying new members to implementing chapter retreats, the Growth Coordinator is at the heart of our efforts to grow and support Psi Upsilon.

What We’re Looking For:

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional with:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • A willingness to travel and work with a variety of collegiate members and campuses
  • The ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative team
  • A valid driver’s license and insured vehicle

Psi Upsilon membership is required and leadership experience is greatly preferred. This role offers competitive pay, full benefits, paid vacation, and travel reimbursements. While the International Office is based in Indianapolis, remote arrangements will be considered for the right candidate, and travel will be a large part of the position during the academic year.

If you’re ready to help shape the next generation of Psi Upsilon brothers and bring lasting value to our chapters, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply now and learn more here.

Psi Upsilon is Hiring: Join Us as Our New Growth Coordinator Read More »

3.26.2026 – Estate Planning & Wealth Management Tips – Virtual Speaker Series with Peter Bogardus, Zeta ’87 (Dartmouth)

Thurs. March 26th, 2026. 7:30pm EST
Best practices and questions answered. Register now!

REGISTER NOW!

Peter is a Private Wealth Advisor; he partners with clients to create tailored wealth management strategies which include the right mix of investment management, trust and estate services, and private banking to meet their unique needs and preferences. He has worked in the banking and financial services industry since 2011. Peter lives in Marin County, and serves clients in Northern California. He enjoys biking, skiing and traveling with family and friends.

Presented by Psi Upsilon’s Schoepflin Society

3.26.2026 – Estate Planning & Wealth Management Tips – Virtual Speaker Series with Peter Bogardus, Zeta ’87 (Dartmouth) Read More »

4.8.2026 – From the Deep Oceans to the Clouds of Venus: Inspirational Tales of Exploration & Innovation – Virtual Speaker Series with Guillermo Söhnlein, Epsilon ‘89 (Berkeley)

Wed. April 8th, 2026. 12pm EST

As the 21st century’s Technology Revolution continues to completely reshape global society, brave explorers and innovative technologists are pushing the bounds of human knowledge by diving deep into our planet’s oceans and powering our species’ expansion into the cosmos, all while improving life here on Earth. In this session, we will review the recent and current exploits of entrepreneurs and investors who are turning science fiction into science fact, setting the stage for an incredibly exciting next decade of exploration and innovation.

REGISTER NOW!

Guillermo Söhnlein, Epsilon ’89 (Berkeley)

Author of Titan Unfinished: An Untold Story of Exploration, Innovation, and the OceanGate Tragedy and Founder & Chairman of the Humans2Venus Foundation

Guillermo is the author of Titan Unfinished, a memoir of his time as co-founder and CEO of OceanGate, the ocean exploration venture whose research submersible imploded at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean near the wreck of the Titanic in 2023. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Humans2Venus Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting Venus science and education programs with a long-term vision of establishing a permanent human presence of 1,000+ people in the Venusian atmosphere by the year 2050. He is also an advisor to two early-stage venture capital firms and serves on several boards of directors.

A serial impact entrepreneur who started his career in Silicon Valley during the height of the Internet Boom, Guillermo has helped launch over a dozen for-profit ventures and nonprofit organizations in space, oceans, technology, sustainability, and music. He has been a mentor, advisor, director, and interim executive, while also speaking and teaching as a way of sharing his passion for exploration and entrepreneurship.

Guillermo is a former officer in the United States Marine Corps, and he was admitted to The Explorers Club in 2012. He earned his AB in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley and his JD from the University of California San Francisco College of the Law. Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Silicon Valley, he currently resides in Barcelona.Register now!

4.8.2026 – From the Deep Oceans to the Clouds of Venus: Inspirational Tales of Exploration & Innovation – Virtual Speaker Series with Guillermo Söhnlein, Epsilon ‘89 (Berkeley) Read More »

04.29.2026 – 2026 Psi Upsilon FishFund Annual Venture Summit

Register Now!

2026 FishFund Venture Summit and Venture Presentations

You are cordially invited to our FishFund Venture Summit & Presentations
Hear from thought leaders and investors in the innovation space and learn about new projects helmed by Psi Upsilon brothers.

Significant others and guests are welcome!

Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.
A panel discussion, ticketed reception, presentations, and networking 6 PM – 9PM.

University Club of San Francisco
800 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Tickets:
Reception Fee: 
New Graduates (2018+) $45     ♦
    Alumni $65  
♦    Host $300    ♦    
Gold Sponsor $1000

Dress is business attire

Heavy Appetizers & Full Bar
Business Casual

Register Here

To qualify to present, the startup must have a fully developed and working product.
A founder, C-Suite leader or key investor must be a Psi Upsilon brother.

Founded in 2021, the Psi Upsilon FishFund is designed to Honor, Support, Educate, and Facilitate the projects and skills of venture-minded brothers of Psi Upsilon. Learn more at www.psiu.org/fishfund/

MADE POSSIBLE BY GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR HOSTING BROTHERS

•

•C

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•Joseph P. Cillo, PhD, Delta ’61 (New York University)

Make a Donation Here or Text GIVE to (317) 399-4318 to make a tax-deductible suggested donation of $25+ to the Foundation & support our programs, operations and outreach efforts like this.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:
•Hosted Cocktail hour and heavy appetizers on the 4th floor of the historic University Club of San Francisco and ample time for Networking
•The 2026 FishFund Venture Summit will include a discussion around what sparks interest in VC and angel investors

Register Here
Panelists

Cameron Turner
Zeta ’96 (Dartmouth)
General Partner Oxonian Ventures

Cameron Turner is founder and CEO of TRUIFY.AI, serving US Fortune 500 with AI solutions.  Drawing from 30 years experience in enterprise data, including the founding of two companies: ClickStream, (acq. Microsoft 2009) and Datorium )acq. Kin+Carta (LON:KCT) 2021) Cameron brings a wealth of hands-of experience in leading teams to deploy AI solutions that uniquely fit the technology and culture of his clients.  Cameron also serves as General Partner of Oxonian Ventures, a VC fund investing in Oxford University graduates, and volunteers with the Venture Studio at the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Stanford University.  Cameron received his BA from Dartmouth College (Zeta, ’96), MBA from Oxford University and MS in Statistics/AI from Stanford University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronroyceturner/

Register Here

Interested in pitching your company? Click here to tell us about your venture.

Submit to present

04.29.2026 – 2026 Psi Upsilon FishFund Annual Venture Summit Read More »

Follow our Flickr and “Psi U Tube” Channels

Youtube Channel

The Psi Upsilon Virtual Speaker Series has been on-going since 2020 and averages 6 or 7 episodes a year. These hour-long interviews span a wide variety of topics, chapters, and generations, from author Harlan Coben, Gamma ’84 (Amherst), and football star turned actor Ed Marinaro, Chi ’71 (Cornell), all the way to specialist discussions like Canine Genetics with Adam Boyko, Omicron ’00 (Illinois) or the future of horror literature. The channel also hosts various other resources like Scholarship announcement keynotes, statements of impact, and leadership series episodes aimed at younger members. Please subscribe today!*

Recent Episodes Include:

  1. United State of Adventure with Social Impact Fellows Will Soiland & Bradford Holladay, Lambda Sigma ’21 and ‘22
  2. A scholarship keynote address by Tyree P. Jones ESQ, Kappa ’82 (Bowdoin)
  3. Craft Gin Distilling with Tom Allan, Theta Theta ’99 (Washington)

Volunteer Opportunity! If you are a video editor or digital arts student or recent graduate looking for portfolio work there are ample volunteer opportunities to help with anything from editing down episodes to creating “Best of” bumpers and promo reels. Contact Sr. Director of Engagement Jonathan Chaffin at jonathan@psiu.org if interested.

If you would like to be be interviewed as part of the speaker series, contact Jonathan or Director of Administration Bethann Taylor bethann@psiu.org

Recent Flickr Albums

The Psi Upsilon Fraternity and Foundation engages with alumni and undergraduate brothers around the country year-round. Convention, Archons’ Academy, Foundation Signature Events, chapter visits and more. Bookmark or favorite our Flickr site to stay abreast of photos from these travels. Additionally, the History and Archives Committee will upload things like historic documents and composites by chapter in albums periodically.

Recent Albums Include:

  1. 2026 McFadden Leadership Reception
  2. Photos from the 32nd Archon’s Academy
  3. Photos from the Gilrane Economic Symposium at The Players in NYC
  4. Photos from the Delta Omicron chapter installation

Volunteer Opportunity! The Foundation and Fraternity are always looking for trained photographers with good equipment to donate time helping us capture events. In most cases that is rewarded with free and behind the scenes access to some pretty cool opportunities to meet and network with brothers.

*To get notified of new YouTube videos, subscribe to a channel and click the bell icon next to the subscribe button, selecting “All” to receive every notification. You can manage these alerts, including email and mobile push notifications, through your account settings

All Foundation programs are supported by the generous donations of brothers; make your gift and support Psi Upsilon here. Donors who are a Gold Member of the Founder’s Society and above receive printed copies of all the Psi Upsilon Foundation Publications.

Follow our Flickr and “Psi U Tube” Channels Read More »

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