Recruitment remains the lifeblood of any fraternity, and in recent years Psi Upsilon has invested deeply in strategies that strengthen the growth and success of our undergraduate chapters. Our efforts have centered on enhancing recruitment practices, revitalizing dormant chapters, and establishing new ones to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for our brotherhood.
To support this work, we partnered with Phired Up—the nation’s leading authority on fraternity recruitment—to develop a comprehensive recruitment certification program that equips our members with proven skills and strategies. Phired Up also joined us at the 2025 Leadership Institute to deliver training in social excellence and values-based recruitment, helping members build authentic connections and craft thoughtful recruitment plans that elevate both the quantity and quality of new member classes.
This year, we also relaunched our field staff program and welcomed Mia Driskell, Delta Omicron ’24 (Purdue), who has been working directly with chapters on campus to provide hands-on coaching and support. Looking ahead, we aim to expand this program by hiring at least one growth coordinator who can reside in chapter facilities for extended periods to offer immersive recruitment assistance.
These initiatives are possible thanks to the generous support of the Annual Fund—especially donors who participated in the March Challenge, which emphasizes contributions that strengthen the Fraternity and fuel Psi Upsilon’s expansion.
Our collective efforts are already yielding results. This fall, we saw a more than 10% increase in new members compared to last year, initiating 279 new brothers—the largest fall class since 2017.
Recruitment success extended beyond our active chapters as well. We proudly restarted two chapters this year: the Beta Beta Chapter at Trinity College, now with 31 members, and the Phi Nu Chapter at Christopher Newport University, which has grown to 14 members. In October, we also celebrated the installation of Psi Upsilon’s 50th chapter at Purdue University. Additional efforts are underway to restart the Lambda Chapter at Columbia University, along with conversations with several alumni associations exploring future opportunities.
If you know a college student who would make an exceptional Psi Upsilon brother—or someone interested in helping establish a new chapter—we encourage you to connect with us. With your support, we look forward to continuing this momentum and building on our success in 2025.
Psi Upsilon is pleased to announce its return to Christopher Newport University, where the Phi Nu Chapter has officially begun the process of reactivation. Following a two‑year suspension, an enthusiastic group of former members took the initiative to rebuild the chapter. Now 15 members strong, the chapter is preparing to participate in IFC recruitment next semester.
While working to regain Registered Student Organization status and reestablish chapter operations, the members remained committed to service and philanthropy. In November, the chapter collected more than 400 pounds of canned goods for THRIVE Peninsula, a nonprofit organization supporting families across the Virginia Peninsula during times of need. They also engaged in several campus‑based philanthropic efforts, demonstrating their renewed dedication to the Christopher Newport campus community.
With this strong momentum, the chapter is well‑positioned for a successful spring semester. Alumni of the Phi Nu Chapter and Psi Upsilon members in the Hampton Roads region who are interested in supporting this emerging group are encouraged to connect as we build an advising team. To follow the chapter’s progress and activities, visit its Instagram page @cnupsiu.
The Psi Upsilon International Office is pleased to announce we have partnered with LifeWeb 360 to bring you a brand new digital necrology where our brothers can reconnect and commemorate those members of our Fraternity who have passed away.
LifeWeb 360 is an online platform where friends and family can share stories, photos and memories of their departed loved one. It is designed to harness the outpouring of love that happens when someone passes to capture their essence in an authentic way, honor them, and give comfort to their family.
Within the brotherhood, we find stories of lives lived to the fullest and of unique men and women who left an indelible mark on the world. Discover the common threads that weave us together and—when you see someone you know—share your cherished memories, anecdotes, photos, and laughs to honor the strong connection we have with our departed brothers.
We’ve included all notices of a brother passing, and the obituary if it can be found, since 2019. If you know of a brother who passed away and is not included please pass along their information using this form.
Each November, Psi Upsilon brothers across North America proudly participate in Movember—an annual campaign where participants grow moustaches and host fundraising events to spotlight three critical men’s health issues: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Men, on average, die six years earlier than women, often from preventable causes, and the Movember Foundation is committed to changing that reality.
This year, Movember introduced a national “Fraternity Challenge” to compare the collective efforts of fraternity organizations. We are proud to share that Psi Upsilon placed 4th overall.
A significant contributor to this achievement is the “Boys Things” team, originally founded by members of the Pi Chapter at Syracuse University. What began as a chapter initiative has grown into one of the most successful Movember teams in the world. Although global rankings are no longer tracked, last year the team placed 8th internationally and 4th in the United States. We encourage you to explore their inspiring history from a prior story. We also extend our appreciation to the brothers of the Beta Beta, Tau, Omicron, and Alpha Omicron Chapters for their participation and support this year.
Looking ahead to 2026, Psi Upsilon is committed to expanding our impact and strengthening our partnership with Movember. This effort aligns closely with our “Psi U Cares” program, created in response to the growing mental health challenges faced by students on college campuses and the vital role fraternities can play in supporting their well‑being. Each chapter is encouraged to host at least one philanthropic or service event annually that raises awareness and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health.
Together, we are building a healthier future for our members and living our value of service to society!
We are proud to announce the return of the Beta Beta Chapter at Trinity College this fall. After a two‑year hiatus, six dedicated students partnered with the Fraternity to reestablish the chapter, successfully recruiting a fall new member class of 25 and reopening the chapter house. Plans are already underway to welcome a chef and reinstate the chapter meal program this spring.
Throughout the fall semester, the chapter quickly reengaged with the campus and local community. They hosted a well‑attended Homecoming gathering at 81 Vernon Street and organized several service initiatives, including participation in “Halloween on Vernon Street,” a safe trick‑or‑treating event for neighborhood children, and Movember, supporting men’s health causes such as cancer research and suicide prevention.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Beta Beta alumni and the Colt Trust officers whose support made this successful return possible. To stay connected with the chapter and follow its ongoing activities, visit its website and follow the chapter on Instagram @trinpsiu.
Thanks to so many volunteers, the Foundation has been able to create exceptional opportunities as showcased in the following pages. A portion of those who we engage with have returned after years or even decades of time away from brotherhood activities. It is a joy to bring them back into our programs and build new relationships and find new ways for them to share their expertise, nurture personal interests, and be inspired by other each other. We now turn to grow our relationships and look through these annual and more frequent programs, stay connected through these long-form journalistic publications and convene more forums for substantive discussion and deeper connection. We are indebted to our generous community of donors who play such an important role in supporting the Foundation’s work to make Psi Upsilon a place of connection, joy, renewal, and inspiration!
Dr. Brian Christie, Zeta ’07 (Dartmouth) used his fellowship to train and share micro surgical techniques in under-resourced environments in Africa. Dr. Audrey Fisch, Gamma ’87 (Amherst) used her fellowship to for advanced training with the National College Attainment Network to help her better lead the non-profit she started to benefit under-represented students.
For 4 years the Psi Upsilon Social Impact Fellowship initiative has provided funds and development opportunities for some of our brightest lights striving for a better society.
We’re excited to announce applications for the 25-26 Social Impact Fellowship are open.
The fellowship is granted to support the professional leadership development of emerging leaders striving for the common good. The fellowship is appropriate for brothers working or volunteering in the environmental, education, social equality, medical, and related fields for good of society (including chapter advisors needing training!)
Here are videos of reflections and thanks from both Audrey and Brian.
Join the Psi Upsilon College Pick ’Em League on ESPN and kick off the football season with some friendly competition against fellow brothers!
Each week, ESPN will release 10 matchups—you simply predict the winner of each game. Track your progress all season long, and the members with the highest total scores will earn prizes at year’s end. We’ll recognize:
The top three finishers (and a special prize to the chapter with the first place finish)
The chapter with the greatest number of entries at the start of Week 1 (please be sure to put your chapter or college in your name so we can identify you)
The 181st Psi Upsilon Convention Awards Banquet celebrated the achievements of both undergraduate chapters and distinguished alumni whose service and leadership exemplify our Fraternity’s highest ideals. Attendees gathered to honor outstanding students, unveil a new Emerging Leader Award, and recognize seasoned alumni for their unwavering commitment. The evening culminated with a keynote address and the presentation of the David A.B. Brown Award for Distinguished Alumni.
The Psi Upsilon Outstanding Junior Award honors a third-year undergraduate who exemplifies our Fraternity’s highest ideals by making meaningful contributions to campus, community, and brotherhood; by pursuing ambitious life goals with moral, intellectual, and social excellence; and by fostering enduring friendships. This award recognizes a junior whose leadership and integrity set a standard for all Psi Upsilon brothers. Two Outstanding Juniors were in attendance to receive this Award in person:
The Griffin Award for Senior Excellence honors a Psi Upsilon undergraduate in his or her final academic year who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the chapter. It aims to recognize and encourage sustained involvement by seniors and to foster strong ties between graduating brothers and their chapter. Two Griffin Award Recipients were in attendance:
This year marked the debut of the Psi Upsilon Emerging Leader Award, created to recognize younger alumni who demonstrate exceptional engagement and principled leadership within the Fraternity. The inaugural recipients are:
Madison Turkette, Delta Omicron ’19 (Purdue) Supported our newest chapter at Purdue and transformed her alumni board into a proactive partner for undergraduates, fostering a welcoming environment that upholds Psi Upsilon’s core values.
Joey Cobau, Phi ’21 (Michigan) Revitalized the Great Lakes Founders Day Dinner in Michigan, drawing 130 brothers—the largest turnout in the event’s 70-year history.
Additional Recipients of this inaugural class of the Emerging Leader Award will be announced at our online Awards event in October.
The Distinguished Alumni Service Award recognizes brothers whose service to their chapter, or the International Fraternity, is worth special commendation. Since its creation by the 155th Psi Upsilon Convention in 1998, 36 alums have received this honor. It is customary for a recommendation to come from an alumni association or another member of the fraternity and then is discussed by the Awards and Recognition Committee, who then recommends to the Executive Council or the Psi Upsilon Convention to consider the alum for the award. All award winners are presented with a medallion recreated by our Director of Member Engagement, Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00 (Georgia Tech) and originally designed by Murray Eskenazi, Lambda ’56 (Columbia).
The 181st Convention was able to recognize three alums with this award:
Bob Correll, Epsilon Iota ’82, was a founder of the Epsilon Iota Chapter, Archon, served as President of the Alumni Association multiple times, and was a member of the Executive Council of Psi Upsilon. From his recommendation: “Robert has been a true rock for the fraternity. Collegiate Undergraduate and Alumni associations can famously have short institutional memories as membership and active engagement turn over; Robert’s continuous presence at both business and social events has created persistent stability and a sense of continuous connection between many generations of Epsilon Iota brothers.”
Mat Ross, Pi ’86 and Jim Cornacchi, Pi ’86 currently serve as the President and Vice President of the Pi Trust at Syracuse University and work closely together and it was fitting that they were both publicly recognized at the same time while the Pi was celebrating its 150th anniversary. From their recommendation: “… they have worked diligently as a team to help build one of Psi U’s most successful chapters. There is no one single program or policy that makes a chapter successful – it takes building a culture. One that balances a respect for tradition, an eye on the future, a care for the individual and an ethos of accountability. Over the years Jim and Mat have helped support the chapter and keep this kind of culture in their chapter: whether it is organizing speakers for initiation, leading a capital campaign to help restore the beauty of the chapter house, or responding to sudden crisis that arise.”
In addition to receiving this recognition, members of the Eta Chapter delegation returned the original composite of the Pi Chapter, pictures of its five founders from 1875, which happened to be recently discovered “at a garage sale”…
The David AB Brown Award for Distinguished Alumni, goes to an alum who brings honor to the Fraternity by exemplifying the true spirit and meaning of brotherhood in all that they do and say, for dedicated and unselfish service in pursuit of the advancement of the Fraternity, and for demonstrating a commitment to serve the educational environment, their community, and their country and has distinguished themselves in their chosen profession.
Tom O’Brien, Pi ’83, has had a storied career. As president of Weather Group, he drove transformative growth—launching The Weather Channel en Español, pioneering an advanced streaming app, and introducing industry-leading mixed-reality graphics—efforts that earned the organization over 35 major awards under his leadership. His earlier roles at Nexstar Media Group and NBCUniversal further attest to his strategic acumen and professional integrity. Beyond his corporate achievements, Tom has dedicated himself to community and educational causes, serving on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross – Georgia Region and supporting the International Radio & Television Society Foundation, nurturing the next generation of media leaders. His blend of innovation, service, and brotherhood brings great honor to Psi Upsilon and makes him a most deserving recipient of this award!
If you know of a deserving alum, and would like to recommend them for an award, please submit their information to the Executive Director of Psi Upsilon, Thomas Fox at tfox@psiu.org.
Saturday morning at Syracuse University’s Hall of Languages, undergraduate and alumni convened for the 2025 Psi Upsilon Leadership Institute. Attendees arrived ready to engage in a full day of immersive professional development, organizational strategy, and historical reflection. This annual convening underscored the fraternity’s dual commitment to preserving its storied legacy and equipping chapters for sustainable growth.
Keynote: Growth as Legacy
At 9:00 AM, Jonah Mudse of Phired Up Productions delivered the opening keynote, challenging members to redefine growth as a long-term legacy rather than a semesterly recruitment target. Drawing on case studies from chapters of varying sizes, Mudse identified limiting mindsets—such as passive recruitment and reliance on word-of-mouth—and replaced them with actionable strategies for proactive name-generation, vision setting, and momentum building. By the session’s close, delegates possessed a clear, scalable framework for chapter recruitment: establish presence, cultivate pride, and implement a repeatable system that can be executed regardless of membership count.
In the afternoon, a track of the Roundtables continued these discussions and gave undergraduates
Organizational Support and Policy Review
Immediately following the keynote, Executive Director Thomas Fox, Omicron ’00 (Illinois), guided participants through Psi Upsilon’s comprehensive support infrastructure. He outlined the Chapter Support Matrix, detailing how chapters can leverage the Summer Leadership Series, Archons Academy, and online Townhalls to foster continuous development. He also reviewed Aboveboard and Commitment to Excellence initiatives, positioning them as tools for reinforcing the fraternity’s core values rather than regulatory burdens.
In a subsequent policy session on Sunday, he reviewed Psi Upsilon’s risk-management policy. Through analysis of recent higher-education trends and comparative fraternity case studies, he illustrated how proactive education, transparent communication, and shared accountability mitigate liability and safeguard the chapter experience.
Archives Committee and Engagement
Later in the morning, Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00 (Georgia Tech) and Alex Senchak, Eta ’06 (Lehigh), presented dual sessions on Psi Upsilon’s heritage and technological advancements. Jonathan as Director of Member Engagement, highlighted the History & Archives Committee’s research since its 2020 inception, showcasing remarkable discoveries from Pi Chapter’s archives and highlighting the accomplishments of underrecognized alumni from the chapter. Then, with Alex Senchak, President and Chairman of the Psi Upsilon Foundation, they reviewed the programs of the Psi Upsilon Foundation and how members could get more involved and benefit from the Foundation, including the Social Impact Fellowship, Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarships, and the Connects Stipend.
Interactive Roundtable Discussions
After a campus lunch at the Pi Chapter House, participants reconvened for three successive roundtable sessions. Undergraduate delegates met to explore recruitment pipelines, event programming, and service-learning initiatives. Concurrently, alumni delegates gathered to share insights on fundraising, advisory board structures, and crisis management protocols.
