Lambda Sigma (Pepperdine) Raises over $18,000 for Conquer Paralysis Now with PSI U THINK YOU CAN DANCE Philanthropy
In 1983, Lambda Omega Sigma became the first Greek Fraternity at Pepperdine with the motto “Through Service We Shine” and in 1998 they became the Lambda Sigma Chapter of Psi Upsilon, and kept that focus on service. The chapter hosts a wildly successful philanthropy that not only includes the Greek community, but also attracts participation outside the fraternity and sorority world. During this year’s Psi U Think U Can Dance Philanthropy, the Lambda Sigma chapter not only sold nearly 500 tickets, but also raised over $18,000 for Conquer Paralysis Now, a non-profit started by the chapter’s first president, Sam Schmidt ’86.
27 years ago a group of alumni gathered to play golf and catch up, but over nearly 3 decades, this tradition of friendship has transformed into an entire cross-generational alumni culture for these Omicron alumni. These brothers not only gather to cultivate their Psi Upsilon bonds, but also give back to the community while doing so.
L to R: Omicron Alumni Tim Miller ’80, Matt Hower ’79, John Bloomfield ’79, Marty Hower ’80, Doug Glidewell ’81, Dan Wojnowski ’81, Tim Evans ’76, Kim Wells ’81
In 1992, four Brothers from University of Illinois – Champaign Urbana, were participating in a spring break-remembrance of friendship, golf, and fun, but little did they know that 27 years later the trip would become not only their tradition, but grow into a cross-generational, annual alumni gathering.
Omicron brothers from graduating years ranging from 1960 to the late 1980s continue to get together for the same reason as the original four, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. Over the years it has gained popularity, encouraging brothers to stay united and become better people together. After some time, the location has changed on a few occasions: Napa, Las Vegas, San Antonio, New Orleans, Tampa, Naples, Phoenix. There are newcomers, and every year, between four and eight join this traditional alumni getaway weekend. Although golf was the foundation of the gathering when it originally started, the group has expanded the focus of the trip to one of service, allowing brothers to step back into their philanthropic roots of Psi Upsilon members.
The group now gathers to build houses with Habitat for Humanity, but still makes time for a round or two of golf. After staying in touch yearlong via texts and emails, this upcoming November the group will return to Naples for their annual gathering. They all share responsibilities for the planning of the trip: one brother takes charge of meal planning to enjoy the foods they normally don’t allow themselves to eat, another plans the service project, and another secures tee times.
This group has remained close over the last 3 decades, supporting each other through marriages, kids, parents passing, illnesses of spouses, and even losing their own Brothers. During their trip in San Francisco, the group was able to connect with other Omicron Chapter brothers that live in the area. One of the original four, Matt Hower, recalls one round of golf he’ll never forget. “We had made tee times for the Golden Gate Park Golf Course and couldn’t figure out why it was so easy to get tee times. Then we teed off on the first hole – right into a thick horizon of fog. The first nine holes we were completely fogged in. That made it quite challenging to keep our eye on our golf balls.”
Hower is grateful for all the Omicron Brothers he’s met throughout the years during this annual gathering. He encourages other chapters to create a special tradition for their alumni to bond with each other as well, regardless of when they initiated. “Keep it interesting and get to know guys well. It’s a chance to be laid back, have fun, and enjoy no responsibilities… even if for just a few days.”
The deadline for scholarship applications from the Psi Upsilon Foundation is quickly approaching and due February 1st. In addition to the undergraduate program this is the first year that the Foundation is offering graduate level scholarships as well. Since it’s inception in 1959 the Foundation has awarded over $1,000,000 in financial support to our members. More information about scholarships and applications can be found here.
The 26th Archons’ Academy was held in Indianapolis, IN from January 10-12th. This unique leadership opportunity allows our chapter presidents the ability to network with one another and share best practices while learning valuable skills to assist them during there time as president. Topics include our history and values, conflict resolution, organization, risk mitigation and crisis management. You can view pictures from the weekend on our Flickr site.
Our staff at the International Office has some new faces to work with both our undergraduate chapters and build alumni engagement. Recently the Fraternity has hired Tejas Narayan, Epsilon Iota ’20 (RPI), as a Chapter Leadership Consultant and David Holgate, Psi ’83 (Hamilton), in a similar position as a Chapter Success Coach. In addition, the Foundation has hired Jonathan Chaffin, Gamma Tau ’00 (Georgia Tech), to serve as the Director of Engagement and assist with programs and events. Click here to learn more about our staff.
Phi Nu Chapter hosts Garnet Ball at Christopher Newport University
The Garnet Ball is an annual event hosted by the Phi Nu Chapter at Christopher Newport University where fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations speak about causes they care for and recognize individuals in their organization who excel at service. It’s a unique event that is structured much like a semi-formal event and serving as a social outlet for the campus but gives each organization a platform to showcase how they are making a difference. Proceeds from the event went to one of Psi Upsilon’s recognized philanthropies, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Alan Beard, Lambda Sigma ’94 (Pepperdine), was appointed to the Pepperdine Board of Regents, the governing board of the University. Alan was an instrumental part of the founding of the Lambda Sigma Chapter, which grew from the local fraternity Lambda Omega Sigma at Pepperdine.
Beard is the cofounder of the award-winning creative advertising agency McBeard. As CEO of McBeard, he built the world’s foremost social media agency and pioneered social media marketing with some of the biggest brands in the world, including AT&T, Disney, Fox, Coca-Cola, Sony, Universal, and dozens more. He currently serves as the chief brand officer of Otter Media, now a division of WarnerMedia. Read Pepperdine’s press release here.
