August 2024 – Convention Edition
Annual Communication of Executive Council
Annual Communication of the Foundation
Executive Council & Foundation Directors for 2024-25
2024-25 Undergraduate Advisory Board Expands
The 2024 Leadership Institute Curriculum
180th Convention Awards Banquet
180th Convention Records
Psi U Scholarship Pages Redesigned
News
Events
In Memoriam
Annual Communication of Executive Council
Eta, ’08 (Lehigh) President of the Executive Council
Given by the Executive Council President Jeremy McKeon, Eta ’08 (Lehigh), to the Convention attendees, the Annual Communication of the Executive Council reports on the state of the Fraternity and addresses issues to be dealt with by the Convention. This is Brother McKeon’s last Annual Communication as President of the Executive Council, as his second term as President came to a close at this convention. Psi Upsilon is extremely grateful for his service over these last four years.
Annual Communication of the Foundation
Eta, ’06 (Lehigh) President and Chairman of the Foundation
The Report of the Chairman of the Foundation, Alex Senchak, Eta ’06 (Lehigh), captures the state of the Foundation and the work being done to support the educational goals of the Fraternity.
Executive Council & Foundation Directors for 2024-25
After serving two terms as Executive Council President, Jeremy McKeon, Eta ’08 (Lehigh) installed a new President of the Executive Council, Timothy Zepp, Chi Delta ’08 (Duke) at the 180th Psi Upsilon Convention. Jeremy became Executive Council President during a very turbulent time in our fraternity, summer of 2020, when there was a lot unknown and strife, but also a lot of opportunity for change. His leadership was instrumental to our success at this time. As a former president Jeremy is now a Life Member of the Executive Council and was presented with a ceremonial medallion to signify this honor.
The 2024-25 Officers of the Executive Council installed at the Annual Meeting:
Timothy Zepp, Chi Delta ’08 (Duke), President
James Platner, Phi Delta ’10 (Mary Washington), Vice President
Catherine Lefebvre, Gamma Tau ’18 (Georgia Tech), Secretary
Madison Turkette, Delta Omicron Prov ’19 (Purdue), Treasurer
We would like to welcome new term member, Catherine Lefebvre, Gamma Tau ’18 (Georgia Tech) who was elected for a one year term and took on the officer position of Secretary for David Hollis, Gamma Tau ’11 (Georgia Tech) who is remaining a term member.
For a full list of members of the Executive Council please go here
The Officers of the Foundation were also appointed for the 2024-25 year:
Alex Senchak, Eta ’06 (Lehigh), Chairman
Matthew Eckenrode, Epsilon Nu ’04 (Michigan State), Vice Chairman
J. Martin Brayboy, Gamma ’84 (Amherst), Secretary
John Ong, Gamma ’82 (Amherst), Treasurer
For a full list of the Directors of the Foundation please go here
2024-25 Undergraduate Advisory Board Expands
Since the 1970’s Psi Upsilon has had various forms of what it called the “Undergraduate Advisory Board” or UAB – which helps encourage undergraduate input to our Executive Council. Sometimes these members were appointed by regions, staff, or the Executive Council itself. Since 2003 a system was created where two undergraduate members were elected by the Psi Upsilon Convention to constitute the UAB and attend Executive Council meetings.
But with the rise of online meetings and our ability to engage on a more regular basis the 180th Convention has decided to restructure this process and enable greater input from more chapters. Aidan Stewart, Theta Theta ’26 (Washington) volunteered to help lead this change with the staff as we find additional UAB delegates and encourage chapters to be involved with the International Fraternity and Executive Council on a more regular basis. We’ll be using our monthly Archon Town Hall meetings as a starting location for talks as we look to create ways to allow increased involvement from our Undergraduate brothers.
The 2024 Leadership Institute Curriculum
Project Adventure
The 2024 Psi Upsilon Leadership Institute was a day-long event coordinated by Project Adventure, http://www.pa.org at its national headquarters, picturesque Moraine Farm, located in Beverly, MA. The Frederick Law Olmsted‑designed campus provided an unforgettable and unique setting for a much more interactive Leadership Institute.
The curriculum focused on experiential education, or learning by doing, including programs that emphasize community and group‑building techniques including responsibility, communication, collaboration and problem solving.
The day was split between large and small group activities – some low impact, some active, some reflective in nature, and it culminated with Project Adventure’s high ropes course. Time was taken to process and talk about how these skills can be applied in the leadership roles they have in their chapter and on campus.
180th Convention Awards Banquet
One of the most meaningful pieces of our annual gathering is our Awards Banquet where we are able to honor both individuals and chapters for their outstanding accomplishments to Psi Upsilon. We had the honor of Richard A. Rasmussen, Upsilon ’72 (Rochester) as the keynote speaker to close our convention. He was honored with the David A.B. Brown, ΕΦ ’66 Distinguished Alumnus Award. The goal of this award is to highlight those who in their professional life have done great work that correlates with Psi U’s values – and all Dick has done for Division III athletics is very, very impressive; Carnegie Mellon University Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Athletics Josh Centor said at a recent event honoring Dick “Over these past 16 years, it has become clear to me that the UAA is exactly what college sports should be about. And it has been that way for nearly 40 years. Over those years, we have had one constant in the everchanging landscape of intercollegiate athletics – Dick Rasmussen.” He also noted that three UAA institutions won a combined four NCAA championships in a two-week period in Rasmussen’s final spring at the helm. Dick has also been honored with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2014 and is a Life Member (Past President) of the Executive Council.
In addition, Steve Moore, Eta ’84 (Lehigh University) received the distinguished alumni service award for his ongoing service as the president of the Goodale Literary Society, the alumni association of the Eta Chapter at Lehigh University.
Read more about the Individual Awards here.
Chapters were also recognized for achievements during the 2023-24 year and multiple awards were given for Garnet and Gold Award for Academic Excellence, The Owl Award for Exceptional Academic Performance, the Clasped Hand Award for Outstanding Philanthropy and Service, and The Diamond Award for Exceptional Chapters was presented to the Epsilon Nu at Michigan State University.
Read all the Chapter Awards here.
Over the weekend Convention delegates split into five committees to discuss the work of the fraternity, these committees are: Nominations and Credentials, Awards, Budget and Development, Unfinished Business and New Business. The Convention Records below document the actions taken by the 180th Convention.
You can also view an updated Psi Upsilon Constitution and the policies of the Fraternity on our website here and view the 180th Convention Binder – which includes items on the Fraternities Budget, Membership Statistics, Chapter Reports and much more.
We have recently redesigned and expanded the presentation of the scholarship program recipients and histories on Psi’s website. Go take a look!
News
181st Convention Awards
180th Convention Awards
Individual Awards from the 180th Psi U Convention
Announcing the 2024 Summer Leadership Series
2024-25 Certified Recruiter Program launches!
Events
2025-26 Social Impact Fellowship Applications Open
9.6.24-9.8.24 – History & Archives Weekend and Reception
2024-25 Social Impact Fellowship Applications Open
9.17.24 – All Psi Upsilon Golf Outing – Tuxedo Park
In Memoriam, Memorial & Honor Gifts
