Omega - Fall 2010

Serving others is a calling each ofus should have, but a call to doing soas clergy is much, much rarer.

In fact, according to alumni records,there have been only three Omegaalumni out of more than 1,600 whohave responded to that calling.

For 90-year-old Louis “Wendell”Adams (Omega 383), that callingwas more of a push than anythingelse. While a teacher and administra-tor more than 50 years ago he tookthe pulpit almost on a dare from afriend at Linebarger Chapel near thesmall town of Montezuma, IN – some15 miles from the Illinois state line.

“I was asked to preach one Sundayby the district superintendent of theMethodist church in Terre Haute,”Adams said recently. “ He said, ‘wehad no one to serve, would you takethe pulpit this Sunday.’ ”

It was the church he was marriedin some seven years before thefriend’s prodding and eight yearsremoved from a degree in animal sci-

ences from Purdue. He really wantedto be a farmer, a teacher or a schooladministrator.

His path to the clergy, Purdue andPi Kappa Phi was somewhat by hap-penstance.

The day after the Dec. 7, 1941,attack on Pearl Harbor that broughtthe United States into World War II,the Michigan native went to Detroitand enlisted in the Marines. Heserved in the South Pacific Theatre.Specifically, he was involved in secur-ing the Samoan Islands.

He was one of the many G.I.s whocame to Purdue a bit older than thetraditional student.

Having been converted toChristianity at the age of 15, hesought to continue that traditionthrough the military and at Purdue.While being active with the WesleyFoundation on campus, he met a PiKapp who shared his zeal for faith.

“I went to Pi Kappa Phi in 1944after being asked by (the late)George Jordan (Omega 364),”Adams said. “He said, ‘we need youas a recruit at the fraternity.’ ”

Because he was an older veteran,Adams was unsure of how it wouldwork out.

“I was pleasantly surprised by thefaith life there,” he said. “I madesuch firm, endearing relationshipswith those guys. Most were A-1 guys.I had been to war and back, but theytotally accepted me and I did like-wise.

“I felt at home with (the brothers).George and I became closer asChristian friends at Pi Kappa Phi.”

Following graduation in 1947,Adams got a teaching job in westernIndiana and started graduate schoolat Indiana State Teacher’s College –now Indiana State University – inschool administration.

“I really didn’t want the adminis-

OmegaliteOCTOBER 2010 PURDUE UNIVERSITY

THE • PI • KAPPA • PHI • FRATERNITY

Alumni respond to higher calling

Continued on Page 3

Omega was the most recognized ofall student chapters nationwide atthe 2010 Supreme Chapter meetingin Orlando.

With more than 700 in attendanceat the capstone event at the confer-ence, Omega was named the KroegAward winner, signifying it as thetop Pi Kapp chapter nationally in itsclass (chapters with 17 or more fra-ternities on their campus). It was thesecond consecutive such award forthe Purdue delegation.

The second Kroeg award comes onthe heels of Omega being named theR.B. Stewart Award winner atPurdue in May. It was the third con-secutive time the chapter has wonthe award – the first time ever anyPurdue fraternity has won three in arow.

“In more than 40 years of involve-ment in the local and national PiKappa Phi organizations, I have seenvery few chapters – in any fraternity– achieve this high level of recogni-

RepeatOmega chapterwins Kroeg Award2nd time in a row

Pastor Wendell Adams, and hiswife, Madonna, are recognized athis last Sunday of preachingbefore retiring at Salem UnitedMethodist Church.

Ryan Nugent, Eric Allen, RyanKilboy and Dan Cronin acceptthe 2010 Kroeg Award during theSurpeme Banquet at SupremeChapter in Orlando, FL.

Continued on Page 2

OMEGALITE OCTOBER 2010 PURDUE UNIVERSITY

Omega ofPi Kappa Phi, Inc.Housing CorporationP.O. Box 2700West Lafayette, IN47996-2700

Chapter Web address:http://www.purduepikapps.com

CorporationOfficers

JAY SEEGER

PRESIDENT

3817 Old Farm RoadLafayette, IN 47905765/742-4529, work765/474-1986, [email protected]

BRANDT HERSHMAN

VICE PRESIDENT

6142 Maderia LaneLafayette, IN 47905574/581-2000, [email protected]

STEVE BOHNER

TREASURER

194 Twin Springs Ct.Carmel, IN 46234317/846-3008, home317/844-2250, work317/844-2296, [email protected]

PAT KUHNLE

SECRETARY

720 Chelsea RoadW. Lafayette, IN 47906765/743-1111 ext.

205, work765/743-6087, fax765/743-1256, [email protected]

The Omegalite is pub-lished at least twice ayear by the Omega of PiKappa Phi HousingCorporation for its alum-ni. Address correctionsshould be mailed to usat the contact informa-tion listed at the top ofthis box.

tion by the university and national fraternityat the same time,” former national presidentand Omega alumnus David Lane (Omega835) said. “The current Omega brothers clear-ly ‘get’ what Pi Kappa Phi and the chapterare all about. Their undergraduate experi-ences will serve them well following gradua-tion.”

Dan Cronin (Omega 1702), Fall 2009 andSpring 2010 archon, was proud of Omega’srecognition.

“We really are turning our old goals intonew expectations,” he said. “We now have thechallenge of topping ourselves. That is a goodproblem to have.”

Immediately prior to the announcement ofthe Kroeg Award winner, Cronin was namedthe Phillip M. Summers Student of the Year.That award is selected out of 7,200+ under-graduate Pi Kapp students nationally.

It was the second Student of the Year Awardfor Omega in the last three years. SteveHoltsclaw (Omega 1666) won the award in2008.

His successor as archon thought the recog-nition of was well deserved.

“He is one of the best leaders I have beenable to work with during my time at Purdueand he definitely sets a higher expectation forthose who follow him as archon,” MikeLolkus (Omega 1736), said.

In April, Cronin also named the Steven C.Beering Outstanding Fraternity president atPurdue.

Alumnus Phil Sharon (Omega 1652), chap-ter president when Cronin entered Pi KappaPhi, also is very proud of his suburbanChicago hometown protégée.

“As someone who was around when Danjoined Pi Kappa Phi, I can say he struck usright away as a natural leader and someonewe knew would strengthen our fraternityimmediately,” Sharon said upon learning ofthe award. “He leads by example, has anexcellent work ethic and is someone we knewwould continue to steer the chapter in theright direction.”

James Loy (Omega 1673), now an engi-neering PhD student at Purdue, mentoredCronin as his pledge pop.

“I have a tremendous sense of pride,” Loysaid. “Dan is a person who never gives up,regardless of obstacles in his way.”

Eric Allen (Omega 1724), a May chemicalengineering graduate, won the Vice Archon ofthe Year Award, for his efforts in recruitment.In 2009-10 under Allen’s leadership, the chap-ter brought in 53 new members. The Omega

chapter was also honored as the OutstandingRecruitment Program in the nation.

The chapter produced recruitment fliers,had rush banners, developed a marketingtheme of Purdue’s Best, Nation’s Best, Men ofCLASS and distributed weekly rush newslet-ters just to name a few award-winningefforts.

When announcing the award winner at aSupreme Chapter luncheon, CEO MarkTimmes said, “We were so impressed withEric’s efforts that we hired him as a leader-ship consultant.”

In all, Omega received nine major awardsat Supreme Chapter.

Continued from Page 1

PI KAPPA PHI CHAPTER AWARDS FROM 2009-102010 PI KAPPA PHI AWARDS:• Kroeg Award, top chapter in it’s league (campuses with17 or more fraternities)• Student of the Year, Dan Cronin (out of 7,200+ under-graduates)• Vice Archon of the Year, Eric Allen (out of 155 chapters)• Champion Master Chapter (one of 20 who averaged aLevel III in the 7 Objectives of Chapter Excellence)• Outstanding Recruitment Program, best chapter inoverall recruitment efforts• Alumni Newsletter of the Year, the Omegalite• Legacy Recruitment Award, recognizing chapters thathave initiated legacies• Push Core Values Award, chapter that best embodiesthe core values of Push America – Abilities, Teamwork,Empathy, Integrity (one of four chapters nationwide to winthis)• Push Gold Star, for $10,000+ annual fund raising• Master Chapter, Recruitment Success, Level III 7Objectives of Chapter Excellence• Master Chapter, Academic Achievement, Level III 7Objectives of Chapter Excellence• Master Chapter, Sound Chapter Operations, Level III 7Objectives of Chapter Excellence• Master Chapter, Living the Ritual, Level III 7 Objectivesof Chapter Excellence• Master Chapter, Commitment to Service and PushAmerica, Level III 7 Objectives of Chapter Excellence• Master Chapter, Effective Alumni Relations, Level III 7Objectives of Chapter Excellence

2009-10 PURDUE IFC AWARDS

• RB Stewart Award winner, top fraternity at Purdue (out of41). Pi Kappa Phi won the award in 2008, 2009 and 2010.• Finalist in 5 of 8 subcategories used to judge overall RBStewart Award winner, including: Recruitment, leadership,philanthropy, brotherhood and chapter pride.• Steven C. Beering IFC President of the Year, DanCronin• Philip Bowers Advisor of the Year, Pat Kuhnle (alsowon in 1992, 1994, 2002, 2009 and 2010).

“Omega alumni couldn’t be happierwith the chapter’s outstanding perfor-mance over the last few years. Themultiple awards on campus and with-in the fraternity are all we could hopefor. The recognition reflects what canbe accomplished with superb leader-ship and dedication to high stan-dards.”

– David Lane, former national president


trative duties after all, so I droppedout and continued as a teacher andcounselor,” he said.

He married in 1948 at the church hewould later preach at for the firsttime. In 1950, he bought a farm andfour years later received his invitationto speak about scripture that fatefulSunday morning.

“It felt natural, it felt normal, and Ican’t explain exactly why it did and Ihave been preaching somewhere eversince then.”

During his span of 55 years as apastor, he served at more than adozen parishes. His longest tenure inone location was 12 years at SalemUnited Methodist Church, northeastof Terre Haute.

Since retiring in 1998, he stillpreaches on occasion as he nears his91st birthday in November.

He recalls his Pi Kappa Phi daysquite fondly.

“Those were warm, appreciativeyears,” he said. “Now, I have greatmemories to cherish.”

The path to being a pastor wassomewhat different for Craig Grove(Omega 1068). His father was a pas-tor, so his role modeling came early inlife. As a youngster, he lived briefly inMorocco, IN, some 50 miles northwestof the Purdue campus.

“I was dealing with the illusion ofcollege from a second grader’s point ofview,” he said. That illusion later per-suaded him majoring in restaurant,

hotel and tourism management atPurdue.

Grove found himself drawn to PiKappa Phi in much the same way hewas drawn to ministry.

“I liked the mixture of guys andvery much appreciated the sense ofcommunity Pi Kappa Phi offered,” hesaid. “Church work is also working toforever build community and toenhance that feeling as it grows andmatures in your life.”

After attending Purdue for twoyears from 1979-81, Grove felt calledto a smaller community near his par-ents’ new hometown of Wheeling, WV.

“It is there that the fruition of asense of calling to ministry more fullydeveloped,” he said. That developmentled him to attend Bethany College, amuch smaller school located in thefoothills of the Alleghany Mountains,close to his parents.

After graduating from the liberalarts college in 1984, Grove moved toClaremont School of Theology, beingordained as a Disciples of Christ min-ister in 1987.

Since earning a Masters in Divinityin 1988, Grove has been ministeringin seven states. Most recently he hasbeen a pastor at the Red OakChristian Church in Greenville, NC.

The desire to serve also has drivenTom Harzula (Omega 1619) to startseminary in August 2010.

After graduating in 2007 in politicalscience, he served Pi Kappa Phi fortwo years as a traveling consultant

working with 65 chapters in 22 states.After completing his two years on theroad for Pi Kappa Phi, he almost wentto the seminary. Instead, he assistedIndiana statewide campaigns forRepublicans with Web developmentand social media strategy.

“I have developed a tremendousheart for service during the last fiveor six years,” Harzula said. “I havealways had a desire to have a careerwithin something I am passionateabout – which is why I worked for PiKappa Phi and in politics. Afterbecoming a follower of Christ, I sup-pose this was the next logical step.”

The service component of the frater-nity itself – through Push Americaalongside the various campus philan-thropies had an impact on his think-ing.

“My life as an Omega undergradu-ate taught me many things throughexperience – passion, servant leader-ship and engagement,” he said. “I hadgrown up with the knowledge thateverything isn’t about me, but it wasthrough my various Pi Kapp experi-ences that I began to understandwhat that notion truly meant.”

While studying at AsburyTheological Seminary in Kentucky,Harzula has accepted a position as aweekend pastor at three smallMethodist churches in SouthernIndiana. He will continue with hisresponsibilities as a Pi Kappa Phiregional governor with authority overthe three chapters in Indiana – atPurdue, Indiana and Indiana Stateuniversities.

Tom is seeking ordination within theUnited Methodist Church and, follow-ing graduation, hopes to one day workas either a military chaplain or a localpastor in Indiana.

“All around us, from across thestreet to across the ocean, there is aworld in desperate need to knowChrist and to experience God’s lovefor them,” Harzula said. “I hope toaccomplish those things He placesbefore me and pray that my life inministry can be a light unto othersthrough prayer and servant leader-ship.”

Continued from Page 1

Rev. Craig Grove poses in one ofhis Disciples of Christ parishassignments. He has been a minis-ter for more than 20 years in avariety of states.

Tom Harzula, who works at threesmall rural parishes in southernIndiana while attending a semi-nary, poses at Pisgah UnitedMethodist Church in Deputy, IN.

Three Omega alumni serve as clergy members


Undergraduate David Feltner(Omega 1738) had one request afterdropping the bombshell news at alate February chapter meeting thathe was faced with fighting cancer forthe third time in four years – thathis fraternity brothers shave hishead.

The brothers took a moment toregain their composure after learningFeltner had a tumor behind his righteye, but they honored his request.While doing so, a consensus began tobuild to stand in solidarity withFeltner, an organizational leadershipand supervision student.

In the minutes following the chap-ter meeting more than 40 brothersjoined the fray. They, too, shavedtheir heads. As others who did notattend the meeting learned ofFeltner’s fate, the shaving continuedto the point where nearly half the115-man chapter followed suit. Thetiming was particularly interestingsince later that week individualphoto shoots were scheduled for theannual fraternity composite.

“It is something truly special tosee the amount of people who wantedto do something as simple as shavingtheir heads to show that they werethinking of him,” said Jim Vasil(Omega 1677), lifelong friend fromCarmel, IN, and a fraternity brother.

At the age of 17, Feltner was diag-nosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, afast-growing soft-tissue cancer mostoften seen in children. The cancerous

tumor located in the skull on thebase of his eye – the same place itwas found again in February – wasoriginally treated with multiplerounds of chemotherapy and radia-tion rather than surgery with thehope of saving his right eye. By theage of 20, cancer was found along hisspine – again in a location wheresurgery seemed too risky of anoption. Nearly a year of chemo andradiation ensued, giving him a “cleanbill” of health in July 2009 and againthis January.

Now at 21, and the cancer grow-ing back in the same spot it had beenfour years earlier, radiation was nolonger an option and chemotherapyobviously had not worked.

A high-risk surgery was successfulon March 22 in Indianapolis. Most ofthe tumor was removed at that time,but not all of it given the location.

Feltner returned to classes andthe fraternity in August. He contin-ues to receive interveneouschemotherapy three out of every fourweeks and an oral drug daily. Thetreatment regiment is expected tolast through the first half of 2011.

“The chapter members’ reactionand support that I have receivedsince I have been back is far morethan I could have asked for,” Feltnersaid. “Both the fraternity and Purduehave gone out of their ways to makeit possible for me to continue schoolwhile still in treatment.”

An Omega alumnus and housingcorporation member finished secondin a 13-manMay primary forthe Republicannomination forU.S. Congress.

BrandtHershman(Omega 1196), atwo-term StateSenator from Wheatfield, IN, fin-ished second to outgoing IndianaSecretary of State Todd Rotika to fillthe Fourth Congressional Districtbeing vacated by a retiring nine-termincumbent.

“Running for Congress was adaunting challenge,” Hershman said.“In 45 days, we raised more than$350,000 and traveled more than15,000 miles meeting people acrossthe sprawling Fourth District.

“Finishing second out of 13 candi-dates was both a rewarding and dis-appointing experience, but (wife)Lisa and I value the strong supportwe received from so many people –especially from Pi Kapp alumni fromacross Indiana and the country.”

The Fourth Congressional Districtruns from north of Bloomington tonorth of Lafayette. It runs as farwest as Illinois and east to the out-skirts of Indianapolis.

His State Senate seat covers someof the same area, mostly north andsouth of Lafayette, including the cityof Lafayette but not West Lafayette.He is in the middle of his second,four-year term as senator, which is apart-time job during the spring. Heremains the State Senate MajorityWhip.

His full-time job is serving as thedistrict operations manager for Rep.Steve Buyer, who is retiring inDecember. Given that his currentfull-time job will end in December,Hershman started law school inIndianapolis this fall.

“I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunityto represent the Lafayette area andserve as a member of the leadershipof the Indiana Senate,” he said.

State senator finishes2nd in 13-man primaryfor U.S. Congress

Hershman

Cancer sidelines chapter member

Freshly shaved Omega chapter members pose with David Feltner(front, center in black shirt and glasses) in February shortly after aspontaneous head shaving.


The recent successes of the Omegachapter can easily to be traced to twocharacteristics – the quality of theoverall membership and strong leader-ship.

The leadership was keenly recog-nized in 2010, as Dan Cronin (Omega1702) was named the outstanding fra-ternity president (out of 41 chapters)at Purdue and the top student in all PiKappa Phi (out of 7,200+ undergradu-ates).

In presenting the award named inhis honor, former national presidentPhil Summers lauded Cronin forbuilding on an already exceptionalchapter. Summers said Cronin waselected archon to a chapter that hadalready won two consecutive bestchapter awards at Purdue and was aKroeg Award winner.

“Merely sustaining this level ofexcellence would be a challenge for anyarchon,” Summers told 700+ in atten-dance at the Supreme Banquet inOrlando. “But Dan set out to be evengreater. Under his guidance, the chap-ter achieved new heights.”

Those included:• 53 new members in 2009-10, includ-

ing six legacies and an overall mem-bership of 115 men.

• A $300,000+ budget with an $8,000surplus.

• $10,000 of chapter-generatedimprovements to the basement din-ing area.

• Three on the 2010 Journey of Hope,11 in a Give-A-Push Weekend and

nearly one-third of the chapter vol-unteering hours at LafayetteJefferson High School special needsclasses.

• A 3.74 GPA in civil engineering.• Being named the Steven C. Beering

Outstanding Fraternity President atPurdue in April 2010.

• Unprecedented third consecutiveR.B. Stewart Award, signifying it asPurdue’s top fraternity.To top it off, just moments after

leaving the stage in Orlando, Croninand other Omega contingents werecalled back up to receive their secondconsecutive Kroeg Award as the top PiKappa Phi chapter nationwide in itsclass.

“I was surprised at first but afterthe initial shock, I have so much pridebeing selected Student of the Year outof so many outstanding members,”Cronin said.

Others were not so humble.“What a great, well-deserved honor,

Dan,” chapter academic advisor RitaBaker, wrote to him. “Congratulationson being selected Student of the Year! Iknow you are a hard worker whostrives to do your best all the time. Itis great to see your hard work anddedication acknowledged.”

Alumni were impressed as well.“The scale of your achievement is

truly amazing when you think of thecaliber of Pi Kappa Phi men across thecountry,” alumnus Kevin Ohaver(Omega 1438) wrote in a congratulato-ry note. “It is obvious that you are adisciplined, goal-oriented and focusedman.”

As significant of an award as theStudent of the Year Award is, what istruly incredible is that the Omegachapter has won two of the last threenational Student of the Year awards.Steve Holtsclaw (Omega 1666) wonthe same award at the 2008 SupremeChapter in Denver.

The Pi Kapp national award cameon the heels of Cronin being namedthe campus fraternity president of theyear in April.

In the nomination form, then vicearchon, now fall archon, Mike Lolkus(Omega 1736) lauded Cronin for hold-ing five different executive counciloffices during his fraternity career.

Those included – warden, chaplain,secretary and archon (twice).

“He has been a mentor to nearly 20men as officers in the chapter andmore than 100 active members oncampus,” Lolkus wrote.

“Dan has done an exceptional job ofleading by example in his dailyinvolvement in the chapter and oncampus.”

Cronin has been a consistent men-tor for younger guys and has encour-aged other officers to achieve highstandards.

James Loy (Omega 1673), now aPh.D. student in engineering, was hispledge pop.

“I have a tremendous sense ofpride,” Loy said. “Dan is a person whonever gives up regardless of obstaclesin his way.

“It’s amazing to see the change inan individual as he grows within thechapter. Dan has really taken advan-tage of the leadership opportunitiesavailable in the house and used themto better himself and the chapter.”

For his part, Cronin is humbledwith the recognition.

“I was blessed with an extremelyeffective executive council that helpedmove the chapter in a positive direc-tion,” Cronin said. “The award hasreinforced my approach to leadershipand am extremely grateful for theopportunities we’ve been presented asa chapter.”

Pi Kappa Phi names Cronin national Student of Year

Former national president PhilSummers presents his namesake2010 Student of the Year Award toOmega’s Dan Cronin.

Dan Cronin poses with the StevenC. Beering Chapter President ofthe Year Award.


DEATHS:130Edwin “Pete” Sherwood9/8/10

723Robert D. “Porky” Sills2/28/10

489Charles S. McConnell11/9/09

771Clyde D. Smith7/23/10

MARRIAGES:Brent Wunderlich (Omega 1488)and Michala Haynie, Lake of theOzarks, MO7/24/10

Dan Rusnak (Omega 1499) andKelli Cronkite, Brookfield, IL8/29/09

BIRTHS:Phoebe Elizabeth Ward, daughter ofGene (Omega 1412) and KatieWard. Born 3/19/10.

Kathryn Jane Eckerle, daughter ofBrad (Omega 1517) and MichaelaEckerle. Born 4/3/10.

Lydia Louise Petkovich, daughter ofMatt (Omega 1489) and KatePetkovich. Born 4/8/10.

Lucy Lee Barclay, daughter of Jilland Tom Barclay (Omega 1498).Pittsburgh, PA4/22/10

Delta Gamma captured the thirdannual “War of Roses” competitiontitle on April 8 and Katie Bennett wasnamed the 2010 Rose Queen of PiKappa Phi.

The April 8 talent competitionended a week-long event at variouslocations on campus. The eventsincluded empathy training where par-ticipants emulated various disabilitiesat formal dinners. There was also apenny wars competition won by AlphaChi Omega to raise funds for PushAmerica, the Pi Kappa Phi nationalphilanthropy.

Pi Kappa Phi provided coaches tothe competing teams and sometimes

were even integrated into the competi-tion. Emcees Ryan Nugent (Omega1717) and TJ Tomasik (Omega 1735)introduced contestants during the for-mal dress and asked one random ques-tion. Each also had to answer what itmight mean to them to be named the2010 Rose Queen.

While the judges made their deci-sion on the Thursday night winnersand tallied points earned from eventsearlier in the week, the audience wastreated to a slide show of the chapter’syear-long Push America events. Theslides included photos that week’s Warof Roses practice and empathy train-ing, last year’s Pi Kapp 100 and volun-teer work with a special needs class atLafayette Jefferson High School. Aquarter of the year-long chapter fundraising will support the special needsclasses at the local high school.

Eight sororities participated in theThursday night talent show inPurdue’s Fowler Hall, which saw morethan 300 audience members roar inlaughter and applause at skits, danc-ing shows, singing and musical instru-ment playing.

The talent competition won byDelta Gamma included a comedic

opening and a song sung by the win-ning Rose Queen Bennett that eventu-ally turned to a ballad about herboyfriend, Mike Lolkus – a Pi KappaPhi chapter member.

Zeta Tau Alpha finished second inthe talent competition with a mix ofclassic and modern piano musicsynched to a video presentation byMolly Estes. Kappa Alpha Thetaplaced third by performing a skit mod-eled after Mad TV’s “Can I Get YourNumber?”

Overall, Delta Gamma finishedfirst, followed by Zelta Tau Alpha andAlpha Chi Omega.

“It was great to see all the sorori-ties come together to support the mis-sion of Push America,” said TylerLewis (Omega 1740), chapter PushAmerica chairman. “We all had a lot offun throughout the week and in themeantime gained a greater awarenessfor what challenges some people facedaily”

Pi Kappa Phi appreciates all theeffort and enthusiasm displayed by theparticipants, coaches and audience. PiKappa Phi and its partners nettedmore than $1,600 for Push Americaduring the weeklong event.

Almanac

DGs win 2010 ‘War of Roses’ competition

Lucy Lee BarclayKathryn J. EckerleM/M Wunderlich Phoebe E. Ward

Rose Queen Katie Bennett withMike Lolkus.


The collective accomplishments ofthe fraternity were honored onceagain in an awards ceremony on April16, 2010.

For the third consecutive schoolyear Pi Kappa Phi was named theR.B. Stewart Award winner, signifyingit as Purdue’s top fraternity.

Contributing to its unprecedentedongoing recognition, the fraternitywas a finalist in five of the eight cate-gories used to judge the overallStewart Award winner. The categorieshad either three or four finalists each.The ones for which Pi Kappa Phi wasa finalist in 2010 included recruit-ment, leadership, philanthropy, broth-erhood and chapter pride.

“Winning the award for the thirdtime signifies we’re on track to runexcellence into tradition at the Omegachapter,” 2009-10 archon DanCronin (Omega 1702) said. “After anunexpected change in the applicationprocess went into effect this year, it istruly exciting to be the recipient yetagain. I believe all of the brothers arebeginning to see the benefits of theirhard work and dedication as wellwhat’s next for the chapter.”

Cronin, a senior in civil engineering,received the 2010 Steven C. Beering

Fraternity President of the Yearaward at the ceremony, too. PatKuhnle (Omega 1197) also was recog-nized as the Philip Bowers ChapterAdvisor of the Year.

“The RB Stewart Award applicationacts as a self-evaluation for allaspects of the fraternity,” Cronin said.“Throughout the year we are con-stantly thinking of ways to push theenvelope and surpass outsider’sexpectations. The RB Stewart Awardis a symbol that the chapter is suc-cessful in its efforts and is redefininghow others view Pi Kappa Phi.”

The chapter’s success is recognizedbeyond the current undergraduates.

Phil Sharon (Omega 1652), who isa Chicago-area financial consultantwho graduated in 2008, helped recruitCronin who was named the top frater-nity president this year. He takesgreat pride in what Pi Kappa Phi hasaccomplished.

“I am extremely proud to call myselfan Omega Pi Kapp,” he said. “It isgreat for the chapter to receive thistype of recognition for the hard workof so many, but it is even greater toknow that such awards are not thechapter’s sole motivation. It is not aone-and-done chapter.

“Pi Kappa Phi has made ahabit of striving to be thebest and consciously choos-es to be a leader on cam-pus. It is no accident thatthis award has been earnedthree times in a row. PiKappa Phi has changedwhat has long been ‘hopedfor,’ into what’s now ‘expect-ed.’ ”

Older alumni are also cog-nizant of the chapter’srecognition.

“It is remarkable to hearthe news of such an awardagain for the chapter,”Brad Eckerle (Omega1517), chapter archon in2001. “Hats off to the broth-ers and officers for sustain-ing the elite status andmaintaining a successfulchapter.”

3-PeatPi Kappa Phi wins Purdue’s top award again An Omega member was recognized

by Purdue as being one of top 40alumni under the age of 40.

Mike Porter (Omega 1286) wascited for his 14 years at Microsoftincluding two years in Singapore incharge of sales teams in 13 Asiancountries. The 40 Under 40 list waspublished in the July/August “PurdueAlumnus,” the magazine for membersof the Purdue Alumni Association.

The list included New OrleansSaints quarterback Drew Brees andNBA veteran Brian Cardinal, amongothers.

“It was an honor and humbling,”Porter said of his inclusion in theexclusive group. “My Purdue experi-ence helped shape me as a person andI've always been so grateful for that.”

Within the Purdue Alumnus arti-cle, Porter credited his Pi Kappa Phiexperience as an integral part of hiseducation.

“Trust and teamwork are traits myteams have always been known forand this stems very much from mytime at Omega where their impor-tance was engrained into us,” saidPorter, after the article was pub-lished. “I learned at Omega that thereis diversity in the world in terms ofrace, religion, upbringing, and muchmore.

“Overcoming adversity is some-thing I feel I have a strength in andmy time at Omega helped me withthis as well. Amongst many successesour chapter also had opportunities todeal with adversity and by overcom-ing it together we were stronger forit.”

In July, Porter left Microsoft forJuniper Networks, where he is vicepresident for sales for eightMidwestern states. The California-based company designs and developscomputer network infrastructures forrouting and switching products.

He graduated in 1992, with abachelor’s degree in political sciencewith minors in organizational leader-ship and supervision and manage-ment. The South Bend native nowlives in a Chicago suburb with hiswife, Amy, a Penn State graduate,and their three children.

Purdue recognizesalumnus in top 40

In April, chapter members pose behind theirthree consecutive R.B. Stewart awards.


For only the second time ever, theOmega chapter had three chaptermembers participate in the summer-long Journey of Hope cycling ride forPush America.

Craig Vargo (Omega 1674), JamesLoy (1673) and Kyle Pluchar partici-pated in the ride benefiting the dis-abled in 2010. Riders are required toraise at least $5,000 for Push America,the fraternity's national philanthropicefforts. Crew members must raise atleast $2,500. The Purdue contingentraised more than $27,000 collectivelyfor Push America in 2009-10.

The trio – alongside DonovanHiggins (Omega 1692), who wasscheduled to take part in the 2010 ridebut had a serious cycling accident theweek before he was to leave for theJourney of Hope – spoke recently toseveral dozen prospective members ata recruitment event on Sept. 2.

They spoke of the friendship visitsfor which riders and crew visit with afacility catering to the needs of thedisabled. They spoke of the cama-raderie they developed with theirteammates who represented Pi Kappa

Phi chapters nationwide. And theyspoke about how the ride changedthem.

“It was an experience of a lifetime,”Vargo, a pharmacy student, said afterthe recruitment event. “Not only doyou get to help thousands of peopleacross the country, but it is the bestway to grow as a person and a brother.

“More than anything, the trip hastaught me to define individuals bywhat they can do rather than whatthey cannot do.”

Vargo and Loy rode with 16 otherriders on the Trans-America team thatstarted in Seattle and ended inWashington, D.C. Pluchar was a crewmember on the same team.

There were north and south teamsas well. In all, there were 75 ridersand 20 crew members.

Loy, who completed a Master’sdegree in engineering in May, leftWashington, D.C., in August a differ-ent person than when be began thetrip in Seattle in June.

“The Journey of Hope was a life-changing experience for me,” Loy saidafter the recruitment event. “I over-

came obstacles Inever thought Icould and met peo-ple who have over-come obstacles Ihave never imag-ined.

“Push America isPi Kappa Phi'sgreatest asset in theeffort to developleaders through ser-vice.”

The last timethree membersmade a similar trip

was in 1997, when Andrew Parker(Omega 1450), Carson “Woody”Eddy (1403) were riders and BrianQuandt (1446) was on the crew.

The annual ride started in 1987when one fraternity member’s dreamcame true. That inspiration has led tothe event known today as the Journeyof Hope. It is perhaps the highest pro-file national event for Push America.

On a local basis, Pi Kappa Phi spon-sors a fall all-Greek tennis/golf tourna-ment alongside Alpha Phi sorority.Last spring, 20+ riders and crew par-ticipated in a 100-kilometer cyclingride modeled after Gear Up Floridafrom Zionsville to the Purdue campus.It also sponsors a weeklong springevent – War of Roses – whereby otherGreek organizations obtain disabilityempathy training and participate in atalent show. The process of all theseevents benefit the chapter's fundrais-ing efforts.

Nearly a third of the chapter mem-bers volunteered their time on a bi-weekly basis for a special needs classat Lafayette Jefferson High School.

In all, the chapter raised $10,202 forPush America in 2009-10 with a quar-ter of that fund raising to be donatedto the local high school special needsclass.

Vargo and Loy became the 13th and14th Omega members on the Journeyof Hope cycling alumni. Pluchar, anagriculture undergraduate student,became the second crew member.

Higgins hopes to join the 2011 GearUp Florida riders since he was side-lined in 2010. Kevin Albrecht(Omega 1768) is also gong to be on theteam. They would be the second andthird Purdue Pi Kappa Phi membersto do such.

The time for the Minnesota atPurdue homecoming football game onOct. 16 has been set for noon and thechapter will host welcome alumni thatday with an open house and pre-gamemeal.

The Oct. 16 schedule will be as fol-lows:

• 9 a.m. to noon, Open house &ticket distribution. Chapter members

will be on the first floor and basementand can offer you a tour of the facili-ties, which includes a compete over-haul of the second floor bathroom.

• 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., pregamelunch provided at the chapter house.

• 11:30 a.m., leave the house forthe noon Minnesota at Purdue foot-ball game at Ross-Ade Stadium.

• Noon. Gametime. The game will

be televised and will be shown in theGreat Hall.

• 4 to 6 p.m., Open house at thechapter for those who did not get achance to visit before the game.

• 6 p.m. to ?, pick your favoritewatering hole near campus. Chaptermembers 21 or older will be glad toaccompany alumni and guests andlook forward to your hospitality.

Schedule set for noon, Oct. 16 homecoming

Trio recall Journey of Hope trip at recruitment event

Craig Vargo and other cyclists address rushees atthe Sept. 2 recruitment event featuring Omega’sparticipation in Push America programming

Documents

Omega - Fall 2010