Phi Kappa Psi - University of Michigan

A fter being recruited by Brian May '99 during his senior year of high school, Michael Ellis '02 developed close bonds with many Phi Psis during the summer leading into freshman year. The decision to pick Michigan Alpha was easy after that. "By the time I got on campus, my friends on campus were all Phi Psis." As an active, Michael continued his close friendships with brothers, many who had a strong impact on him. "To name a few, Jared Stasik '01 for his integrity and discipline; Nick Stieber '03 for being loyal and reliable; and Lou VanHout '03 for his optimism, authenticity, and work ethic." Despite living 2,000+ miles away and having a young, growing family and demanding career, Michael has stayed in touch with about 30 brothers through fantasy football, weddings, group texts, and miscellaneous adventures. Looking back on his Michigan Alpha memories, spring break in Acapulco, Mexico with brothers sticks out as a favorite. After being entered by his brothers in a "shake your butt" contest, Michael went home the winner of both the contest and the heart of his future wife. "I guess you could say I didn't half-ass it." The 2003 Michigan (#5) vs. Ohio State (#4) tailgate in 2003 with brothers is a close second favorite memory for Michael. "I remember rushing the field after the game with all the rest of the stadium after beating Ohio State 35-21!" After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering, Michael took a full- time position at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona, working as an engineer on the Tomahawk Missile Program. After three years there, he transferred to Raytheon Space House Corporation Continues to Renovate the Chapter House Your Support Is Needed for Safety Improvements B rothers, this last year has been very busy for Michigan Alpha. Due to some issues with a contractor and extended negotiations with the city for permits, our relatively small 2017 summer remodel project turned into a massive undertaking in 2018. On top of redoing the original work, reinforcing the floors, we've added a full-house fire suppression system, handicapped accessible bathrooms and entry ramps, and a few other improvements. To accomplish the extra work, during the fall semester we were forced to sublease 1437 Washtenaw at great thanks to the men from Phi Delta Theta. Our students are now settling back into our home at 630 Oxford. Membership numbers are strong at roughly 100 men, we have a full chapter house next year, and as you will read in the president's report philanthropy events and scholastic achievements remain a focus as well. DONATE TO MICHIGAN ALPHA The extra house projects leave us needing to fundraise roughly $100,000 and we are asking for alumni support. Please see the opportunities to the right for donations. HOMECOMING WEEKEND We are excited to host events during Homecoming this fall. Please mark your calendars for the weekend of October 5 as our Michigan football team takes on the Iowa Hawkeyes. We are grateful for your support and encouragement and look forward to serving you as we prepare for another fantastic year for Michigan Alpha. Live Ever, Michigan Alpha House Corporation Board of Directors MICHIGAN ALPHA - FRIENDSHIPS AND SPACEX Spotlight on Michael Ellis '02 (Continued on page 2) THE SOPHON Michigan Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi Phi Kappa Psi University of Michigan Spring 2019 Mail Checks: Michigan Alpha Payment Processing P.O. Box 2187 Columbus, GA 31902-2187 Donate Online: Make Recurring or one-time gifts at tinyurl.com/MichiganAlpha

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