Phi Kappa Psi - University of Texas

Spring 2020 Newsletter

Texas Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity at the University of Texas

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I'm not sure I could've ever imagined writing this letter during everything going on around us with the COVID-19 pandemic surrounding all aspects of our daily personal and professional lives. I hope this letter finds you, your loved ones and friends in good health and safe during these trying times. I've sat down on a few occasions over the past couple of weeks to write this letter and have struggled to find the words, but I'll give it my best shot. Phi Kappa Psi Texas Alpha is a storied fraternity at UT and one that has seen its fair share of adversity and trials, yet somehow always prevails on the other side. This couldn't be truer with the work and track record of the undergraduate chapter, leadership and the various support systems that exist. The yearend match fundraiser campaign raising more than $140,000, another record-setting Founders Day 2020, both fall '19 and spring '20 recruitment and new member classes are a testament to the strength and character of Texas Alpha brothers spanning generations when we all come together to support the vision. Unfortunately, the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic has had unintended yet impactful consequences on the lives of our undergraduate men and their families. On March 17, 2020, the University of Texas at Austin made the decision, like many other universities and institutions, to transition the remainder of the spring 2020 semester online. This created a unique set of challenges for creating a new norm and adjustments for all students, many of whom remained in their hometowns, cities, and private residences following several stay-at-home and shelter-in-place executive directives being issued. In addition, I would be remiss if I didn't note the economic impact an early end to the semester, as well as immediate halt to several of the services and operations, had on Texas Alpha. Due to that situation I'm very thankful for the Texas Alpha Endowment Fund, under the leadership of Kelly Fish, '77 for their continued partnership and support of the educational initiatives, student support and grants to continue doing the vital work being done at Phi Kappa Psi Texas Alpha. It's certainly not lost on me that we are all facing and trying to adjust to a new normal as we look to the future. I strongly urge all of you to answer my call to action to take the time during this on-going situation and reach out to a brother you may not have spoken to in some time and reconnect, touch base with your pledge brothers and ensure they're doing well or even just do a general check-in on a brother and their family. You'd be surprised the effect a phone call, text message, email, letter or even video call could have on your brothers. Lead by example and others will follow. I intend on reaching out to brothers and checking in on their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and offer to be a support in any way I can. If you should ever need help or assistance, or even just want a brother to speak to, you can always reach out and I will be available. Stay safe, and stay healthy. AVALANCHE Undergraduate and alumni brothers gather together for the Annual Founders' Day Awards Banquet at the UT Club inside DKR–Texas Memorial Stadium. TEXAS ALPHA | PHI KAPPA PSI | | SPRING 2020 BROTHERLY SUPPORT DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING "Our strong band can ne'er be broken, formed in ole Phi Psi." In the Bond, Matt Kifle '12 | Executive Director

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