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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TEXAS ALPHA FACES PANDEMIC CRISIS WE WILL PREVAIL What a great Founders Day weekend – UT baseball, outstanding brotherhood at our skeet shoot, a very rewarding afternoon mentoring the undergraduates and an impressive Saturday night banquet at the UT club. All during this time there was occasional talk among brothers about of some virus in China…. Fast forward to today's reality of COVID-19 in the USA and most of us are in self-quarantine while our heroic healthcare and first response workers are in the thick of it all, risking their lives every day. I don't know about the rest of you, but I never envisioned us experiencing a global pandemic first-hand, yet here we are. Some brothers have contacted me and posted on social media wanting to know how the undergraduate chapter is doing and what are the ramifications for Texas Alpha given UT's decision to move all classes online with many students being called home by their parents. While there are financial challenges now developing, let me assure you that your Phi Psi leadership is meeting regularly via electronic conference, planning a course to successfully navigate the pandemic. Executive Director Matt Kifle '12 organizes these meetings that include Spencer Stewart '91, president of ALMG (day-to-day operations); Robert Meyer '79, president TAHB (house board); Scott Noble '81, former national Phi Psi president; Eric Keller '94; Neil Bowie '83; Michael Streicht '04, of the chapter Supervisory Committee; myself; as well as an assortment of lawyers and financial analysts. Throughout our history we faced daunting challenges, but unlike many UT fraternities, we've operated continually since our 1904 founding (actually one of the few fraternities on campus that can make that claim). We weathered the flu pandemic of 1918, the recession of the '30s, World War II in the '40s, anti-establishment era of the late '60s and early '70s, the pledge tragedy of the late '80s and the financial crisis and recession of 2008. Texas Alpha will prevail in the COVID-19 pandemic because prevailing through adversity is a part of our rich history. We are organized, dedicated and know how to do it. In the meantime, while we're all sitting at home, take some time to connect with your brothers. Organize a Zoom happy hour with your pledge brothers – the early '90s brothers have already done this! Send emails, make phone calls or post on Texas Alpha's Facebook page where Historian Emeritus Brent Monteleone '84 is now making insightful posts about Texas Alpha's history. You'll find this a refreshing and uplifting break from the dreadful news that we are seeing daily. Use this time to reconnect with your brothers. I guarantee it will lift your spirits! Let's start thinking about how summer rush might look. We'll need to innovate: how can alumni help in this effort? How do we emerge next fall as a leader on campus? I predict the UT fraternity landscape will change, providing unique opportunities for Texas Alpha. How can we capitalize and what is the role of alumni brothers? Stay safe, observe self-quarantine, use masks when you venture into public spaces, wash your hands many times throughout the day and let's keep our healthcare workers and first responders in our prayers and thoughts. God bless America! Amici, KELLY FISH '77 | President, TAEF ALPHA AVALANCHE | TEXAS ALPHA | PHI KAPPA PSI | | SPRING EDITION 2020 a life-changing experience. It's with hope that other young men will get to experience the joy and laughter from the decades- long friendships I so gratefully have and enjoy to this day. What are the top 5 things you've learned from Phi Kappa Psi? The overall is to be a good brother and a better man: Work hard. Be grateful. Be kind. Be helpful. Have fun. Is there anything else you would like to add about your time with Phi Kappa Psi? If I could go back and sit to have a beer with my college self on the flight deck of 2401 Longview, I would say this: Don't change anything. And also: Computers. continued from page 4 CHRIS GILLIAM '81 FOUND SECOND FAMILY

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