Phi Kappa Psi - University of Texas

& RESPECT INTEGRITY WHAT CHRIS BENNETT '81 LEARNED FROM PHI KAPPA PSI The fall semester of 1980 seems like ancient past now to Chris Bennett '81 – "The Roman era to most college undergrads today." However, it's a time he'll never forget. In late August that year, Ken Sandoval '79, Bennett Roberts '77, Robert Meyer '79, Barry Jones '80 and many others welcomed him into the brotherhood and made him feel right at home. "It was a no-brainer to choose Phi Psi." Chris's primary mantra, "Respect," was hammered home during his years on Longview. He had great practice by serving as treasurer, VP and eventually president, charged with leading a wonderful group of men. "Whether it was respecting those who came before me to the brotherhood, my amazing pledge brothers, the Little Sisters or even our neighbors (the Betas and Pikes), lessons learned during my four years have followed me everywhere." That includes his career path; thanks to his connection with pledge brother Jon Wolkenstein '81, Chris decided to pursue his MBA in finance at McCombs Business School. "Years spent in the investment banking divisions of First Chicago, ABN AMRO and Banc One Capital Markets prepared me to venture out on my own." One of Chris's favorite undergraduate memories was a summer Rush party at the chapter house in July 1986, when Shawn Wells '84 introduced him to his future bride, Lisa. "We are close friends with Shawn to this day and are truly indebted to him for bringing us together!" Chris is most proud of Lisa's tremendous success throughout her career, from becoming the youngest creative director in Leo Burnett history and making executive creative director at 30, to her current role as managing director in the School of Advertising at UT. "We have always been a team, and her success is my success." Chris has noticed that it's harder to keep in touch with brothers as the miles grow and time passes, but he knows that for many of them the bond will carry on forever. "When you do get back together, whether in person or virtually, it will be as if time has stood still," he said. "You will tell stories as if they just happened. Pretty magical." His advice to undergraduates is to be as involved in the fraternity as much as possible. "The relationships built will endure and the lessons learned prepare you for a lifetime of success." Chris and Lisa enjoy travel, which has taken a backseat in the last year. They have made friendships from Chicago and San Francisco to Cannes and Berlin, and they hope to get back on the road soon. Until then, Chris can be reached at lacbennett@gmail.com. Texas Alpha to Resume Pregame Tailgates at the Chapter House for 2021 Football Season TAEF will resume hosting pregame tailgates at the house when the Steve Sarkisian era kicks off on Labor Day weekend. The plan for certain games is to open the chapter house to all brothers and their guests; bring your family and your friends – we will feed them a top-quality pre-game meal. We'll show them what Texas Alpha hospitality is all about! The food and drinks will be out early enough so that alumni and their guests can eat and tour the house before the band cranks up and the undergraduates begin their festivities. We will provide details later, but mark your calendars now for these two games that will feature TAEF tailgates at the house: Saturday, September 4 Louisiana game, time TBA Saturday, September 25 Texas Tech game, time TBA Best of luck to Coach Sark, and Hook 'em! ALPHA AVALANCHE | TEXAS ALPHA | PHI KAPPA PSI | | SPRING/SUMMER EDITION 2021

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