Phi Kappa Psi - University of Michigan

Page 2 the sophon Spring 2022 F raternity chapters give brothers an opportunity to learn how to better express themselves. As a young man, Chuck Matthews '58 recognized attending the University of Michigan as a truly special experience in his life. "I was impressed with the appearance of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house and several of the actives at the Phi Psi house, especially Dan Hegg '56. I was selected the outstanding pledge in my pledge class, and I lived in the house for the next four years. During that time, I created friendships that have continued for a lifetime." Chuck earned BBA and MBA degrees at the University of Michigan. He served as treasurer of the Interfraternity Council and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Union. Though he is retired now, Chuck had a 40-year career with General Motors Corporation that started from a summer job in the personnel department at Pontiac Motor Division in Pontiac, Michigan. He was later hired full- time at the Pontiac plant and had more responsibilities within the company. Chuck was transferred to the GMC Truck Division as the supervisor of insurance, then finished his career in the Corporate Employee Benefits Activity at GM Headquarters in Detroit. Phi Kappa Psi helped Chuck grow and prepare for his professional career. "Michigan Alpha helped me express myself orally and in writing," he said. "Undergraduates should take time to learn to express themselves in writing. I found that many of the people we interviewed for positions at the GM Headquarters in Detroit did not have a good command of the English language and the written word." Michigan Alpha presented an opportunity for undergraduates to learn how to work together, which greatly benefited Chuck. The chapter has had its ups and downs with a strong period in the 1960s followed by losing the chapter house and going off campus. Chuck praises the fine young men succeeding on campus today as well as the efforts of the House Corporation. "Living under the same roof with over 30 young men without a housemother brings out the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals." Chuck has had the opportunity to see alumni brothers again at reunion events. Chuck had season tickets to Michigan football games for over 40 years. Brothers living in the Ann Arbor area, such as John Ullrich '59 and his wife Sue, Erik Serr '61 and his wife Carol, and Archie Di Blassio '59 and his wife Julie, would host dinners for brothers and their spouses attending the games. Reunions would have up to 30 brothers attending from throughout the United States. One of the largest was held at Barton Hills Country Club. Chuck is part of a gourmet dinner group with brother Bill Cox '58 and his wife, Maddie. Brother Al Crossman '58 and his wife, Carol, have condominiums in the same community as Chuck in southwest Florida. Gatherings of several brothers in the spring have become an annual event. Chuck is happily retired and spends time with family, including a son and two daughters. He enjoys staying active and playing golf and croquet. You can connect with him at cymatthews89@gmail.com T he Wolverine Scholarship recognizes deserving brothers each semester for their academic achievement. Each winner must be in good standing with a GPA of 3.5 or above in the last two semesters. We had one recipient of the Wolverine Scholarship in fall 2021, Ryan Mulliken '21. Ryan serves as Chapter President, has a 3.94 GPA, and recently joined the Michigan Crypto Investment Club. He is planning on interning as an equity research intern at MKM Partners in Stamford, Connecticut, this summer. Congratulations, Ryan! Please consider a tax-deductible donation to our scholarship account at the National Fraternity to ensure we have funding for future Wolverine Scholarships! Visit PKPFoundation.org to donate to the Michigan Alpha Chapter OneFund. Be sure to include "for scholarships" in the comment section. Fall 2021 Wolverine Scholarship Congratulations to Our Winner! BROTHERHOOD THROUGH UPS AND DOWNS Decades Later, Chuck Matthews '58 Remains Connected with Phi Psi Alumni

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