Phi Kappa Psi - University of Iowa

Spring 2023 Newsletter

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

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G reetings from your incoming and outgoing house directors! Our job is much like what you may recall as a "house dad" or "housemother." Iowa reinstituted the requirement of a house director in the 2010s to help provide accountability, guidance, and mentorship to undergraduate members. Iowa Alpha has been fortunate (unlike other chapters) to have a Brother hold the role since implemented; Matt Logan '06, Asa Klien '09, Adam Parker '09, Coleman McCarthy '12, Jason Woodruff '14, and Marcelo Melo '15 have all served in this capacity before us. Through the role, it's a joy to witness the personal and professional growth of the Brothers as they live in the Chapter and pursue their degrees. Throughout the year, we have many responsibilities. At the beginning and end of each semester, we check Brothers into and out of their rooms as part of their lease with the Chapter. These inspections and the formal check-in process ensure the House Corporation monitors damages while assessing needed improvements. We also guide the elected undergraduate house manager to ensure general home maintenance, upkeep, and overall functionality. Aligned with our maintenance and upkeep responsibilities, you'll be pleased to hear we assisted the alumni House Corporation in updating the kitchen! We now have new cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and serving buffets. Such a renovation allowed us to contract a chef for the Chapter. The introduction of the house chef and new meal plan has provided Brothers with quality home-cooked meals to enjoy throughout the week, a luxury often limited to the sororities on campus. We feel this is an economical improvement, producing less waste while adding a valuable draw to potential new members during recruitment. While most of our responsibilities revolve around the Chapter House, we also offer mentorship formally to executive officers and informally to everyone else at 363. We attend weekly executive officer meetings and full Chapter meetings, taking note of the Chapter's goals and keeping them accountable to those goals and our Chapter values. The house director is the liaison between the Chapter and the advisory board, ensuring the goals of both are aligned. Right now, one crucial goal is the rededication to Phi Psi rituals; these are at the foundation of our membership. The impacts of COVID can be seen everywhere, and our Chapter is no exception. The lack of in-person rituals created an experience unlike the one most of you recall. With our help and the guidance of our newly established advisory board, we're hosting ritual seminars for the Chapter to relearn and perform these ritual ceremonies. I, Eugene, believe the role of house director gave me invaluable perspectives and experiences while allowing me to counsel our younger Brothers. These experiences will be with me for life. And I, Max, as a former house manager, am eager to take on this enhanced role as an alumnus. While I know it will be beneficial personally, I am excited to be a role model, setting an example for the undergraduate Phi Kappa Psi members. Through all our work, you should know any investment from alumni in our men helps uphold the great name and legacy of Iowa Alpha Phi Kappa Psi. LIVE EVER, DIE NEVER! Fraternally, Shaping Our Home and Brothers Shaping Our Home and Brothers the hawKeye page 2 The Role of the Iowa Alpha House Director First look at the updated kitchen! See more photos on page 6. Eugene Caporale '18 Outgoing House Director Maxfield Eck '19 Incoming House Director

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