Phi Kappa Psi - University of Texas

Texas Alpha House Board, Inc. P.O. Box 28061 Austin, TX 78755-8061 Address Service Requested T E X A S A L P H A ALPHA AVALANCHE Texas Alpha Enjoys Most Electrifying Period in Chapter History A fter initiating 42 new members this year, I am proud to report another successful recruitment effort for 2014. Parallel to the growth of our undergraduate chapter, alumni relations and participation are at all-time highs. It is truly an exciting time to be at Texas Alpha, as we are in the midst of one of the most electrifying periods in chapter history. Scholarship Strengthens Our members continue to keep up with the demanding academic challenges from the University. As our great university climbs the academic ranks, we look for new resources and ways to keep academics a priority. I am happy to announce that we offer free tutoring services to all active brothers and new members, as well as require study time for members with a G.P.A under 3.25. Our hard work is paying off, as we raised our chapter G.P.A. from a 3.0 to a 3.1 in 2013. We currently rank 14 of 24 IFC fraternities. Texas Alpha Gives Back Texas Alpha continues to give back to U.T. and the greater Austin community. Last year, we partnered with another campus organization, Caring for Camo, and helped package and send care packages to troops overseas. We are in contact with the organization to participate again this fall. The chapter is planning a large philanthropy event for the spring. Philanthropy Chairman Austin Kim '13 states, "This event will reach and ask participation from the entire Greek community." Recruitment Adds 42 New Members Texas Alpha will initiate 42 new members by the end of 2014. We continue to grow as a chapter and recruiting efforts are gaining momentum in both the Houston and Dallas areas. The pledge education program has been reshaped, follows the 6-week program from Phi Kappa Psi national, and focuses on education and academics. Chapter Hosts Social Events Chapter activity and participation are high as we provide sorority mixers for new members and host various sororities at parties, tailgates, and social functions. Last spring, the chapter held its first chapter-wide retreat in years, as well as hosted various speakers such as Coach Scott Nady and Jerry Nelson. Leaders of the fraternity also had a leadership retreat with active alumni in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in January. Members continue to benefit from Phi Psi's ALA leadership program. "You learn a lot about being a grown up. I learned practical, real-life skills that inspired me to be a better person," says Junior Ryan Sullivan '12 about his ALA experience. Campus Leadership Brothers are leaders on campus. Christopher Brubaker '12 served as IFC's philanthropy director and will be a ride leader for U.T.'s Texas 4,000-mile cancer bike ride to Alaska. We have six active members in Silver Spurs, as well as four members in the Texas Cowboys organization. Alumni Support Intramurals Our intramural program has also undergone renovation. Alumni support, spearheaded by Fred Hull '83 and Rick Miller '79, has provided our football team with new jerseys and a game- tested playbook. The chapter has also created an inter-chapter basketball league consisting of six teams. The first annual Phi Psi Basketball Association live draft was conducted in late August. Texas Alpha expects good results from both our football and basketball teams. Thanks to the support of alumni, the state of the chapter is strong. We look to build off of our recent successes and are very excited about the new property. Fraternally, Blake Bender '11 Chapter President blake.bender@yahoo.com (916) 873-5599 Recruitment Chairmen Stephen McCreary '12 (973) 820-6195 sdmccrearyiii@gmail.com Erik Herrera '12 (806) 781-3399 erikh2510@aol.com Tad Klamert '13 (512) 423-9128 tad.klamert@gmail.com Chapter President and Silver Spur Blake Bender with Jerry Jeff Walker and Vince Young at the Texas Alpha groundbreaking event September 6. Special Edition: Texas Alpha Breaks Ground! Save the Date for Founder's Day Weekend, February 20-22, 2015.

• Cover