Phi Kappa Psi - University of Texas

Page 4 Texas Alpha to the Top FARREL FARHOUDI '90 CALLS CAMPAIGN A WORTHY CAUSE T here was a sense of authenticity that Farrel Farhoudi '90 encountered when he first visited the Phi Psi house during rush. A genuine interest in where each person came from made the experience at Texas Alpha feel different and led him to join the fraternity. "There was definitely a sense of pride that came with joining Phi Psi, but even more there was a sense of camaraderie with the guys in the chapter. Those relationships were extremely meaningful to me. I really valued the network and strong base of support that was created." While still an undergraduate, Farrel began a career with Apple as a technical support specialist. He was quickly given supervisory and management responsibilities and relocated to Cupertino, California, in 1995. There he held various management positions within the company's service and support organization. In 2000, Farrel was assigned to a small team at Apple responsible for designing and developing Apple's new chain of retail stores. His major contribution to the initiative was the development of the now-famous Genius Bar. Since the launch of the retail stores, Farrel's position in the company has culminated in his current role, senior director of worldwide AppleCare channel services. His duties take him all over the world and involve high-level commercial and government interactions. Some of the skills Farrel's used during his time at Apple can be traced back to the elected positions he took on while in Phi Psi. Chapter president and rush captain responsibilities helped establish a confidence in his leadership abilities early on. "The list is long in terms of the benefits Phi Psi had on my life. My leadership experiences taught me how to build consensus, resolve conflict, work with a team and to have the integrity to follow through on what you say you'll do." Supporting these opportunities for future Phi Psi brothers was a factor in Farrel's decision to contribute to the chapter's campaign. "College is a key time in life that shapes the kind of person you will be and what path you will take. I think this campaign is a worthy cause to invest in. It is as an opportunity to help young men develop solid leadership qualities. This entire effort is going to be game-changing for the chapter. It will give them a stronger identity on campus, a great sense of pride and open lots of doors for these young men." Initially, Farrel was hesitant to contribute to the campaign due to recent national coverage of Greek life. However, after considering his own positive experience at Texas Alpha and having conversations with some of the campaign leaders, he reconsidered. "I had to ask myself whether this was where I wanted to participate and invest. In talking to Scott Noble '81 and seeing the leadership in place, I realized the reasons to give far outweighed any concerns I might have." Farrel and his wife, Shannon, a Chi Omega from the University of Texas, make their home in Los Altos, California, with their two children. I n the 1950s when Ron Woods '57 was at the University of Texas, Phi Kappa Psi was one of the best fraternities on campus and had the newest and nicest house. The sense of pride it created among the brothers still stands out in his mind. "I remember moving into the new house in 1957 and what a difference it made for our fraternity and the members. I've become involved in the capital campaign efforts because I want current and future Phi Psis to have the same experiences. I want the fraternity to secure its top position, which will be possible with this new house just one block from campus and all the benefits they will have during rush." Having served as rush chairman and social chairman while an undergraduate, Ron saw firsthand what stands out to potential new members and what makes the fraternity experience memorable. From late night bull sessions to Friday afternoon mixers and daily meals, so much of the Phi Psi experience was tied to the chapter house. "The chapter members met at the house for lunch and dinner every day and this built a strong camaraderie amongst the brothers and pledges. These friendships and fraternal bonds were formed, building an excellent base for developing social contacts that made the college experience that much more rewarding." "Those times were among the best years of my life. Every memory I have of those years is very pleasant and evokes great memories. The contributions we make today as members and alumni will guarantee the construction of the nicest house on campus and will greatly benefit the fraternity." Since leaving Phi Psi, Ron has excelled in his professional career, practicing law for 50 years. His work has led to employment as an FBI agent and legal advisor, chief prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, a federal prosecutor as an assistant U.S. attorney in Houston, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas (an appointment by President George H.W. Bush) and 25 years as a white-collar criminal defense lawyer in Houston. Now retired, Ron has time for travel, sailing, hunting and reading. He and his wife, Patricia Hair, make their home in Houston and have two daughters. Ron can be reached at ronwoodslaw@aol.com. Importance of the Phi Psi House Drives Ron Woods '57 to Give

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