Michigan Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity at the University of Michigan
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/595659
The Sophon fall 2015 Michigan Alpha Focuses on Philanthropy P H I K A P P A P S I • M I C H I G A N A L P H A C H A P T E R I t has been a productive and fulfilling period for Michigan Alpha. Under the guidance of an alumni supervisory committee, we modified the undergraduate committee structure to ensure optimal performance of the chapter and maximum alumni involvement. To see a full list of our advisors with contact information, visit www.michiganphipsi.org. GPA And RecRuitment At toP of the clAss Michigan Alpha had a very productive year academically with a 3.34 GPA last semester. Additionally, 13 active members were recently accepted to the highly competitive and prestigious Stephen M. Ross School of Business, easily surpassing every other Greek organization on campus. Recruitment Chairman Matthew Phillips '14 is very excited about the upcoming fall pledge class, stating, "We are still in the process of recruitment, but we are confident the young gentlemen we have already met will continue to strengthen Michigan Alpha." Alumni are encouraged to send recruitment recommendations to Matt at matthewgirardphillips@gmail.com. PhilAnthRoPy events Philanthropic service has been a major point of emphasis in recent months. This year, we will continue Home for the Holidays, our largest philanthropy event of the fall semester, with our brothers and the ladies from Kappa Kappa Gamma shopping for the kids from a local Ypsilanti elementary school. After the first Freeze the Puck on Cancer event last winter, we have decided to do it again this winter. Last year, we raised nearly $2,500 for the Kathy A. Janssen Foundation, which was established in the name of the deceased mother of a Michigan Alpha brother. The chapter sees great room for growth of this event moving forward, and is excited to have started what will become an annual event. tAyloR JAnssen '13 PARAlyzed fRom Accident The most significant event since the last newsletter is an accident involving our own brother, Taylor Janssen '13. Over the summer, Taylor was playing volleyball on his lake with several friends and dove into the lake when the volleyball went astray. Sadly, the water was very shallow and Taylor fractured his neck at the C5 vertebrae. Although Taylor was just recently released from the U of M hospital, he remains paralyzed with full mental capacity. But that is just where this story begins. Since Taylor's accident on July 18, Michigan Alpha has quickly and successfully rallied around our brother. Seth Johnson '13 started a GoFundMe page online, which has helped raise more than $150,000 for Taylor's recovery process with any extra funds going toward Taylor's mother's foundation (mentioned to the left). Taylor's story and brotherhood support has been featured on local and national news platforms constantly for the past few months, and he consistently receives visits from his brothers at the U of M hospital. Please keep brother Taylor in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to battle this injury. To donate to Taylor's GoFundMe page, please visit www.gofundme.com/zvkvng. Amici, Jack Scott '14 jackhscott15@gmail.com chAPteR RAises $150,000 foR inJuRed BRotheR To support Taylor Janssen '13, visit his GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/ zvkvng.