Phi Kappa Psi - University of Michigan

MiChigan alpha Chapter page 3 A fter a lifetime of devotion to Phi Kappa Psi, Al Dickerson '57 was named Mr. Phi Psi at Founders' Day 2016. Al has been a strong role model for Michigan Alpha and what it means to be a Phi Psi for decades, serving on the MAHC board, as well as mentoring undergraduate brothers. He lives life by the Phi Psi Creed and believes the life lessons he experienced through the fraternity have shaped him and made him the man he is today. As a freshman at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1956, Al was overwhelmed by the size of the campus and found that his classes often had more students in them than his entire high school did. When Al joined Phi Psi, he found friendships of true value and brothers who were interested in him and cared about him for who he was. As an alumnus, he found that those Phi Psi brothers have stayed with him and helped him through life. "What a surprise, privilege, and honor it was to be awarded Mr. Phi Psi. It was such a nice reward for what I have done, and I never really expected that kind of recognition, but I'm very thankful for it." Al and his wife, Arlene, live in South Haven, Michigan. His e-mail is aldickerson200@ gmail.com. F or his successful career of entrepreneurial work, Stewart Nelson '65 was awarded with the Entrepreneurship Award at Founders' Day. After serving in the Air Force after college, Stew went back to school to earn a master's degree in business administration. Since then, he has started two companies in Ann Arbor: an environmentally friendly cleaning company and an internet company. Stew has spent 20 years serving as an angel investor and works as a mentor with Ann Arbor SPARK, an organization designed to advance and support businesses. In addition to that, he is the president of the New Enterprise Forum, a group of professionals who assist start-up companies. On top of his involvement in the business world, Stew has worked to ensure the success of Michigan Alpha. He helped with the recolonization process and also served as chapter advisor for 10 years. Stew is still close with his fraternity brothers and enjoys coordinating gatherings with them. Founders' Day gave him a chance to be back with Phi Psi, and he was honored to receive the award. Alumni and undergraduates at Founders' Day 2016. Award Recipients Honored at Founders' Day "It's always nice to get recognition, and entrepreneurship has been a passion of mine for 30 years. It was great to see that people appreciate the work I've done, and I got to reconnect with my fraternity." Stew and his wife, Jan, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His e-mail is svnelson@comcast.net. M adison O'Neill '13 was awarded the 2016 Mr. Phi Psi undergraduate award at this year's Founders' Day celebration. Last year, Madison led the undergraduate members as chapter president, and he was also recognized as IFC President of the Year at the University of Michigan's 2016 Greek Awards for his hard work. Serving in this leadership role taught Madison about using his opportunities to grow and learn, and he is grateful for what Phi Psi has given him. "I stepped up to be president and it was hectic at first, but it was a great experience," Madison says. "It meant a lot to me to receive this award, and the recognition was validation of the hard work I put in." Being a part of Michigan Alpha has provided Madison with an environment of like-minded and successful men who provide support, respect, accountability, and brotherhood. The strong sense of brotherhood has also earned the overall undergraduate chapter recognition, and the members were awarded the Philanthropy Award at Founders' Day for their efforts to support Taylor Janssen '13 after he suffered a serious neck injury. The chapter rallied to support Taylor and his family both financially and emotionally, and Madison said it was incredible to know that the chapter could help their brother like that. Madison lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and studies economics. His e-mail is mmcleodoneill@gmail.com. (Continued on page 4) Phi Kappa Psi Continues Success in Academics and Philanthropy Chapter Wins University Greek Awards T he past few months have been very successful and progressive for our chapter. We continue to emphasize philanthropy, and our chapter executives have worked countless hours to make Michigan Alpha a strong and important part of the Michigan and alumni communities. Academics and Membership Michigan Alpha earned a GPA of 3.425 compared to last semester's 3.34. We are slowly but surely establishing our chapter as an academic leader, as this semester puts us in sixth place overall. Recruitment Chairman Brenner Bernstein '16 organized winter recruitment, and we are excited to welcome three new members, William Coffman '16, Mitchell Kauffman '16, and John Whitney '16, who will strengthen Michigan Alpha.

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