Excellence has its ripple effects. And today, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jeb Vavak’s dedication to excellence is echoing in the lives of the chapter brothers to whom he’s passed the baton of leadership.
From left to right: back row, Caston Stack 17, Cole Jedlicka 20, Jeb Vavak 19, Brenden Owens 19, Father Robert Matya,NE-Pi chaplain and founder, President Adrian Gonzalez
Front row, Cameron Downey 22, Joshua Froeschl 20, Ian Wollway, 22, Jacob Sullivan 21, Jacob Baumert 20
This past spring, as president, Brother Vavak accepted the Founder’s Cup for Phi Kappa Theta’s most outstanding chapter. He credits others with helping him bring Nebraska Pi to new heights. Specifically, he points to Dr. Michael Brown’s guidance during the Foundation’s IMPACT 18 (revamped Regional Leadership Conferences), along with his chapter’s campus chaplain.
“I think we’ve been a good, strong chapter as far as programming. But a couple years ago we were struggling with members not living in the house in their junior and senior years. That hurt us financially.”
Jeb had been attending the Regional Leadership Conferences, and says that since the introduction of curriculum by DMB, it’s become transformational. “I got really excited after IMPACT 18 to take on more leadership roles. It is evident to me that the national fraternity really does care about our development.”
Coupled with suggestions from the Nebraska Pi chaplain, Jeb introduced changes to inspire more brothers to live in the house. A spring “Signing Day” ceremony, coupled with discussions about the importance of sustaining their in-person daily bond, made a big difference. “Last fall, we filled the house to capacity. And that allowed us to finally start focusing on more of our goals – the pillars that matter most.”
For Brother Vavak, chief among the fraternity’s pillars is the SPIRITUAL.
“I am proud to be part of an organization that embraces and values spiritual development. A new curriculum called Beyond Belief, developed by the Fraternity, is another great example of Phi Kappa Theta investing in developing well-rounded, passionately driven men. I believe this dedication will allow us to truly distinguish ourselves as the premier organization for developing servant leaders who passionately serve society, Fraternity, and God.”
Brother Vavak commends alumni for their generous support of the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation’s educational initiatives that promote and encourage excellence at every level.
Jeb Vavak graduated in 2019 after serving Nebraska Pi Chapter as President, Philanthropy Chairman and Recruitment Assistant. He has accepted a missionary role with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) beginning this fall at the University of Washington-Seattle. Brother Vavak was involved with FOCUS at Nebraska. He looks forward to hosting Bible studies, forming committed disciples, leading mission trips, and engaging with students by inviting them into a community of people who share similar values.