Phi Kappa Theta brothers are committed to the idea that we have a direct impact on the communities around us. As members, we dedicate ourselves to five areas of development: fraternal, leadership, intellectual, societal, and spiritual. These elements intertwine and overlap to create a unique Fraternity experience in Phi Kappa Theta.
This photo was taken after initiation Mass and breakfast 1973
We believe that brotherhood exceeds the walls of the Fraternity on campus. It brings us joy when we hear from members who have grown together over time and who continue to stay in touch. James McClune, (Loyola Marymount University, ‘73), is a great example of a brother who has shown commitment to the Fraternity and his brothers.
What was your role within the Alpha Nu Chapter?
James: Like most of us, my roles within the Chapter changed every year, depending on my schoolwork, my outside jobs, my demands as an interscholastic athlete, and the needs of the Fraternity. My formal positions were Trustee and “Initiation Director” (known today as New Member Educator).
Can you tell me more about your experience in that chapter?
James: My college experience was very much enhanced by the relationships I made in the Fraternity.
At the time, the Vietnam War was going strong and the possibility of being drafted was real, my classes were difficult, and I had several jobs trying to pay my tuition. Joining a Catholic fraternity with so many good men with whom I shared so much was a very positive decision and I still benefit from that decision today.
We had a talented group of Brothers: The Scholars, the Existentialists, the beachboys (for a while our Fraternity house was on the shore of the Pacific Ocean just south of Venice), the Air Force ROTC, the Jocks (we won quite a few intramural championships), the Artists. Our Fraternity presented us with the opportunity to “travel” through all these groups from time to time. My life was enriched by getting to know these future lawyers, dentists, soldiers, educators, artists, etc.
Can you tell me more about your group of brothers that currently meet every year?
James: The Brothers that now meet every year are those same young men but now they are mostly retired with grandchildren but remain the same “knuckleheads” from 1972. For those of us still living in Southern California, we try to get together several times throughout the year. These meets generally have eight to ten Brothers present.
Currently, we have 83 Brothers in our email database. That list includes brothers that graduated in the ’60s through the ’90s but mostly in the 1970s. Once LMU releases its basketball schedule, usually in September, I put out an email to all 83 of the brothers with the possible event. While we all would prefer to watch our gallant little Lions take on Gonzaga, we try to settle on a date that works for the greatest number. This last year the opponent was Portland University and we won!
It has now become a three-day production. Most Brothers get together on Friday morning or afternoon to play golf, go to the beach, and hang out. We then meet for dinner Friday night. Personally, that is my favorite part of the weekend. When we started these “reunions,” our small group would meet at a nice restaurant Friday, but the number has grown to over thirty, so we take over various pizza parlors.
The Saturday schedule is determined by the time of the LMU basketball game. We meet for breakfast and lunch at a couple of “beach dives” in Playa del Rey and then go to the game where we sit in a block and try not to be a major embarrassment to our alma mater. If the game started early, we would go to a brother’s house or a bar for a post-game party.
Sunday morning, we meet for Mass at the local parish. After Mass, Brothers start leaving for home but some meet one more time for breakfast.
What do you value most about the connection with these brothers?
James: The thing I value most about the connection is that for a brief period when we were so young and inexperienced, we made life-long relationships.
What advice do you have for a young man currently in a college chapter?
James: If you are in college and in Phi Kappa Theta now, realize that many of the qualities of being in a fraternity are qualities valuable in life: work hard, stay in physical shape, maintain a healthy work-life balance, be a good friend to as many as possible and keep God in your life.
James creates a unique Fraternity experience for brothers every year. His compassion and love for his brothers show through his efforts to keep the group connected.
Are you planning a reunion for your chapter? We would love to hear about it!