Missouri Kappa Upsilon Chapter Celebrates 100th Anniversary by Hosting Golf Tournament

The Missouri Kappa Upsilon chapter at the University of Missouri held a golf tournament between collegiate members and alumni to kick off their 100th anniversary celebrations. Originally installed in 1922 as Phi Kappa and later merging with the 1948-chartered Theta Kappa Phi, the brotherhood is commemorating their monumental mark in chapter history.

The event attracted dozens of alumni from the St. Louis area and encouraged them to make connections with the collegiate members. Steve Einspanier, (University of Missouri, ‘98), who is a part of the alumni board for the chapter, agreed to assist in hosting the event. During our interview with Brother Einspanier, he reflected on assisting the chapter, “I enjoyed helping plan the golf tournament and hosting the brothers from the chapter. They are all great!”

When reflecting on the event, Dylan Britton, (University of Missouri, ‘24) said, “The biggest thing for our brothers is making sure alumni can see the amount of growth their chapter has been through. It is important to show the positive transformation that the Fraternity has gone through and to the positive development it has on its members.”

Brother Britton went on to explain that the chapter is planning on doing a lot of work with their alumni over the next year by inviting them to more events. The chapter looks forward to working closely with alumni and welcoming their involvement.

Brother Zach Khennafi (University of Missouri, ‘25) was excited to share, “All of our brothers had a great time playing golf and meeting up with a group of alumni. We hope to establish this as a new tradition in coming years and further our college and alumni relationships in the future.”

During the event, collegiate members enjoyed a day on the green followed by a BBQ at the golf resort. Phi Kaps from across generations exchanged experiences as members and were given updates on current chapter activities and initiatives.

“The alumni golf tournament was an amazing beginning to new relations with our alumni. It gave us the opportunity to know them, and more importantly for them to know us. Interacting with our brothers of the past has shown me a bright future for this chapter,” said newly-initiated Brother Austin Williams (University of Missouri, ‘25).

As centennial celebrations begin to ramp up for the chapter, the collegiate members of the Missouri Kappa Upsilon chapter are excited to welcome home their brothers of generations past.

Collegiate and alumni members of our Missouri Kappa Upsilon chapter came together for their inaugural golf tournament. The chapter is celebrating the 100th anniversary of their brotherhood later this fall.

Phi Kappa Theta’s Missouri Upsilon chapter recently hosted their 100th Year Anniversary celebration on October 22nd. All Missouri University Phi Kappa Theta, Phi Kappa, and Theta Kappa Phi alumni, and their families were invited to a catered tailgate celebrating their centennial. If your chapter is celebrating a major milestone, we would love to hear about it! Click the button below to share your story.

A Recap of this Year’s Discovery XP

Having a community of brothers supporting one another through each stage of life is extremely important. By attending Discovery XP, our alumni learned about becoming the best version of themselves alongside their brothers and Dr. Michael Brown. By taking steps to unlock their true potential with a high-impact curriculum and personal coaching designed to inspire and empower our brothers, they can take charge of their lives and find support in one another.  

“It is compelling to me to think about my role as a man, as a father, as a husband, as a mentor, it’s a really powerful image to me.” –Dr. Michael Brown 

Coming into a space with like-minded individuals is where many find their truth and passions flourish. Our brothers Raymond Wu (San Diego State University, ‘11), Leo Carrillo (San Diego State University, ‘16) and Noah Rosemblatt (Ohio University, ‘16) led by example as they took a brave step into the community of these brothers and continue to show up every chance they get. Below is a Q&A session with the three of them. We hope you can be inspired by this article and maybe even find yourself at Discovery XP next year!

What made you decide you wanted to attend Discovery XP this year? 

Ray: I have been fortunate enough to have attended different workshops by Dr. Michael Brown leading to my first ever Discovery XP in 2019. I was able to connect with other brothers and take time to grow myself. With having an amazing experience the last time, and it being in Tahoe, I decided to go. I am thankful that I went. 

Leo: Going 2-3 years ago to the last one, I left with a new perspective that had a meaningful impact in my life. I attended this year because I knew that I could get more from it given that I was in a different stage in my life and I was excited to learn alongside new brothers. 

Noah: I was looking to reconnect with members of my fraternity and spend time reflecting on my own decisions 

What surprised you during this retreat? 

Ray: I was surprised by the resort and love how less structured the experience was compared to previous years.  

Leo: The exact pin pointed content we covered. I didn’t expect that we would be focused on a few key points rather than all the dimensions of life. I was very happy that we were able to get deep into specific subjects and reflect as a group. 

Noah: How warm and welcoming everyone was. I did not know anyone else in the room when I first walked in, but quickly became familiar and treated like a friend. 

Did you make any valuable connections during the retreat? 

Ray: It is always fun connecting with alumnus who I would have never met if I had never gone to something like this. It provided us with a safe environment to be authentic and vulnerable.  

Leo: Most of the guys that attended I had never met before and now will be lifelong brothers and friends. 

Noah: Yes, I believe I did. 

What was your biggest take-away? 

Ray: We can always keep improving on the dimensions we choose to focus on regardless of how many times you attend these experiences. 

Leo: Perspective drives everything. If you have your grand mission statement, all actions should follow this. 

Noah: Quite honestly, there were many takeaways, but I believe the biggest one related to the second question - I found a group of friends out of complete strangers within a three day period. 

What advice would you have for someone debating on whether to attend
Discovery XP next year? 

Ray: Take time to invest in yourself. You will find hundreds of reasons why you shouldn’t go, but just go. It can be impactful and if it doesn’t, you built new connections with other brothers and got a relaxing and fun vacation out of it.  

Leo: Go. This isn’t a motivational, rah rah event. This is a retreat to connect with like- minded men who want to become the best versions of themselves. Getting with this group, I guarantee you will be vulnerable, learn a ton, and be excited to take action on your learnings. 

Noah: Just try it; you may be toying, thinking it is silly, not worthwhile to go, expensive, etc. But look at it as an investment in yourself, a retreat, and an opportunity to genuinely meet new people, and you'll be surprised when you commit how you ever debated the decision in the first place. 

If you want a chance to dive into the offerings of Discovery XP, join us for our Leadership Summit on July 15-17 in San Antonio, Texas. We are excited to have Dr. Michael Brown facilitating Discovery XP curriculum at this event. This would be a great opportunity to see what the curriculum is all about. Register today!

Louisiana State University Christmas Luncheon

Please join your brothers at our 35th Christmas Luncheon to renew old friendships!

The luncheon will be on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Court of Two Sisters, 613 Royal Street.

Social hour starts at 11:30 am, with lunch served at 12:30 pm.

The cost is $60.00 which includes cocktails, lunch and wine with your meal.

All monies will be collected at the Court of Two Sisters (cash or check).

If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to gbergeron0520@gmail.com so that an accurate head count can be given to the Court of Two Sisters.

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Louisiana State University Chapter Has Always Been Going Strong Despite Closure

by Kathy Jonas
Indiana University, ‘78

Every Christmas, Phi Kap brothers from Louisiana State University get together at the historic Court of Two Sisters restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans to celebrate the holiday, each other and their fraternity.

It’s not just a luncheon for a few friends, though. Last year, about 70 brothers gathered at the restaurant, thanks to the work of people like Glenn Bergeron (Louisiana State University, ‘70), who has been running the lunch after taking over from the late Leslie Schouest (Louisiana State University, ‘72), who had the idea back in 1981, with a structured event starting a few years later. “I was Leslie’s roommate and vowed to continue it in his honor following his death in the late 80’s.”

“It was a challenge to get the guys there at first,” admits Bergeron. Today, Phi Kappa Theta members travel from as far as New York and Arizona to attend, while the main nucleus is the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area.

This year’s holiday social is scheduled for December 13. And although the restaurant is known for its Creole-Cajun fare, Bergeron says the preferred menu for the luncheon is more “meat and potatoes” type of food.

One of the topics discussed by Phi Kappa Theta alumni gathering in New Orleans is the possible recolonization of the fraternity, which lost its charter in the late 80’s.

Charles “Mike” Callais (Louisiana State University, ‘84), says the effort is in its beginning stages and last year Robert Riggs, CAE (RPI, ‘02), Executive Vice President of the Phi Kappa Theta Executive Office, came to the luncheon to discuss the possibility.

Brother Callais said, “There certainly needs to be a Catholic presence on campus. For many students, college is the first time they’ve been away from their family. They need something to keep them grounded.”

An active alumni base is important in order to get the process started, adds Callais. “We are making slow progress.” Callais also believes that students would benefit from the opportunity to give back to others. Brother Callais is currently serving a a six-year term with the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, Callais was hammering signs along the highway while talking about the Fraternity. A former CEO of an offshore business, he gives back through his church, Catholic Community Services, the Rotary Club where he has served as past president, and is involved with the Knights of Columbus.

When he volunteered to fill a Port Commission opening, this was said about him: “Mike’s humble leadership and mind for business will be an asset to our board…He is a valued resource in our community, and we appreciate him volunteering his services to the Port Commission.”

Callais readily admits that this leadership mindset might not have been top of mind while in college, but believes it can be reinforced while in the fraternity. “Everybody needs something; they just need help getting it.”

Georgia Tech Homecoming 2018

Georgia Tech Homecoming is coming up!

Here is a list of the scheduled events:

Friday, October 12 - 7-10 PM

• Cocktail Party at the Phi Kappa Theta House

• 800 Fowler St NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Saturday, October 13, 9 AM - 12:20 PM

• Homecoming Tailgate at the Phi Kappa Theta House

• BYOB

Sunday, October 14

• Actives & Alumni Flag Football game - 9:00 AM

• Meet at the House 15 minutes beforehand or meet at the burger bowl

• Brunch 11:30 AM - 1 PM at the Phi Kappa Theta House

• Alumni Chapter Meeting at 2 PM

The chapter is excited to have an opportunity to meet more Phi Kaps. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to meet the collegiate brothers and network with brothers of Phi Kappa Theta. They hope to see you there!

If you have any questions feel free to email jchua30@gatech.edu.