Indianapolis, IN. August 9, 2023 – Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity proudly announces the election of Dan Bureau, Ph.D. (University of New Hampshire, '95) as its 32nd National President.
Matt Runkle (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, '11) successfully fulfilled his 2021-2023 office term as the 31st National Fraternity President and provided a State of the Fraternity Address at the 64th Biennial Convention held in Lexington, KY.
"With a distinguished record of service and leadership, Dr. Bureau is poised to guide the Fraternity into a promising new era as he embarks on his board term from 2023 to 2025. The Fraternity looks forward to the vision, dedication, and expertise that Dr. Bureau will bring to this esteemed position, ensuring a bright and impactful future for Phi Kappa Theta and its members nationwide,” said Runkle.
"I’m honored to serve at this pivotal time for the Fraternity. We’re at a critical juncture in order to ensure members have the best educational programs, the tools to help their chapters be successful, and engage our alumni in ways that facilitate a valuable lifelong experience," said Dr. Bureau.
"In partnership with our National Foundation, we will launch a strategic planning initiative that will facilitate communication, collaboration, and connection between the two boards. Ultimately we will enhance the member experience and plan for the growth and organizational sustainability of the Fraternity."
Among the many memorable events shared at the Convention, collegiate and alumni members played a vital role in shaping the Fraternity's future by approving important legislation, such as expanding the Fraternity board; adding three seats to the existing leadership structure. Voting members approved the inclusion of two alumni seats and an additional collegiate seat from the Undergraduate Advisory Committee (UGAC), thus increasing the board size from 10 to 13 members, now consisting of 10 esteemed alumni and three collegiate representatives.
The Convention's established committees provided reports that prompted meaningful and engaging discussions, including a resolution recognizing the Iowa Xi chapter's Centennial Celebration at Iowa State University on April 27, 2024.
During an award luncheon, several chapters received recognition for their success in five developmental areas: fraternal, leadership, intellectual, social, and spiritual. The Indiana Alpha Gamma chapter at Trine University received its second consecutive Founder’s Cup. The Founder’s Cup is presented annually to a collegiate chapter that best exemplifies the Fraternity’s core values and exceeds expectations in the five development areas.
Collegiate members also elected their UGAC representatives to their respective provinces, ensuring the voice of all chapters and their members remain actively represented. The following province representatives are as follows:
Great Lakes Province – John “Jack” Swaim (Eastern Illinois University)
Mideast Province – Colton Long (Saint Francis University)
Midwest Province – Ethan Tomlinson (University of Nebraska–Lincoln)
Northeast Province – Alex Laitinen (Bridgewater State University)
Southern Province – Ralph Wasow (University of Georgia)
Western Province – Joseph Godshall (Colorado State University)
Additionally, the following Fraternity board members and elected officers took the oath of office during a luncheon ceremony:
President – Dan Bureau, Ph.D. (University of New Hampshire, '95)
Vice President – Wade Henderson (Washington State University, '95)
Secretary – Seth Ware (Trine University, '13)
Treasurer – Ray Wu (San Diego State University, '11)
UGAC Chair – Ralph Wasow (University of Georgia)
UGAC Vice Chair – Alex Laitinen (Bridgewater State University)
UGAC Vice Chair – John Swaim (Eastern Illinois University)
Trustee – Daniel Ahern (Iowa State University, '85)
Trustee – Ben DeLost (Eastern Illinois University, '10)
Trustee - Doug Dilling (Kansas State University, '84)
Trustee – Manny Gonzalez (Texas A&I University, '82)
Trustee - National Chaplain, Msgr. Nelson (Northern Illinois University, '09)
Trustee - Matt Runkle (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, '11)
During the Convention, board members reviewed the 2022-2023 annual management report, accessible here.
Members and distinguished guests also had the opportunity to honor Kevin Lampe (Western Illinois University, '83) with the Edward R. Solvibile Distinguished Service Award at the Convention’s closing banquet on Saturday.
Special remarks by Matt Runkle, Dr. Dan Bureau, and Kevin Lampe are available to watch on our YouTube Channel.
Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity proudly acknowledges the collective efforts of our esteemed members, standing as a resounding testament to their unwavering commitment to the Fraternity's enduring values and their profound impact on the brotherhood and society.
The Convention's successful conclusion reflects the unity, passion, and dedication that define the essence of Phi Kappa Theta, paving the way for a future filled with promise and purpose as its members continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our members and the communities we serve.
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