PA Beta Gamma Chapter at Penn State University Raises $40,000 in Search of a Cure

— Ben Borus (Penn State, ‘22) “It’s far and away the most meaningful experience I’ve had as a brother and to share it with my best friends is something I hope to do for the rest of my life,” said THON chair Kamron Sarmadi about one of the most special weekends of the Penn State school year.

 This past February, the Beta Gamma chapter celebrated THON weekend. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Every year it raises over $10 million for the fight against childhood cancer. The year-long fundraising effort culminates with a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping, dance marathon. The chapter was able to elect three individuals to represent them on the floor as dancers. Most participate from the stands, but being elected as a dancer is a huge honor amongst the brotherhood. During the week leading up to THON, the brothers wrote over 300 letters that the dancers could open for support.

This year the brothers raised $40,000, which is the largest total in chapter history. This impressive achievement took months of commitment from the entire brotherhood. Whether it was attending fundraisers, reaching out to their family members, or even supporting the dancers on the floor when they needed it the most. President Owen Peters could not be prouder of the chapter’s efforts this year. “It’s amazing to see the brothers come together like this to support such a great cause. I’m so proud of everyone for all their contributions this year.”

Each student organization is paired with a THON child. The program is meant for student organizations to provide emotional support for children with cancer. The chapter has been paired with Ryan Arevelo for 5 years now. “Working with Ryan and the rest of the Arevelo Family year-round is such a rewarding experience,” said Family Relations Chair Kamron Sarmadi, “and to see him officially cured in July is the best thing we could have asked for.” The brothers plan many events throughout the year with Ryan and his family, such as inviting him to the chapter house and visiting him in his hometown.

Every brother has a reason why they THON. “Coming from a family who has lost family members to cancer as well as my grandfather who’s beaten it, THON is something that I have been motivated to be a part of since I came to Penn State,” said head chair Joseph Mondy. This sentiment rings true for many brothers, which is why THON is one of the most anticipated events of the year and one of the best ways to live out the core values of Phi Kappa Theta. To everyone who has helped us this year and in the past to raise money for such an amazing cause, we thank you, and more importantly, all the Four Diamonds Families thank you. Our efforts to break our fundraising record start this summer, so if you are interested in learning more or donating to the cause please reach out to our Alumni Relations Chair at phikappatheta.mcevoy@gmail.com. Your involvement means the world to these families and they will be forever grateful. As always, Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof.

The Evolution of Leadership

by Nathan Dorer
RPI, ‘18

Brother Angel Roman (California State University - Dominguez Hills) speaking

Brother Angel Roman (California State University - Dominguez Hills, ‘20) found his passion for leadership in the form of community advocacy.

Through his roles in the campus Peace Club and the professional society Pro World Life, Roman found himself in communities focused on bringing about social change.

However, Roman found himself questioning why so much of the leadership community was targeted towards Higher Education and working professionals.

In an effort to make the empowerment of leadership platforms available to a more general public, Roman created the conference Evolution of Leadership, with the mission of awakening motivation and inspiration within demographics that have typically not been represented in leadership conferences.

Evolution of Leadership provides attendees with skills to become managers and business owners, as well as opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Through this, Roman hopes that he can empower people to achieve their personal goals.

Roman credits Phi Kappa Theta with much of his inspiration for Evolution of Leadership; he currently serves as Vice President of his chapter, and stated that his experience in the Fraternity has challenged his leadership in a way that it had never been challenged before.

Phi Kappa Theta has been key in his development of a mindset of continuous self improvement, and he has worked to extend that mindset toward the community at the Dominguez Hills colony.

His role within the house demands that he target his leadership to allow people to achieve their highest potential, and has contributed to his personal development as a student and a professional. “I’m more organized as a person,” Roman said, “I wake up every morning and reflect on what needs to happen in the next day.”

For Roman, the Fraternity comes as an entity that allows members to achieve their best.

In the future, Roman hopes that Phi Kappa Theta will allow him the resources and opportunities to develop Evolution of Leadership into a larger entity with an even broader scope of impact.