Alumni

A podcast boom: three alumni appear on Three Words by DMB Coaching

Podcasts continue to grow in popularity. Forbes recently posted as of early 2021, there were nearly 2 million podcasts with over 43 million episodes available online, more than double the amount publicly available in 2018.

Phi Kappa Theta’s ongoing partnership with Dr. Michael Brown of DMB Coaching has led to three alumni joining in on the podcast boom. Dr. Brown has facilitated many Phi Kappa Theta conferences in recent years and is the lead host of Three Words, a bite-sized podcast about choices, with each episode featuring a new guest and their personal take on personal growth and deliberate actions. In the span of a week, Dr. Brown traveled and visited with three highly engaged Phi Kappa Theta alumni.

Below you’ll find direct links to their full video interview with Dr. Brown and a brief description of what to expect from their conversation, courtesy of DMB Coaching. We’ve also added a few bullet points worthy of note!

Leo Carillo III: Master Your Craft – Our effort and energy at work are directly related to our wellbeing wherever we live and play. This week, Dr. Michael Brown stops in San Diego to chat with Hair Craft Co. CEO Leo Carrillo III about the connection between our personal and professional lives.

  • Leo graduated from San Diego State University in 2016 where he was initiated by the California Phi Iota chapter

  • He was a recent participant of Discovery XP

  • You can connect with him on LinkedIn

Brek Goin: Build Your Life – In order to become the best versions of ourselves, we must construct a solid foundation and then actually do the work. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Hammr CEO Brek Goin outline the many tools required to live a life of purpose and meaning.

  • Brek graduated from Washington State University in 2015 where he was initiated by the Washington Alpha Delta chapter

Colin Nguyen: Build Your Legacy – With each and every choice, we are writing the next chapter of our life story. In this week’s episode of Three Words On The Road, Dr. Michael Brown sits with The Colin Group founder Colin Nguyen as they consider their personal legacies.

  • Colin graduated from the University of Washington, ‘05 where he was initiated by the Washington Beta Delta chapter

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Brown and DMB Coaching for providing the content to share with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.

Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity Embarks on History Project

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Every Phi Kap has a story, and Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity wants to hear yours. However, with over 20,000 living alumni, it would take many years to meet with each Phi Kap individually.

We’re embarking on our History Project to collect the stories of alumni in their own words*. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates the impact Phi Kappa Theta has had on our lives and who we are today.

Below, you will find FAQs about this exciting project.

*To submit your Phi Kap story or to update your information, please call the number listed on the postcard or email you received or call our partner, PCI at 1-800-982-1590.

For more information about this project, please visit:
phikaps.org/phikaphistoryproject

Frequently Asked Questions by Alumni

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?

  • It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce a History Publication for Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project allows Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity to hear about your personal experiences and explain how Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity has helped shape your lives.

Does Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity benefit from this at all?

  • Yes, in a few different ways:

    • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni

    • Legacy – preserves the history of our school

    • Revenue – generates donation revenue for alumni programs

    • Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school

How do I know my information will only be used for History Project purposes?

  • PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable Information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the History Project. 

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?

  • If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the History Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you to share your story about your time at Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity at the conclusion of the project.

  • If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

  • When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information to be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 or via email at customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

  • You can call back at any time to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?

  • You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions.

  • If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?

  • The Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity History Publication is available for sale only to Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity alumni.

I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

  • Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.

Brother Greg E. Stein (1948–2021)

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Today the entire brotherhood of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity mourns the loss of brother Greg E. Stein (City College of New York, '70) at 73 years of age.

Brother Stein has graciously ascended to the Chapter Eternal and joins many exceptional Phi Kappa Theta leaders who preceded him. He will be fondly remembered as a fixture in the hearts and minds of many… seemingly always present, always contributing critical thinking and quietly providing guidance and clarity from the background. Brother Stein eschewed the spotlight but always delivered a home run when given an assignment or asked to put himself at a lectern.

His roles were too numerous to list here, but there isn’t an area of Phi Kappa Theta he didn’t touch, inspire, lead (or edit). His joy was returning to his adopted chapter at Iowa State, where he loved exploring the contrast between his home in New York City and the inviting hospitality of the heartland.

Perhaps his most valuable contribution to the Fraternity was the soft, generous mentoring he provided to so many of us. A pragmatist always and blessed with an uncanny memory, Brother Stein deeply loved his Fraternity and dedicated his life to our collective growth and prosperity. Few exemplify the values of Phi Kappa Theta more.

Brother Stein will be memorialized at the Phi Kappa Theta Biennial Convention in New Orleans, LA, this July. We will share details about our memorial and his personal and family service as they become available.

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat ei.

Doug Dilling
President, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity


Full details regarding Brother Stein’s funeral services can be found here.

The funeral mass will be live-streamed on Saturday, 7/3 at 10:30 am Eastern.

Brother James "Jim" F. Dickow (1943–2021)

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It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Brother James “Jim” F. Dickow (Purdue University, ’65). Jim found peace and reunited with his loving wife, Yvonne, on April 18, 2021, at the age of 78 years.

Jim graduated from Purdue with a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career with McDonnell Douglas training astronauts for the U.S. space program. As co-founder and owner of Kowalski-Dickow Associates, he defined and established industry standards in healthcare supply chain management. He was the co-author of Managing Materials Management, published by AHA, a frequent contributor to industry publications, and a speaker at various conferences. Jim was elected to the Bellwether League in 2013, which honors individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership in and influence on the healthcare supply chain.

Jim was the former President of both the Fraternity and Foundation Board. In 2003, Jim was awarded the Fraternity’s Distinguished Service Award. He will be recognized in memoriam during our chapter eternal program at the Biennial Convention in New Orleans, LA in July.

Jim is survived by his son Michael, daughter Christine, and their families. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial tributes be made to the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation in James' name.

A visitation will occur on Thursday, April 22 at the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Mequon, WI from 4-7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Friday, April 23 at 10:00 am Central at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, (2750 W. Mequon Rd.) followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed on Friday, April 23 at 10:00 am Central on the YouTube channel linked below.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and Brothers of the Indiana Zeta chapter at this time.