Kappa Theta Alumni Association receives official recognition with their chartering

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity is proud to announce the chartering of the Kappa Theta Alumni Association located in Weymouth, Massachusetts. The association is comprised of alumni brothers who hail from the Massachusetts Kappa Theta chapter at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

The Massachusetts Kappa Theta alumni brothers signed the petition on April 20, 2022. On July 15, 2022, the National Fraternity Board of Trustees motioned to approve the petition granting the alumni charter.
 
“On behalf of Phi Kappa Theta's leadership, we congratulate the brothers of the Kappa Theta Alumni Association on their chartering! These brothers have demonstrated a personal commitment to passionately serving the future generations of brothers at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. We continue to grow and look to like-minded brothers to be engaged in leadership roles with Phi Kappa Theta throughout the country,” said Robert Riggs, CAE, Executive Vice President of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.
 
Adam Acorn (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, ‘10), President of the Kappa Theta Alumni Association Executive Board, recently described the group’s initial interest that led to this important milestone. "Last fall, a group of alumni got together and began conversations on how we could engage other alumni to help the chapter financially.”

After a year of planning and involvement, the group’s efforts finally came to fruition. Acorn added, “almost a year later, we have an established alumni association with roughly 75 participating members. We have about 50 alumni donating to active chapter scholarships and recruitment initiatives. We had our first formal event, a family BBQ, and have a couple more events planned this year. It's great to see the support and involvement from the alumni.”

Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity’s National President, Matthew Runkle (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, ‘11), commended the alumni group’s mission to support future generations of brothers.

“The Fraternity Board is pleased to recognize the Kappa Theta Alumni Association officially. The commitment and leadership of alumni like Brother Acorn and other founding members of the Association are critical to the success of our collegiate chapters and alumni. It also demonstrates the lifelong brotherhood that is Phi Kappa Theta. As the Fraternity continues to grow, we hope to similarly partner with alumni across the country in service of our Mission.”

Our Mission: 
Phi Kappa Theta actively develops men to be effective leaders
who passionately serve society, Fraternity, and God.

Chapter Reunions Inspired by James McClune (Loyola Marymount University, ‘73)

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!

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!

An update on expansion efforts at Louisiana State University

The executive office is currently working with Louisiana State University (LSU) and our Louisiana-area alumni on plans to return to campus in Baton Rouge, LA. To ensure a strong restart of the Louisiana Xi chapter, we are seeking referrals for students currently attending LSU.

If you have a personal connection with any LSU students, please complete this form to share information with us.

Contact us if you are interested in supporting the LSU expansion in other ways.