Phi Kappa Theta's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee has released the following statement:

Phi Kappa Theta values and finds strength in the diversity of people, approaches, and experiences. We believe that human diversity and our practice of embracing differing points of view allow innovation, and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment in our chapters. Diversity, equity, and inclusion drive us forward, and we understand that these principles are not static, but rather take ongoing education and continually renewed commitments. The Fraternity’s dedication to that growth is and will be central to every facet of our operations.

As a Fraternity, we will commit to the following action items:

• Committing funds to bring experts knowledgeable in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to our efforts of creating servant leaders

• Continuing our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force to improve upon the values held by Phi Kappa Theta. This task force shall report to the board on a regular basis and future conventions to propose potential changes to curriculum, legislation, and governing documents

If you have questions for the DE&I Committee please contact us.

Brother Greg E. Stein (1948–2021)

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

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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)

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.

Kansas State Chapter Celebrates Centennial Founding

Today, the Kansas Iota chapter at Kansas State University celebrates its Centennial Founding – the 100th anniversary of their chartering! 

This week, Kansas Iota members hosted several high school men via Zoom to further their recruitment efforts and discuss their chapter's promising future. Taking this special week a step further, the Brothers of Kansas Iota plan to initiate new members this weekend.

Although local plans for a formal celebration are postponed until the Brothers and extended Phi Kap family can gather safely, collegiate members and alumni are encouraged to share their memories or photos on the chapter's private Facebook group.

If you do not have a Facebook account or are a member from a different chapter and wish to submit congratulatory remarks, please use this VideoAsk form. We will share your special message with Kansas Iota Brothers!

The Fraternity Board of Trustees has published the following resolution:

Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity
Resolution 

Whereas, the Iota chapter of Phi Kappa Fraternity was founded on April 9, 1921 at Kansas State University, establishing the ninth Chapter of Phi Kappa Fraternity; and 

Whereas, Phi Kappa Fraternity and Theta Kappa Phi Fraternity produced the only true merger in collegiate fraternity history on April 29, 1959, combining the strengths of each legacy association into a unified collegiate fraternity to be thenceforth known as Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity; and

Whereas, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity remains a national social fraternity founded on five ideals: Fraternal Engagement (duty to man), Intellectual (duty to self and parents), Social Impact (duty to society), Spiritual (duty towards God), and Leadership; and

Whereas, Kansas State University has been a steady host and partner with Kansas Iota Chapter, working together in a common goal of developing young men into productive and ethical members of society; and

Whereas, the brothers of Kansas Iota Chapter of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity at Kansas State University have maintained the Charter of the Alpha Chapter for 100 years; and

Whereas, the sustaining alumni corporation whose consistent presence and guidance is in no small measure responsible for reaching this auspicious milestone;

Now therefore be it Resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Fraternity, call upon all Bothers around the world to salute the Brothers of Kansas Iota Chapter at Kansas State University on the occasion of the chapter’s Centennial Celebration and to pray for its continued prosperity.

In Witness Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of Phi Kappa Theta National Fraternity to be affixed this 9th Day of April 2021.

Doug Dilling
Kansas Iota ‘85
National President