This is the press release that was just sent out to the Fraternal world. Get excited, because we are!
PHI KAPPA THETA HIRES ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEMBER DEVELOPMENT
Phi Kappa Theta Executive Vice President Robert Riggs announced today that Gretchen Stahl will serve as the organization’s new Assistant Director of Member Development.
In this role, Gretchen will serve as the primary professional charged with the development and implementation Phi Kappa Theta’s expansion and recruitment efforts, as well as the assessment and strategic planning for existing collegiate chapters. She will assume the responsibilities of this position on June 29, 2009.
Gretchen is a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to joining Phi Kappa Theta’s professional staff, Gretchen served as Career Exploration Coordinator for Minnesota State University. During this time, Gretchen worked with first year students, participated in outreach and enrollment activities, and created resources and programs to assist students with career success. Prior to her role at Minnesota State University, Gretchen served as the Assistant Director of Student Involvement at Centenary College of Louisiana.
“We are very excited to have someone with Gretchen’s professional background join Phi Kappa Theta’s staff,” says Anita Kerlin, Director of Member Development. “Her experience both working on a campus and with career development will be beneficial in helping us provide training and resources to our membership which will allow us to support our members as they live Phi Kappa Theta’s Mission.”
Phi Kappa Theta actively develops men to effectively lead and passionately serve their society, fraternity and God. Phi Kappa Theta recently celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding and the 50th anniversary of the merger of two fraternities – Theta Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa. This united fraternity has 1,500 collegiate members and more than 30,000 living alumni.
For more information, contact Robert Riggs, Executive Vice President, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, at 317-872-9934 or rriggs@phikaps.org.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Squirrels at UCLA Teach Greeks a Lesson
This was sent from my very good friend who is the Greek Advisor at UCLA. This is a great video, and not only because being an Alpha Gam I naturally adore squirrels. It might seem cheesy but I think there are some real lessons here. Think about how this video could relate to your chapter or colony and it's members. Imagine the big squirrel as your big brother or older members and the baby squirrels are your younger members. Post some feedback - I want to know what parallels you see and what you took from this video! Let's get some discussion on here! Leave a comment because we want to hear from you instead of us just writing all the time. :-)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Practice What We Preach - Staff "Brotherhood"
Today I was asked by a non-member and somebody who does not work for their National Headquarters what I liked best about working for Phi Kappa Theta. The answer was so easy it surprised me. I respect the organization because people, even at the highest levels, try to live out our mission every day. There is no hypocrisy. So often you see organizations preach to their members to be interfraternal and then you see their staff or board members saying negative things about other organizations. I also love hearing high level people talk about brotherhood and then watching those same people fight and bicker and disrespect each other. I see a lot of hypocrisy, but not in Phi Kappa Theta. I love knowing that the Board of Trustees has such professional and selfless men serving. We stress brotherhood to our chapters. Yesterday the staff had a "brotherhood" outing at a baseball game. It was so fun and the weather was perfect. In addition, we're preparing to do a service project in a couple weeks working at the Special Olympics. We as individuals give time to impact our society, just as the mission states. We do it as a staff as well. I'm not sure I've been as grateful to work for such a great organization as I was today when I was asked to reflect on my favorite part of Phi Kappa Theta.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Spirituality in College
Rob and I are both members of the Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA). We go to the Annual Meeting each December, have training and networking opportunities with other people in our field, and receive resources on new and relevant topics in the world of Higher Education. I posted a blog about a month ago about spirituality and brotherhood. Below is an article that was written for AFA and I wanted everybody to have an opportunity to see it. This might shed a little light for some of you on the idea of spirituality and how it affects college students. I found it interesting.
Spirituality: A Passing Fancy or Growing Edge?
Rev. Deborah Casey, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Courtney Hull, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
May 2009
We live in a world of “sound bites” and “buzz words,” trying to capture a sense of understanding and insight in brief suggestive phrases before the world turns its ears elsewhere. Spirituality has become a “buzz word” for everything from being rooted in a particular religious tradition to (with apologies to the Beatles) a mystical, magical mystery tour of the meanings of life (Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Starr, & Knowles, 1967).
In his book To Know as We Are Known: A Spirituality of Education, Parker Palmer (1983) describes spirituality as a “way of being, of awareness.” While this spirituality may not include frequent attendance at religious services, we know students are exploring what it means to have the awareness Palmer discusses. Sometimes discussions happen within a classroom, at a late-night rap session, or on a service trip. Wherever they happen, students are drawn to these conversations as they ask questions, compare experiences, share beliefs and doubts, and seek information and avenues of expression.
As we know and have seen firsthand, college is a time of significant personal growth for many, if not most, young adults. New friends, new experiences, and new opportunities allow them to not only reflect upon the values and beliefs that they already possess, but also to explore perhaps a new way of being or a new awareness—a spirituality that will guide them forward into their adult lives.
In an effort to better understand how the undergraduate college years influence students’ perspective on spiritual and ethical matters, researchers at the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA conducted the first longitudinal study, called Spirituality in Higher Education: Students’ Search for Meaning and Purpose, to document changes in these perspectives between the freshman and junior years. This study examines data collected from 14,527 students attending 136 colleges and universities nationwide. The students first responded to the survey as they began their freshman year (2004) and then again at the end of their junior year (2007). This presented the researchers with the opportunity to document how the college experience may influence students’ perspective about spiritual issues over time. The study also explores changes in students’ religious beliefs and commitments, political orientation and attitudes, and health and well-being (Higher Education Research Institute, 2007a, December 18).
The study (HERI, 2007a, December 18) finds that students undergo significant spiritual growth in three areas: 1) A growing ethic of caring; 2) a need for reflection; and 3) a strong sense of purpose.
A growing ethic of caring: By their junior year, nearly 75% of students rate “helping others in difficulty” as being very important or essential, compared to 62% of those who said this as freshmen. Additionally, 67% say they strive to “reduce pain and suffering in the world,” compared to the 55% who said this as freshmen.
A need for reflection: “Developing a meaningful philosophy of life” is very important or essential to 55% of junior year students, compared to 41% who said the same as freshmen. Also, 61% of juniors say they are “thankful for all that has happened to them,” compared to 52% who said this as freshmen.
A strong sense of purpose: Half of all junior year students participating in the study say it is very important or essential to “integrate spirituality” into their lives, compared to 42% who said this as freshmen. Also notable, 83% are striving to “become a more loving person,” compared to 67% who stated this as freshmen. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of juniors say that they will work to “improve the human condition,” compared to 53% who said this as freshmen.
The study also revealed growth in what the researchers call an “ecumenical worldview,” with 55% of juniors saying that they are committed to “improving my understanding of other countries and cultures,” compared to 42% who said the same as freshmen. The majority of juniors are also open-minded about the religious values of others, with 91% agreeing that “non-religious people can lead lives that are just as moral as those of religious believers,” compared to 83% who said this as freshmen (HERI, 2007a, December 18).
Alexander Astin, who conducted the study, indicates that “many students are emerging from the collegiate experience with a desire to find spiritual meaning and perspective in their everyday lives. The data suggests that college is influencing students in positive ways that will better prepare them for leadership roles in our global society” (HERI, 2007b, December 18).
Despite this high level of interest in spiritual engagement among students, the researchers have found that few colleges or universities are actively encouraging students to explore these issues, and there are few academic or campus programs to support these interests. Most students (60%) report that their professors never “encouraged discussions of religious/spiritual matters,” and only 20% report that their professors “frequently encouraged exploration of questions of meaning and purpose” (HERI, 2007a, December 18).
Whether you are an advisor, organization professional, or staff member working in higher education, you are probably aware of a deepening of this journey in the students you encounter. This infusion of new perspectives is often challenging, sometimes scary, and always risky. Where do we as the professionals who walk on these journeys with students turn for resources?
Direct students toward campus faith groups. Know your students well enough before recommending a particular group. Denominational student groups or parachurch groups (i.e. Intervarsity, Campus Crusade, Navigators, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes) work for some, and for others there are interfaith discussion groups sharing differences and similarities.
Invite spiritual leaders to your groups for discussions (with clear boundaries regarding respect for differing views), focus on the rituals of your organizations and how they came to be (many of them have spiritual dimensions), and use them to explore meaning and application both within the organization and beyond.
Offer service opportunities. Look for opportunities to serve the community through work days with local service agencies, participation in fundraising events (walks, relays), or tutoring and mentoring programs.
When a student puts him/herself into direct interaction with someone in need, when he or she works with someone outside his/her comfort zone, and when the recipients of the service become more than an idea or cause and begin to be known for who they are, lives begin to change from both sides of the relationship.
An example of spiritual exploration in action takes place at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, which hosts an annual program called “Santa’s Gift Bag.” The program helps families in need with Christmas gifts for their children. It is a program which is coordinated by United Campus Ministry and involves all areas of campus (students, faculty, and staff) as well as the churches and businesses in the community. It is exciting and encouraging to witness the shift from self to others that many students experience. The perspective that “service looks good on my résumé” changes to “this project is important and helps members of my community and is fun.”
Parker Palmer probably said it best, “…life in community is a continual testing and refining…in my life….keeping me both hopeful and honest about the love that seeks me, the love I seek to be” (p. 18).
References
Higher Education Research Institute. (2007a, December 18). Spiritual changes in students during the undergraduate years: New
longitudinal study shows growth in spiritual qualities from freshman to junior years. Retrieved on May 5, 2009, from
http://www.spirituality.ucla.edu/news/report_backup_dec07release_12.18.07.pdf
Higher Education Research Institute. (2007b, December 18). Students experience spiritual growth during college: UCLA study reveals significant changes in undergraduates’ values & beliefs. Retrieved on May 5, 2009, from http:// www.spirituality.ucla.edu/news/Spirituality_on_Campus_release_12.18.07.pdf
Lennon, J., McCartney, P., Harrison, G., Starr, R., & Knowles, B. (Writers/Directors). (1967). Magical mystery tour [Motion
picture]. London: 2 Entertain Video.
Palmer, P. (1983). To know as we are known: A spirituality of education. San Francisco: Harper & Row.
The Rev. Deborah Casey is the Protestant Campus Minister at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and has been part of United Campus Ministry at Mansfield University since 1992. Courtney Hull is a Certified Catholic Campus Minister at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and has been part of United Campus Ministry at Mansfield University since 2001.
Spirituality: A Passing Fancy or Growing Edge?
Rev. Deborah Casey, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Courtney Hull, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
May 2009
We live in a world of “sound bites” and “buzz words,” trying to capture a sense of understanding and insight in brief suggestive phrases before the world turns its ears elsewhere. Spirituality has become a “buzz word” for everything from being rooted in a particular religious tradition to (with apologies to the Beatles) a mystical, magical mystery tour of the meanings of life (Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Starr, & Knowles, 1967).
In his book To Know as We Are Known: A Spirituality of Education, Parker Palmer (1983) describes spirituality as a “way of being, of awareness.” While this spirituality may not include frequent attendance at religious services, we know students are exploring what it means to have the awareness Palmer discusses. Sometimes discussions happen within a classroom, at a late-night rap session, or on a service trip. Wherever they happen, students are drawn to these conversations as they ask questions, compare experiences, share beliefs and doubts, and seek information and avenues of expression.
As we know and have seen firsthand, college is a time of significant personal growth for many, if not most, young adults. New friends, new experiences, and new opportunities allow them to not only reflect upon the values and beliefs that they already possess, but also to explore perhaps a new way of being or a new awareness—a spirituality that will guide them forward into their adult lives.
In an effort to better understand how the undergraduate college years influence students’ perspective on spiritual and ethical matters, researchers at the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA conducted the first longitudinal study, called Spirituality in Higher Education: Students’ Search for Meaning and Purpose, to document changes in these perspectives between the freshman and junior years. This study examines data collected from 14,527 students attending 136 colleges and universities nationwide. The students first responded to the survey as they began their freshman year (2004) and then again at the end of their junior year (2007). This presented the researchers with the opportunity to document how the college experience may influence students’ perspective about spiritual issues over time. The study also explores changes in students’ religious beliefs and commitments, political orientation and attitudes, and health and well-being (Higher Education Research Institute, 2007a, December 18).
The study (HERI, 2007a, December 18) finds that students undergo significant spiritual growth in three areas: 1) A growing ethic of caring; 2) a need for reflection; and 3) a strong sense of purpose.
A growing ethic of caring: By their junior year, nearly 75% of students rate “helping others in difficulty” as being very important or essential, compared to 62% of those who said this as freshmen. Additionally, 67% say they strive to “reduce pain and suffering in the world,” compared to the 55% who said this as freshmen.
A need for reflection: “Developing a meaningful philosophy of life” is very important or essential to 55% of junior year students, compared to 41% who said the same as freshmen. Also, 61% of juniors say they are “thankful for all that has happened to them,” compared to 52% who said this as freshmen.
A strong sense of purpose: Half of all junior year students participating in the study say it is very important or essential to “integrate spirituality” into their lives, compared to 42% who said this as freshmen. Also notable, 83% are striving to “become a more loving person,” compared to 67% who stated this as freshmen. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of juniors say that they will work to “improve the human condition,” compared to 53% who said this as freshmen.
The study also revealed growth in what the researchers call an “ecumenical worldview,” with 55% of juniors saying that they are committed to “improving my understanding of other countries and cultures,” compared to 42% who said the same as freshmen. The majority of juniors are also open-minded about the religious values of others, with 91% agreeing that “non-religious people can lead lives that are just as moral as those of religious believers,” compared to 83% who said this as freshmen (HERI, 2007a, December 18).
Alexander Astin, who conducted the study, indicates that “many students are emerging from the collegiate experience with a desire to find spiritual meaning and perspective in their everyday lives. The data suggests that college is influencing students in positive ways that will better prepare them for leadership roles in our global society” (HERI, 2007b, December 18).
Despite this high level of interest in spiritual engagement among students, the researchers have found that few colleges or universities are actively encouraging students to explore these issues, and there are few academic or campus programs to support these interests. Most students (60%) report that their professors never “encouraged discussions of religious/spiritual matters,” and only 20% report that their professors “frequently encouraged exploration of questions of meaning and purpose” (HERI, 2007a, December 18).
Whether you are an advisor, organization professional, or staff member working in higher education, you are probably aware of a deepening of this journey in the students you encounter. This infusion of new perspectives is often challenging, sometimes scary, and always risky. Where do we as the professionals who walk on these journeys with students turn for resources?
Direct students toward campus faith groups. Know your students well enough before recommending a particular group. Denominational student groups or parachurch groups (i.e. Intervarsity, Campus Crusade, Navigators, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes) work for some, and for others there are interfaith discussion groups sharing differences and similarities.
Invite spiritual leaders to your groups for discussions (with clear boundaries regarding respect for differing views), focus on the rituals of your organizations and how they came to be (many of them have spiritual dimensions), and use them to explore meaning and application both within the organization and beyond.
Offer service opportunities. Look for opportunities to serve the community through work days with local service agencies, participation in fundraising events (walks, relays), or tutoring and mentoring programs.
When a student puts him/herself into direct interaction with someone in need, when he or she works with someone outside his/her comfort zone, and when the recipients of the service become more than an idea or cause and begin to be known for who they are, lives begin to change from both sides of the relationship.
An example of spiritual exploration in action takes place at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, which hosts an annual program called “Santa’s Gift Bag.” The program helps families in need with Christmas gifts for their children. It is a program which is coordinated by United Campus Ministry and involves all areas of campus (students, faculty, and staff) as well as the churches and businesses in the community. It is exciting and encouraging to witness the shift from self to others that many students experience. The perspective that “service looks good on my résumé” changes to “this project is important and helps members of my community and is fun.”
Parker Palmer probably said it best, “…life in community is a continual testing and refining…in my life….keeping me both hopeful and honest about the love that seeks me, the love I seek to be” (p. 18).
References
Higher Education Research Institute. (2007a, December 18). Spiritual changes in students during the undergraduate years: New
longitudinal study shows growth in spiritual qualities from freshman to junior years. Retrieved on May 5, 2009, from
http://www.spirituality.ucla.edu/news/report_backup_dec07release_12.18.07.pdf
Higher Education Research Institute. (2007b, December 18). Students experience spiritual growth during college: UCLA study reveals significant changes in undergraduates’ values & beliefs. Retrieved on May 5, 2009, from http:// www.spirituality.ucla.edu/news/Spirituality_on_Campus_release_12.18.07.pdf
Lennon, J., McCartney, P., Harrison, G., Starr, R., & Knowles, B. (Writers/Directors). (1967). Magical mystery tour [Motion
picture]. London: 2 Entertain Video.
Palmer, P. (1983). To know as we are known: A spirituality of education. San Francisco: Harper & Row.
The Rev. Deborah Casey is the Protestant Campus Minister at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and has been part of United Campus Ministry at Mansfield University since 1992. Courtney Hull is a Certified Catholic Campus Minister at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and has been part of United Campus Ministry at Mansfield University since 2001.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
California Phi Delta Re-Chartering Weekend
April 29, 2009 marked the 50 year anniversary of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. In my mind, there is no better way to celebrate than with a re-chartering.
I inherited the California Phi Delta colony at University of San Diego when I came on staff a year ago. Andy and Rob along with some local alumni did an exceptional job restarting the group a few years ago. Last summer I met a young man named Chris Liepman who was the President of the colony at the time. He served as a blogger at the Leadership Institute and I quickly learned how intelligent and well spoken he was. This reflected well for the group and excited me even more for my visit in the fall where I helped them create their 5-year Strategic Plan. This was my first visit for Phi Kap and it made for an outstanding start to what I hope is a long and enjoyable experience with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. They created an impressive Strategic Plan that reflected their high moral standards and strong brotherhood. This group was so fun to be around and so motivated that in my mind, they had created an ideal Phi Kappa Theta chapter. It was exciting to work with them on their Petition to Charter as the spring term began. In February it was completed and sent to the voting delegates and by March 6, 2009 their petition was approved. The colony leadership worked hard to plan their re-chartering weekend which would take place just a month and a half later.
Rob, Andy and I arrived in San Diego on Thursday. Friday Rob and Andy met with alumni while I helped the colony members prepare for the weekend. Friday night the colony initiated 13 new young men into California Phi Delta. Alumni, staff, and a representative from the nearby chapter at San Diego State came to show support. I (obviously) was not in attendance, however I did have an opportunity to meet the Associate Members beforehand and, to no surprise, they were outstanding.
Saturday evening was the re-chartering banquet. The leadership worked so incredibly hard to make this event meaningful while representing the personality of the colony and it's members. At 6pm colony members and their dates, representatives from other Greek organizations on campus, alumni, university administration, and staff members all gathered in the Garden of the Sea. I have visited many campuses and this, by far, is the most beautiful. The gardens had a stunning view of San Diego and were accented with flowers, sculptures, and a reflecting pool. Guests enjoy conversation, scenery, and beverages until dinner at 7pm. Father Mullen, the colony's main advisor, served as the emcee for the evening and the invocation was done by Father Peter McGuine. The chapter had showed two videos. One was the video which was used during recruitment earlier in the year. The second was created just for this banquet and showcased each individual member, including the men who were initiated the night before. They were very well done and quite enjoyable whether or not you knew all of the members.
After dinner, there were several people who spoke. Jonathan D’Angelo, the first member recruited and Founding Father, spoke about how Phi Kap impacted his experience at USD. Amanda Womack, Greek Advisor, spoke highly about the colony and how the men have positively impacted the campus. Andy Kowal spoke about his experience beginning the colony, as did Rob Riggs. Rob also presented the colony with Ritual books, a President's pin, and a gavel with their chapter name engraved on it. Jack Kelly, Alumni Board of Director's President also spoke about how excited the alumni are to have the group re-chartered and their plans for continued support. He also took a moment on behalf of the colony and alumni to acknowledge Father Mullen for his passion and support with the colony and its members. Then, representing the National Fraternity Board of Trustees, Father Mullen presented the colony with the charter.
The colony (or chapter at this point) also took an opportunity to recognize some people for their efforts. Andy, Rob, and myself were all thanked and acknowledged for our assistance and support. They also awarded members for excellence in academics, involvement, and commitment to the chapter.
The colony (or chapter at this point) also took an opportunity to recognize some people for their efforts. Andy, Rob, and myself were all thanked and acknowledged for our assistance and support. They also awarded members for excellence in academics, involvement, and commitment to the chapter.
Overall, the evening was elegant, entertaining, and reflective of the strength of this newly re-chartered chapter of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. If I were a member, I would be extremely honored and proud to call them a brother. Congratulations on a beautiful weekend and years of hard work and dedication bringing Phi Kappa Theta back to University of San Diego.
Sean Stephenson Article
Hey everybody!
Here is a link to a great article on Sean Stephenson that is in the Chicago Tribune. If you don't know who this amazing man is - you should. He's an alumnus of Phi Kappa Theta and has been very involved in motivational speaking. I had the pleasure of seeing him speak at Leadership Institute last summer and President's Academy in January. He is also filming a pilot for a show about his life on A&E. Special thanks to Rob Stalder who posted this on his Facebook page for all to see. Enjoy!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-sean-stephenson-05-may05,0,976278.story
Here is a link to a great article on Sean Stephenson that is in the Chicago Tribune. If you don't know who this amazing man is - you should. He's an alumnus of Phi Kappa Theta and has been very involved in motivational speaking. I had the pleasure of seeing him speak at Leadership Institute last summer and President's Academy in January. He is also filming a pilot for a show about his life on A&E. Special thanks to Rob Stalder who posted this on his Facebook page for all to see. Enjoy!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-sean-stephenson-05-may05,0,976278.story
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