100th Anniversary Recap

Twenty-eight golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the Emerald Valley Golf Club course. A big thank you to brothers Darin Nelson, Dave Eaton and Tom Phalen for organizing this event. The winners of the day were:

• First Place Team: Nate Zoucha, Steve Forsberg, Jeff Rulis & Daniel Leong

• Second Place Team: Kelly Blodgett, Bruce Vandenburg, Chris Sittner and Tim McCourt

• KPs: Mike Kuratli and Steve Forsberg

• LDs: Ryan Meurisse, Tim McCourt, Nate Zoucha and Ward Beck

The first big event of the weekend was the BBQ at the chapter house. The 175 people who attended enjoyed reconnecting, listening to Zach Hoffman’s outstanding DJ music, and consuming the food spread prepared by Bob Hastings. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Phi Kappa Psi shield and name on the front of the house.

This event symbolized everything we have been working for these last three years. The Chapter Advisory Team celebrated earning the charter, the undergraduates stayed in the chapter house for the first time, and the House Corporation showed off the work it has been doing to get the house ready. It all came together at this moment. Check out the video highlights of this event here.

Brother George Hosfield worked with the Athletic Department to give us behind-the-scenes tours of two amazing athletic facilities at the University of Oregon. In the morning, it was the world-class Hayward Field that solidified Eugene as Tracktown USA, as if there were any doubt. In the afternoon, we were treated to the Hatfield-Dowlin football complex and Duck football practice as the team prepares for the season. Both facilities represent Oregon’s commitment to excellence in athletics. It’s no surprise that recruits walk away from their visits with Oregon on their short list.

On Saturday afternoon, the national officers of Phi Kappa Psi conducted a ceremony to award Oregon Alpha its charter and welcome the undergraduates as brothers. Twenty of the twenty-four undergraduate members were in attendance and looking sharp in their tuxedos. This would not have happened without the support of our national organization and the University of Oregon, the planning and work of the Chapter Advisory Team, and the dedication of PJ Sarkar in guiding these young men to achieve this goal.

House Corporation President, Eric Mueller, also recognized the achievements of several outstanding brothers including:

• Hal Dick: Founded COMCOA Communications with brother Bob Danielson exactly 53 years ago and produces Duck Tales to this day.

• PJ Sarkar: The expansion consultant and live-in advisor who has worked with the undergraduates for two years to earn the charter.

• Bob Hastings: The winner of the first Malcom Epley Memorial Award for an alumnus who demonstrates an outstanding spirit of service to Phi Kappa Psi and the community.

The main event was held at The Graduate Hotel on Saturday night and featured the only glitch of the weekend (only one bar was provided - for a fraternity event - hmmm). But we persevered (by going to the hotel bar). The evening featured a presentation by Bob Marchesani, Phi Kappa Psi Executive Council President, and Caitlin Roberts of the University of Oregon Fraternity & Sorority Life office.

We also enjoyed a 10-minute video telling the story of the last 100 years of brotherhood which was created for the event by brother Tom Olsen. And, with everyone’s emotions on edge, brother Mueller worked the crowd to raise nearly $30,000 for the chapter! Thank you to all the brothers and others who supporting this fundraising effort.

Needless to say, this event could not have happened without the tireless efforts of our alumni volunteers serving on the House Corporation Board, Chapter Advisory Team, and 100th Anniversary Committee. A huge thank you to our event chair, Bob Hastings, and to all others involved.

But this is not the end of the work. Earning the charter, moving back into the house, and throwing a great event is just the beginning. Our ongoing success will require the alumni involvement, financial donations, and undergraduate mentoring. Watch Duck Tales, email and our Facebook page for ways to help.

High, High, High!