Homecoming, Founders Day, and a Hall of Fame
The weekend celebration started on Friday afternoon at the Erickson Alumni Center as David Woodrum ’61 became the third member of WV Alpha to be inducted into the WVU Greek Hall of Fame as part of the Delta Class. David Hardesty ’64and Zach Mendelson ’79 were prior inductees. As there have now been four inaugural classes, Phi Psi members have been honored more than any other fraternity on campus.
Brother Woodrum has enjoyed an extraordinary work and volunteer career. I was privileged to present him for induction and noted he has been president of hospitals in West Virginia, Texas, and Saudi Arabia. He served as EVP and COO of the American Hospital Association. And continues as Executive in Residence for the Master of Health Administration Program at WVU. In terms of Phi Kappa Psi, he is past National President; former National Foundation Trustee; former editor of Mountaineer Phi Psi (10-years); and of course, author of our chapter’s history.
When our chapter re-colonized in 2017, it was Brother Woodrum who insisted “the old model of Greek organizations in which social was emphasized over education and community service is outdated and counter-productive.” Therefore our chapter chose to double-down on academic excellence over the last five-years. In closing, Brother Woodrum noted: “the aims of Greek organizations must be in concert with host institution’s aims”.
On Sunday, over 80-brothers, spouses, and friends celebrated our annual Founder’s Day, also at the Erickson Alumni Center, for brunch and brief program. A highlight is always the celebration of brothers experiencing 50-years in Phi Psi. Pledge brothers (from 1972 who were able to attend) included: Stephen Scales, Curt Woodford, Bob Fox, Brad Carmichael, and Mario Marra. It was also a pleasure to have both Bob Douglas ’55 and Tom Rogers ’53 in attendance.
John Miesner ’82conducted the annual meeting of the House Corporation, and Tim Miller ’74 updated everyone on the current campaign, A Stronger Tomorrow-Live Ever. Die Never.
Luke Erny ’20, most recent GP, provided an overview of the chapter and school year. Luke, a native of Cincinnati, OH will graduate in May 2023. He is currently a senior in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics. [ Editor’s Note: he has done an outstanding job leading the chapter during his time as GP]. Also presenting was chapter member Aidan Kuriger ‘20, who along with Ellis Brown, are going through the Nolan Burch Greek Leadership Academy. Kuriger shared various experiences he has learned via lectures, guest speakers, and discussion groups that examine the culture and history in which fraternities and sororities were founded, with particular emphasis on mental health and well-being.
Kevin Berry, Vice President of Alumni Relations at WVU, spoke about the transition of the WVU Alumni Association over the last year. As the organization will be celebrating its 150th anniversary beginning in June 2023, Kevin discussed the strategic partnership aligning the alumni association and WVU with the goal of becoming more aligned and to take advantage of additional resources to better support the alumni base.
Fraternally,
Zach Mendelson ‘79
Editor
