MEMBER MILESTONES

California Gamma – UC Berkeley

In January 2015, seven alumni from UC Berkeley, including five California Gamma brothers (pictured above), reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. And what did the Phi Psis do when they got there? They posed with the flag and shared a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, of course!

The brothers’ lives intersected and overlapped at Cal Gamma in the 1960s, forging friendships that would last a lifetime. (With the Vietnam War in full swing at the time, Kreps paused his college career to serve in the U.S. Navy.)

Climbing Africa’s highest point is not for the faint of heart, and these gentlemen were up for the challenge. All were in their 60s — except Davis who was 70 at the time — and in good physical health. They started planning and training for the trip in the summer of 2014.

Four of the five brothers were experienced hikers. Stoney was not, but being a seasoned runner, he was able to keep pace. Along with the necessary gear, Stoney made sure his backpack included the Fraternity flag — borrowed from Headquarters thanks to then Executive Director Shawn Collinsworth Indiana State ’91 — and a celebration beverage for when they reached the top. Why PBR? “It was the most ‘American’ beer I could think of,” Stoney quipped. “By the time the can had passed the last person’s lips, it had turned to ice!”

Ice they had already experienced! Taking the toughest and steepest route on their trek, they navigated some tricky terrain, including exposed tree roots and slippery ice fields. It took the hikers seven days to ascend the mountain with porters carrying their gear and guiding them to their destination. Before summiting and heading back to base camp (5,000 feet), they spent a frigid night sleeping inside the crater of the once-active volcano (18,800 feet). “That was the coldest I’ve ever been. I didn’t sleep at all that night,” recalled Stoney. 

Then began their two-day descent. “Going down was much faster, but it was really a huge strain on your quads!” 

Along with the memories of the excursion that are still often talked about, Stoney also has a keepsake. “Although the altitude at the top completely crushed it, I still have that PBR can. Oh, and the flag, too.” 

The venture was — and still is — worth celebrating. The close-knit group has stayed in contact through the bond of brotherhood and their love of football, tailgating, and cheering on their beloved Cal Bears.  The brothers especially enjoy participating in the Northern California Alumni Association’s Big Game Lunch*. 

And ten years later, all five friends are still in good health and look forward to celebrating more — and likely less strenuous — memorable milestones in the future.

Garden State Alumni Association

On Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, the Garden State AA hosted a Founders Day celebration at the Old Hights Brewing Co. In Hightstown, New Jersey. In attendance were brothers from Monmouth, Rutgers, TCNJ, Saint Joseph’s, F&M, SMU, DePaul, and CSUN.

Indiana Beta – Indiana

Garard

In February 2025, USA Volleyball announced the appointment of Wade Garard ‘90 as its Chief Advancement Officer, a strategic hire aimed at driving the organization’s long-term growth and philanthropic efforts. Garard brings an extensive background in fundraising, capital campaigns and nonprofit management, as well as extensive connections in the volleyball and sports business communities to the leadership team at USAV.

Indiana Gamma – Wabash

Acero

Seth Acero ‘21 earned an Orr Fellowship, which guarantees a two-year salaried position with one of Indiana’s most dynamic, high-growth businesses. Acero, a native of San Antonio, Texas, will work with Bridge Builder Strategies, a non-profit business development consulting firm based in Indianapolis. Previously, he interned with Autism Spectrum Australia. “It is an honor to be a part of this fellowship in the state of Indiana. I look forward to growing my professional network and skillset so I can advance the ideals of nonprofits in the future.”

Clifford Lee ‘03 was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Education Association. He was previously elected to serve two other terms — 2019-2021 and 2021-2024. Brother Lee also represents South Carolina on the national resolutions committee for the National Education Association.

Indiana Zeta – Butler 

On April 25, 2025, Drake DelosSantos ‘22 was the recipient of the Mercury Award of Excellence, South Carolina’s highest PR honor. Awarded by the Public Relations Society of America, DelosSantos was recognized for his direction and collaborative campaign work at Midlands Technical College. He also received individual honors with the SCPRSA Volunteer Service Award for helping advance PR in the state. 

Iowa Beta – Iowa State

Senne & Taylor

In October 2024, Braden Senne ‘20 and chapter brother Matthew Taylor ‘21 ran the DSM Marathon.

Kansas Alpha – Kansas

In April, Andrew Murga ‘22, was elected student body class president.

Brother Andrew G. Thompson ‘06 married the lovely, Miss Anne Warren on March 8, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. Richard J. Thompson ‘04 served as best man along with several other Kansas Alpha Brothers. High! High! High!

Sparks

Brother Adam N. Sparks ‘07 and his wife, Laura, welcomed a daughter, Sophie Elizabeth Sparks, into the world on March 11, 2025. Brother Matthew N. Sparks ‘04 is a proud uncle.

Mississippi Alpha – Ole Miss

In March 2025, Joey Perotti ‘21 won the NCCGA South/Gulf Tournament in Baton Rouge, Louisiana!

John M. Sewards ‘92 came out of retirement to create two companies, Eclectic Motor Co. and Eclectic Tire Co. The latter being the official East Coast distributor of vintage Michelin tires.

New Jersey Beta – Monmouth

Kleber

In May 2025, Donald Kleber ‘72, was the 102nd agent added to the FBI’s Wall of Honor in Washington, D.C. for his distinguished career and service. “It’s quite an honor for our brother to be on this ‘Best of the Best’ list of departed agents,” Joe Keip ‘72 stated. “We met while pledging together last century and remained friends until the day he died. Don was an amazing brother, man, and friend.” The FBI Wall of Honor remembers Special Agent Donald Kleber, who died January 15, 2024, from health complications associated with exposure to toxic air during 9/11 recovery efforts. The employees are memorialized online as well as at FBI Headquarters and field offices across the country so that their ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered. To see Brother Kleber’s full memorial, visit: bit.ly/donald-kleber-memorial. And to read more about his career, please see Pages 3-6 in Monmouth University’s magazine: bit.ly/donald-kleber-career.

Ohio Delta – Ohio State

Keith Volz ‘66 celebrated 56 years of marriage and has retired after working for 50-plus years. Brother Volz served on the town council for six years and as mayor for 10 years — all for the community of Jamestown, North Carolina.

Ohio Theta – Ashland

In November 2025, Frank Fraas ‘80 was named the executive director of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, following a national search. Fraas joined the organization in 2019 as outreach and public relations coordinator. During that time the organization has embarked on a program to live stream major racing events in the state as well as live streams from 66 county and independent fairs. According to a press release, Fraas stated: “We have a fantastic team at the OHHA, and I look forward to leading them as we continue to implement the mission of the OHHA, to preserve, protect, promote, and serve the Ohio standardbred industry.”

Ohio Iota – Akron

William G. Chris ‘80, managing partner at Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, assumed the position of Ohio State Bar Association president in July 2025. He has more than 39 years of experience in litigation and business and has tried many cases to verdict before judges, juries, and arbitrators. Chris has also successfully defended and prosecuted bad-faith actions, as well as a $27 million securities fraud case and an action initiated by the U.S. Department of Labor. Chris has been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year from 2012 to 2017, and again from 2020 to 2023.

Oklahoma Alpha – Oklahoma

James Stander ‘10 is excited to share that he purchased his first home in Tulsa, Oklahoma! Welcome to the joys of homeownership, brother!

Oregon Beta – Oregon State

Donald Q. Hall ‘48 celebrated his 98th birthday in February 2025 with a wonderful celebration, including attendance by three great-grandchildren. He and chapter brother Herb Zeller ‘48 have been staying connected over the phone. 

Rhode Island Beta – URI

Stephen I. Murphy ‘77 retired in 2023 after spending 40+ years in the petrochemical industry.

Tennessee Delta – Vanderbilt

Morris L. Cranor ‘61 is celebrating 20-plus years of retirement.

Hill

In December 2024, Rep. J. French Hill ‘76, was elected by the Steering Committee in Washington, D.C., to be the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. In a press release, Hill, a U.S. Congressman serving the state of Arkansas, stated: “I am humbled that my colleagues have placed their trust in me as their next chairman. It was a privilege to join my exceptional colleagues, Representatives Andy Barr, Bill Huizenga, and Frank Lucas, in sharing our visions for this committee.”

Texas Gamma – Texas State

Buchanan

In June 2025, Assistant Coach Bobby Buchanan ‘10, helped lead the Ole Miss women’s softball team to their first-ever trip to the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. The No. 17 Rebels made history defeating No. 4 Arkansas to punch their ticket to the series. Congratulations, coach!

Virginia Beta – W&L

McEwen

Jonathan McEwen ’25 was named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Golfer of the Year after winning the individual title and setting a new championship scoring record. He also was named the 2025 NCAA Division III Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year, the first player in W&L program history to receive the prestigious award.

Washington Alpha – Washington

Douglas E. Chatfield ‘53 is celebrating being alive and kicking at age 90!

West Virginia Alpha – WVU

In his retirement, James R. Bell Jr. ‘62, is a freelance writer and poet.

Norma Mae Huggins was the mother of WVU’s Hall of Fame (retired) basketball coach, Bob Huggins. He created a Cancer Endowment upon her death in 2003 from colon cancer. The Endowment supports patient care and clinical cancer research that targets the many types of this disease that are common among residents of West Virginia. On February 1, 2025, the Endowment partnered with Vandalia Health, a state-wide health system, and held the Bob Huggins Fish Fry. They generated a $150,000 donation to Vandalia to support its efforts. David Blankenship ’87 owns The Boston Beanery in Morgantown. He prepared and served 500 lbs. of cod fish, 400 pounds of pork barbeque, 400 lbs. of macaroni and cheese, 400 lbs. of potato salad, 350 lbs. of cole slaw, and 2,000 dill pickles for more than 1,000 guests. Over 20 undergraduate brothers volunteered at the fish fry to assist Blankenship and the Boston Beanery wait staff to work the event.