CHAPTER NEWS – DISTRICT VI

10 CHAPTERS | 2 COLONIES

Icon indicates the chapter participates in MAP.

Arizona Beta – ASU

Submitted By: Daniel Piacquadio ’24

Phi Kappa Psi participated in three sorority philanthropy weeks, raising more than $5,000. Arizona Beta also held a mini-Philo week with Alpha Kappa Theta to raise money for a brother’s dad, who is battling cancer. Arizona Beta also helped organize, volunteer and participate in a drug abuse awareness event for all Greeks. The chapter also held a formal in San Diego with 70 brothers in attendance. A great November all around!

Initiations: 27
Chapter Size: 125

California Beta – Stanford

Submitted By: Mateo Solis ’24

Social events: Phi2K (all-campus, 2000s-themed), Phipocalypse (all-campus, Halloween-themed), Phi Napa Psi (invite-only; signature wine night), Cophi House (study-themed open event with free coffee) and Phormal (quarterly formal event; co-hosted with Alpha Phi sorority). Alumni events: Homecoming (welcomed 80-plus actives and alumni) and Big Game Luncheon (annual Cal Beta/Cal Gamma social event before the Stanford vs. Cal football game). Philanthropic efforts: Pumpkin Carving (proceeds to Camp Kaleidoscope, a Bay Area camp for children of parents with cancer) and Alpha Phifa (proceeds to hurricane relief in Jamaica; co-hosted with Alpha Phi sorority).

Chapter Size: 62

California Gamma – UC Berkeley

Submitted By: Tomas Jonsson ’25

We at Cal Gamma had a great fall semester socially and philanthropically. This semester, we welcomed 33 members from this fall’s Alpha Theta class, breaking our brotherhood recruitment record with the largest class since before the pandemic. Furthermore, we held successful philanthropic events. First, we hosted two band events for the Surfrider Foundation, which organizes coastal restorations and cleanups, raising more than $5,000. We also tabled for Hunter’s Fund during Safe Driving Week, collecting more than 300 signatures and raising more than $1,000 through campus outreach. The semester brought us great joy through volunteering and philanthropy. We would also like to highlight Cal Gamma Integrity Scholarship winner Fredrick Dehmel ‘24 of the Alpha Epsilon class for his academic excellence and commitment to the community.

Initiations: 33
Chapter Size: 96

University of Southern California Colony 

Submitted By: Mario Claborn II

Starting a new chapter at USC has been the most fun and rewarding challenge there is. USC is a large school with several fraternities, which allows a new chapter like ours to stand out. So far, the chapter has recruited members, established its e-board and compiled a list of freshmen ready-to-sign bids this spring. The chapter already has a solid sense of brotherhood as all members are founding fathers of this new colony. We are geared up for the spring to extend recruitment, fundraise for Hunter’s Fund through a Pie-A-Brother event, and raise funds by hosting a live entertainment event that not only supports philanthropic efforts but also connects with students such as music and other art majors. The event will be inspired by “Live at the Apollo.” Other events include working with First Gen Students, Culture of Black Student Affairs and other Phi Psi chapters. The chapter also hopes to raise funds for mental health and sepsis, as one member is a sepsis survivor.

New Members: 8
Colony Size: 8

California Epsilon – UCLA

Submitted By: Siddharth Das ’23

California Epsilon had an excellent fall quarter, highlighted by a successful recruitment period, exciting events and significant philanthropic contributions. We welcomed a class of 35 initiated brothers who are enthusiastic about shaping the future of the house. These new members, along with increased involvement from older brothers, were instrumental in hosting social and brotherhood events. Beyond undergraduate programming, the chapter hosted a Parents’ Weekend Dinner, during which families learned the values of the chapter and heard from esteemed alumni, illustrating the support the chapter’s network offers. Most importantly, the chapter’s impact extended beyond UCLA and into the greater Los Angeles community through volunteering and fundraising. The new-member class donated meal swipes to the unhoused community of Westwood, and many brothers volunteered with Youth Champions, exposing underprivileged communities to higher education by giving tours of UCLA. Furthermore, the chapter’s philanthropy concert, “Phi Psi Live,” raised roughly $3,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Overall, the chapter is excited to continue its community impact.

Initiations: 35
Chapter Size: 113

UC Santa Barbara Colony

Submitted By: Erik Hedberg

The chapter continued to grow and strengthen its presence on campus, building momentum through recruitment, service, and brotherhood. The chapter hosted a full schedule of recruitment events, highlighted by its largest gathering of the year, which brought together a wide range of potential new members and reaffirmed the positive direction of the chapter. Commitment to service remained a major priority. Brothers organized beach cleanups throughout the quarter, giving back to the Isla Vista and Goleta coastline while partnering with local volunteers and community groups. In addition, the chapter held pizza fundraisers with local restaurants, helping raise money for chapter initiatives and strengthening connections to Santa Barbara businesses. Several members stood out with exceptional accomplishments, most notably Brother Connor Bock, who ran 50 miles in less than eight hours. The chapter is preparing for a major alumni event this spring, with details shared through the alumni Facebook chat.

Colony Size: 10

California Eta – Cal Poly

Submitted By: Jonathan Vochatzer ’22

This past November, brothers Jonathan Vochatzer ’22 and Ryan Bousfield ‘23 traveled to Pennsylvania to compete in the Collegiate Club Water Polo National Championship with the Cal Poly men’s water polo team and won the national title. Additionally, the chapter’s main philanthropy event of the year, Fight for Life, raised thousands of dollars for Jack’s Helping Hands. This past year, Cal Eta Phi Kappa Psi initiated 40 brothers. With the help of newly initiated brothers, the chapter has made significant strides in its development and progression.

Initiations: 18
Chapter Size: 58

California Theta – CSUN

Submitted By: Ailton Velasquez ’24

This past semester was due to internal challenges, but the strength of the brotherhood prompted the chapter to move forward. Thanks to the shared commitment to Phi Kappa Psi, the chapter initiated five brothers. Early in the semester, the chapter hosted a live concert where brother Geo Zecca ’24 performed alongside other talented individuals. Neighbors and supporters were invited to enjoy a night of music and community. The chapter’s philanthropy event honored Hunter and raised $1,000 for Hunter’s Fund. Brother Froilan Grijalva ’24 organized a day of service in partnership with Angelinos of Hope, packing and distributing food to people experiencing homelessness in the Northridge community. Throughout the experience, members reflected on the organization’s maxim — The Great Joy of Serving Others. Lastly, the chapter thanks Brother and President Ailton Velasquez ’24 for demonstrating leadership and commitment.

Initiations: 5
Chapter Size: 24

California Kappa – UC Irvine

Submitted By: Artin Tamaddon-Dallal ’24

Adam Walters ‘24 and Kahenu Samuel ‘24 volunteered in this quarter’s IFC/SFL sandwich drive, joining more than 100 participants to prepare and donate several hundred meals to local community partners. Their work supported food insecurity relief and strengthened collaboration with other Greek organizations through this campus-wide service effort.

Chapter Size: 15

Oregon Alpha – Oregon

Submitted By: Adam Darvishian ’24

This past semester, the brothers of Oregon Alpha were excited to return to work. In July, brothers traveled to Los Angeles for the District Council Meeting, where Brother Adam Darvishian ’24 was elected District VI Archon and will represent and support chapters in the district for the next two years. Academically, Oregon Alpha achieved the highest GPA increase in FSL and jumped 10 spots in IFC GPA rankings. Members participated in the Mentor MAP program, with one-third of the chapter signed up to receive mentors who provide personal and professional guidance. Chapter Treasurer Andy Herrera ’24 attended Explore, where he connected with other Phi Psi treasurers and brothers nationwide.

Initiations: 9
Chapter Size: 43

 

 

Oregon Beta – Oregon State

Submitted By: Riley Fauth ’23

This fall, the chapter initiated 24 brothers into Phi Kappa Psi Oregon Beta. The chapter’s largest achievement was its fall philanthropy event, Phi Psi Fashion, which raised more than $1,700 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Initiations: 24
Chapter Size: 140

Washington Alpha – Washington

Submitted By: Andrew Ebbing ’23

This fall, UW IFC hosted its first formal recruitment week, creating a strong start to PC25. Although enrollment was modest, there are high hopes for continued growth. Former Head Recruitment Chair Conall Noonan ’23 was selected as a foundational UW Recruitment Counselor, guiding potential new members through their first week in Seattle. With a strong focus on brotherhood, the chapter participated in Pacific Northwest hikes, intramural flag football playoffs, football tailgates, and backyard barbecues. The chapter raised funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through its annual Spike Volleyball Tournament & Feed. Academically, Washington Alpha continued its excellence, with house GPA exceeding UW and IFC averages and two-thirds of members achieving the Dean’s List.

Initiations: 7
Chapter Size: 44