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On January 25-27 brothers from across the nation gathered at Laurel Hall for the 11th annual Presidents Leadership Academy (PLA). Seventy three active brothers from 65 chapters came to Indianapolis to learn and share their leadership experience with one another.

PLA was an action-packed weekend that presented brothers with a wealth of information on many fraternity related topics including how time management, fundraising, recruitment and member education. Brothers were divided into small groups to discuss and collaborate on issues that arise within each chapter. These small groups served as face-to-face forums where chapter specific issues/difficulties were collectively addressed and solutions devised.

“I’ve never been to PLA before and it’s been awesome to meet brothers who have similar leadership struggles within their chapter,” commented Chapter President Jeremy Baldi, Butler ’06. “I really enjoyed the weekend and can’t wait to apply what I learned.” Like Jeremy, most brothers found PLA to be a rewarding and transformational experience.

During the same weekend, Laurel Hall also hosted the New Volunteer Orientation (NVO). NVO provided the opportunity for alumni to learn how to be most effective in their respective volunteer roles. This new program drew over 40 alumni from throughout the country.

“There is no guidebook to being a chapter advisor,” said LSU chapter advisor Dave Normand. “That is why this weekend is so worthwhile – collaborating with fellow chapter advisors, listening to current undergraduate brothers from across the country and interacting with the national leadership who I otherwise know by name only.”

Dave Normand, LSU Chapter Advisor

While most NVO presentations were separate from PLA participants were able to interact during meals and converse during common sessions. The importance of both PLA and NVO extends far beyond leadership training for undergraduate and alumni brothers; the gatherings also unite brothers on the national level. Throughout the weekend, participants enjoyed many opportunities to gather one-on-one and in large and small groups. At one point, eight alumni brothers, each from a different state shared a meal and their experiences as alumni advisors. At a small group session, 12 chapter presidents circled around a table and discussed commonalities, brainstormed solutions to problems and encouraged one another’s leadership abilities. These unique unplanned moments serve to remind us that we will forever be brothers of Phi Kappa Psi.

A small group session

Leadership and educational programs such as PLA and NVO would not be possible without the generous financial support of alumni and friends to the Phi Psi Foundation. “Supporting the Foundation means enabling such great programs that do nothing but enrich our brotherhood, both at the undergraduate and alumni levels,” said Bruce ‘Beast’ Tavares. “I feel fortunate to have been included and thank the donors who help to make both programs possible.”

Bruce 'Beast' Tavares

Involvement at the chapter level, as an advisor or other volunteer leader, exemplifies the call to activate brotherhood. Check out www.PKPFoundation.org for a listing of the 50 Ways to Activate Your Brotherhood as well as other suggestions on simple ways to reengage with Phi Psi.