 In
1852, two Jefferson College students, William Henry Letterman and Charles
Page Thomas Moore, founded an organization based on “The Great Joy
of Serving Others”. These two idealists began a new kind of Fraternity – an
organization that would supplement the university’s goal of improving
students’ citizenship and academic understanding. Today, the Foundation
continues our Founders’ vision by recognizing the need and value of
education and cultivating and rewarding members’ academic pursuits.
One of the most prestigious and recognized awards programs in the Interfraternity
world, Phi Psi’s national and chapter-based scholarship programs
recognize undergraduate and graduate Phi Psis who combine consistently
outstanding academic performance with leadership and service to their chapter,
campus and community. Chapter-based scholarships are made possible through
the Chapter Scholarship Funds (CSF) program. The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation also continues
to award several national awards to undergraduate and graduate Phi Psis
who excelled in areas of academics, chapter leadership and campus involvement.
The Foundation takes a serious approach to fraternity life and wants
all Phi Psi undergraduates to have a positive collegiate and alumni experience
therefore each year the Foundation makes possible several programs through
annual grants made to the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity for qualifying portions
of conventions, leadership academies, workshops, speakers and retreats
for chapter advisors and house corporation presidents and other leadership
training activities that support scholarship, leadership and service.
Woodrow Wilson Leadership School
Held during the summer in odd-numbered years, the Woodrow Wilson
Leadership School (WWLS) provides for leadership development and the building
of critical leadership skills. Through several days of close-knit living
and learning, attendees gain knowledge and experience in working with
others, learn more about leading and managing organizations, review the
goals and ideals of the Fraternity and celebrate their membership in Phi
Kappa Psi. Nationally known speakers and educators, as well as Fraternity
officers and staff, are on hand to add to the program’s value.
Educational Leadership Consultants
For over 46 years, the Fraternity has administered the Educational
Leadership Consultant (ELC) program, the most immediate form of educational
service to Phi Psi chapters and members. Recent graduates are hired
to provide essential guidance to the Fraternity’s members as they
travel the country visiting each chapter. During their visits, the consultants
serve as mentors and also help to evaluate and improve scholarship and
leadership programs, chapter management and finances and provide ideas
and assistance for new and better chapter programs.
Presidents Leadership Academy
The Foundation is proud to provide the funding for the Fraternity’s
Presidents Leadership Academy (PLA). A model within the Interfraternal
world, the PLA is a program specifically designed for chapter presidents,
who, together with lead facilitators and small group leaders, fine-tune
their leadership skills. The primary purpose of the academy is to assist
chapter presidents in furthering their abilities to lead within their chapters
and on their respective campuses. Undergraduates explore their Phi
Psi experience through discussion and debate of individual and group values,
organizational management, goal setting and personal development. The three-day
academy provides participants with the resources to challenge and inspire
their fellow chapter brothers to live up to the values and principles expressed
in the Fraternity’s Ritual.
Leadership Experience
A fine-tuned weekend retreat tailored to the needs of an individual
chapter, the Leadership Experience gives undergraduate Phi Psis a crash
course in personal development, chapter management and community involvement.
The Fraternity’s Director of Leadership Development coordinates
these campus based experiences.
Alumni Volunteer Training
The Foundation underwrites programs each year to help educate alumni
volunteers for their work with undergraduate chapters. Regional workshops
and seminars are held, support publications and resources are created
and programming is done at many of Phi Psi's summer conventions or leadership
schools.
Fraternity Educators Leadership Program
Each year, undergraduates interested in fraternity education attend
this three-day experiential learning program, designed to impart to our
collegiate members the concepts of a values-based education model. Through
a variety of activities and initiatives, participants are able to learn
how to work together to achieve common goals under challenging circumstances.
The participants experience the fundamentals of being a teacher and role
model, with emphasis on organizational management, teambuilding, goal
setting, motivation and personal development. The academy features presentations
and team meetings facilitated by volunteer alumni and Fraternity Headquarters
staff. Participants explore the inner workings of their chapters’ education
programs and discover new and innovative events and strategies to challenge
members throughout their collegiate careers.
Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute
The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation continues to exemplify its commitment to education
through its support of a variety of programs including the North-American
Interfraternity Conference’s Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute
(UIFI), an award-winning leadership program for men and women who are
chapter or Greek community leaders. UIFI takes a principle-centered approach
to creating change within a Greek community. The institute helps participants
identify the timeless principles through which they can define themselves
individually and organizationally. The curriculum assists participants
in recognizing how they can act out these principles by honing important
life skills in areas such as leadership, group dynamics, service, and
organizational change and development.
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