As the father of five with two in college, I have found that for teenagers and young adults (and especially those in college), purpose + belonging = self-confidence. Purpose and belonging are forces of nature. They help overcome challenges and setbacks in life, and they contribute mightily to resiliency, leadership, a good attitude, and likability.   

We see this in Phi Psi all the time. Young men who find purpose in life and in their social and academic environments perform better, achieve more, are happier, will assume leadership roles, and will be their brother’s keeper more readily. And large independent studies confirm what we see in Phi Psi; we know factually that fraternity men have higher engagement, higher retention, higher self-esteem and higher happiness rates than non-fraternity members.   

When I size up a year, I gauge how much Phi Psi has supported the development of “purpose and belonging” in our undergraduate brothers. Much of the fraternity experience is out of our control, but to the degree that we can provide good housing, good mentorship and counsel, good professional development and networking, good skill development, and strong bonds of brotherhood, we are doing what can be done to have a positive influence.  

And this is where you come in. 

In 2025, you collectively gave $5.1M to Phi Psi through the Phi Psi Foundation. Your gifts powered life-changing programming through the Nelson Leadership Institute. Our Explore career discovery program connected undergraduates with successful alumni mentors in New York City, Houston, and Minneapolis. One participant shared that “these three days benefited my professional career more than the last 2.5 years in college.” In Wyoming’s backcountry, brothers developed resilience and confidence through our inaugural NOLS Wilderness Leadership Experience. And at Campfire, chapter treasurers gained the financial skills to lead their chapters with excellence. 

In addition to funding these great programs, you funded $2.9M in chapter house improvements and $1.5M in our leading scholarship program. And beyond the cash received in 2025, 29 alumni added Phi Psi to their estate plans for a total of $6.2M – funds that will benefit Phi Psi in the future.   

Thank you for your support of Phi Psi. Let’s keep it rolling in 2026 for all these young men looking for purpose and belonging.   

Yours Fraternally, 

Drew Thawley
Chief Advancement Officer