Empowering the Next Generation of Principled Leaders 

 The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation, through the Nelson Leadership Institute, is proud to share a powerful update about our newest leadership initiative that puts the Fraternity’s values into action — an immersive outdoor expedition designed to challenge and inspire undergraduate brothers through the transformative power of wilderness education. In June 2025, 12 Phi Psi undergraduates from chapters across the country took part in a Wilderness Leadership Expedition hosted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). This unique program — held June 6–14 in the rugged, remote Wyoming landscape — helped students develop essential leadership, teamwork, and resilience skills in a setting far removed from the classroom.  

 “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said participant Reece Wagner Indiana ’24. “I came away more confident in myself, more attuned to others, and more prepared to lead — not just in Phi Psi, but in life.”   

About the Program 

NOLS is a nonprofit global leader in experiential wilderness education. Their intensive leadership expeditions are designed to push students out of their comfort zones and into the backcountry, where challenges require collaboration, communication, adaptability, and moral courage — qualities at the heart of Phi Kappa Psi’s mission to develop men of integrity and action.   

Making It Possible 

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation covered nearly 93% of the program cost, allowing the following 12 deserving young men to benefit from this incredible opportunity:

• Jacob Gerson Clemson Colony 
• Liam Dohl Illinois State ’25 
• Reece Wagner Indiana ’24 
• Michael Cruzado Wabash ’23 
• Caiden Jeffries Wabash ’23 
• Quinn Moyer Butler ’24 (Oregon ’23) 
• Beau Coughlin Michigan State ’23 
• William Kiracofe RIT ’23 
• Deacon Mansfield RIT ’23 
• Liam McKernon Akron ’24 
• Boyd Wechter Akron ’24 
• John Webb Tennessee ’24 

 This investment in experiential leadership education would not be possible without the continued support of our donors. You are helping cultivate leaders who will serve their chapters, campuses, communities, and professions with courage and conviction. 

Thank You! 

On behalf of the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation and the Nelson Leadership Institute, thank you for supporting programs like this. Your generosity empowers our undergraduates to become principled leaders ready to meet today’s challenges — and those of tomorrow.  

Together, we are leading with purpose.