The GW chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity was awarded four national awards, including the “champion master chapter” award for overall excellence, at their national convention this past June.
Michael Wax, a sophomore and president of GW’s Theta Zeta chapter, and member education chair Josh Patchus, attended the convention and accepted the Master Chapter Level III the champion master award and awards for commitment to service, living the ritual and excellence in recruitment on behalf of the chapter.
“This is the first year that we have ever received this much national recognition, and to our chapter it cements our place not only as a great chapter at GW, but as a great chapter nationally as well,” Wax said.
Pi Kappa Phi holds several events to support the fraternity’s nationally run philanthropy, PUSH America, which helps those with disabilities by raising awareness, conducting fundraisers and encouraging volunteerism. GW’s chapter raised $6,000 for PUSH America with the first War of the Roses competition and $20,000 from the Journey of Hope, a biking trek from California to D.C. that takes place during the summer months. This summer juniors Jake DiGregorio and Pat Kirby participated in the Journey of Hope. The second annual War of the Roses will begin this year on Oct. 15.
“Living the ritual signifies that we best embody the ideals of our fraternity’s national ritual initiation about the meaning of brotherhood,” Wax said.
Additionally, the chapter initiated 32 new members over the last academic year, bringing their total membership up to about 80 members, Wax said.
The GW chapter was one of 27 in the nation to receive the champion master designation at the fraternity’s national convention in Raleigh, N.C. Last year, the Theta Zeta chapter did not receive any national awards.
“Since our founding at GW five years ago, our brothers have worked tirelessly to become an excellent chapter and we are all pleased to finally be recognized as such,” Wax said. “On the eve of our fifth year anniversary as a chapter at GW, we view this success as a culmination of all of our efforts thus far.”
