Justin Sines accepts position with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity as Fraternal Growth Coordinator

Brother Sines

Justin Sines (Duquesne University, '11) has accepted a position with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity as Fraternal Growth Coordinator.

Brother Sines joins the professional staff after seven years of working in the English and Theater Arts Department at Duquesne University as the Technical Director. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Duquesne in 2011 and is currently finishing up a Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media.

“Since 2009, Phi Kappa Theta has given me multiple opportunities for leadership roles and to grow professionally, and this is truly an honor to be able to pass those opportunities to undergraduates across the country within my work.

I’m here to pass on the values of Phi Kap to a new generation of college men. I hope this position allows me to make a fraction of the positive impact our previous leaders had on me.”

— Justin Sines (Duquesne University, '11)

Justin lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his partner Tony and their three dogs, Rosco, Harry, and Cyrus. Outside of work, Justin is a board member of the Gemini Children's Theater and volunteers his time with countless theater groups across the Pittsburgh region.

Iowa Delta chapter earns "IFC Chapter of the Year" from the University of Iowa

The 2020 - 2021 academic year has been immensely tough for everyone, including those involved in Fraternity life.

Remarkably, members of the Iowa Delta Chapter found ways to remain engaged on campus. As a result, the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) office within the University of Iowa's Division of Student Life recognized Iowa Delta as the "Interfraternity Council (IFC) Chapter of the Year" for their commitment to upholding their values and responsibilities.

"Since we had so much time free with fewer opportunities for social events, we chose to look inward and focus on growing ourselves as men and brothers. We worked hard to put on virtual events, recruitment, and philanthropies such as our 24-hour live stream and Buffalo Wild Wings profit-share, which contributed funds to Children's Miracle Network," said Jacob Olson, current Chapter President for Iowa Delta.

The chapter identified ways younger members could accelerate their leadership experience and sought assistance from campus resources.

"We encouraged younger brothers to take on leadership positions as our executive board received all but one new member. We also worked closely with the FSL office and IFC to get through the pandemic and engage in activities within our community. We worked hard as brothers to not lose focus on our goals even during the most challenging times," Olson added.

Brothers of the Iowa Delta chapter safely attending a Brotherhood event.

How our chapter at Arizona State transformed their new member experience for the better

Written by: Brendon Albert (Temple University, ‘13)

Phi Kappa Theta’s new member education is the cornerstone for any successful chapter. This past fall, Connor Leary, a sophomore education major from the Arizona Alpha Zeta Chapter at Arizona State University, was tasked with reconstructing the chapter’s new member education plan. With the chapter’s Performance Coach, Leary got to work, ensuring that new member experiences could be a potential model for other chapters and ensure it was sustainable and repeatable year after year. 

First, Leary made sure to update the chapter’s new member program to reflect CDC, University, and local guidelines to keep members safe during the COVID pandemic. Connor worked not just to update the chapter’s new member program but to ensure that the brothers utilize Phi Kappa Theta’s new e-learning modules. The modules, released last year, provide a unique curriculum designed to help members pursue the Five Areas of Development with greater clarity and purpose. The interactive content is mobile-friendly and includes downloadable workbooks for convenient reading and note-taking.

While adopting the Fraternity's latest curriculum, the chapter leadership was able to identify ways to incorporate some of their own ideas. Arizona Alpha Zeta’s new member program is not merely a generic lecture format; fostering leaders and new ideas are at the core of their new member experience. These two elements combine in a new initiative within the new member program. “Shark Tank” is a unique member experience where the new members are broken up into teams, tasked with developing an engagement opportunity for the whole chapter (for example, a philanthropic fundraising event or brotherhood retreat), and pitch their plans. When all teams have presented their pitches, each brother votes on which idea the group should execute. 

“I’m most excited about the new “Shark Tank” method of choosing pitches that our new members develop. I think it will lead to better and more creative ideas our brothers can engage in every year.”

— Connor Leary, New Member Educator (Arizona State University, '23)

Connor also received some inspiration thanks to the Washington Alpha Delta Chapter at Washington State University. Without hesitation, WA Alpha Delta shared their new member education plan with Connor. He soon discovered details that could improve AZ Alpha Zeta’s internal communication processes and camaraderie among new members. What jumped out to him was WA Alpha Delta's use of Member Evaluation Boards (MEBs), to which Leary applied small tweaks to fit his own chapter’s needs. MEBs are essentially evaluation meetings that serve as a welcoming and beneficial opportunity for each new member to privately express their thoughts and opinions on the new member education process in a secure, positive, and inclusive environment with chapter leaders. 

“I think it’s great to see AZ Alpha Zeta review our new member program to brainstorm. It just goes to show how we as brothers can rely on others outside of our own chapter to improve our programs…”

— Lane Harlan, Chapter President (Washington State University, ’23)

Together with the Chapter Performance Coach, Leary built a new member experience whose foundation is grounded in personal development and enhanced engagement with Phi Kappa Theta brothers. A critical aspect of this collaborative effort was constructive criticism. Being open to feedback, listening intently, asking important questions, and doing so with an open mind helped Connor put aside societal expectations of what joining a fraternity looks like and approach the new member experience through a Phi Kappa Theta mindset. Arizona Alpha Zeta is proud of its revised new member education program tailored to meet the chapter's needs.

Phi Kap-owned or operated brands to shop from for last-minute holiday gifts…

If your loved ones are on the nice list this year, consider gifting them a product or service offered by a Phi Kap.

We've curated this list of brands on two conditions: it must be Phi Kap owned or operated and purchases can easily be made online.

• College Hill Custom Threads

  collegehillcustomthreads.com

  Tony Poston (Washington State, ‘07)

  What started as an idea for fraternity t-shirts in a one-bedroom apartment above a college bar in Pullman, Washington has grown into a business named one of the fastest-growing in America by Inc. 5000. Despite their rapid growth, the custom apparel and promotional products company has remained committed to supporting clients' philanthropic causes, having donated more than $200,000 to deeply inspiring causes across the nation.

  • Check out their endless virtual closet of custom apparel and products

• Hair Craft Co.

  haircraftco.com

  Leo Carillo (San Diego State, ‘16) and Alex Padua (San Diego State, ‘14)

  As a barber in college, Leo saw a need for high-quality hair products at a fair price. He and his best friend Alex eventually put their savings together to test a mix of premium ingredients from around the world. Since then, their products have been featured in GQ Magazine, Gadget Review, and Gear Hungry, and have become Amazon’s Choice in men’s hair care.

  • Head over to their website today for free shipping or 15% off your order (discount code: HC15)

• Kamiak Coffee Company

  kamiakcoffeeco.com

  Kyle O’Malley (Washington State, ‘17) and Grant Schoenlein (Washington State, ‘16)

  Kyle and Grant started their obsession with coffee in the early days of college. They asked themselves, “If we could do anything in life, what would we love to do?" The answer was simple: coffee. Why? They both had years of experience in the industry but were often disappointed in the coffee they found in the market. Today, they offer the world's finest coffee for wholesale partners and home consumers alike.

  • Today, enjoy holiday bundles and free shipping on orders $40+

• Kaps for Kids

  kaps4kids.com

  Nathan Rues (Missouri S&T, ‘02)

  In 2007, Nathan unveiled his first bottle cap artwork, a rendition of Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night painting. The mosaic was well received and he soon found himself with numerous requests for additional designs made from his beer cap collection. Today, Nathan continues constructing his whimsical mosaics with a mission to fund important children’s causes nationwide. Nathan served on the Fraternity Board for 12 years and was National President from 20011 to 2013.

  • Nathan currently offers free shipping on ALL orders

• Pura Vida Bracelets

  puravidabracelets.com

  Paul Goodman (San Diego State, ‘10)

  Paul and his high school friend Griffin were inspired by bracelet artisans while on a post-graduation surf trip in Costa Rica. What started out as helping sell just a few bracelets a week grew into a worldwide movement with millions of bracelets sold each year. Over the last few years, the lifestyle brand has partnered with more than 175 charities to donate nearly $2.8 million for causes around the world. In 2015, Paul was the recipient of the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.

  • Right now, enjoy free shipping on orders $40+ or refer a friend to get $10

• Trust & Will

  trustandwill.com

  Cody Barbo (San Diego State, ‘12)

  Cody is an entrepreneur and three-time startup founder. In his role as co-founder and CEO of Trust & Will, Barbo has raised over $25 million in startup capital to modernize the $170B estate planning industry with an easy, fast, and secure way to set up estate plans online. He currently serves on the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation Board and in 2019 was the recipient of the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.

  • Take their free quiz or visit their learning center to learn more

PHI KAPPA THETA FOUNDATION

If these options don't ring any bells and you're interested in supporting collegiate brothers… your gift to either our Annual Fund or a Chapter Endowment Fund of an active chapter will provide more educational development opportunities to brothers.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Alternatively, our new mentorship program is an excellent way for alumni to give their time and talent to collegiate members seeking advice on personal and professional goals.

Do you know a Phi Kap with a business we can promote? Let us know!