150th Celebration

A Legacy of Brotherhood

 

Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity was founded on March 15, 1873 by William Penn Brooks, Joseph Francis Barrett, Fredrick George Campbell, Xenos Young Clark, Jabez William Clay, and Henry Hague at the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Since that time, Phi Sigma Kappa has persevered through cultural, political, and economic challenges, and indeed has continued to grow and thrive for nearly 150 years by remaining steadfast to our three Cardinal Principles; to Promote Brotherhood, to Stimulate Scholarship, and to Develop Character. In the spirit of these Cardinal Principles, with deference to our storied history, and with a dedication to our bright future, the mission of the Sesquicentennial Committee shall be to plan for a proper acknowledgement and celebration of our 150 years as a builder of young men and as a leader in the inter-fraternal world.

 

 

69th General Convention

July 26-29, 2023

New Orleans Marriott – New Orleans, LA

Brothers from across the country will gather at this biennial event to observe Ritual Exemplification, and conduct the business of the Fraternity, including the election and induction of Grand Council officers and proposed changes to the governing documents. Educational programming will be offered, which will provide intentional training for chapter officers.

And, let’s not forget, the Fraternity will celebrate its 150th anniversary at this year’s General Convention!

Imagine gathering in a city where cultures collide in a brilliant explosion of flavors, emotions, and sounds. It’s nearly 300 years in the making and the perfect destination to celebrate 150 years of brotherhood! New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, home to Creole cuisine, and rich with history and unmatched southern hospitality.

Come enjoy the charm of New Orleans, all while attending the 69th General Convention, a celebration of the Fraternity’s Sesquicentennial! New Orleans combines big-city choices with small-town friendliness, and always has lagniappe—a little something extra—to offer.

What could be better than a celebration of brotherhood in New Orleans? Laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll!

Visit the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau https://www.neworleans.com/

One of the most important tasks at any General Convention is voting for Grand Council members and acting on legislation which affects the day-to-day operations of the Fraternity.

Voting strength is based on the size of a chapter in the case of local undergraduate chapters, and the number of paying sustaining dues members for eligible alumni clubs. Fourth, fifth, and sixth degree members also have one vote each. It is important that all chapters attend Convention in order to have input from all those eligible to vote.

Event Registration

Event Registration here 

Registration includes the Opening Banquet, Thursday’s 2nd line parade and light dinner; and Saturday’s light lunch, and Closing Banquet.

Alumni and guests can also register for individual events. The cost is $110 each for the Opening Banquet and Thursday’s parade and dinner; and $180 for Saturday.

As of June 1, the full registration fee will increase to $470; while the Opening Banquet and Thursday’s activities will each increase to $135 and the Saturday only fee will increase to $225.

As of July 1, the full registration fee will increase to $570; while the Opening Banquet and Thursday’s activities will each increase to $165 and the Saturday only fee will increase to $275.

Hotel and travel arrangements are the responsibility of the individual participants.

Registration does not cover the cost of the hotel. Registration fees do not cover any meals which are not part of the official convention program.

Schedule of Events

The General Convention will begin Wednesday, July 26 with an Opening Banquet and will conclude Saturday evening, July 29 with the Closing Banquet.

You can find the full event schedule here.

NOTES:

Committee Chairs will determine meeting times.

PSK Foundation will schedule meeting time.

PSK Properties will schedule meeting time.

Voting Delegates

While each chapter is expected to send at least two undergraduate representatives, only one brother from each chapter will be considered the voting delegate, which is typically the President. At the time of registration, undergraduates will have three types of registration to choose from  – voting delegate, alternate voting delegate, or undergraduate.

Alumni representing alumni clubs will also have the same choice – alumni voting delegate, alternate voting delegate, or alumnus.

It is imperative that each chapter and alumni club indicate one person to vote and that the cell phone number provided is accurate. Voting in business session will be done via a text message service.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests must be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before June 15 will entitle registrant to a full refund. Cancellations received after June 15 will be subject to a 50 percent service charge.

No refunds will be paid unless the request is received prior to July 18. (Cancellation policy refers only to alumni, guests, and those undergraduates who are not one of the two expected delegates.)

Lodging

Those in attendance are responsible for making their own hotel reservations at the New Orleans Marriott. There is a limited number of rooms in the room block, so book early to ensure availability. The cut-off to make reservations is June 30, if rooms are still available.

The room rate is $139 per night, plus tax. Currently, the total will be $163.13 per night.

Please note that the room rate is available for extra days surrounding our event.

Reservations can be made under the Phi Sig room block HERE.

Travel

Those in attendance are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the closest major airport.

For travel from the airport, a taxi is actually cheaper than Uber or Lyft. At the present time, taxis are a flat fee of $36 to the hotel from the airport for up to two passengers. For three or more passengers, the fare is $15 per passenger.

Attire

The Opening Banquet, Saturday’s business session, Ritual Exemplification, and Closing Banquet are coat and tie. Business casual attire is expected during all other events. A collared shirt, dress slacks or khakis, and closed-toe shoes are acceptable. Casual attire may be worn to Thursday’s 2nd line parade and off-site event at the Toulouse Theater.

Guest Program

In addition to the meals offered in the full registration fee, the Fraternity’s first lady will host a brunch on Thursday, July 27, where guests can meet others in attendance and plan activities. Other activities are also being planned with the first lady, Angie Hoye and will be posted here as arrangements are solidified.

Guests are also welcome to register for Friday’s golf tournament, the French Quarter tour, or the Ghost tour. These events are included at the registration link.

Guests are encouraged to explore the numerous area activities on the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau website. https://www.neworleans.com/

 

 

Ways to Engage

Time Capsule

The Grand Chapter has announced plans for a time capsule to be compiled in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Fraternity.

Each active chapter/provisional chapter is invited to contribute a group photo/composite and a letter to their future brothers. The letter could be advice, history of the chapter, bios of current undergrads/alumni, autographs of current brothers, chapter traditions, etc. This comes at no cost to the chapters/provisional chapters.

Alumni and alumni clubs are invited to contribute to the time capsule at a cost of $150 each. A limit of 200 purchased spots are offered for sale. Space is limited. Items that fit in a padded mailer would be ideal – photos/documents, etc. If in a box, size is limited to approximately 5×5. If a larger item is requested, two spots may have to be acquired.

A wooden chest will be custom-built and all items placed in appropriate archival preservation materials. The chest will be locked and placed in the Shonk Archive and Educational Center, located at the International Headquarters in Indianapolis. The key to the lock will be encased in glass and placed next to the chest. The glass will be broken, the key released, and the time capsule opened during the Fraternity’s celebration of its 200th Anniversary in 2073.

For more information, contact Kathy Cannady at kathy@phisigmakappa.org or 317-490-5540.

Timeline:

August 1, 2022 – July 30, 2023: Collection of items to take place

Fall, 2023: Time capsule to be assembled and placed in SAEC

March 15, 2073: Time capsule opened on 200th anniversary

Landmark Visitation Activity

In celebration of the Fraternity’s 150th Anniversary, we thought it would be fun and unique way to feature our brothers at various Phi Sig landmarks around the country.

These suggested landmarks include the “Shrine” at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, Phi Sigma Kappa’s International Headquarters and Shonk Archive and Educational Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, DC (site of the merger of Phi Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma Epsilon), the Queen Mary (site of the West Coast celebration of the 100th Anniversary), site of the former National Headquarters in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, site of the founding of Phi Sigma Epsilon in Emporia, Kansas.

Shoot a selfie of yourself or a group of brothers and post using our hashtags ##PhiSig150 or #PhiSigLegacy on social media.

What Does Phi Sig Mean to You?

We all have a story to tell about Phi Sigma Kappa. We have all played a role in its history, just as it has played a role in our lives.

As part of the celebration of the Fraternity’s 150th Anniversary, Phi Sigma Kappa is hosting a contest that will help convey brother’s feelings toward the Fraternity.

Your feelings and passion could come through in a song, dance, TikTok video, sculpture, painting, short story, poem, etc. We will use these pieces of art in The Signet, on our website, as posters, displayed at the 69th Grand Convention in New Orleans, etc.

Please be aware that when you submit your project, it will become the property of the Fraternity for use as it sees fit.

Submissions should be made as attachments to an email to be sent to Kathy Cannady at kathy@phisigmakappa.org. In this case of sculpture, paintings, etc., a photo of the artwork will suffice.

The contest will conclude on June 30, 2023, and winners announced at the 69th Grand Convention, to be held in New Orleans on July 26-29th, 2023.

150th Celebration Receptions

Los Angeles

New York City

Indianapolis

 

150th Committee

The 150th Committee

Committee Chair 

Scott Lyons (Alabama ’95)

Professional Staff Liaison 

Kathy Cannady

Committee Members

–  Adam Carter (Hobart ’90)

– Brett Champion (Southern Illinois ’78)

– Ray Curbelo (South Carolina ’11)

– Jacob Defassio (Valparaiso ’12)

– Atif Alkali (Cal Poly ’01)

– Michael Haynes (Pitt State ’16)

– Coley Leathers (Alabama ’95)

– Paul Lees (Cal State – LA ’77)

– Al Shonk (Southern Cal ’54)

– Todd Simpson (Central Missouri ’86)

– Greg Stack (Kentucky ’89)

– Joey Teeple (Valparaiso ’13)

– Matt Valleau (Ferris State ’11)

– Mark Viel (Ferris State ’73)

– Christian Williams (Florida International ’12)