[PhiPsiRuss]

January 28, 2004


Dear Brothers,

I am happy to share that the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity hosted its ninth annual Presidents Leadership Academy on this past weekend in which over eighty Phi Psi Chapter and Colony Presidents participated in this outstanding leadership training learning forum at the IUPUI conference center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our special thanks to Phi Psi Director of Leadership Development Shane Yates who did an outstanding job in organizing and facilitating this resource learning conference

The program began with a special preconference on Friday Jan 23 and was followed with the opening session in which Executive Director Shawn Collinsworth addressed the conference delegates.The program kicked off with a special address by Brother Harry Henderson Indiana Epsilon '51(Honorary National Chairman 2004 Founders Day Observances and theme tribute to ''America's Greatest Generation)'' who gave an inspirational speech that highlighted the need to exemplify the virtues of Honesty and Integrity in all leadership applications and our daily lives. Later in the afternoon, Fraternity Mystagogue Brother Kent Owen, Indiana Beta '57 addressed the undergraduate audience on the need , importance and commitment to emulate the true founding principles of our Fraternity and of the role of the Chapter GP to lead by his example. At the conclusion of Kent's address it was my pleasure to present to Kent and Suzi Owen Sesquicentennial Commemorative Medallions in appreciation to their loyal support of our beloved Fraternity

On Saturday, January 25, Brother Gordon R. Letterman , West Virginia Alpha '72 delievered an inspirational key note address in which he spoke of the life experiences of his great grandfather, Founder William Henry Letterman Pennsylvania Alpha 1852 and of the importance in today's interpretation of achieved success by living up to the ideals and virtues expressed in our Creed. I especially wish to thank Gordon who traveled from Northern California to personally participate in the PLA and to speak to our cadre of chapter GP's.

The 2004 Presidents Leadership Academy featured a series of workshop leadership learning sessions and were led by conference facilitators Brothers John Mead, Shannon Price, Rico Hernandez,Rev. David McDonald, Tryon Hubbard, RJ Proie and Nathan Anderson .

On Saturday evening , the conference delegates traveled to the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Heritage Hall Headquarters in Lockerbie Square to officially dedicate in perpetuity the ''Ralph D. Daniel Executive Directors Office'' to honor Dud's half century legacy of devotion and service to the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. It was an exceptionally joyus occassion as Dud reflected on his life long passion in Phi Kappa Psi.

On the next day, it was my pleasure to announce the new strategic partnership between the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and the three million plus members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in the goal to help further enhance our Phi Kappa Psi April National Day of Service and Phi Psi 500 Service Initiatives. I wish to thank our Director of Philanthropy Jerry Dunlap and BGCA liaison Jim Boyle who compiled BGCA resource materials and especially NIC delegate Brother Bob Marchesani who presented the one hour introduction of this exciting new service initiative and included a video presentation with featured speakers Secretary of State Colin Powell, Senator Orin Hatch, and accomplished celebrity role models.

The 2004 PLA Conference was an extraordinary weekend as I was truly honored to be joined by Gordon, , Dud, Kent , Harry and Shawn along with our conference participants and members of our professional staff in this wonderful learning exchange.

We Live and We Flourish!

Fraternally,
John V. Ciccarelli...
58th President of Phi Kappa Psi