As 2015 comes to a close, it is important to call to mind the recent accomplishments of the brotherhood and its current state. Throughout the year, Phi Society has continued to build upon its stellar reputation on grounds and has put itself in a position to thrive in the future at the University.
Extracurricular Activities
Phi Society has continued to remain active in both the University and greater Charlottesville communities. Active brothers are currently participating in groups such as Student Council, the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee (IFC-JC), Charlottesville Rescue Squad, UVa Athletics Media Relations, and the Carter Center for Immunology Research. Additionally, active Phis have taken a number of leadership positions outside of the fraternity; for example, Emmitt Moore (’16) is the Vice President of the Architecture School Student Council, Kevin Keenan (’16) is the Vice President of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Trevor Shea (’16) is the Assistant External Chair for the Batten Undergraduate Council.
Athletics
The brotherhood has also built upon its past success in athletics. Bradley Mason (’16) currently serves as a captain on the club lacrosse team, Matthew Kimble (’18) plays on the club basketball team, and both Scott Patterson (’17) and Blake Ruzich (’17) play on the club soccer team. Scott serves as the team’s president and Blake serves as its treasurer. Additionally, Phi Society has performed well in intramural sports. The brotherhood came in third place in IM Football last spring; the team was led by Mason, Christian Porter (’16), and David McQuillen (’16).
Internships and Careers
Each year the brotherhood has prided itself in accepting full-time positions with reputable companies. Among those who graduated last spring, and were not mentioned in last year’s newsletter, include the following: Rhys Dodd (’15) with CEB, Mitch Balesi (’15) with RMF Engineering, and Calen Marinaro (’15) is with JCM Associates. The current fourth-years in the brotherhood held a number of impressive internships this past summer. These include Patrick Corbett (’16) with Ernst & Young, Brandon Hamel (’16) with H.I.G. Capital, Umer Hasan (’16) with Ethics Metrics, David Kullman (’16) with Otis Elevator Company, Stephen Kullman (’16) with Carrier Corporation, Leonard Marshall (’16) with Hanover Research, David McQuillen (’16) with Magellan Health, Alex Menendez (’16) with Virginia Premier Health Plan, Kyle Padden (’16) with DriveTime, Christian Porter (’16) with Foot Locker, and John Hyland (’16) with CBS-19.
Cudlip/Founders Day Dinner
The 25th Annual Jeffrey Cudlip Ceremony and Founder’s Day dinner took place at the House on the weekend of April 25th. A number of the brotherhood’s most prestigious awards were presented. The Joseph C. Tunner Memorial Award for athletic achievement was given to Mitch Balesi (’15), the Maupin Pence Memorial Award for academic excellence was given to Jay Carroll (’15), and the Record for ‘Best Phi’ was given to Rhys Dodd (’15). Additionally, Jacob Kozloski (’16) was the recipient of the Virginia Beta Award for excellence. The Charles T. “Chick” Cudlip award, for the alumni who had made a significant contribution to the brotherhood, was given to Gordon Burris. The 2015 Jeffrey Rockwell Cudlip winner was Carl Liles (’17); he was presented a medal and financial award at the ceremony. Next year’s ceremony will occur on the weekend of April 30, 2016.
First Annual Parents’ Formal
This past spring Phi Society hosted its 1st Annual Parent’s Formal at Farmington Country Club on April 18. It was a very enjoyable and memorable evening. The event included outings to UVa baseball and lacrosse games for brothers and their parents, a cocktail hour at the house, and dinner and dancing at Farmington with live music from Major & the Monbacks. Special thanks are necessary to Jacob Kozloski (’16) for organizing the event and Tom Faulders (’71) for sponsoring the brotherhood at Farmington. We look to build upon the success of last year’s event with Phi Society’s 2nd Annual Parents’ Formal next spring on April 23, 2016.
Community Service/Philanthropy
Phi Society has continued to place great emphasis on community service and philanthropy. Co-Philanthropy Chairs Kevin Keenan (’16) and Blake Ruzich (’17) have done an exemplary job of organizing service outings and philanthropy events for the brotherhood. This past fall they established the 1st Annual Phi Splashdown benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. Brothers have volunteered their time with a number of organizations this past year. These include Madison House, Seminole Trail Fire Department, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, Charlottesville Soccer Academy, and Pancakes for Parkinsons.
Spring Forecast
Vice President Jacob Kozloski (’16) plans to lead the Phi Society to a successful rush in January. Please provide rushee information to Jacob at jpk5ar@virginia.edu. We hope to welcome a large, quality rushee class into the brotherhood.
The house will also be hosting its 2nd Annual Parents’ Formal at the Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville on April 23rd, 2016. The event will begin with a cocktail hour at 4:00pm at the house, followed by dinner and live music.
We will also be having our 9th Annual Phi Fish Fry benefitting Autism Speaks on April 16th, 2016.