HOUSE CORPORATION UPDATE

Dear Brothers, Parents, and Supporters,

We’re excited to share a brief update from the House Corporation as we continue to support the chapter’s mission and maintain a safe, welcoming home for our undergraduate brothers.

Facility Improvements & Maintenance
The excitement of the property Union Street has certainly not dissipated over the last few years.  Indiana Epsilon continues to have the premier housing facility of Greek life at Valpo. Our facility is a testament to the commitment of our alumni and a demonstration of the strength of our brotherhood.  

We strive to make the necessary updates and maintenance to protect your investment in our chapter house. 

Financial Status
While our finances remain stable we have made the decision to open the facility to the Valpo football team for summer housing. This is a great opportunity to be a strong university partner, make strides to build reserves for long-term investments in chapter house, and introduce a bunch of freshman men about what Phi Kappa Psi has to offer them at Valpo.

Additionally, we are always looking to strengthen our annual giving program. Contributions from alumni help ensure the house remains a vital part of the fraternity experience for future generations. Every gift — large or small — makes a difference. We know you have all done a lot to get us to the point of having our new chapter house, but we continue to ask for your support in its continued operations.

All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Alumni Engagement
If you’re interested in volunteering or serving on the House Corporation board, please reach out — we’d love your input and involvement. We are working on shifting the House Corporation to a “project based” type of volunteering model. The goal being to increase the number of volunteers while allowing volunteers to focus on their individual passions on how to improve the Indiana Epsilon experience. If there is something specific you’d like to be involved with let us know.

Looking Ahead
Our mission remains the same: to provide a high-quality, affordable living environment that supports the chapter’s academic, leadership, and social goals. With your continued support, we’ll ensure that the house remains a strong foundation for brotherhood for years to come.

Fraternally,

Signature of Matt Solak, President of Indiana Epsilon House Corporation.

Matt Solak ’05
President, Indiana Epsilon House Corporation

FROM SKEPTIC TO CHAMPION: ANOTHY LUCIANO ’19

When Anthony Luciano ‘19 first arrived at Valparaiso University, the idea of joining a fraternity was the last thing on his mind. Like many incoming freshmen, he brought preconceived notions about Greek life shaped by national headlines and stereotypes. However, his viewpoint quickly shifted as he witnessed the genuine brotherhood demonstrated by Phi Kappa Psi members throughout campus.  

“I was against it when I first got to college due to the stigma of fraternities nationwide,” Anthony recalls. “However, I wanted to join simply due to how I observed members interacting with others on campus. Whether I saw them in class, in the Union, at athletic events, or studying in the library, they broke the stigma and truly showed they were a part of a ‘brotherhood’ that welcomed everyone.” Anthony’s transformation from skeptic to devoted brother exemplifies the authentic character that defines Indiana Epsilon.  

Initiated in spring 2019, he quickly embraced the chapter’s values and became deeply involved in campus leadership, eventually serving as Interfraternity Council President and Vice President. 

One of Anthony’s most treasured memories centers on his role during bid turn-in nights as an IFC officer. “As soon as the new members walked through the doors, stood in front of all the chapter presidents and our council, and presented their bids that declared ‘Phi Kappa Psi,’ it gave me chills thinking how our brotherhood will continue for future generations and how far it has come through history,” he shares. 

Brother Matthew D’Alessandro ‘16 , a former Chapter President and Valpo’s most recent Chapter Advisor of the Year, proved instrumental in shaping Anthony’s college experience and beyond. D’Alessandro served as Anthony’s new member educator and became a trusted mentor who was always available for guidance, emphasizing the importance of doing the right thing regardless of the situation. 

Since graduating, Anthony has built an impressive career at PepsiCo, starting as an Accounting Control intern during his senior year and advancing through multiple roles in the finance organization. Currently working on the North American Beverages Team responsible for headquarters activities, Anthony credits his Phi Psi experience with developing crucial leadership and management skills that continue to serve him professionally. 

True to Phi Psi’s spirit of brotherhood, Anthony has made it a priority to lift others as he climbs. One of his most fulfilling professional moments came when he helped a fellow Phi Psi brother, one class below him, secure an internship at PepsiCo that led to a full-time position. That brother has since advanced through two promotions and continues to thrive in his career. 

Anthony’s commitment to Indiana Epsilon extends well beyond his undergraduate years. He actively serves on the chapter’s housing corporation. He mentors current members on financial management, budgeting, and business decision-making, ensuring they understand how these skills impact the organization’s long-term success. 

His advice to undergraduates emphasizes the importance of maximizing the Phi Psi experience:
“I would recommend that current brothers leverage university networks and get involved in leadership positions outside the chapter. This will help them become well-rounded leaders, and the skills they learn can be brought back to improve the chapter continuously.” 

A smiling young man with short, light brown hair, wearing a gray quilted sweatshirt with a dark blue pocket, leans casually against a railing in a well-lit indoor space.

Anthony also strongly advocates for the residential experience, having lived in the chapter house for three years. “Though you might be alone in your bedroom or the library doing homework, the idea that you truly will always have your best friends around constantly pushing you to be better was extremely motivating for me.” 

Anthony Luciano’s journey from fraternity skeptic to devoted alumnus illustrates the transformative power of authentic brotherhood and the lasting impact of the Phi Kappa Psi experience at Valparaiso University.

CHAPTER DASHBOARD

Brotherhood by the Books

This section provides a snapshot of Indiana Epsilon’s current standing, offering insights into the chapter’s undergraduate membership, academic performance, recruitment efforts, and financial resources. It also highlights scholarship recognition, house occupancy, and memorial listings.

3.4

Fall ’24
Chapter GPA


Indiana Epsilon’s average GPA for the fall semester was 3.4.

31

Active
Members


More brothers were added to the band of brotherhood in the 2024 academic year.

845

Alumni
Members


Over 840+ alumni now share the bond and band of brotherhood starting this fall 2025 semester.

Funds with the Foundation

Three icons representing education, direction, and housing: a graduation cap, a compass, and a house.

Indiana Epsilon Chapter OneFund

Net Assets: $1,226

Three icons representing education, direction, and housing: a graduation cap, a compass, and a house.

Indiana Epsilon Endowed OneFund

Net Assets: $161,078

Three icons representing education, direction, and housing: a graduation cap, a compass, and a house.

(Don V. Fites) Endowed OneFund

Net Assets: $86,525

Chapter Eternal

We mourn our brothers who have entered Chapter Eternal and extend heartfelt condolences to their families and friends.

Duane R. Oelschlaeger ’53
Gary D. Hoffman ’65
Todd W. Shepherd ’74
Harold C. Nuoffer ’96

2024 Donors


In 2024, donors from the 1950s through the 2010s showed up in force, reaffirming the lifelong nature of Phi Psi brotherhood. Indiana Epsilon alumni contributed a total of $31,430.97 to support Indiana Epsilon through the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation from more than 60 individual donors. CLick the button below to view the complete list of donors in 2024!

A LEADERSHIP THAT DELIVERS

It was a banner year for Indiana Epsilon, as the chapter proudly took home a series of major awards recognizing excellence in leadership, service, academics, and brotherhood. The achievements mark another decorated year in the chapter’s history.

Individual Awards

  • Pillar of Excellence in Athletics: Luke Snider ’24
  • Pillar of Excellence in Faith: Aiden Koch ’23
  • Outstanding President: Aidan Wucherer ’22
  • Intramural Player of the Year: Arie Hofman ’24
  • Advisor of the Year: Matthew D’Alessandro ’16

Chapter Awards

  • Chapter with Highest New Member GPA
  • Chapter with Most Outstanding Management
  • Chapter Winner of Fraternity & Sorority Life Week

These awards reflect the chapter’s all-around excellence and its commitment to living out the values of the Fraternity both on campus and in the community.

“Our chapter has become a model for what a values-based Greek organization should look like,” said Matt Solak, House Corporation President. “With Matt D’Alessandro’s leadership as Chapter Advisor our undergraduate brothers consistently go above and beyond expectations in every area. I congratulate Matt and the Chapter Advisory Team for our chapter-wide awards and congratulate those men who won awards individually.”

The chapter’s success is credited to a strong executive board, deep alumni support, and a culture that emphasizes accountability, support, and growth. Members say that while the awards are gratifying, the real reward is the bond they’ve built and the impact they’ve made.

“The brotherhood we’ve built here is something I’ll carry with me for life,” said Aidan Wucherer ’22, a senior member. “These awards are just the icing on the cake.”

As the chapter looks ahead to another academic year, it plans to continue building on this momentum, with new initiatives focused on diversity, wellness, and leadership training.


A male and female student proudly displaying their awards for Excellence in Chapter Management at Valparaiso University.

Phi Psi and Chi Omega, received the Excellence in Chapter Management Award, recognizing their strong organizational leadership and chapter operations.

Two students standing together, both holding trophies, against a backdrop featuring Valparaiso University branding.

Arie Hoffman ’24 honored with receiving the Overall Fraternity of the Year Award during FSL Week 2025. Alongside, the Overall Sorority of the Year Award recipient.

Two students holding award plaques at a Valparaiso University recognition event, with a backdrop featuring the university logo.

Ellie McCauley of Kappa Delta and  Aidan Wucherer ’22 were both honored as Outstanding Chapter Presidents.

CHAPTER AWARDS

Kyle Carson ’21, Jaylen Jude ’21, Kaden Baker ’21, Luke Martin ’21 (left to right) each presenting their own individual Outstanding Leadership and Service Award received at the Outstanding Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Intramural Athlete of the Year – Brother Nick Wolf ’22 (left) pictured with Olivia Malcolm. (right) Chapter took home the intramural cup in dominating
fashion this year with 858.66 total points. The next highest had 360 points. Winning all seasoned sports and several additional tournaments this year.

Recipient of the Samantha Salvador Living Your Values Award – Brother Kaden
Baker ’21 (left) pictured with Sophie Grube of Kappa Delta Sorority. (right)

Recipient of the Kyle Carson Fraternity Man of the Year
– Brother Nathan Janke
’21 (left) pictured with Maiah Deogracias of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. (right)

THE JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE

JAYLEN JUDE’S: TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Remember High School Superlatives – Best Dressed, Most Original, Most Likely to Succeed, and Best All Around? Jaylen Jude, Valparaiso ’21 definitely embodies these superlatives and more.

Jude, a 2024 graduate in business management and first year Valpo Graduate School student, has been a leader in Phi Psi since his freshman year, serving as Risk Management Chair, Intramural Chair, Parliamentarian, Corresponding Secretary, and Messenger, some of these during a very challenging period for Indiana Epsilon.Instead of shying away from the challenges, he stepped forward with others in his class to “initiate a complete transformation” of the Chapter’s culture. Judeandeightotherbrothersrebuilt the relationship and trust of the University and Headquarters to put the Chapter on the right path and Jude on a continued path of transformative leadership. In 2023, Jude was elected to serve the brotherhood as the District III Archon, continuing his tradition of transformative leadership at the national level.

Jude stands out academically as well. He started his tenure at Valpo as a Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipient, a program which provides four full-tuition scholarships to selected students from each county in Indiana. This past spring, Jude became a 2024 Phi Psi National Scholarship awardee, receiving the William H. Blanning Scholarship. The Blanning Scholarship is awarded to brothers attending graduate school who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and character. William Blanning, Dickinson ’37, believed in the brotherhood of Phi Psi, and this scholarship was created for those demonstrating leadership and character, exactly as Jaylen Jude does daily.

In his commencement speech “The Journey of Resilience” given as the student speaker at Valparaiso’s 2024 graduation, Jude said “Yes, I am here. But I’m not here because of myself. I’m here because of those who helped me.” Jaylen credits being ready for life and his future not only to his dedication and grit, but to his professors, classmates, family, and Phi Psi brothers. “You need to find the people who value you. Find them and cherish every moment you have with them. Those are the ones who are going to stick around forever. It’s not just a college friendship; they’ve all become part of my family.”

William Blanning remembered Phi Kappa Psi in his estate when he passed away at the age of 95. The Blanning Scholarship is one of 15 named scholarships in the Phi Kappa Psi National Scholarship Program. National Scholarships recognize undergraduate and graduate Phi Psis who excel in the areas of academics, chapter leadership, and campus involvement. Recipients like Jaylen Jude display outstanding academic achievement and excellence in service to Phi Psi, their campuses and communities, as well as active membership in athletics, campus organizations, community groups, and philanthropies. These awards are possible because of gifts of Phi Psis like William Blanning and alumni who want to make sure brothers are ready for life.

2024 GRAND ARCH COUNCIL CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AND MOST IMPROVED AWARD RECIPIENTS

In the fall of 2021, the Indiana Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi was placed on disciplinary probation and given the hard choice to clean up or shut down. The brothers, having chosen to clean up, were handed a laundry list of structural changes the university required as part of the probation. Not only did the chapter have to contend with the structural changes, but it also had to change its fundamental culture. Knowing what the chapter needed to do, the brothers began a year-and-a-half-long rebuilding process.

It was a time full of long and difficult conversations about what the brothers wanted the chapter to be and how that fit into what the university expected the Chapter to be. Through these problematic and intimate conversations, the brothers learned the “why” of each brother. Why did you join? Why did you stay? Why are you putting in the effort to be better? After discovering everyone’s “why,” the next question was, what is the one “why” that unifies the chapter? While the chapter struggled to find a unified why, the brothers continued to check off the items required by the university for probation.

The chapter underwent significant restructuring. The officer election process was changed

to be more efficient. The committees were consolidated, and chair positions were removed to make the committees more effective. The new member process was rebuilt from scratch to reflect better the culture the Chapter was trying to build. Many bylaws were updated, replaced, or completely removed. It focused on risk and introduced many items/procedures to mitigate risk. And the Chapter built up processes to better fulfill university requirements in the future.

As the probation continued, the chapter slowly regained some of its privileges as the brothers fulfilled probation requirements. The chapter was able to host parties, hold joint events with other chapters, and begin reintegrating into the larger Greek community. The Chapter held events such as painting with Kappa Delta, a field day with Sigma Phi Epsilon, bowling with Kappa Kappa Gamma, and a formal with Pi Beta Phi. It also hosted a Greek block party for freshmen to meet all the chapters on campus. The Chapter hosted a Greek Week cookout for all the chapters to come together and celebrate a fun week of competition.

After a year and a half of hard work, the chapter completed the terms of its probation and had a unified goal: to be the best chapter on campus

and the best Phi Psi chapter nationally. With these goals in mind and with the newfound freedom of being off probation, the Chapter moved into the academic year of 2023-24. and immediately got to work planning recruitment events, events with other chapters, philanthropy events, and service events. This culminated in the Chapter hosting six events with different Greek organizations accumulating 1,400 service hours and over $4853.28 raised for charities, the highest amount ever raised by the chapter for the local Boys and Girls Club, and winning the university intermural sports league by a wide margin. In additino to these accomplishments by the chapter, 100% of chapter members involved with other clubs or sports, with many members in leadership positions in other organizations.

The university recognized the Chapter’s achievements and hard work with the Pillar of Excellence, the second-highest award a Greek organization can win. Having received this award, the chapter eagerly awaited GAC.

At GAC, the Chapter’s efforts were acknowledged with the Chapter Excellence Award and the Most Improved Chapter Award.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Richard Schraeger ’13

We had the chance to connect with one of our outstanding alumni, Richard Schraeger ’13, to ask him what life has been like since college, and what Phi Psi has meant for him over the years.

What made you want to join Phi Psi?
The commitment to service, academics, and brotherhood.
What are some of your cherished Phi Psi memories? Three-time Songfest Champion, late night conversations with brothers, Valpo basketball games, and being selected as the Kyle Carson Fraternity Man of the Year in 2016.

How did your parents react to you joining Phi Psi?
My parents were surprised at first, but after explaining my reasons for wanting to join they saw the lifelong benefits provided by the Fraternity. Everyone understands the social benefits of being a member of a fraternity, but the academic, interpersonal, and professional opportunities are why people continue to support these organizations. Without Phi Psi, I wouldn’t have met my wife or achieved the level of success in my career; I owe a lot to this chapter and to the National Fraternity.

What surprised you about Phi Psi after you joined?
What shocked me the most, and still does to this day, is how 40 young men can rally around a core theme and stick to it. In my professional experience, it’s hard to get 10 people to stay on the same page and see a project through. With Phi Psi, we had a level of mutual respect that enabled us to get everyone to support an event, brother, or organization on campus without much effort. It’s a rare opportunity to experience and it’s something I look for in my career.

Since graduating, how have you stayed connected or involved with Phi Psi?
I recently became involved with the Chapter Advisor Team along with serving on the House Corporation. I look forward to expanding my involvement in the chapter in the future.

What would you say to a potential new member about Phi Psi?
The brothers are genuine and transparent on what they expect of new members. We expect a lot from our brothers because we strive to be the best and expect to be well-respected on campus. If you buy in and believe in our mission, the chapter will return that investment for the rest of your life.

Since graduating, what kind of work have you done?
I started my career as a Meteorologist for AccuWeather for Business in 2016. I moved into an Account Manager role in 2019 and was promoted to Senior Account Executive in 2020. In 2022, I was promoted into a sales strategy role, Sales Application Engineer, where I focused on sales and business process improvements, along with new hire training and strategic planning for the division. Recently, I accepted a Senior Project Manager position at Do it Best Corp., focusing on implementing IT innovations for our members and organization.

I also started my MBA at Purdue Fort Wayne in 2022 and plan on graduating with my degree in Data Analytics in the spring of 2024.


Would you like to be featured in a future issue of The Wolfcall? Or do you know a brother who should be featured? Email and let us know at lgf@pkpfoundation.org.

UNDERGRADUATE UPDATE

Chapter President Kaden Baker ’21

The semester began with us welcoming 17 new members, all of whom are engaged, involved, academically astute, social, young men. We are excited as our newest members engage with the brotherhood and take on leadership roles.

After a several year hiatus, due to the pandemic, we hosted the Phi Psi Chili Cook-Off event. During the semester we raised over $2,600 from the Chili Cook-Off and Dance Marathon. We had further success in intramurals, taking home the soccer and floor hockey championships in dominant fashion.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life hosted the annual awards ceremony, which recognizes individuals and organizations. During the ceremony we received six awards. Highlights included receiving the Chapter Excellence Award and the Most Improved Chapter Award. Additionally, three brothers won individual awards. Nick Wolf ’22 recieved the Intramural Player of the Year Award, Aidan Obermueller ’22 won the Emerging Leader Award, and Nathan Janke ’21 took home the Chapter President Award.

The other significant highlight was recognizing and honoring our Chapter Advisor, Zach Albers ’03 as the North American Interfraternity Conference Chapter Advisor of the Year. We could not be more blessed and proud that Brother Albers was recognized with this honor out of all fraternity chapter advisors – thousands throughout the country.

These awards showcased and reinforced the hard work and dedication we’ve put into the chapter over the last 18 months. We look forward to continuing this positive trajectory as we enter the 2023-2024 academic year.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

Ode To Scott Rodseth ’04 & Chris Ciupke ’01

I wanted to take a few moments in this edition of The Wolfcall to inform the brotherhood that both House Corporation President Scott Rodseth ’04 and House Corporation Treasurer Chris Ciupke ’01 will be stepping back from their current leadership positions on the House Corporation to assist in a more general advisory capacity. Both Scott and Chris have served on the House Corporation for nearly 10 years and have made lasting contributions.

As all current alumni and undergraduates know, Scott and Chris have been instrumental in the current success of Valpo Phi Psi and have placed the chapter on a path to prosperity with the completion of the new chapter house. While many played a key role in the project, these two stood out in their contributions to the effort. While certainly a labor of love, the chapter house project was a lot of work in addition to the roles and responsibilities required to support the chapter by volunteering with the House Corporation.

I have officially taken over the role of House Corporation President. With the addition of Anthony Luciano ’19 as our new Treasurer and Richard Schraeger ’13 as our new Vice President, we know we have big shoes to fill for those who are irreplaceable.

I would encourage you to reach out to both Scott (scott.rodseth@gmail.com) and Chris (cjciupke@gmail.com) and thank them for all the work they have done for the chapter these last 10 years. We would not be here without them. I would also ask you to reflect during this time of transition on how you might give back to the House Corporation or the chapter. Whether it is serving on the House Corporation or assisting with a special project that interests you, alumni engagement is critical to our success.

In the bond,

Matt Solak ’05
House Corporation President