2010 Shonk Leadership School
August 5-7, Six brothers of the Epsilon Hexaton Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa were able to attend the 2010 Shonk Leadership School in Indianapolis, IN. Chris Sykes, Tommy Saunders, Kyle Donovan, Ryan DiLuoffo, Andrew Clark and Doug Brainard spent the weekend surrounded by brothers from each chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa across the nation.
The men arrived in Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon and promptly attended the opening banquet that night. Epsilon Hexaton was fortunate enough to win three awards almost immediately upon arrival: Community Service/Campus, Community Service/Community, and Website. It was a great way to start off, what proved to be a very memorable weekend.
The next day, the brothers meet with their newly appointed Regional Leadership Coordinator, Justin Linne. They were informed that Justin would be starting a Phi Sig colony at Virginia Commonwealth University this fall, and asked for our help in this endeavor. After, the brothers attend several breakout sessions on topics ranging from Risk Management to Leadership within the Chapter. One session that was particularly helpful, was called PhiredUp. It taught a new approach to the rush period, called Dynamic Recruitment, which will be implemented this fall, and used to attract a higher quality to the chapter.
Saturday, the brothers traveled to the Phi Sigma Kappa International Headquarters. All of the brothers signed the guest book, which was in itself, a special experience. Alumni James Tyger and Austin harris’ names are on the Order of the Diamond Circle name Plaque hanging in the entry way. As well as alumni Dhaveed Blake’s and other Epsilon Hexaton alumni’s brick’s outside the Headquarters.
The brothers also had the privilege to attend a very special ritual demonstration Saturday afternoon. This year marks the 100th year since the founding of Phi Sigma Epsilon, and were able to watch a demonstration of PSE’s Ritual of Initiation. This is only the third time in 25 years that this ritual has been performed.
Saturday night, all chapters were invited to the closing banquet. Several alumni and brothers gave unforgettable speeches, really touching on how Phi Sigma Kappa has transformed their lives. Epsilon Hexaton continued to dominate the awards, prompting some kind words from Grand President Todd Simpson. These awards included: Philanthropy/Sponsorship, Philanthropy/Participation, Chapter Operations and Campus Involvement.
This is a weekend that the 6 brothers in attendance will not soon forget, and the lessons that they were able to learn will help us strive forward and demand excellence of ourselves and our chapter as we prepare for the fall.
