Congratulations to the 12 new Elder Brothers!

Congratulations to all the brothers who have left our Active Alpha Psi Chapter to join the Elder Chapter. We are truly proud of all 12 of you and cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for this chapter. It is amazing what this group was able to accomplish! Most of you saw the chapter when we consisted of 12 members… and look at where we are today. Again, congratulations to the following 12 Brothers:

• Zachary Bell
• Ozgur Demirtas
• Edward Drew
• Ricky Muller-Moran
• Jeffrey Mead
• Ryan Mead
• Ilias Tsangaris
• Dave Fortin
• Graham Litman
• Pierre Lapaine
• Julian “Dikembe” Galiano-Celestino
• Maximillian Adelson

We look forward to seeing you in the future. TKΦ!

Alpha Psi Hosts LTIs

On March 3rd, Alpha Psi had the honor of hosting a Leadership Training Institute for the Zeta Psi fraternity. Attending, were brothers from Theta Xi, Theta Eta, Theta Psi, Tau Theta, Psi Epsilon, and the Alpha Mu and Gamma chapters—respectively, University of Toronto, Brock University, Queens University, Ontario Institute of Technology, Dartmouth University, Dalhousie University, and Syracuse University. The weekend gave brothers from these chapters a chance to become better acquainted with one another, experience Montreal’s fine amenities, and learn from the enlightening speakers during the day. These speakers included Elder Brothers James Madon, Andrew Richards, Christopher Castellano, and Wayne Burke. Some of the topics covered were how to present one’s self on the internet to future employers, how to get ahead in the world by being ambitious and motivated, and a colorful variety of manly skills deemed necessary knowledge for any Zete, presented by brother Castellano. The one active speaker, Alpha Psi Brother Sean Finell, presented his new website, ZeteBook. ZeteBook is a social media platform designed to facilitate inter-chapter communication, while being more exclusive and secure than other social media platforms. It is scheduled to be up and running by this summer. All and all, the Montreal LTIs were a huge success. Alpha Psi would like to thank all the visiting brothers for their attendance, as well as give a special thanks to our speakers.

Tau Theta Welcomes Alpha Psi

The weekend of February 4th, 9 Alpha Psi Brothers travelled the 6 hours down the 401 to Oshawa and the amazing Tau Theta chapter for their LTI’s. In addition to excellent speakers, the night events truly allowed Brothers from every chapter to bond. On Saturday night, we had the privilege of attending their 7th Annual Chartering Banquet, thanks in large part to the support of our generous Elders. Although Oshawa is not Montreal, there was never any doubt that Alpha Psi was amongst friends and completely at home. Tau Theta did a wonderful job hosting this event and they have set the bar high for our own LTI’s the weekend of March 3rd.

Commemoration Dinner 2011

Alas, another Commemoration Dinner has come and gone, and thus, another pledge class has been initiated.

However, this Commemoration Dinner was different than all the rest. With much fanfare and hype from the active chapter, it became the most highly attended Commemoration Dinner by both actives and elders since the chapters re-activation in 1979, with over 90 brothers enjoying each other’s company. This does not really come as a surprise as this result has become expected by the Alpha Psi chapter and is reflective of the past two years where we have steadily been gaining momentum.

Held at the Black Watch, brothers enjoyed a fine meal, and even finer wine. Newly-initiated Brother Gabe Katzen flawlessly recited “In Flanders Fields” by Brother Lieutenant-Colonel Dr. John Alexander Mcrae. As well, Brothers Celestino and Curran gave an admirable presentation on WWI and WWII Zete heroes, Henry Brydges Yates and James Campbell Clouston. Their research will be dutifully added to our archives.

After dinner, Actives and Elders alike walked across the street to the prestigious Montreal Rackets Club for the after-party. In classic Zete fashion, there were women, champagne, poker and craps tables, and cigars waiting for our arrival. Getting the party started was Alpha Psi’s very own DJ trio—the GSE—playing a classic selection of bumping dance floor tunes.

The active chapter would like to extend a very special thank you to all the Elders who came out November 12 (some coming from as far as Vancouver, Oklahoma City, and even Singapore). It truly was a very memorable evening.

Elder vs Active Softball 2011

As it has been Alpha Psi tradition for many years, the elders challenged the active chapter to a game of softball this past Saturday (September 17th). The typical outcome of these softball games is a bitter spanking and a painstaking loss for the actives.

However, this year was a little different. Not only was the turnout one of the biggest in our chapter’s history, but the actives also “tied” (we use this term very loosely) the game up in the 10th inning, snapping the elders 15 year winning streak (maybe even longer).

As usual, we ended our rendezvous with a barbecue at Elder Brother Gillan’s house. Thanks to everyone who made it to the game, as it was one of the best Elder vs Active Softball games we have had in a long time. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Successful 164th Zeta Psi Convention

With the 164th Annual Zeta Psi International Convention coming to an end on Sunday, August 21st, 2011, the Alpha Psi chapter leaves one step closer to their ultimate year end goal. The Convention was a huge success on many levels. To start, there were 12 Alpha Psi actives and 10 elders attended, which made for an incredible experience for all those in attendance, and made a lasting impression on those who were experiencing their first Convention. It is safe to say that every active brother returned home with several new friends, memories, and a strong outlook of the Alpha Psi chapter’s future. To top it all off, Alpha Psi was awarded our second Gold Chapter award in a row, which served as a great ending to a wonderful weekend! It marks the end of one year, and the beginning of the next.  Over the coming year, our chapter is looking forward to developing our relations with brothers all over not only North America, but the world.  With new chapters being opened every year, we look forward to the opportunity to bond with our brothers and truly exemplify the Vision laid out by Bill Comstock many years ago.

Actives in Attendance:

Stefan Brokopetz, Eddy Drew, Joseph Feldman, Dan Fussman, Graham Litman, Steve Curran, Pierre Lapaine, Charlie DiGiulian, Adam Duffy-Fagan, Ozgur Demirtas, Ilias Tsangaris, Hayden Evans.

Elders in Attendance:

Nick Drew, Brock Clancy, Charlie Madon, Todd Jenkins, J.F Fournier-Heroux, Corey McCormick, Barth Gillan, Andrew Richards, Greg Randolph, Mehmet Shah.

 

Convention Approaching Fast!

It’s the middle of August, and for us Zetes, that can only mean one thing: it is time for the Zeta Psi Convention! And this year will be no ordinary Convention, as it is set in New York City, the birthplace of our beloved fraternity (well, the convention is technically in New Jersey, but who’s keeping track).

The fraternity is anticipating a big turnout for the 164th Convention, expecting over 500 Zetes from all over the globe. The Alpha Psi chapter, will certainly be playing its part, with over 20 brothers, including 15 actives who are going to be in attendance. The Elder contingent is led by the Sigma Alpha, Brother Barth Gillan, who has attended seemingly every year since his birth.

Despite ending the wonderful 2010/2011 school year very strong, Alpha Psi is looking to improve. As we head into a new year, we are looking to do bigger and better things than ever before, and it all begins at Convention! The Alpha Psi Chapter has a very clear goal for the upcoming year, and with our current roster of active brothers, there is no reason it cannot be achieved!

We hope to see you in New York!

Summer Work in Calgary (The Wolf Pack of ZΨ)

This past summer, Elder Brother Wayne Burke provided active AΨ Brothers Eddy Drew, Brian Farnan, Drew Grassby, Steven Curran, and Dan Conacher with the opportunity to work at his sales office in Calgary, Alberta. The summer began with Wayne providing the boys with access to a car, and giving them the opportunity to work in sales all summer.

The brothers worked hard all summer, and most importantly played hard. They practiced the art of door to door sales, learning a lot during the process. Overall, the summer has been deemed a success so far, as the experience of working door-to-door sales has been invaluable, benefitting the brothers both personally and professionally.

Brothers Drew, Grassby, Farnan, Curran, and Conacher would like to thank Elder Brother Wayne for providing them with the opportunity of a lifetime this summer!

With the summer winding down, the pack prepares itself to meet up with the rest of the AΨ brothers for the 164th Annual Zeta Psi International Convention in New York City.