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The following are excerpts of an Illinois Zeta anniversary message shared Oct. 9, 2013, via the
Phi Psi 150 Yahoo Group by a co-founder (badge #3) and later Chapter Advisor of Illinois Zeta.
***
Brothers,
On this day 20 years ago, 29 young men set out to change the course of student life at De Paul.
They were nervous about what was to come, but had been working hard at the task to become
a Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi.
On a Saturday morning that was slightly chilly, those men, dressed in their formal wear, set out
early to join the 70,000 strong men who had sworn to uphold the principles of our great
Fraternity.
Later on that evening, there were toasts and merriment and all the joys that come with a
Chartering celebration. But, as the hoopla wore away and the newness of being a Phi Psi left,
we still had work to do. And we did it.
While the road at times has been rocky, we have prevailed. We came to De Paul to change the
culture of fraternity on this campus and we've succeeded. We never let the naysayers get in our
way and we showed the world that a Fraternity Chapter is not a house or a structure but the
people who decide to call you Brother, and mean it when they say it.
We were the trailblazers -- before us, Phi Psi hesitated in looking at "urban" campuses with no
established systems We showed Phi Psi, and other organizations who used our model as a
model for growth that we can make this work. Now we sit in 1st position. We are the largest
men's fraternity on campus. We commit our members to the most community service hours on
campus. We strive for excellence at every turn...and sometimes we fail miserably. But most time
we live and we flourish.
To the men that work and strive for excellence as an undergraduate Brother, I say, on this great
day, Thank you for taking care of our Chapter, and it's my hope that when 20 years pass before
you that you can look back on your time at IL Zeta with joy and happiness.
To the Brothers across the country that have helped us become the chapter that we are (Nez,
Steve, Knacks, Dud, Trig, Shawn, Patterson, the Rozycki Boys, Toad, Poof, Kent and Mrs M,
Tryon, Paul, Jerry, Chic, Knapp, and John D -- along with the countless others I know I'm
forgetting) -- there is no way that we could even be close to being where we are without your
help, support and guidance, and on behalf of the over 330 men (and the 30 new men that have
pledged to our Strong Band this fall) that call IL Zeta home, I thank you and hope that we can
pass on the wisdom you have left for us.
To the Phi Psi ladies that have been by our sides, some since that balmy October day 20 years
ago - - Thank you for letting us borrow your husbands time and talents, if only for a little while,
and it's my hope that you understand how important they are to us and you are to us as well.
You are indeed the Sweethearts of Phi Kappa Psi.
To the Alums of IL Zeta -- Thank you for tending the flame of eternal Brotherhood. Thank you
for helping our members understand how to act honorably, think nobly and achieve greatness. If
we haven't seen you in a while, Come Back to Phi Psi. We miss you and we need you.
Lastly, to the Founders of Illinois Zeta -- You have given me so much, that I could never think of
a way to repay all you have done for me and for your Fraternity. We owe you a debt that can
never be fully repaid. Who would have thought that a meeting in a dorm room in Seton Hall
would turn into meetings at midnight which turned into the makings of a Chapter.
To Nick, Sanjay, Larry, Maza, Rob, Trey, Spring, Schoef, Hyme, Scooter, Matt F, Blad, Werlein,
Hatz, Hallet, Jamie M, Meskan, Fudd, Big Mike and Floyd. Thank you for being my Brother, in
good time and in bad and that we always remain In the Bond.
If you can think of it, raise a glass to old Phi Psi tonight. I know that I will!
Amici,
Marc A. S. Dumas...
IL Zeta 1993 (0003)
Chapter Advisor
-"Make no little plans...they do nothing to stir men*s blood."