LETTER FROM THE ARCHON
As we reflect on the fall 2025 semester, I wanted to share an update on the continued growth and progress of the Zeta Theta Chapter. As a transfer from the University of Texas, San Antonio, I have been incredibly impressed by the rapid development of this young chapter firsthand. In a short time, I have seen our brotherhood grow stronger and more committed to building something lasting at UT Austin.
One of our most significant accomplishments this fall was working toward and eventually securing a chapter house. This was a priority for the chapter and reaching this goal gives us a place to strengthen our brotherhood, host events and ultimately grow as a chapter, solidifying our presence on campus. It represents a major step forward in establishing Zeta Theta’s long-term success.
We also worked to increase our presence on campus by getting involved in intramural sports, including football, basketball and soccer. These activities have helped build camaraderie in the chapter while allowing us to represent Pi Kappa Phi in the campus community.
Additionally, our members have continued to prioritize their academic and career goals. We are proud to report that 50 percent of our brothers secured internships this past summer. This milestone reflects the ambition and drive of the men in our chapter.
Recruitment this semester presented challenges and, at times, tested our chapter's resilience. However, through perseverance and a strong commitment to our values, we were able to bring in a class of seven outstanding young men. Each of them has already demonstrated leadership potential and enthusiasm for growing our chapter. We are confident they will play an important role in the chapter’s continued success.
Overall, the fall 2025 semester marked another important step forward for our chapter. From securing a house to expanding campus involvement to overcoming recruitment challenges and welcoming our new members, we continue to lay a strong foundation for the future.
Thank you for your continued support of Zeta Theta. Your encouragement and involvement mean a great deal to us as we work to build a chapter that will make you proud.
Fraternally,
NICOLAS GARCIA
Archon
ZETA THETA RETURNS HOME!
The Zeta Theta Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is thrilled to announce that we have officially secured a lease for the property at 1919 Robbins Place. This is an exciting milestone for our newly re-chartered chapter, especially because the house carries a meaningful piece of our history.
Fun fact: 1919 Robbins Place served as the original Zeta Theta chapter house from the late 1980s to early 1990s, shortly after our first chartering.
With 12 brothers planning to live in the house, this move represents a major step forward in rebuilding our presence on campus, strengthening our brotherhood and reconnecting with our roots. Beyond serving as a home, the property will play an important role in the chapter’s future. It will provide us with a consistent, welcoming space to host brotherhood events, alumni gatherings, tailgates and other chapter functions that bring our community together.
Returning to this historic address symbolizes not only how far Zeta Theta has come, but also the strong foundation we are committed to building for the years ahead. This house will be a place where tradition grows, where connections deepen and where the future of Zeta Theta continues to take shape.
HELP TURN OUR HOUSE INTO A HOME
As we settle into 1919 Robbins Place, we are exploring improvements to make our house feel even more like a true home for the brothers living there and for the wider Zeta Theta community. Alumni support has always played a meaningful role in shaping our chapter’s spaces, and we would greatly appreciate any help as we begin the following upgrades:
New furniture for our living spaces (couches, tables and chairs)
Decorations made from recovered photos, composites and other historical chapter memorabilia.
Any donations, big or small, would go a long way in helping us build a home that our brothers can be proud of. If you would like to contribute, please contact our historian. Your generosity will directly impact the comfort, culture and future of Zeta Theta.
GEAR UP FLORIDA AND GEAR UP NEW YORK PARTICIPANTS
This summer, four Zeta Theta brothers are participating in The Ability Experience cycling events. They’re dedicating their summer to cycling across Florida and New York to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities. Along the way, they’ll connect with amazing facilities and organizations that support the disability community, spreading a message of empathy, acceptance and inclusion. Every mile they ride makes a difference and you can be part of this journey!
Dylan, Edgar, Garrett and Lincoln kindly ask that you consider sharing or donating to their fundraising pages. Your support will help create opportunities and promote understanding for people with disabilities.
Dylan Cochran
Gear Up Florida
Gear Up New York
Edgar Castro
Gear Up Florida
Lincoln Torkelson
Gear Up Florida
Garrett Etter
MEET OUR 2026 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Archon Nicolas Garcia
Houston, Texas Exercise Science
Vice Archon Adrian Kithas Houston, Texas Economics
Treasurer Joshua Rosenblum Houston, Texas Finance
Secretary Matthew Paro Corinth, Texas Nursing
Warden Miles Pischetsrieder Austin, Texas Sociology
Historian Dan Truong Houston, Texas Mathematics
Chaplain Edgar Castro Houston, Texas Jazz Studies
IS YOUR INFO UP TO DATE?
Standards Chairman Alim Makanov Houston, Texas Plan II Honors
Risk Management Chair Christian Zuhlke Brunswick, Nebraska Economics
Philanthropy Chairman Lincoln Torkelson Weslaco, Texas Economics
Social Chairman Jude Bichara Frisco, Texas Civil Engineering
Social Chairman Paul Foreman Austin, Texas Undeclared
Scholarship Chairman Aidan Doyle Austin, Texas Astronomy
Public Relations Chairman Matias Rincon Houston, Texas Government
Zeta Theta Chapter wants to ensure you’re in the loop! Please take a minute to complete this Google form and provide your contact information, along with any life or career updates you may have. Updates may be shared in future newsletters. Thank you for helping us stay connected!
Want to connect with Pi Kappa Phi nationally? Update your information on the Pi Kapp Hub to receive relevant updates, learn about upcoming events and more!
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!
Seven new members joined our chapter this semester, and they represent the kind of quality, drive and potential that strengthen the future of Zeta Theta.
Ryan Cruz
Nixon High School
Laredo, Texas
Education
Paul Foreman
Anderson High School
Austin, Texas
Undeclared
Leo Hernandez
Poteet High School
Mesquite, Texas Biochemistry
Oliver Kurlinski
Melissa High School
McKinney, Texas Economics
Jason Reyes
Alamo Heights High School
San Antonio, Texas} Economics
Matias Rincon
Memorial High School
Houston, Texas Government
Christopher Torrez
Hendrickson High School
Pflugerville, Texas Economics
“I really connected with the guys and the brotherhood felt more genuine than other fraternities.”
– Oliver Kurlinski
“I felt a closer sense of brotherhood.”
– Ryna Cruz
“I loved the environment. It felt like it was somewhere I could develop into a better man than I could’ve become otherwise.”
– Jason Reyes
SUMMER 2025 INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT
EDWARD CHEN spent his summer as an investment banking analyst intern in Romanchuk & Co.'s industrials division in Houston, Texas. He worked on executing mergers and acquisitions transactions and industry reports within multiple sub-sectors of the industrials industry, ranging from utilities to environmental services.
HARISH KOLLI spent his summer as a growth and operations intern at Atomic in Miami, Florida. He worked on designing and executing growth campaigns while also diving into brand strategy and customer research.
DOUGLAS CHAIKEN spent his summer as a private credit and venture debt analyst intern at Morningstar in Austin, Texas. He led portfolio analysis for investment funds in the debt space while helping to develop the Lumonic FinTech tool.
UNIFYING ZETA THETA, PAST AND PRESENT!
g p g , y y felt disconnected.
As we begin this new era, we are committed to rebuilding Zeta Theta on a foundation of unity, consistency and lasting alumni engagement. The long-term strength of our chapter depends on reconnecting the many generations of brothers who built the legacy we stand on today. Every class, from 1988 to 2009 to 2025 and beyond, has shaped the story of Zeta Theta.
To bring everyone back together, we are consolidating alumni communication into a few shared platforms. We encourage all alumni to follow and join our official Zeta Theta channels:
Alumni Instagram: @texaspikappalumni
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/pikappaustin
LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/11832010/
These will be the primary hubs for updates, events and opportunities to reconnect with the chapter and with one another. By joining and staying engaged, you help build a stronger and more united future for Zeta Theta.
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the renewed spirit of our chapter.
Fraternally,
DAN TRUONG
Historian