TREASURER'S REPORT
DECEMBER 2025
BROTHERS,
I have recently assumed the duties of treasurer of the Xi Chapter Alumni Association. Many thanks to Dudley Woody (class of ’74), who held this position for many years, with the support of many active alumni, most of whom are here in Roanoke and a number who live farther away. I am proud to inherit a strong committee to support these efforts. This group is made up of brothers spanning over 50 years, from my own pledge class to recent graduates, all ready to support our efforts. Dudley will continue to be active as the Board's secretary and, as he always has been, a valuable resource in legal and financial matters.
A review of our finances shows a solid cash position, with no debt. This is attributed to a well-attended 50-year celebration of the 1975 pledge class of 19 members, increased participation, regular meetings, outreach spearheaded by Brother Mark Edgell and enthusiastic participation in tailgates (actively championed by Brother Whit Gravely).
During the remainder of this fiscal year (which runs from June 1, 2025, to May 30, 2026), we will undertake several additional major events intended to directly support the undergraduate chapter and its recruitment functions, and with increasing visibility on and off campus. Our current remaining budget expenses, if approved by the Board, are projected to run about $6,200 this year.
Notably, due to the new Roanoke College football program and the pleasure of tailgating with friends, we now have a 20-foot telescoping portable car flagpole to proudly display our flag so that people can easily locate Pi Kappa Phi alumni at sports and other outdoor College and community events.
The Xi Chapter Alumni Association is fully recognized as a 501(c)(7) organization under newly filed articles with the IRS and the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The Association has adopted additional payment options such as Zelle, PayPal and Venmo. These options support reimbursements, dues, contributions and payments for functions and reflect common payment practices in today’s economy. Of course, we still accept cash, checks and bank ACH bill pay payments.
More information will be shared soon as we prepare for Alumni Weekend in April and our next fiscal year, which begins June 1, 2026.
Fraternally,
LEWIS BORSELLINO
HOMECOMING EVENTS
The weekend of October 3, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi celebrated our first annual Homecoming, with the main event being the tailgate and the Saturday football matchup vs. Randolph-Macon. It was a beautiful day, and although Roanoke lost, the more than 50 Pi Kapp attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere at Salem Stadium.
The weekend kicked off with an afternoon golf outing at Hanging Rock Golf Course. Afterward, Xi alumni filled the front room at Mac & Bob’s for dinner that evening. The restaurant was established in 1980 by Bob Rotantz and Joe Dishaw, lacrosse players on the 1978 National Championship lacrosse team. They had just recently sold the restaurant in August. The food and atmosphere will remain a celebratory location for RC students and alumni.
Our Saturday evening activity was dinner and drinks at Salem Brewery in downtown Salem. This microbrewery was a great place to finish the day’s festivities. Fun fact: It was started by the son of the current Salem Mayor, Renee (Ferris) Turk (class of ‘79).
On Sunday, Jeff Rubin (class of ‘78) helped organize a brunch at the famous Hotel Roanoke. He and several other brothers received their 50-year Legion awards from Mr. Pi Kappa Phi Dudley Woody.
This coming fall, the Xi Chapter Alumni Association will sponsor another weekend of Homecoming events. We aim to once again have the highest attendance among fraternities and sororities at the tailgate and the football game. In Roanoke College’s first year of football since 1942, our college led the ODAC conference in attendance, averaging more than 5,000 fans per game. Roanoke College was ranked fifth in the nation with this attendance figure. Coach Stinespring and our Maroon football team finished the season with a winning 5-4 record (4-4 in conference).
THE ABILITY EXPERIENCE JOURNEY OF HOPE TEAM VISITS ROANOKE VALLEY
BY STEVE ESWORTHY (CLASS OF '91)
THE ABILITY EXPERIENCE
The story of The Ability Experience began in 1976 with a bold idea and a shared vision. Brother Durward W. Owen, a member of the Xi Chapter and then-executive director of Pi Kappa Phi, set out to harness the energy and potential of undergraduate members to create lasting, positive change in their communities.
To bring this vision to life, Durward partnered with artist and designer Thomas Sayre, who had developed a unique therapeutic play unit designed specifically for children with disabilities. What started as a single project soon evolved into something far greater. This collaboration sparked a movement that would grow into one of the most successful and enduring philanthropic initiatives in the Greek world, fundamentally changing how fraternities engage with service and making Pi Kappa Phi the model for all Greek organizations.
XI BROTHERS WHO’VE COMPLETED THE JOURNEY OF HOPE
Since its inception in 1977, the Journey of Hope has brought hundreds of undergraduate and alumni members of our fraternity into service with the disability community. We are incredibly proud to count 11 Xi Chapter alumni among that group:
Brother Jeffrey Scott Grimm, 1991
Brother Matthew James Wright, 1992
Brother Steven Pellito, 1998
Brother Jeremiah Morrow, 2006 and 2007
Brother Nathaniel Scott Unroe, 2006
Brother Andrew James Stewart, 2007
Brother Michael Joseph Bankert, 2011
Brother Matthew Ronald Bryant, 2015
Brother Spencer Chase Munro, 2015
Brother Joshua Caleb Bowyer, 2016
Brother Connor L. VanOrden, 2024
In addition to these Journey of Hope cyclists, several other Xi brothers have participated in other impactful experiences under the umbrella of The Ability Experience, including the organization’s Gear Up Florida cycling event.
ANNUAL ROANOKE VALLEY VISIT
The Journey of Hope TransAmerica team arrived in Roanoke on Sunday, August 3, 2025. They began their visit at Grandin Court Baptist Church, where local alumni welcomed cyclists and crew from across the country. Xi Chapter Alumni Association President Mark Edgell (class of ‘78) coordinated lodging through his church community. After settling in, the team participated in a Friendship Visit at Mill Mountain Zoo, emphasizing relationship building through shared experiences.
During their stay, the cyclists took part in Friendship Visits with The ARC of Roanoke and Masterpiece Alliance, connecting with individuals with disabilities in meaningful and rewarding ways. The team was also hosted by Steve and Dana Esworthy for dinner and an ice cream social alongside local Pi Kappa Phi alumni.
The following day served as a rare rest day for the TransAmerica team, offering time to recharge before an evening Friendship Visit with Masterpiece Alliance. On Tuesday morning, the team resumed their journey, completing the final five days to Washington, D.C.
The Journey of Hope’s annual stop in Roanoke Valley is tentatively scheduled for August 2-4, 2026. Alumni are encouraged to participate and support this impactful experience.
Please contact Steve Esworthy at (540) 819-3881 if you would like to participate in any events or help sponsor a meal for the team during their stay.
STEVEN ESWORTHY (540) 819-3881 stephen.esworthy@comcast.net MARK EDGELL (540) 353-1519 mark.edgell@outlook.com
DUDLEY WOODY (540) 580-3553 woody20@cox.net
LEWIS BORESELINO (856) 287-8485 elbor@verizon.net
RICHARD FLORA (540) 420-1322 rf24019@gmail.com
EX OFFICIO NON-VOTING MEMBER DON POTTER (540) 761-9125 donaldjpotter@gmail.com
Click here to learn more about The Journey of Hope.
2025 FOUNDER'S DAY DINNER
Despite a weather-related postponement, the Xi Chapter Alumni Association successfully celebrated Founders’ Day with 34 alumni and undergraduate brothers at Brood Restaurant and Bar in downtown Salem. The evening featured a shared meal and a program honoring the Fraternity’s Founders and Xi Chapter brotherhood.
Ed Bennett (class of ‘69) opened the program with reflections on Xi Chapter and Pi Kappa Phi history, followed by remarks from Pi Kappa Phi Foundation Trustee Dudley Woody, who shared updates from National Headquarters. Paul Jenkins (class of ‘91) offered the invocation, and Chapter Advisor Don Potter provided an update on the undergraduate chapter.
Mark Edgell (class of ’78), president of the Xi Chapter Alumni Association, introduced the alumni board and thanked volunteers serving as Alumni Big Brothers. He also announced the creation of a four-member Council of Advisors to support the undergraduate Executive Council.
The Alumni Association extends sincere thanks to Steve Esworthy (class of ’91) for organizing the event, and to Xi Brother Crenshaw Reed (class of ’10), owner of Brood, for hosting the dinner. The evening concluded with a Founders’ Day ritual led by Paul Jenkins (class of ‘91), Greg Hart, Epsilon Alpha (Elon), and Bob Austin, Alpha Upsilon (Drexel), as presenters.
A SPECIAL FOUNDERS' DAY MOMENT
BY ED BENNETT (CLASS OF '69)
Just a few weeks prior to the Founders’ Day Celebration, I received an unexpected call from Leonard “Lenny” T. Kelley (class of ’65). Lenny married former Xi Chapter sweetheart Laura Whalen, and since graduation, they have both lived in Alaska. Nearly 4,000 miles away, it’s no surprise we hadn’t talked in nearly 60 years, but what a pleasant surprise to talk to him and Laura.
Both Lenny and I are now 80 years old, so naturally, we went down memory lane for about an hour. We talked about how neither of us had many years left, and Lenny mentioned that he’d love to hear the brothers sing the old Roy Rogers and Dale Evans theme song, “Happy Trails to You.” With our Founders’ Day gathering on the horizon, I decided to make it happen. Along the way, another alumnus suggested we sing the sweetheart song, “The Rose of Pi Kappa Phi,” for Laura as well.
The lyrics were printed, and in good Pi Kappa Phi tradition, both songs were sung, recorded and sent to Lenny and Laura. They were touched by the gesture and overwhelmed to hear these songs sung by Fraternity brothers more than 4,000 miles away. Brotherhood is truly for a lifetime!
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Xi Chapter Alumni Association is focused on attracting and retaining strong undergraduate and alumni members by expanding scholarship opportunities for Xi undergraduates. We are actively advocating with both Roanoke College and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters to increase awareness, availability and impact of financial support for our students.
Our goals include:
• Highlighting existing scholarship opportunities
• Increasing the number and size of awards granted to deserving undergraduates
• Showcasing alumni support and donations
• Encouraging sustained giving from alumni and benefactors
This article launches a series that will explore the scholarship landscape in greater detail. Look for additional information in each subsequent Xi Lites. In the meantime, if you have thoughts on giving to an existing endowment or on establishing a new endowment, please contact Nate Stewart (class of ’03) at (540) 375-2230, Roanoke College vice president of advancement, for more information.
A NEW SUPPORT MODEL FOR XI UNDERGRADUATES
Fraternities at Roanoke College are facing significant recruitment challenges, and Pi Kappa Phi is no exception. This past fall, only 50 men registered for recruitment and 40 accepted bids across all fraternities. For the Xi Chapter, four men were recruited, and two were ultimately initiated.
These challenges persist despite increased male enrollment tied to new sports programs such as football and marching band. Chapter Advisor Don Potter and Alumni Association President Mark Edgell met with the Dean of Students’ Office over the summer and again in November to assess the overall health of the fraternity system and Pi Kappa Phi’s standing on campus. The administration, including Dean of Students Amy Perkins and President Shushok, reaffirmed their support for fraternities and recognized Pi Kappa Phi’s strong undergraduate leadership presence.
With Don Potter retiring in May after more than 20 years of service as chapter advisor, the alumni board has implemented a new support model. Mark Edgell, Cam Ogilvie (class of ’79), Lew Borselino and Nate Gallappo (class of ’25) will serve as a Council of Advisors working closely with undergraduate leadership and rotating attendance at chapter and Executive Council meetings.
Additional support is coming from the national Fraternity as well. In December, Pi Kappa Phi CEO Jake Henderson met with undergraduates to offer guidance and strategies for strengthening membership, with continued resources available from National Headquarters.
The Xi Chapter has a long-standing legacy of leadership on campus and nationally within Pi Kappa Phi. The Xi Chapter Alumni Association remains fully committed to supporting our undergraduates and preserving that legacy for years to come.
REMEMBERING–DURWARD OWEN
BY EDWARD J. BENNETT (CLASS OF ’69)
It is difficult to cite only one favorite memory of our friend and brother, Durward Owen. Wit, charm and a proclivity to tease those whom he liked endeared Durward to many, both inside and outside the fraternity world. I count myself among the fortunate individuals who received those attributes. Herewith, I offer the following two examples, which relate to my description of Durward Owen.
In 1982, I was living in Charlotte and was the regional marketing manager for Eastern Airlines. Durward called to invite me to go skiing with a group of Pi Kapps from around the country at Copper Mountain, a ski resort in Colorado. I confessed to never having been on skis, whereupon Durward suggested I take my first lesson at Copper Mountain! He told me later that he insisted I go along as he wanted an upgrade to first class!
Since my wife was an accomplished skier, she said I had to be properly attired and had me outfitted in the most beautiful, teal-colored bibs, down jacket, sweater, turtleneck, cap and the “piece de resistance,” a pair of goggles with a battery-powered defogger! I felt like the French Alpine Olympic skier Jean-Claude Killy featured on the cover of Skiing Magazine.
Remember, I knew nothing about the sport and assumed all skiers dressed this way! I called Durward to come over and check out my new ski outfit. He did and immediately told me to take it out to the driveway, lay it out, and run over it with the car, back and forth, to make it look as if it had been used. I dare not mention the ribbing I received at Copper Mountain for the defogger goggles…but we did fly first class both ways!
Now, the second example.
When my daughter, JoAnn, was born in 1983, Durward and Connie offered to come over and babysit so we could have dinner out. Debbie and I were excited to take advantage of their kind gesture, but when they arrived, Durward pulled out a pair of his old socks and said JoAnn would be fine playing with those after he sat her in the closet! He then said, “Now, where is the TV?” Debbie was horrified and almost cancelled out, but sweet Connie assured her that “Durward was just being Durward.”
FOND MEMORIES OF DURWARD
BY JIM STUMP (CLASS OF ’72)
Durward Owen has always had a special place in the lives of so many Pi Kapps. I feel very blessed to have had him as an important figure in my life. In remembrance of him, I share a sampling of the interactions and friendship I had with Durward spanning more than 50 years.
First, and this one is important. Durward shared with me his way of getting things done. Simply, it was “ask busy people.” He was always willing to help, but his vision empowered many people to step up, even when they were already very busy, and to stretch themselves to help Pi Kappa Phi grow and become great.
Second, after moving to Charlotte in 1983, Durward didn’t hesitate to ask me to help him, especially with (then) PUSH (later PUSH America and now The Ability Experience). One of the early challenges of the Journey of Hope was securing enough of the right vehicles to carry the teams, their supplies, luggage and other essentials. Fortunately, I had some very good contacts within Oldsmobile.
After exploring and requesting the loan of a number of vehicles, Oldsmobile felt that the Journey of Hope was a great match for their “OLDSMOBILITY” initiatives and provided many appropriate vehicles for many years, saving Pi Kappa Phi and PUSH a lot of money. When Oldsmobile wasn’t able to continue its support, it graciously transitioned PUSH to the SATURN division of General Motors, which continued to help for a number of years in supplying the vehicles for the teams. I thank Durward for recruiting me to the PUSH board on which I later served as its president. PUSH was very, very special to Durward, and he considered its creation (along with Tom Sayre) as his major contribution to Pi Kappa Phi!
Third, Durward deliberately tried very hard to assist others and especially Pi Kapps. In 1985, he sponsored me into Rotary International via the Dilworth Rotary Club in Charlotte. Durward was a member of Dilworth Rotary for many years, along with several Pi Kapps - Ed Bennett, Xi (Roanoke), Phil Tappy, Lambda (Georgia), Ken Kaiser, Delta Sigma (Bowling Green State), Glen Dickson, Beta Upsilon (Virginia) and others. Via my Rotary membership and through my Rotary leadership experiences over 40 years, I am so very grateful to Durward for being my Rotary sponsor. Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” is so very appropriate for Durward Owen.
Fourth, over many years, Durward and I (and often many other fine Pi Kapps) would gather for breakfast. While the locations varied over time, in recent years we met (often every week or so) at the Park Place Restaurant near Carolina Place Mall in Charlotte, North Carolina. Durward’s most frequent (and in recent years, his “permanent” selection) was a full breakfast with liver mush, lightly cooked eggs, grits “in a bowl” and toast with jelly, plus his decaf coffee. His beloved wife Connie “had put him on decaf.” On occasion, we could encourage and kid him to order the country ham breakfast, knowing that his order would default to his favorite liver mush, which he had learned to like while growing up in Southeast Roanoke.
THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND
(continued from page 11)
Finally, in his later years, he was a resident of a retirement community in south Charlotte. I had many visits with him in his apartment as he faced some mobility issues associated with aging. With both of us being natives of Roanoke, Virginia, and both of us growing up there, we talked a lot about Roanoke and its history, as well as its impact on our lives. Durward became very interested in the Norfolk & Western Railway (N&W) and its large “shops” located near his former residence near 9th Street in Southeast Roanoke. Durward told me many times that he had frequently walked by the large N&W shops for many years, but had never really known or appreciated how important/vital those N&W construction, repair/rebuild and maintenance facilities were to Roanoke and its citizens. As an example, during World War II, close to 10,000 people worked in those shops to support the traffic demands of the war; at that time, the city of Roanoke’s population was around 100,000.
Of special note, in its Roanoke shops, N&W designed and built some of the finest steam-powered locomotives in the world, as is well documented by numerous mechanical engineering organizations, societies and respected experts.
Durward’s curiosity and love of learning never ceased as he eagerly sought more details about the history of N&W, especially its track record of designing and building well over 400 “steamers” that powered N&W until their retirements in the late 1950s.
In closing, “learning” for Durward was a life-long experience and a priority that he deliberately pursued until the day he joined Connie once again. His example was, and will remain, a bright beacon for us all!
To learn more about Durward, his accomplishments and all he did for Pi Kappa Phi, check out the special edition of the Star & Lamp by clicking here.
ROANOKE COLLEGE ALUMNI WEEKEND
APRIL 10-12, 2026
Join us for our annual Xi Alumni BBQ on Saturday, April 11! This year, we would also like to invite you to a very special celebration dedicating the new Athletic Performance Center at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Brother Joe Fields, class of 1978, collaborated with alumni initiate Page Moir to successfully raise the $500,000 needed to provide Roanoke College athletes a dedicated space for training in memory and honor of his friend Bill Doxanas, Roanoke College lacrosse all-American. Join us in celebrating his efforts and commitment to Roanoke College!
More information to follow.
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