Our Zeta Pi Chapter did well in 2023, with the initiation of 6 brothers in the winter semester (May) and 5 this past Fall (November).
We have attended many events, both educational such as the Engage Chicago Regional Training, and philanthropic endeavors such as Alpha Delta Pi’s corn hole tournament or Phi Sigma Sigma’s 5k, both raising money for charitable causes.
Zeta Pi Chapter also was a champion of school spirit in 2023 and could be seen rooting on the OU basketball team on many occasions.
The 2023 year was successful, both academically and socially for the brothers of Zeta Pi Chapter. We hope to continue this momentum into the new year.
After holding the volunteer role of Chapter Director for 7 years, Brother Rob Pankau III handed over that position in November 2023 to Brother Tyler Reynolds.
Joining the Zeta Pi Chapter as part of the Beta Omicron pledge class in 2017, Tyler studied human resources development at OU, and had held 3 E-Board terms during hisActive years with the Chapter.
“Sigma Pi has, and always will mean a lot to me,” he said. “I was at the house after the first day of classes at Oakland and immediately saw something I wanted to be a part of. And the rest is history.”
Tyler becomes the 12th person to serve in that position since our Chapter’s founding in 1986.
Recently, the undergraduate chapter also voted to change the name of the role from Chapter Director to Chapter Advisor.
In thinking about taking over and continuing the work that Brother Pankau had given during his time as Chapter Advisor, Tyler quotes the Sigma Pi Fireside Song: “The circle changes with each year, brothers come and disappear.”
“I’m fully confident in the Active Chapter, and I, along with everyone else who is behind them, will do what we can to ensure their success. I’m looking forward to helping grow on the foundation Zeta Pi has stood on for nearly 38 years, setting us up for many, many more to come.”
Navigating a pandemic, changing times for Greeks
Rob had become Chapter Director in July 2017, following Bob Van Acker’s four-years in that role.
He reflected on his time, particularly as it required negotiation a challenging relationship with the OU administration and then as the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.
He notes that the Chapter was divided at the time he started, uncertain about the path forward.
“I am particularly proud of how the chapter functioned and survived through the pandemic. Honestly, I could not have asked for a better outcome with operations essentially shut down for a year plus,” he shared. “The pandemic proved fruitful in a way that I couldn’t have imagined, with a refocusing on academics and the values of the organization as the social aspect was significantly diminished during this time. This has set the tone in the last few years of recruitment.”
Rob says the Chapter is in a place now that needs a different type of mentorship and guidance, someone who is more plugged into the current needs of students as well as how the every day life operates for a student.
Adding to that, Rob notes that the U.S. university system and its relationship with Greek organizations has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. That’s made his role, and the Chapter’s place at OU, more challenging to navigate.
“Greeks are often not welcome or are scrutinized in a manner that is inconsistent compared to other student organizations,” he said. “Oakland University has done away with a specific Greek Advisor at this point in time, which has led to an interesting dichotomy between the Chapter and the university. We are at the point that there is limited oversight by the university, but also limited and challenging to acquire support as well.”
Now, Tyler is the 12th to serve in that position since our Chapter’s founding in 1986:
Vince Chrisman (Founding Chapter Director in March 15, 1986)
John Pearson
Bryan Mahlmiester
John Zielke (until Feb 95)
Jeff Fox (Feb 95-June 96)
Chuck Surinck (June 96-Jan 09)
Pete Knoll (early 09)
Brett Westen (Early 09-Fall 09)
Rob Pankau III (Fall 09 – Nov 10)
Mike Long (Nov 10 – April 13)
Bob Van Acker (April 13 – July 17)
Rob Pankau III (July 17 – Nov 23 )
With the reestablishment of the ZPAA in 2023, now-former Chapter Director Pankau says that our Zeta Pi Chapter has more of a chance to succeed than ever before.
“The creation and sustaining of the Alumni Association will be a key to long term success for our Chapter,” he said. “With the Alumni Association, this gives the chapter another level of stability from a team of individuals, as long as we as Alumni remember that the undergraduates need us as mentors more than ever. Temper expectations and teach, while reminding ourselves of that the current challenges are different, we were all 19 and trying to figure it out at one point in time.”
Scrolling through some Facebook memories recently, Brother Mike Hoskins came across this post from 2009 following the wedding of Mario Macandog and Anna Marie Barnes. Here it is, as written by Brother Hoskins and posted online so many years ago.
The essence of purity. It’s something we measure by a child’s innocence. That natural beauty of a state’s inland lakes or magical Fall colors. Or even the pure fun of friends reuniting for a September wedding.
So was the case on Sept. 19. Pure Michigan magic transcended time and formed again on the campus of Oakland University. When two people — Mario and Anna Marie — joined together in the company of close friends and family to celebrate their everything.
Together, the couple lit up the church and campus just as they’ve always done: rich in flavor and fun, unique in ritual and tradition. They made it their own, simply making it as natural as Games on the Grass. We all hung up our regular lives, locked up, and headed off to do something we truly love. A sign that we’re spending time with those who mean so much and truly deserve it, stepping into the playground of pure happiness.
There was dancing. The movement to the music and changing states of soberness mirrored the dancing trees in a brisk Fall wind, just as the changing hues of the evolving seasons evolve on the dancefloor of Michigan’s landscape. That nature of trees reminds us that there are bigger things in life than just us, but our roots run deep and we can grow together in a Land of Golden Grizzlies and Pioneers.
Like the golden sunrises appearing over Lake St. Clair each morning, a rainbow of colors could be found in the spray paint provided by a man once known as Meat. A band of Brothers journeyed to a familiar spot where Pup + Friends painted the sacred rock once more.
Just like the old days of Sigma Pi, when young and old were just that — young, and not so old. We avoided the controversial coastline of Beer Lake, leaving those memories in the past so only to bring a headshake and chuckle rather than a new emergency room visit.
We laughed and loved in a place upstairs, not far from where we all first met and learned who we were. And who we might become. A campus hub, an Oakland Center that centered our lives.
Now redone, there’s no more office or ping pong tables or Knights of the L downstairs. So much of what we knew back then has moved on, even though 100 years has not passed in our heart and minds.
Still, the OC continues to capture our attention and once again it gave way to a memorable evening where we could find a new center for a new age. All in the spirit of celebrating Mario and Anna Marie.
But nothing gold can stay, and just as the Fall season fades too quickly and the leaves fall from the trees, the night came to an abrupt end as the Bar of Mysterious Mixtures was replaced with a water jug. And oh, the potential of water.
We found ourselves and made due, capitalizing on the energy from a state staying afloat in turbulent economic waters. We wished for Fridays and managed to find refuge there, even when the rest of the night and week had come to a close. We continued on and shared in a night of Macondog Magic, in the company of friends. Of family. Of Brothers.
Collectively, we all showed our Progress, and its distinctive mark in each of our lives. We Believed once more. And we always will. That is the power of Pure Michigan, Macandog-style. It’s the power of Sigma Pi Brotherhood.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a situation none of us in modern times had experienced before, including everyone connected to the college fraternity experience. Our Zeta Pi Chapter of Sigma Pi at Oakland University was no exception.
While quarantines and health mandates presented unforeseen challenges and changed the very nature of the fraternity experience for over a year, the pandemic period also gave Sigma Pi chapter an opportunity to shine, strengthen brotherly bonds and find new ways to navigate these pandemic speed bumps.
One notable moment in history for our Chapter is that, despite the pandemic woes, we moved into a new fraternity house in June 2021. That new location is on Franklin Boulevard in Pontiac.
“A big takeaway for me is that even in the worst of circumstances, there is always better coming your way,” said Brother Tyler Reynolds, who served as Sage from April 2021 to April 2022. “The biggest lesson I personally learned during the pandemic was that no matter what, we’ve always got that connection as brothers.”
Although Brotherhood and relationships declined during the beginning of COVID-19 with restrictions, they were able to shift to reopening and growing stronger in late 2020 and 2021 as everything began returning to some type of normalcy.
“Brotherhood and the relationships had declined in the beginning,” Brother Reynolds said. “However, as things opened up more the thing we all wanted to focus on as a chapter was bringing the brotherhood back strong as ever. It really showed in our commitments to the weekly brotherhoods we hosted as soon as we could and moving towards planning a ‘normal’ academic year.”
Since the Summer months are typically off-times for those attending OU, our Chapter doesn’t really have a summer rush; instead, any potential brothers who are met and recruited during that time are funneled into the upcoming Fall rush cycle. Due to COVID-19’s beginnings in March 2020, that late spring initiation was pospoted until everything began opening up that summer.
That led to losing half of the pledge class because of the wait, some due to pledges transferring to other schools prior to being initiated, according to Brother Reynolds.
“This was disheartening but was certainly the least of our worries given the pandemic,” he said.
When the Fall 2020 academic year began, it was a surreal moment as most colleges were still in a virtual learning mode due to the pandemic. Some schools eventually started later with hybrid models and pandemic restrictions in place.
As a result, the Zeta Pi Chapter found it more difficult to recruit a typically larger Fall pledge class. While our Chapter always strives toward “quality over quantity,” that was even more true during that semester.
“It proved challenging as we moved back to truly in-person rushing, which led to the chapter having a recruitment workshop,” Brother Reynolds said, noting that Brother Christian Younger led that workshop and has served as the chapter’s Recruitment Director for the past 2.5 years leading into and during COVID-19.
Virtual chapter meetings made it much harder to get things done, Reynolds said: from lack of cameras being turned on, to people just flat out not paying attention. He also said when everything closed and Michigan’s stay-at-home order was in place, the Brother’s phones were the only way to stay in contact with each other safely.
“It was difficult to keep the brothers informed and planning things,” he said. “I was able to personally overcome this through the Discord channel we created and just repeating information over and over again there.”
When in-person events became more possible, our Chapter held meetups and events at parks, beaches, and outdoor areas where it was in line with CDC guidelines at the time. Most of the time during the pandemic, OU had strict policies regarding chapter meetings and meetups, so hosting those events inside is what Brother Reynolds says proved the hardest for the brothers to plan for everyone.
Even looking at our Zeta Pi Chapter’s signature Pig Roast event in the first week of the Fall semester each year, you can see the work and grit that the Active members put into putting on a successful event. The Sept. 2020 event took place at the fraternity house at the time in Rochester, with a smaller intimate setting outside; while the Sept. 2021 event was held in its traditional location on campus, in between the Oakland Center and Bear (aka Beer) Lake. Even with pandemic restrictions and limitations in play, the Chapter welcomed people to the event — a small slice of “normalcy” in uncertain and surreal times.
Throughout it all, Brother Reynolds said enduring these pandemic challenges made our local Chapter stronger.
When the pandemic began, our Chapter had a floating number of nearly three dozen members. They feared it might drop if Brothers left OU and they hadn’t recruited and initiated new Brothers because of the pandemic. But that didn’t happen. As it turned out, the Chapter’s membership in Spring 2022 sat at 35 Active plus 4 pledges soon to be initiated as part of the Beta Omega pledge class — nearly unchanged from the start of COVID-19.
“I took over and had campus reopening, in person events coming and only half of a chapter that had been to an on campus event, so leading them into this year was a challenge but we had a very successful year,” Brother Reynolds said. “We survived a pandemic. Our numbers hardly dropped. That is something not a lot of fraternities, Greek organizations, businesses and even universities can say. We stayed together and persevered through the tough times and are finally seeing it pay off with improved relations with other Greek organizations, a new house, and growth in the Chapter, and that is something we all can be proud of.”
With a half dozen men graduating in Spring 2022 and many of them having E-board and leadership roles, Brother Reynolds noted that our Chapter remains strong in numbers and quality.
“Our chapter will be very young, with roughly half the chapter being first or second-year members, something I have not seen in my time in the chapter,” he said. “Today, we are as tight as ever but still focusing on bringing involvement back up to our high standard. That is something that should be the focus of the chapter going into the next school year and beyond.”
In a historic milestone moment for Zeta-Pi at Oakland University, we’ve initiated the first intra-chapter, father-son legacies into our local Sigma Pi bonds of brotherhood.
The first legacy pair came in November 2019, while the second legacy set followed in late 2021. These men are brothers simultaneously at a moment when our chapter has about 400 men initiated locally, since our Chapter’s founding over three decades ago.
Brothers Waite
On Nov. 23, 2019, Zeta-Pi welcomed into its ranks the 11-member Beta Tau pledge class, the largest group in several years that brought our Undergraduate roster to more than three dozen men.
One of those new initiates was Brother Drew Waite, who happens to be the son of Brother Jeff Waite from the Lambda pledge class in Fall 1991 The elder Waite served as Pledge Educator and 2nd Counselor during his undergraduate years and has remained a respected leader and mentor in his years as an alumnus – both for our Chapter, and at the Executive Office level in serving on the Ritual Committee during the last biennium.
“Very surreal,” Jeff said about seeing his son initiated as a brother. “We have shared so many different unique bonds in our life, but this latest one is the deepest and most emotional for me.”
Drew says that brotherly bond that he observed within Sigma
Pi was the main reason he joined, despite not convinced for a long time that a
fraternity was going to be a fit for him. But after his dad started introducing
him to both Alum and Active members, his perspective started changing.
“The connection you grow with your brothers doesn’t stop after you graduate, it really is a life-long bond,” Drew said. “My dad has been talking about Sigma Pi and the benefits of being a brother, ever since I can remember. But seeing first-hand the number of people who have had the same experience as he did, and all the good things they had to say about it, was awesome.”
Both Waites point to the special father-son relationship
they’ve had through the years, including growing up in the same communities and
attending the same schools a generation apart. Now, they say Sigma Pi has
offered another bond to share.
“Now that I have joined Sigma Pi, that connection has grown even tighter and I’m proud to call him (and everyone else) my brother,” Drew says.
Brothers Tosolt
A second set of legacy men entered our Chapter’s history in early December 2021. Ethan Tosolt joined the Chapter that his father Jeffrey had joined back in 1987, as part of the early Beta pledge class.
Beta Psi Pledge Class. Ethan Tosolt far left bottom corner.
The younger Tosolt joined as part of the 14-member Beta Psi pledge class.
Other Brotherly Bloodlines
While these were our first father-son legacies within Zeta-Pi, there have been other bloodlines shared within that fraternal brotherhood before now. Two notable examples stand out:
Hakim Men: Past Grand Sage George Hakim (Gamma-Alpha, Detroit-Mercy ’78) welcomed his son Douglas into Zeta-Pi Chapter back in 2009. Doug’s had many different fraternity leadership roles through the years and joined Grand Council in 1994, and he was the sitting Grand Sage at the time of his son’s initiation as part of the Alpha Omega pledge class. He even assisted in the ritual aspect of the ceremony.
Farrug Bros: at the Chapter’s beginnings, Michael was a Charter pledge class member in ’86, while his actual brother Joe transferred from Central Michigan University in the Beta Pledge Class and became the sole brother initiated without a Founding Father originated line.
Hudas Men: Brent Hudas joined the Zeta Pi Chapter with the Beta Kappa class in 2014, initiating into the same fraternity that his dad Greg did in 1984 at Wayne State University.
Alam Bros: Most recently, Josh came in with the Beta Omicron pledge class in 2017 before Jacob joined with the Beta Tau pledge class in November 2019.
We’ve also seen instances where our own Brothers have seen
their children find Sigma Pi chapters at other schools, whether those fraternal
experiences materialized into life-changing moments and positive experiences or
not. It goes to the bigger point: even with a father-and-son story, it’s not
always a happy end result when it comes to legacies.
Brother Michael Grant (Tau) emphasizes there are no
guarantees. Because chapters can go from a Sage’s Cup to losing their charter
very quickly, it becomes even more significant when a can stand the test of
time and also welcome descendants from their own Brotherhood lines. He also
points out that some fraternity chapters choose to not recruit or initiate
legacies as a matter of principle, or that some sons may not have positive
experiences like their fathers once had within the fraternity.
“It’s a big deal, and it really is an incredible thing for
all the stars to align,” Brother Grant says. “This is a very memorable story –
not just tugging on the heart strings of a father and a son, which is very
moving, but about our Chapter. Together this shows Zeta-Pi has massive staying
power.”
Importantly, it’s always about a Chapter initiating a new
member for the right reason. That’s why Brother Drew Waite – while historically
significant for us locally – is part of a bigger story. One that includes this
Beta Tau pledge class of 11 new brothers: Jacob Alam, Zachary Fennell, Tristan
Hoff, Yousif Kiryakoza, Justin Knox, Rob Martin, Tyler Mutz, Marco Pacifico,
Adam Reich, Steven Turchi, and Drew Waite.
You might describe this as an ever-evolving story about the
continuation of Zeta-Pi.
Chapter Director Rob Pankau III (Alpha Iota, Past Grand
Herald) made this observation when snapping a photo of the new brothers
following their recent initiation ceremony. While capturing the new initiates
posing on an upper balcony with the Sigma Pi banner, he also noted that Brother
Frankie Valenti (Beta Nu) is only one in that picture not a part of the newly
initiated group of guys.
“I find it very serendipitous that he was the lone active in
this photo as he is our single senior that is graduating this semester,”
Brother Pankau observed. “This photo is the epitome of the perpetuation of our
brotherhood.”
We are thrilled to have every new Sigma Pi complete their
initial journey into the Brotherhood, regardless of where they hail from. We
believe, and as always look forward to continuing to embrace the fellowship of
kindred minds no matter where our road leads us into the future.
As a founding father of the Sigma Pi chapter at Oakland University, Brother Jim Lambouris helped pave the way for all the men who would follow.
He played a pivotal part in shaping our Zeta-Pi Chapter’s foundation in the 1980s, with his commitment to friends, family, community and brotherhood shining through to all who knew him and carrying on throughout his life.
Sadly, we said goodbye to Brother Lambouris on Nov. 25, 2020, as he began his journey to the Adytum On High at age 57. He lives on through his daughters and grandchildren, as well as countless other family members, friends, brothers, and online gamers he’s influenced in so many ways.
“Commitment is the word that comes to mind, because when Jim was in, he was all in,” said Brother Rob Waters, a charter pledge class member and close friend of Jim’s starting in those early days of college fraternity life. “It was true for the fraternity, for his daughters, for his family, and for everything in his life.”
Founding a fraternity chapter
One of 19 original founding fathers of what was initially known as Omega Nu Pi (aka “Oakland’s New Pioneers”), and among the first 28 recognized members of this Sigma Pi colony, Jim became a founding e-board member at the time of the chapter’s chartering on March 15, 1986.
It all began with a group of guys gathering in 5 Van Waggoner, the original dorm where several founding members lived at the time in 1985. Jim ended up connecting with that group, and it was through those initial connections that he’d bring Brother Waters into that same orbit.
Both grew up in Waterford and had gone to high school together, though they weren’t friends during those years as Jim was two grade levels ahead. It wasn’t until OU and Sigma Pi, as they became chartering brothers and close friends.
“He was the reason I joined,” Rob said. “And he was the best man at my wedding in 1989. I didn’t know a damn thing about Jim before Sigma Pi, and that’s somewhat remarkable in that we had gone to high school together. Here’s someone who invites me to a fraternity event, and now he’s my only friend that I know in the room. And as it turns out, he’s the person I got to know the best.”
The two spent a lot of time together during the college years, often engaged in late-night conversations, canoe and ski trips, partying, and car trips to EKU, Eastern Michigan and MSU events.
Other brothers also recall how Jim was well-liked and approachable, and always a center of the social scene. He’s also remembered for how reliable he was for those who mattered in his life, no matter the cost.
Brothers also point out Jim never had a bad word to say, and he’d usually have a grin or smirk on his face — even if he didn’t like something, but would barely let that unhappiness be known.
“Jim was always there when you needed him,” Founding Brother Bryan Mahlmeister said. “Whenever you needed him somewhere or to do something… you could count on him. For those of us starting the fraternity, there was such a drive to make this happen. Everyone worked together and supported each other, and Jim played right into that. We all valued his energy.”
Jim attended OU from 1984 to 1988, remaining active with the fraternity during his undergraduate years.
Brother Ross Parpart, who joined in 1988 as part of the Delta pledge class, had a message about Jim’s influence on the chapter — not only on his joining Sigma Pi, but shaping the lives of so many other men.
“Thank you for guiding young men as they embarked on their way to adulthood,” Ross wrote in a Facebook message. “I was one of those young men many years ago. There is no way you could have know how many you helped, guided, and transformed.”
Though some of the guys drifted apart after college, as many brothers do, several note they eventually reconnected as friends and kept in touch — whether it be online fantasy football, casual brotherhood meetups, friends catching up at the Tel-Twelve Mall foodcourt during the workdays, or at Rob’s signature Tiki Nights each July 3 on Wolverine Lake.
Pioneer in the online gaming community
Looking back, Rob recalls it wasn’t until years later he’d realize that Jim was actually a “closet introvert.” He was just as happy being in front of a computer as being out in person with a group. That would carry on throughout his life, especially as Jim was an avid gamer and became an influential part of the virtual gaming universe.
Beginning in the early 90s, Jim immersed himself in playing Multi-Users in Middle Earth (MUME), a popular multi-player text-based game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Middle Earth’ that has been going since 1991. Out of more than than 700k characters ever created in MUME, Jim’s accolades include the “Ugurz” character that is only 1 of 12 to ever reach the maximum, most-difficult level.
MUME plans to honor Jim by retiring his characters and commemorating him within the game.
A devoted soccer dad
Of course, anyone who knew Jim can attest to the most important part of his life after college: his daughters Jordan, Taylor, and Erin. As a single father, they were his world and many have fond memories watching Jim’s love for them displayed everywhere.
“He was devoted to his daughters,” Brother Waters says, noting that Jordan and Taylor were incredibly involved in soccer through their young lives and Jim was heavily invested as a beloved soccer dad.
“He spent a king’s ransom on traveling soccer for his girls, easily a six figure dollar amount over a six or seven year period. They ran like the wind and both are smart and extremely talented,” Rob said.
Through everything in life, Rob recalls conversations the two shared demonstrating how deeply Jim was in protecting and caring for his daughters and making sure they had the best lives possible.
Taylor shared this with our Zeta-Pi Chapter, to include in this tribute to her father:
“You were the most invested, loving, and selfless father,” she wrote. “You put so much time and effort into Jordan, Erin, and I. Not only were you a great father, but just a great person, too. You were so kind, patient, and giving to others. You always went out of your way to help people, and never expected anything in return.”
Taylor continued, “You tried your best to be at every dance recital, soccer game, track meet, and was always my #1 supporter. You gave me the best advice about life: to try my best and to go out of my comfort zone. I am so happy that I will be able to cherish those memories forever.”
Trees of brotherhood, family, life
Reflecting more on the tree analogy, it’s tough to not sit in awe of Jim’s life: That separate trees can come together at different times and the roots can grow close together and intertwine, no matter how disparate or broken the branches may seem to be growing at different times.
Jim had moved to Arizona in recent years, to reconnect with his mom whom he’d had limited contact with since high school. Growing up Greek Orthodox, family was always a big, influential part of his life. Although he had lost touch with his mom when he was younger, he eventually reconciled with her and left Michigan to be near her and his new step-father there.
“That was a full circle for him, on a personal standpoint,” Brother Waters said. “It really demonstrates how true, how committed to family he was. It had a big impact on him.”
Rob uses that analogy when reflecting on his relationship with Jim, given their beginnings in high school and how that evolved over many years.
“You plant 2 trees next to each other, and even if they were compatible trees to begin with, it’s pretty rare that they’d grow in the same way and direction,” Rob said. “We aren’t the people now that we started out as, or who we’ll end up as. It’s almost a crapshoot people can evolve in the same direction.
“What I’ve always always found remarkable about the fraternity experience, is it throws you into a crucible with people you may not have that much in common with,” he added. “It is remarkable, because there is so much shared experience, so much shared commonality. Trees that don’t make much sense being in the same place end up growing together, changing the direction they’d grow if not for the other.”
We are sad to say goodbye to Brother Lambouris as a founding father and longtime member of our Zeta-Pi Chapter. We send our continued condolences and wishes to Jim’s family, but know he lives on in brotherhood.
Instead of flowers or donations (per the family’s request), our Sigma Pi chapter at Oakland University has planted a tree in Jim’s memory through an American Forests memorial partnership.
The online description says: “When you choose to have a memorial tree planted for James, you are doing more than simply putting a plant in the ground. You are making a long-term commitment to the environment and rooting the memories of James in our planet for countless years to come. A memorial tree is a unique tribute which provides global benefits like no other memorial gift could.”
As far back as most of us remember, the universal question for many Oakland University students and brothers has been “Why doesn’t OU have a football team?” It was often the start of a joke, one that led to smirks, laughs and rolling eyes.
These days, that’s no longer the case.
The Oakland University Club Football team is quickly gaining ground and becoming one of the favored pastimes on campus, and the 2017 season was a milestone as it was the first time the football team played a game on campus.
Historic tidbit: Remember, OU was formed in 1957 but didn’t officially get a football team until October 2013 – it’s a part of the National Club Football Association’s Great Lakes Conference; though up until recently the team’s played home games across the street at the Auburn Hills Civic Center Park.
For the Oct. 28 game against Michigan State, our Zeta Pi Chapter of Sigma Pi was right there in the huddle (so to speak), helping to make this a serious sport with tradition attached to it.
About three quarters of the undergraduate chapter helped out — from working to establish a relationship with the team on a personal level, cooking and serving a pre-game dinner that may become a new tradition, and recruiting organ donors at the game in service of Sigma Pi’s national philanthropic cause.
Well done, Men!
How This Came To Be
Making this happen was a joint effort between the undergraduate chapter and two distinguished alumni –
Brother Rob Ray (of the Alpha Alpha Pledge Class in Fall ‘97), who has been a Rochester City Council member and in Nov. 2017 was named the city’s mayor(!)
Brother Rob Pankau III, of the Alpha Iota Pledge Class in ’02 whose served in various fraternity leadership roles locally and nationally, and took over as chapter director in July 2017.
With the football team’s game-playing presence emerging on campus, Brother Ray wanted to seize the opportunity before anyone else did.
A few of the players had mentioned that they’d love to start a tradition between the students on campus and the team, something like how Notre Dame once painted the team’s helmets before a game. Given that the OU team has missed out on this tradition since their inception in October 2013, most believe it would be a welcomed gesture and maybe allow the Sigma Pi Chapter to demonstrate leadership on the idea.
Both alum were able to assist in sponsoring a banner for the team, as well as sponsoring one of the players.
They then helped the Chapter sponsor one of the pre-game dinners on Fridays, allowing for everyone to meet each other on a personal level while bringing some needed pre-game food energy to the football team.
“That took some effort,” Brother Ray says, “but the Chapter eventually connected the dots and got it off the ground. I can vouch that it was greatly appreciated by the team and coaches; lots of praise came for the Chapter afterwards.”
Sigma Pi Goes Long To Welcome a New Tradition
Brother Collin Olson (Beta Kappa ’14) who’s served as Sage for the 2017-18 year, was one of those actively involved who took the field to help organize the pregame and during game activities, including participating in the coin toss. Notably, a Sigma Pi coin was used in the game-starting toss, thanks to Brother Olson!
Used in the OU home-game coin toss on Oct. 28 2017, donated by Brother Collin Olson.
About three-quarters of the Chapter were involved in some capacity.
Our Chapter served spaghetti, garlic bread and salad, because the coach was specific about getting the guys good nutrition and no desserts. Brother Dominic Patrus did the cooking. Even more awesome is how our Chapter put out an open invite for other orgs and alum to attend, to show school spirit in support of the football team.
This effort also allowed our Sigma Pi Chapter to represent itself locally and with our National philanthropy, Donate Life America, at the football club’s on-campus game. Brother Olson (who is also a board member for Donate Life Michigan) estimated that we recruited about 18 new organ donors by the end of the day, with Brothers Loren Appold, NIcholas Carr and Frank Valenti organizing the organ donation table while many other men stepping in to help with various aspects.
As to the future, Brother Olson says further plans include continuing our supportive efforts of the club as well as potentially rushing a few of their members — a tactic actually proposed to us by their head coach.
“I wouldn’t quite say it’s an official tradition to serve the football players yet, but there’s interest from the football team and we certainly intend to make it so,” Brother Olson said.
And hey, if the game’s final score — OU 32, MSU 12 — had anything to do with Sigma Pi’s involvement, here’s to keeping this tradition alive! Especially as the OU Football Club’s 2017 season marked back-to-back Great Lakes Conference Championship wins.
Brother Collin Olson shaking hands with Grizz in October 2017.
Here’s to a new tradition between our Zeta Pi Chapter and the OU Football Club!
In the Summer of 2017, our Zeta Pi Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity saw a “changing of the guard” in Chapter Directors, as Bob Van Acker handed the role over to Rob Pankau III. This post is meant to share the story of our most recent alumni leader as well our chapter leadership’s history over the years.
By Michael W. Hoskins
You might describe Brother Bob Van Acker as a man who inspires change and jump-starts leadership within our Sigma Pi fraternity chapter. Not to mention that he’s the type of guy you just can’t help but want to sit and chat with over a drink.
Those attributes based on reliability, selflessness & friendship are what have made Bob such a pivotal person for our chapter — from the time he joined the fraternity in the mid 90s and ushered in a new era, to his time as sage and during his recent alumni service as chapter director.
Moral of the story: When Bob puts his mind to Sigma Pi, good things happen for our fraternity.
His start with the chapter came at a time when there were less than a dozen guys, and interestingly his roles as sage and chapter director more than a dozen years later led to a significant expansion in brothers each time his roles changed — the same number of guys, in fact.
“There is a tad bit of irony in that,” the 39-year-old says during an interview in mid-2017.
Initiated in 1996 as part of the nine-man Psi Pledge Class, Bob came in just as the chapter’s active membership was shrinking and only had 11 brothers at the time. Within a year of his initiation due to both his pledge class and the next Fall’s large Alpha Alpha class, the chapter expanded to about 30 guys.
Bob served as sage in 1999, before graduating and taking Omega status in Spring 2001 with a bachelor of arts in communications. After his graduation Bob remained actively involved in the alumni and undergraduate activities through the years and a recognized and popular face through all generations of alum and undergrad brothers, as well as many others regionally and on the National stage.
He became chapter director in April 2013, our 10th in a line of 11 to date as one brother (Bob’s successor, Rob Pankau III) served twice in that position. By examining both Sigma Pi national records and tapping into brothers’ memories, here’s a rundown — as much as it can be documented and truly known — of those who have served as Chapter Director for Zeta Pi since its founding in 1986:
Vince Chrisman (Founding Chapter Director in March 15, 1986)
John Pearson
Bryan Mahlmiester
John Zielke (until Feb 1995)
Jeff Fox (Feb. 95-June 96)
Chuck Surinck (June 96-Jan. 2009)
Pete Knoll (early 2009)
Brett Westen (Early 2009-Fall 2009)
Rob Pankau III (Fall 2009 – Nov. 2010)
Mike Long (Nov. 2010 – April 2013)
Bob Van Acker (April 2013 – July 2017)
Rob Pankau III (July 2017 – )
As to his achievements in the CD role, Bob says his role was to serve as a guiding force whenever possible and both encourage and advise the undergraduate chapter.
In the years before he took over, there was a wave of brothers serving briefly in that role. The chapter shrunk in size and also both gained and lost a house on campus, and Bob came in at a time where alumni leadership was clearly needed. But as his style, Bob doesn’t take credit for the growth and success in the ensuing years and said it was a mutual partnership with past CDs, other alumni and the undergraduate chapter.
“None of this is about me, it’s all on the chapter,” he says. “I was there as a guide, to provide a solid foundation and empower them to see that they have the power to do all of this themselves. They did all the work.”
At times, Bob says he felt like a bad guy in having to scold or offer disciplinary advice — especially when it came to suggesting that the undergraduate chapter suspend or strict men from the roster, due to conduct or not paying dues. But it comes with the territory, and he hopes the brothers eventually learn and understand.
Aside from his fraternity volunteerism, Bob has worked in the banking and mortgage loan imaging industry and has done all of this with pretty consistent work travels. He and his wife live in Troy, Michigan.
Now, Brother Rob Pankau III has taken over as Chapter Director as of mid-2017.
Rob graduated and took Omega status in 2005 with a BA in communications. And this isn’t his first time in this role, as he served briefly from Fall 2009 to Nov. 2010, just before joining the Grand Council Executive Committee as Grand Herald. He has also served as an educational consultant at the fraternity’s executive level, treasurer of the Sigma Pi Historical Society, and as Greater Detroit Province Archon working with various chapters and alumni clubs in the region. Rob lives in Oakland Twp with his wife (a Gamma Phi Beta alumnus) and family, and is employed at GM.
Here’s to both Bob and Rob, and all those who’ve gave back as chapter directors by helping empower and guide the undergraduates. Our chapter and experiences in Sigma Pi wouldn’t be the same without you gentlemen through the years.
In case you forgot, this is a big year for our Zeta-Pi Chapter of Sigma Pi as it’s our 30th anniversary at Oakland.
While it’s a milestone all on its own, this 30th anniversary was even more special when we got a very cool note from… President Barack Obama!
Yes, our Past Sage Mike Long recently received a note from the White House that honored our Zeta-Pi Chapter’s founding. And it came as we gathered in March for our 30th Anniversary celebration at Orchid Ball.
Dated March 22, 2016, the note reads:
I am pleased to send you greetings as you gather for your 30-year reunion.
Reunions allow us to share stories of our lives since graduation and to reflect on days that helped shape who we are today. As you reunite with former classmates, I hope you cherish your time continuing old traditions and reminiscing about moments from past days.
I wish you all the best for a rewarding reunion. May you reconnect with friends and create new memories together.
/s/ Barack Obama
Very cool!
Sure, this is a sort of “form letter” that goes out to many different people and groups. As it happens, you can request one of these personal notes from the Office of Presidential Correspondence.
What’s this executive office, you ask?
This is an official description from the White House website:
“The Office of Presidential Correspondence responds to the thousands of letters, e-mail, and phone calls that President Obama receives every day. At the front lines of communication with citizens, this office provides interns with a unique view of the thoughts, hopes, and concerns of the American people.”
Apparently, US citizens and groups can get all kinds of personal messages like this… but seriously, how many Greek orgs at Oakland can say they received a special anniversary note from the President of the United States?!
This is certainly something to keep in our Chapter’s historical archives!
The Men of Sigma Pi at Oakland University have had a full history of unique experiences since 1986 that set us apart from other chapters. Here’s a rundown of some of those moments that stand out.
Did you know?
Before we became a local chapter of Sigma Pi, we were a colony that called ourselves Omega Nu Pi, which stood for Oakland’s New Pioneers. This was a play on the OU mascot at the time, as we were the Oakland Pioneers before a change to The Golden Grizzlies.
Sweaters handmade by Founding Brother Michael Martin in 1986, along with handmade Sigma Pi flag made by Michael and his Little Brother Paul LaGrue.
Brother Trivia
Can you name that Brother?
The Brother who proposed at Orchid Ball, and heard a “Yes!” (Mike Hoskins)
These 2 Brothers made it into an early scene of the 1999 movie The Green Mile, appearing on the Jerry Springer Show and getting cameos in a film seen by millions and that was nominated for four Academy Awards. (Gabe Gazoul and Brian Potter)
You may recognize this Brother’s voice before anything else, as he was once the voice of the animated Belle Tire? (Sean Katchuba)
Which brother rear-ended Coach Greg Kampe’s new car on the night of the very 1st Pig Roast on campus? (Vasile Nagy)
This Brother wrote our local ritual, and that document was later adopted by Sigma Pi as the national ritual ceremony for all chapters. (Gabe Gazoul)
This Brother had a seat on the National Executive Board, serving as Grand Herald for two years. (Rob Pankau III)
Not only is he a great member of our Chapter, but he happens to also be a Legacy as the son of another Michigan Chapter’s Brother who served for more than a decade on the Grand Council. (Doug Hakim, son of George)
This Brother may also be known as “Mr. Councilman” given his role with the Rochester City Council. (Rob Ray)
Any other Brother or Chapter stories to share? Please let us know at ZetaPiOG@gmail.com.
