Alpha's Message

Welcome to the website of the Gamma Theta Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity, founded in 1850 at the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1987 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

The brothers of Phi Kappa Sigma at West Chester come from many walks of life, but we all share the core values of our founding fathers-- trust, respect, knowledge, responsibility, and integrity. We are proud to evidence our adherence to these core values by our strong commitment to brotherhood, academic achievement, responsible social activities and community service.

Not only does Skulls at West Chester University provide that all-important social setting for the brothers to interact, discuss matters of importance and develop deep and meaningful friendships, but we also show our support for the College and the community by both hands-on work and philanthropic projects.

For example, in the Fall of 2007, the Skulls hosted its 2^nd annual "Turkey Bowl" on campus, and raised and donated over $500 to Camp Dreamcather.  This is an all greek philanthropy at West Chester that raises money to send children in Africa afftected by AIDS to summer camp.  One of our brothers is actually going to be a counselor at the camp this summer.  The event we held was 2 day 5 on 5 flag football tournament that we set up to help raise money, in addition to raising awareness about these diseases.  The brothers of Phi Kappa Sigma put in over 300 hours of their time with this event.  An article was written in West Chester University’s newspaper, The Quad, about the event.

In February of 2008, the Skulls set up a benefit concert on campus.  It featured 5 well known bands, and we were able to raise over $1,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which is our international philanthropy.  It was a great success, bringing in hundreds of people to the concert.  We were featured again in our campus-wide newspaper, The Quad.

The Skulls recognition on the West Chester campus is not limited to its community-minded activities: the 2008 Greek God talent show competition was won by none other than our very own Tom Worley '08!  After months of practicing, he won over the judges by playing the bagpipes.

Our many activities and commitment to Phi Kappa Sigma ideals have not gone unnoticed by the other Chapters of our Fraternity. We were presented with the “Chapter Excellence Award” from our International Headquarters in recognition of our achievements in scholarship, chapter management, campus/alumni relations and philanthropy/community service.  We also received the award for the Most Improved Chapter and the runner up for the Recruitment Excellence Award for the highest percentage of growth.  Outside of our International Headquarters awards, we were also presented with the Most Improved Greek Organization, Creative Program of the Year, and Tom Worley won Greek Man of the Year through West Chester University.  In addition, we finished 2^nd overall in Greek Week 08, we made it to our first IFC Championship game for Floor Hockey in 08, and in years past we took 3^rd place in Greek Week in 07 and first place in Homecoming in 06.

One important aspect of Phi Kappa Sigma life that is sometimes overlooked is the support provided by the more than 40,000 Phi Kap alumni from campuses around the world. The Gamma Theta Chapter alumni show their support of our activities financially and by donating their time.  They also are a key providing advice and “open doors” to Phi Kap undergraduates as we consider post-West Chester University alternatives, be it graduate school or career choices. The Phi Kap motto “Once a Phi Kap, always a Phi Kap” is not just a slogan. It is an expression of the loyalty that our brothers everywhere feel for each other, a loyalty that is reflected in our actions.

I am honored to have been elected president of Gamma Theta chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma, and look forward, together with the current and alumni brothers of Phi Kap and our Chapter advisors Eric Conrad and Tony Girardi, to continuing to advance the core values of our fraternity that make the Gamma Theta Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma so pristine.

Joe Gagnon ‘10
Alpha