The Beginning
The Alpha Rho Chapter Endowment is the official endowment fund of the Alpha Rho Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. It was established in 2007 by a group of Alpha Rho alumni, led by Mike and Carrie Owen. Soon after the events of April 16, 2007, the Owens shared their vision to establish an endowed scholarship in remembrance of the victims, and out of that desire grew the vision for the endowment fund. After months of planning and organization by the Owens, Herb Higginbotham, Tim Howland, and the Alpha Rho Alumni Advisory Board, the Alpha Rho Chapter Endowment Fund was officially established in October 2007.
The Fund
The Alpha Rho Chapter Endowment Fund is managed by The Phi Sigma Pi Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. The usage of the endowment is closely monitored and managed by a Board of Trustees composed of Alpha Rho alumni who span a wide range of the chapter's history.
The Vision
The intent of the Alpha Rho Chapter Endowment is to fund scholarships and eventually other programming for Alpha Rho Chapter. The initial usage of the funds will be as follows:
4/16/07 Memorial Scholarship - An annual scholarship in memory of the 32 victims of April 16th will be awarded each spring to an Alpha Rho brother who exemplifies the spirit of the University's motto: Ut Prosim - That I May Serve. The initial scholarship will be awarded in Spring 2008 in the amount of $1,416.32, with the amount serving as a tribute to the date and victims of the tragedy.
Erin N. Peterson New Brother Grant - This grant program is in honor of our brother Erin Peterson, who was among the victims of April 16th. Erin was tragically killed after completing all membership requirements, just days before her scheduled induction. In recognition that each and every new brother is cherished, this grant program will fund national dues for each Alpha Rho brother in his/her first semester as a brother. (Projected Start Date: TBD, pending sufficient funds)
As the fund grows in size, additional uses for the fund will be determined at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, in communication with Alpha Rho Chapter.
Current Board of Trustees
- Mike & Carrie Owen
- Herb Higginbotham
- Pete Gingrich
- Rob Montgomery
- Jeff Owen