As students start heading back to class and continue to have a positive impact on their campus and communities, we wanted to recognize the accomplishments of Pi Kappa Phi chapters across the country from this past year and take a look into the upcoming year.

During the 2008-2009 school year, the chapters of Pi Kappa Phi collectively raised over $311,000; the second highest total in Push America history. The top five fundraising chapters, in order, are Eta Chi (Texas Christian University), Beta Theta (University of Arizona), Theta Alpha (University of Southern Mississippi), Upsilon (University of Illinois) and Theta Delta (Florida International University). Push America would also like to recognize the men of Zeta Chi (Albright College) who raised over $250 per man on average, more than any other chapter.

Not only did the men of Pi Kappa Phi have a great year of fundraising, but chapters also submitted a Push America record for community service hours. This past year, chapters submitted over 19,300 hours of community service. These hours came from chapters spending time with their local volunteer relationships as well as other organizations and events like Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, Relay for Life, Toys for Tots and many more. Push America would like to say a special thank you to all of those chapters who continue to make an impact in their communities through out the year. A special congratulations and thank you also goes out to the men of Theta Phi (Louisiana Tech University) for submitting the most volunteer hours for 2008-2009.

Chapters held many different events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities. More than thirty chapters held a Push Week or War of the Roses week, which consisted of a week of various events to raise funds for Push America and promote the abilities of all people. Other popular events included bike-a-thons, ranging from 24 hours to five days, Miss. Push America pageants, local 5K run/walk events, regional bike rides, Empathy Dinners and so many more. Push America is very appreciative of all the work the men of Pi Kappa Phi continue to do on behalf of people with disabilities.

Many of the chapters of Pi Kappa Phi have already started planning events for the 2009-2010 academic year. To keep Push America up to date with the events going on at your chapter, including fundraising and volunteerism, contact Andrew Matznick, director of chapter services, at amatznick@pushamerica.org or (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.

One way to get involved through out the school year is through Push America’s Give-A-Push Weekends. To view the list of Give-A-Push Weekends in your area for the fall semester click here.