As the school year begins to draw to a close at UCLA, we recognize yet another successful year at the Upsilon chapter. Our brothers have made great strides in all aspects of the brotherhood. Our chapter standing with university is at an all-time high even as numerous fraternities are being reprimanded by Greek relations. We installed our first faculty advisor, Keith Fink, who is a lecturer in the Communications Studies Dept., and a notable attorney in the field. We welcomed Mr. Fink into the brotherhood with a formal dinner followed by a post-meeting discussion about law school for interested brothers. He also encouraged students to explore beneficial international business opportunities, including China where he does work.
The chapter gives back to the community in a tremendous way. Philanthropy chair, Michael Spiker, organized and executed yet another successful ACE project (“Altruistic Campus Experience”). The philanthropy was a half-marathon in San Pedro where 25 brothers, sorority ladies, and friends finished the race and raised $3,600 for the UCLA Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center.
Our brotherhood this year lost a strong group of seniors to graduation. This Class of 2009 left its mark on Sigma Pi in a resounding fashion, and are already transforming themselves into successful alumni. Sam Cortina, formal social chair, will teach English abroad in the Marshall Islands before returning home to attend law school. Dave Lusby, former sage, will attend UCLA Law School. Philippe Gerretsen, who graduates with a 4.0 in mechanical engineering, will be attending USC graduate school in the fall for more engineering under a fellowship scholarship.
Our chapter continues to positively progress socially. All of our open parties, with one each quarter, were a tremendous success. We continue to have exchanges with all the top sororities and have been fortunate with a large graduating class to enjoy an array of pinnings from various sororities. On campus, we also continue to participate in almost every intramural activity. We competed in numerous playoff games, came within inches of the volleyball championship, and were able to lay claim to the inaugural wheelchair basketball title.
Upsilon completed yet another productive and fruitful year. Thanks to all our brothers and alumni, Sigma Pi at UCLA is a thriving component to the national organization. We shall continue success in the coming years as the chapter prepares for a new decade of fraternal achievement. – Kevin Monte, 1st Counselor.
Faculty advisor: Keith Fink, a Los Angeles attorney, served during the 2009 school year as the chapter’s first Faculty Advisor. He graduated UCLA in 1985 and was a member of the successful debate team. He earned a J.D. from Southwestern in 1989.
Fink is a lecturer and has designed the curriculum for classes in the UCLA Communication Studies Dept. on free speech in the workplace and on campus, and he is popular with Greeks, including Upilson students. He also is an adjunct professor at Southwestern Law School.
Fink has taken controversial cases, including the sexual harassment case against American Apparel’s president.
Website: www.FinkLawFirm.com.