Moms Day 2023 will be on April 1. Information about the event will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, if you wish additional information, please contact chapter historian Jake Shepherd, 913/514-0333, shephe40@purdue.edu
HERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT MOMS DAY 2022 FOR YOUR REFERENCE:
Moms Day 2022 is planned for Saturday, April 2 at the West Lafayette Country Club, 3224 US Highway 52 W, West Lafayette, IN 47906. The day’s events will include:
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Check in on first floor foyer, register auction items, receive Mom’s Day favor
• 12:30 p.m., Pi Kapp 100 team arrival. Chapter members will arrive on Grant Street outside the chapter house in front of moms and chapter members alike. Be there to cheer their arrival.
• 3-4 p.m., Appetizers, moms reception, basement & first floor of the house
• 4-6 p.m., Charity Auction. Bring items from home and/or buy them on campus. Items include Purdue and Pi Kappa Phi sportswear, Cubs or White Sox tickets, snack baskets, picnic baskets, planters, lottery tickets, gift cards, etc. You can look at past year’s auction items in the gallery section of this website for ideas. Moms and their sons bid against each other and the proceeds are used to cover the day’s events and/or support the chapter’s Ability Experience charity.
• 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m., Banquet and Hang Out (doors open at 6 p.m.) at West Lafayette Country Club, 3224 US Highway 52 W, West Lafayette, IN 47906. Banquet will begin at 7 p.m. Speakers will include chapter president, chapter advisor, historian, Ability Experience chairman and Brent Grunig,
Assistant Executive Director of Chapter Growth & Development for Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters. Grunig is a Purdue graduate and was a member of the fraternity as a student. Dress is casual. Cash bar will be available for those 21 and older.
Cost is $15 for moms and chapter members; $35 for guests (dads, siblings, etc.). Payment can be made upon registration at the house in the morning and/or at the banquet site in the evening.
Contact Info:
Questions about payment, contact Sam Phillips, treasurer, phill357@purdue.edu, 937/315-1754.
Questions about the day’s activities (auction, banquet reservations, etc., contact Ted Brandon, brandon4@purdue.edu, 260/668-0693.
Questions about Pi Kapp 100 or other information, contact Andrew Eichmeier, president, aeichmei@purdue.edu, 219/895-5927.
>>> Prior years’ information
Lower in this tab, you will find hotel suggestions for prior Moms Days.
Chapter members and their moms feast at the buffet in Ross-Ade Stadium at the 2022 Moms Day banquet.
President Andrew Eichmeier speaks at the 2022 Moms Day banquet.
Keynote speaker Brent Grunig, a chapter alumnus and assistant executive director of chapter growth & development for the national fraternity, speaks to the 2022 Moms Day crowd.
Historian Ted Brandon speaks at the 2022 Moms Day about the events of the day.
Michael Bailey, a Journey of Hope alumnus from 2019, reads a speech for his mother who was to address the 2020 Moms Day audience, but at the last minute could not make it.
Ability Experience chairman Sam Bogner speaks at the 2022 Moms Day banquet about what the chapter does to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities throughout the year.
MOMS DAY 2022 STORY
The Purdue Pi Kappa Phi chapter hosted a highly successful and massively attended Moms Day 2022 on April 2, starting with the arrival of the Pi Kappa Phi team and ending with a banquet celebrating fraternity.
More than 250 people attended the capstone event – a banquet highlighting the school year and its members. Attendees heard from chapter president Andrew Eichmeier, Ability Experience chairman Sam Bogner, historian Ted Brandon, chapter Journey of Hope alumnus Michael Bailey and keynote speaker Brent Grunig.
Eichmeier lauded the chapter’s accomplishments in many areas that led it to once again to being a finalist for Purdue’s top fraternity in 2022, an award that will be given later in April.
“I am blessed to have been able to meet so many wonderful people during my time in the fraternity and I have learned many lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” Eichmeier said. “To all of the brothers who make this chapter so special, thank you. And to all of the mothers who have raised them to be such great brothers, thank you as well. Your sons are a part of an organization that changes thousands of lives through its networks, service, and philanthropy.”
Bogner explained the four major events related to the Ability Experience fund-raising as well as what chapter members do for and with people with disabilities – the David Feltner Memorial Bike-a-Thon, Arctoberfest, War of Roses and Pi Kapp 100. Bailey subbed for his mother who was to give her reactions to her son being part of the chapter and riding across the country on the national Journey of Hope programming, but she was unable to attend at the last minute.
Brandon thanked those who make the fraternity what it is today including honoring chapter academic advisor Rita Baker and Leo Dunbar’s family who hosted the Pi Kapp 100 team the Friday night before the team’s campus arrival earlier in the afternoon.
Grunig, who is a 2001 graduate of the chapter, works as the assistant executive director of chapter growth and development for the national fraternity.
Grunig congratulated chapter members for their commitment to service.
“Frankly, Purdue is the top and what an ideal chapter involved with The Ability Experience looks like,” Grunig said at the banquet. “In fundraising, Omega has historically been a Top Five chapter. Omega is THE shining example in overall programming.”
He also has consistently been impressed with the guys who comprise the chapter.
“What truly sets Omega ahead of the pack of our chapters nationally is the high quality of men that have joined and continue to lead this chapter to success,” he said. “While I may be a bit biased – and trust me, my staff reminds me of this every time I mention Purdue as an example – the chapter has consistently achieved top awards for both the chapter and individual members for the last 15-20 years.
“As you can see, the Omega Chapter is a true example of when fraternity is done right, it can produce men who embrace their role as a leader, puts service before self, and improves the world around them.”
Grunig also talked about his experience while at Purdue.
“My pledge class celebrated 25 years of friendship last fall in French Lick for an extended weekend where many memories, stories, and laughs occurred,” he said. “There also may have been an attempt to relive some of our college days, and unfortunately, the recovery in our 40s is just a bit different. I’ve been very blessed to continue to have these men in my life.”
The banquet came on the heels of the Pi Kapp 100 team arrival – a 100-kilometer cycling trip raising money for The Ability Experience, the fraternity’s philanthropic effort assisting people with disabilities – a Moms Day reception and charity auction. Proceeds, which accounted for more than $10,000, offset the costs of the day’s events. Some moms chose to assist summer events fund-raising goals.
Folks can continue to assist the three chapter Gear Up Florida team members – Andrew Davis, Andrew Eichmeier and Tyler Wagner.
Davis’ donation page can be found here. Eichmeier here. And Wagner’s here.
You can also assist the three chapter members on the Journey of Hope this summer. They include Christopher Augustinovicz whose fund raising page can be found here, Matthew Keogh’s here and Wayne Morrow’s here.
TEXT OF ANGE BAILEY’S SPEECH READ AT THE 2022 MOMS DAY:
Hi, I am Ange Bailey…Michael’s mom ..he’s a senior graduating in 6 weeks… How did that happen? I want to share a few things I know about Pi Kapps and my experience over Michaels time here in this fraternity. First, I was in a sorority at Miami in college. There were no sorority houses But plenty of fraternities and fraternity houses it was a good time and a lot of r”REALLY good parties. I don’t remember the philanthropy part of Greek life being a big part of my experience but I came to know through JOH that serving and connection to a larger cause was a big part of Michael’s experience. When Michael pledged he talked about JOH and I didn’t really know what it was. He talked about the guys that he met in the fraternity and how he had a connection….
Then I got really familiar Journey of Hope, JOH… Michael called and said he was going to ride that summer cross country.. and he said something about ability experience.… OK, you need to know that this is a kid who hadn’t written a bike since he was maybe 10 into bribe him to ride it had to be to go get ice cream. He’s going to ride a bike (which he didn’t have), Across the country?… He shared than about raising money, what it was for, what French visits were and I started doing some research online. I googled Pi Kapps, Journey of Hope, and Ability Experience .. What kept going through my head is, “ How are you going to do that across country, are you sure, and is it safe etc.”…
Well, summer between freshman and sophomore year Michael spent on the bike. His sister and I went to Seattle to see them leave. That was one of the best experiences to see all of them dip their bike in the water and then ride off. Not going to lie, I was a nervous wreck… Safety, is my baby, would he make it, and like it… Or would it be like that first sleepover where I picked him up at 2 AM in the morning because he wanted to come home.
Let me tell you, that summer he made it. I was able to track throughout and see where they were along the way. I got pictures of scenery, Friendship visits, His dad met up with them and Denver, I was able to see him at a breakfast in Indianapolis (I couldn’t see them ride through downtown because of so much construction). Families and individuals can sponsor or help them with meals, I was able to help with a breakfast in Indianapolis and see them there, and then when they rode through Cincinnati our extended family was able to see them fill up an entire skyline on UC‘s campus….
Friendship visits happened after full days of writing a lot of miles, but there was energy and excitement. … I said one of the best experiences was watching them leave Seattle, well even better than that… Watching them ride into Washington DC… That was amazing for so many reasons. I don’t think you can ride cross country for days, serve together, and raise money for a common cause and not be completely connected and have lifelong friends after that experience.
Pi Kapp and JOH Has been a great experience for Michael and for my experience as well. I usually compared fraternity houses to animal house… It was kind of my Greek experience… But not what I saw here…. To sum this up, a couple months ago a mom who is a friend of a friend called me… Her son was a freshman and was thinking about Pi Kapps… She knew Michael was in this fraternity. She wanted to know what I thought. “ Are they a good fraternity?” I answered that by saying much of what I have already told you. And that Michael’s experience has been fantastic. And a few other things… They focused on grades, he has held leadership positions there that has helped him become much more of a leader, they focused on safety and good behavior, they were there for each other, and Michael did a lot of service with this fraternity. And that I believe he has made friends here that will be lifelong. And there is a connection across country with other chapters through JOH.. I also said that I’m sure there are a few parties that happened along the way that I don’t know anything about and that I won’t be held responsible for anything that I don’t know. I also finished by saying that if her son pledged Pi Kapps, I am sure he would have a great experience.
TEXT OF PRESIDENT ANDREW EICHMEIER’S SPEECH AT MOMS DAY 2022:
Hello, my name is Andrew Eichmeier, and I’m a Sophomore here at Purdue. I joined Pi Kappa Phi in the Fall of 2020, and since November of 2021 I’ve had the privilege to serve as President. Tonight, I’ll be sharing some background information on the chapter, including some of the key statistics that go into making it one of the top fraternities not only here at Purdue, but nationwide as well. Before I begin, however, I’d like to thank all of our guests, mothers, and other family members and friends for coming out tonight. We are proud of what we do here at the Omega Chapter, and to be able to share that with all of you has been a great experience. I can confidently say that entering a post-pandemic world, the chapter is well-equipped to continue its tradition of excellence at the University, and will continue to better the lives of those in and outside of the fraternity for many years to come.
There are 151 men who make up the Omega Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at Purdue, making it the second largest fraternity on campus. The most recent additions to our chapter have come in the current 2021-2022 Academic year, where we have had the privilege of welcoming a 27 member pledge class in the fall, and another 17 member pledge class this Spring. These newest members have already made a large impact on the fraternity, and have fit right in with the quality of student leaders that can be found in the Omega chapter.
In terms of community service, Pi Kappa Phi racked up 2,185 hours this past Fall, and have added nearly 1200 so far in the Spring. These service hours have included the restart of the Partnership, a program that sees the fraternity send brothers weekly to St. Thomas Aquinas Church to spend time with individuals with disabilities. Despite a move from the previous location at Lafayette Jefferson, brothers have worked hard post-COVID to re-establish a program that helps change the lives of people with disabilities every single day.
On top of the hours spent interacting with the community, the chapter raised over $20,000 for the Ability Experience, Pi Kappa Phi’s private charity benefiting individuals with disabilities, during the 2021 year. The fraternity has started off strong in 2022 as well, with a record-breaking $16,209 raised during the chapter’s annual War of Roses event. For many brothers, this has been the first year that they have seen a covid-free philanthropy event from the chapter. Despite the challenges that this experience gap could bring to the events, the chapter has risen to meet any difficulties head on, and has not skipped a beat in terms of fundraising goals or attendance, oftentimes shattering previous records. A large part of this is owed to our Junior and Senior brothers, who have stepped up to share their experiences from the past to younger members. In doing so, they have ensured that the chapter’s traditions and activities will continue into the future, and positively impact countless lives for many years to come.
In the classroom, the chapter has remained strong, ranking 14th out of the 42 fraternities here at Purdue in cumulative GPA this past fall. This statistic includes 89 brothers achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher, 48 brothers making dean’s list or semester honors, and 9 members with a perfect 4.0 GPA. All of these accomplishments have put the chapter as a finalist for the R.B. Stewart Award this Spring, which signifies the top fraternity on Purdue’s Campus. The chapter is familiar with the award, having won it 2 out of the past 3 years, and 10 out of the last 14.
It’s hard to describe through statistics alone what Pi Kappa Phi truly means here at Purdue. On a personal level, I can say with full sincerity that joining this fraternity has been one of the greatest decisions of my life, and I can confidently say that all of the brothers in this room most likely feel the same way. While there are too many reasons to count that go into making the Omega Chapter what it is, a big factor is certainly the individuals within it. I am blessed to have been able to meet so many wonderful people during my time in the fraternity, and I have learned many lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life. To all of the brothers who make this chapter so special, thank you. And to all of the mothers who have raised them to be such great brothers, thank you as well. Your sons are a part of an organization that changes thousands of lives through its networks, service, and philanthropy. This fraternity could not do anything it does without you, and that is truly special. I hope you have a great rest of the night, and thank you again for all that you’ve done throughout our lives.
You can see photos of past Moms Day events under the photo gallery tab on this website.
Here are hotel recommendations for prior Moms Day.
The earlier you book hotel rooms the better. Suggestions include (in priority order):
Union Club Hotel, 101 N. Grant St., WL, 765/494-8913, pricey, but very conveniently located two blocks from fraternity house.
https://union.purdue.edu/hotel/Reservations/Index.html
Four Points by Sheraton, 1600 Cumberland Ave., WL, 765/463-5511 for reservations. Somewhat dated hotel, but close to campus.
http://www.fourpointswestlafayette.com/?SWAQ=958P
Hilton Garden Inn, 356 E. State St., WL, 765/743-2100, Relatively new facility, located less than a mile from fraternity house.
http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/indiana/hilton-garden-inn-west-lafayette-wabash-landing-LAFWLGI/index.html
Hampton Inn & Suites, WL, 765/269-8000, New facility, located less than a mile from fraternity house.
http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/indiana/hampton-inn-and-suites-west-lafayette-LAFWEHX/index.html
Holiday Inn Lafayette-City Centre, 515 South St., Lafayette, 765/423-1000, Relatively new larger hotel, located across the river from Purdue campus.
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/lafayette/lafin/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-HI-_-US-_-LAFINThe following hotels are a significant distance from campus (five to six miles; 20 to 30 minute drive):
Courtyard by Marriott, 150 Fairington Ave., Lafayette, 765/449-4800, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lafcy-courtyard-lafayette/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, 4000 South St., Lafayette, 765/449-0083, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/laffi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-lafayette/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
TownePlace Suites by Marriott, 163 Frontage Rd., Lafayette, 765/446-8668, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lafts-towneplace-suites-lafayette/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
Hampton Inn, 3941 South St., Lafayette, 765/447-1600, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/indiana/hampton-inn-lafayette-LAFHHHX/index.html
Homewood Suites by Hilton, 3939 South St., Lafayette, 765/448-9700, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/indiana/homewood-suites-by-hilton-lafayette-LAFINHW/index.html
DoubleTree by Hilton, 155 Progress Dr., Lafayette, 765/446-0900, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/indiana/doubletree-by-hilton-lafayette-east-LAFDTDT/index.html
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 200 Progress Dr., Lafayette, 765/449-4400, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/lafayette/lafsr/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-LAFSR
LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 312 Meijer Dr., Lafayette, 765/446-2400, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://www.laquintalafayettein.com/?cid=local_6463
Candlelight Suites, 240 Meijer Dr., Lafayette, 765/807-5735, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/lafayette/lafcw/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-CW-_-US-_-LAFCW
Baymont Inn and Suites, 201 Frontage Rd., Lafayette, 765/449-4808, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://www.baymontlafayettein.com/
Comfort Suites, 31 Frontage Rd., Lafayette, 623/748-7687, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
https://www.choicehotels.com/indiana/lafayette/comfort-suites-hotels/in410?source=gyxt
Red Roof Inn, 4201 South St., Lafayette, 765/448-4671, Affordable, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
http://www.redrooflafayette.com/
Super 8, 4301 South St., Lafayette, 765/607-6350, Affordable, Further from campus, but located near Interstate 65.
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/lafayette-indiana/super-8-lafayette/overview?CID=LC:SE::GGL:RIO:National:14289&iata=00065402
Any Questions can be directed to historian@purduepikapps.com.