Phi Kappa Theta Surpasses Fundraising Goal, Establishes Historic Endowed Scholarship for Students  

Phi Kappa Theta and friends connected for their regular luncheon event on campus.

The Phi Kappa Theta (PKT) Alumni Association recently surpassed their $100,000 fundraising goal to create an endowed scholarship at Seton Hall University, an effort that was launched in September of 2021. The scholarship is the first of its kind to be created by a Greek organization on campus with the purpose of providing financial assistance to undergraduate PKT brothers pursuing an undergraduate degree at Seton Hall. This historic initiative enables PKT alumni and friends to directly invest in the future of the organization: its students. The fund will lead the way for future brothers while paying tribute to brothers who have passed on.

Several alumni have been integral to the success of the initiative thus far. Throughout the academic year, the Association led a strong peer-to-peer fundraising effort, culminating with two brothers who created a matching challenge during Seton Hall’s fifth annual Giving Day to motivate their fellow brothers and friends of the organization to give in support of the scholarship. These generous donors matched up to $10,000 each, totaling $20,000 towards the fraternity’s efforts. Following Giving Day, the fund surpassed the $100,000 milestone.

When asked about the motivation for this effort, Hugh Sharkey ’83, president of the PKT Alumni Association shared, “The PKT alumni brothers believe it is extremely important to promote the highest values of Seton Hall University and Phi Kappa Theta and develop future community and world leaders. The PKT Endowed Scholarship Fund allows our alumni brothers to lead by example and continue our 60-year legacy of serving SHU and fulfilling our motto of: give expecting nothing thereof.” Now having surpassed its initial goal, the fraternity has hopes to continue growing the scholarship fund, and in turn, the impact the Association will make on students’ experiences at the University.

The creation of the endowed scholarship is a powerful demonstration of the servant leadership values that are at the heart of Seton Hall’s mission. As put by Sharkey, “PKT provided an opportunity for us to meet individuals from all types of backgrounds and appreciate all individuals have God-given strengths and weaknesses. PKT provided leadership training and opportunities during my college years that served me well in my business career in public accounting and my consulting practice.” The effects of this historic scholarship will not only extend the tradition of brotherhood for the fraternity members but will also ensure a lasting legacy on campus while supporting the academic journeys of current and future PKT students.

Seton Hall’s PKT Alumni Association is the Alumni Chapter of the New Jersey Phi Beta Chapter. Formerly known as the Setonian Foundation, it was founded in 1962, and went on to become an official alumni club in 2008, which seeks to provide the support and advancement of members, the undergraduate chapter, and students at the University. Additionally, the association aims to foster the spirit of fraternalism while continuing to improve PKT through programs, events, and advocacy.

For those inspired to learn more, get involved with the Phi Kappa Theta Alumni Association, or to support the Phi Kappa Theta Endowed scholarship, please visit: https://advancement.shu.edu/alumni/pkt-alumni-association. For questions, please contact Daniela Gloor, Director of Leadership Giving and Alumni Engagement at (973) 378-9861 or [email protected].

Categories: Alumni