Carry It Forward Campaign

In 1969, Phi Kappa Psi undergraduate brothers came up with the idea of running the football from Norman to Columbia, Missouri for the highly anticipated then Big 8 matchup. The 450-mile trek through 3 states was a new unofficial world record for farthest handoff of a football.

Sooner Coach Fairbanks came to the Chapter House at 720 Elm, where he autographed the football at the start of the run.

Sign-up sheets were organized for runners who would go four to five in a car, and rotate the runners while the car would follow the runner carrying the ball. A majority of the approximately 70 members at the time signed up for at least one turn to advance the ball to Columbia. Day and night, they kept advancing the ball, until they delivered it Saturday on the field of play.

That spirit lives on and the meaning of “Carry It Forward” is the essence of our newest capital campaign to raise $2 million by 2030. Donations will help us continue to build on our vision of the future and carry forward the Phi Psi experience to the next generations.

Donations made to the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation are tax deductible. Click here to make your donation through the Foundation. If you want to donate directly to the House Corporation, please click here.  Donations to the House Corporation are not considered tax-deductible.

Raising Funds for Renovations 

The ultimate goal of this capital campaign is to support the undergraduates and their efforts to grow Oklahoma Alpha in its re-founding that began in the fall of 2023. The funds raised will aid in upgrading the chapter facility, endow scholarships, and drive growth in membership. More than ever, having a state of the art chapter facility is a significant factor in an undergraduate’s decision to join a fraternity.  

Images of a renovated room in the chapter house

Renders of future basement plans

Funding the Russ Ortiz Phi Kappa Psi Scholarships 

Our paramount objective is to secure funds for providing several $1000 scholarships, not only to support deserving students but also to leverage these applicants as potential leads for prospective new members (PNMs). By offering these scholarships, we aim to attract bright and talented individuals who align with our values and vision for a thriving community. Your generous contributions will play a pivotal role in empowering these students to pursue their educational dreams while strengthening our organization with promising PNMs. You can read more about Russ Ortiz + the Russ Ortiz Phi Kappa Psi Scholarships by clicking here. If you’d like to learn more about this impactful initiative or if you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Geoff Ferrer (contact information below).

Carry It Forward Captial Campaign Expenditure Schedule

-$2 million goal-

Phase I: Renovation of Basement & 12 Bedrooms on the 2nd Floor Short Hall 

• Renovations Completed Summer 2024
• Total Goal: $185,000
• Raised $169,000
• Total Remaining: $16,000

Phase II: Fire Escape Repairs and Renovation of 12 Bedrooms on the 2nd Floor Long Hall

• Renovations Being Completed Summer 2025
• Total Goal: $110,000
• Raised: $89,000
• Total Remaining: $21,000

Phase III: Renovation of 12 Bedrooms on 3rd Floor and Endowment to the Russ Ortiz Scholarship

• Renovation needed by August 2026
• Total Goal: $130,000
• Raised $2,500
• Total Remaining: $127,500

Phase IV: Payoff of Remaining Chapter House Mortgage

• Total Goal: $1,100,000
• Total Raised: $0
• Total Remaining: $1,100,000

Phase V: Furnish 24 Bedrooms on 2nd & 3rd Floor

• Total Goal: $170,000
• Total Raised: $0
• Total Remaining: $170,000

Phase VI: Renovation of Foyer and Porch Facade

• Total Goal: $250,000
• Total Raised: $0
• Total Remaining: $250,000

Phase VII: Routine Improvements & Maintenance War Chest

• Total Goal: $55,000
• Total Raised: $0
• Total Remaining: $55,000

Get in Touch with the Fundraising Committee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the long-term vision for the OK Alpha Chapter and how does the Carry it Forward Campaign play a role?

The goal of this capital campaign is to support the undergraduates and their efforts to grow Oklahoma Alpha in its re-founding that began in the fall of 2023. The funds raised will aid in upgrading the chapter facility, endow scholarships, and drive growth in membership. More than ever, having a state of the art chapter facility is a significant factor in an undergraduate’s decision to join a fraternity.  

How will the Chapter ensure sustainability and growth alongside the capital campaign?

Working with the Chapter is a Success Committee composed of alumni of the Housing Corporation and Alumni Association. The committee frequently meets with the undergraduates to improve recruitment, academics, and overall chapter operations.

What progress has been made so far in the campaign?

Phase I: In the Summer of 2024, we renovated the basement and short hall bedrooms on the second floor.

Phase II: Fundraising is ongoing for the renovation of the long hall bedrooms on the second floor and the fire escape in the Summer 2025.

How will future funds be allocated and what is the timeline for Phases III-VII?

Future funds will be allocated to the remaining renovations projects scheduled from 2026 to 2030, which include: endowing scholarships, furnishing bedrooms, renovating the foyer and front facade of the house, etc. The official timeline for construction of Phases 3-7 are being planned by the Housing Corporation.

Can I get regular updates on the progress of the campaign and how my donation is being used?

Progress pictures and updates will be updated regularly on this page. If you would like to receive campaign updates and details through our mailing list, please contact one of our Fundraising Co-Chairs.

If you would like your donation to go towards a particular project, please let our Fundraising Committee know and note the project that your donation check or PayPal note.

How will donors be recognized for their contributions?

Plaques outside newly renovated bedrooms, hallways, and the basement have been affixed with the names of the contributing alumni. A donor who provides the full $5,000 required to renovate a bedroom will have their name independently displayed next to the room of their choice. Also, up to two (2) brothers each contribute $2,500 for a bedroom renovation and both names will be displayed on the dedication plaque. We held the first dedication ceremony during the Alabama v. OU tailgate in the Fall of 2024. The next ceremony will take place during the Michigan v. OU tailgate this coming football season. Donors will have the right to stake their claim to the room of their choice on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For those donors looking to contribute to other renovations, common areas of the house are also available for name sponsorships.

Are there opportunities for donors to engage with the Chapter and see the impact of their donations firsthand?

Yes, we have a regular newsletter that goes out via email, detailing all upcoming Alumni Association events as well as the 2025 football tailgate schedule. If you would like to receive these updates please contact Housing Corporation Communications Chairman, Michael Byers, at byersmichael97@gmail.com. If there is a project you would like to finance that is currently not included as part of the renovation phases, please let us know! We have had several alumni groups sponsor projects independent of the campaign and we would like to hear your vision.

How can I make a donation (e.g., online, check, bank transfer)?

Donations can preferably be made via check made out to the “Phi Kappa Psi Fraternal Corporation” and mailed to PO BOX 721741 Norman, OK 73070

You can also donate online through PayPal, that will incur a small transaction fee.

The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Foundation can also process your donations, but limitations on what donations can be spent on may apply.

Are there options for recurring donations or one-time contributions?

Both recurring donations and one-time contributions are both available via the methods listed above.

Are donations tax-deductible? If so, will I receive a receipt for tax purposes?

Only donations towards the Carry it Forward Campaign through the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation are tax deductible. We are exploring ways to allow donations directly to the Housing Corporation to be tax deductible.