OX Alpha Psi 2025 Year in Review

Our beloved fraternity is thriving and OX is the envy of the Greek system at UMD! It has been a great year for our fraternity and we have so many Alpha Psi alumni and undergraduates to thank for their efforts. So many alumni brothers contributed their time and effort in 2025 to help the Alpha Psi Alumni Association, Chapter Advisory Board and Housing Corporation. Below is a summary of our accomplishments from this past year and a preview of what is to come in 2026. Enjoy!

January

• Alumni Thank You Dinner: On 1/11, the 2nd Annual Alpha Psi Alumni Thank You Dinner was held at the House. We had 58 alumni brothers who contributed to support our chapter during 2024 that were invited to gather together to celebrate our accomplishments for the year. Jason Tepper (S91) cooked an amazing steak dinner for everyone and we enjoyed a meal together in the House dining room while the undergraduates were away on holiday break. 
• On 1/10-1/12, four Alpha Psi undergraduate executive officers traveled to Indianapolis for their respective OX National Undergraduate Officer Conferences. Ayaan Bohra (President) attended the Sasser Presidents Conference, Landon Fiery (Vice President of Health and Safety) attended the Our Sacred Purpose conference, Ryan Steele (Marshal) attended the Marshals Summit, and Luke Salzman (Recruitment Chair) attended the Amplify Theta Chi conference. The Alumni Association funded the undergraduate executive’s travel expenses.
• OX’s Super Bowl LVII Squares Box Pool raised funds to support Theta Chi Alpha Psi Alumni Association’s funding of undergraduate and alumni initiatives.
• Scotty’s Vodka Continues as the Official Beverage of the OX Alumni Association. Big thanks to Scott Nash (F85) for his continued generosity to the OX Alumni Association by sponsoring all of our social events. Drink more Scotty’s!!
• 2nd Year of the Resolute Men Fundraising Campaign. Our Resolute Men giving program grew tremendously in 2025. The Resolute Men program is a fundraising initiative based on ongoing monthly contributions – similar in concept to other scheduled giving programs that are common today. We had 25 alumni brothers join in the monthly giving program in 2024 and we ended 2025 with 47 regular monthly donors. We plan to continue growing the program in 2026. If you are interested in joining, please go to https://thetachimaryland.com/f/resolute-men-fundraising- initiative.
• OX Alumni Association continued with their monthly meeting cadence led by Alumni Association President Rob Mercer (F84). A core set on alumni brothers meet every month on the first Wednesday to discuss and plan communications, fundraising, social, scholarship, and undergrad career mentoring efforts. The meeting is open to all alumni.
• OX House Corporation Board of Directors (BOD) continues to meet monthly (3rd Tuesday of each month) to tend to the affairs of the House. In 2025 we added four new board members. Current BOD members include:
  • Tom Gardner (F88)-President
  • John Schuma (S88)-Vice President
  • Rob Gloekler (F88)-Treasurer
  • John DeRosa (F88)-House Liaison Officer
  • Kyle Campbell (S15)
  • Sean Bond (F87)
  • Chris Saba (S14)
  • Jim Crossan (F88)
  • David Reyes (F96)
  • James Sutherland (F96)
  • Mark Dahl (F90)
  • Jeff Lunenfeld (S89)
• Monthly Chapter Advisory Board Meeting (CAB) Meeting Series continues. Our Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) plays a critical role to guide the undergraduates on the nuances of running the business of the undergraduate chapter. The Cab meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. Below is a listing of the current CAB:
  • Chris Saba (S14)
  • Jason Tepper (S90)
  • Andy Kopsidas (S88)
  • Fred Carey (S88)
  • Kyle Campbell (S15)
  •  Josh Maze (S15)

February

• Winter 2025 Red OX Review Alumni Newsletter is published (LINK)
• Undergrad Ashik Palit (S22) attends the 2025 First Amendment Institute (FAI). This event was held on 2/21-2/23 in Chicago. The FAI is a powerful event for student leaders to learn how to protect their organizations from external challenges to their collective freedom of association and freedom of speech rights. OX National covered the costs for Ashik to attend this event.
• Undergrads have a great Spring 2025 Rush: We had another large pledge class that accepted bids in February 2025. As is our regular tradition, last night Chef Jason Tepper (S91) welcomed our new pledges with an amazing steak dinner. All of our new guys got a great start to their pledge experience and started to get to know their pledge brothers. The dinner was funded by the OX Alumni Association and the generous donations received from a number of alumni.
• Our undergraduate President Ayaan Bohra was selected by OX National for the 2025-2026 Chapter Presidents Advisory Council. The Theta Chi Chapter President's Advisory Council (CAC) is a group of experienced alumni and volunteers who provide guidance and mentorship to local chapter presidents and officers, focusing on recruitment, operations, academics, and conduct, ensuring strong local chapters by serving as a crucial link between the undergraduate leaders and the Grand Chapter.
• For the 3rd year in a row a large number of Alpha Psi alumni banded together to create a OX section for Terps Football games. In February, we renewed our tickets in Section 28 and we expanded our footprint from 19 tickets in 2024 to 29 tickets in 2025. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US IN 2026 AND BUY TCKETS WITH US PLEASE REACH OUT TO TOM GARDNER AT 202-345-9288.

March

• On 3/1, the OX Alumni Association organized one of their signature basketball away game watch party at the Green Turtle in College Park.
• On Saturday, 3/8 the undergraduate OX and Alpha Phi’s teamed up for an amazing Casino Night fundraiser.  A number of alumni attended the event and proceeds went to two awesome charities.   Alpha Phi's philanthropy, The Alpha Phi Foundation, supports women's heart health.  Theta Chi's philanthropy, the United Service Organizations, strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation.
• OX NCAA Tournament Pool Fundraiser raised funds for alumni and undergraduate programs during March Madness.

April

• Founders Day/Parent Day Event:  On Saturday, 4/12 we had an amazing Founder's Day/Parent's Day Celebration event at the House. We had 200+ alumni, undergrads and parents attend the event. Everyone started arriving at around 11:30 and had a chance to hang out, do tours of the House and enjoy a great catered lunch. After lunch we installed a few new brother bricks in the Founder's Walkway (the new name for our walkway up the House). We then went down to the basement to do the House Corp Annual Meeting, hear from our undergrad president Ayaan Bohra, and be entertained by our OX Alumni Association President Rob "Mr. Fun" Mercer. After the festivities at the House, all of us went up to Route 1 and enjoyed some fun at Bentley's, Cornerstone, Green Turtle and then finally Terrapin Turf.
• On Monday, 4/21 the OX AA held their first Alumni Enrichment Series Event.  Over 40 alumni and undergrads came together for an exclusive OX Alpha Psi Alumni Enrichment Event featuring Brother Alex Chaloff (F89), Chief Investment Officer at Bernstein. This was the first in a series of educational events (not selling anything) brought to you by the OX Alumni Association.  "Big Al" Chaloff pledged OX at UMD in the Fall of 1989 and was the undergraduate president in 1993. Alex is currently the CIO at Bernstein where he guides investment strategy for individuals, families, and institutions nationwide. Known for his clear, thoughtful analysis, he’s a trusted voice on CNBC and throughout the financial community.
• OX House Corporation Annual Meeting Held:  During our Founder’s Day Celebration at the House on 4/12, we took time to hold the Housing Corporation Annual Meeting for 2025.  The agenda for the Annual Meeting included:
  • Review of the roster of the current OX HC BOD Members
  • Update on 2024-2025 House leasing status
  • Upcoming House Projects
  • House Corporation Financial Update
  • Talks for the good of OX Alpha Psi

May

• OX Alpha Psi Graduates 22 in May 2025, Holds Graduating Senior Dinner:  We graduated twenty-two distinguished undergraduate brothers in May, one of our largest graduating classes.
  • Cole Bailey (F22), Damascus, MD, Information Science
  • Logan Barsoum (F22), Baltimore, MD, Kinesiology
  • Emmanuel Calaroa (F21), Carroll County, MD, Chemistry
  • Dylan Coufal (F21), Carroll County, MD, Public Health
  • Joe Franks (F22), Baltimore, MD, Information Science
  • Jordan Friedman (S21), Baltimore, MD, BMGT
  • Josh Ginsburg (F21), Olney, MD, Real Estate Mgmt
  • Jett Jacobs (F23), Damascus, MD, Communications
  • Alex Kolb (S22), Rockville, MD, Information Science
  • David Malament (S22), Potomac, MD, Economics
  • Alex Martini (S22), Rockville, MD, Information Science
  • Max Mesa (F22), Damascus, MD, Architecture
  • Jack Oliver (F21), Damascus, MD, Information Systems
  • Connor Owens (F21), Potomac, MD, Computer Science
  • Aishik Palit (S22), Westfield, NJ, Criminology
  • Gavin Rakitt (F22), Connecticut, Information Science
  • Ethan Richardson (F22), Carroll County, MD, Criminal Justice
  • Jon Rubano (F21), Old Tapan, NJ, Economics
  • Sami Saadouui (S22), Rockville, MD, Marketing
  • Ethan Schwartzberg (F22), Potomac, MD, Information Science
  • Wyatt Thompson (F22), Anne Arundel County, MD, Criminal Justice
  • Isaiah Zack (F22), Potomac, MD, Graphic Design
• The OX Alumni Association celebrated our seniors at our traditional Senior Dinner at Terrapin Station in College Park, MD on 5/4.  Thanks to alumni Rob Mercer (F84), Tom Gardner (F88) and Slo Van Dyke (F71) for hosting the seniors.  Thank you to all of our seniors for their contributions to make our undergraduate chapter the best fraternity at UMD. Also, a big thanks to our alumni Resolute Men donors who make events like this possible.
• Alpha Psi Wins Two Prestigious UMD Greek Awards.  On 5/7, Alpha Psi for won two prestigious Greek Awards at the 2024-2025 Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Awards Ceremony. The undergraduates won the William E. Kirwan Most Improved Chapter award and the alumni won the Outstanding Alumni Engagement Programming award.  Each spring the UMD Greek system gathers to honor individuals and chapters who exemplify the values and impact of fraternity and sorority life at Maryland. From service and scholarship to leadership and innovation, the 2024–2025 Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Award recipients represent the best of what our community can be.

June

• In June, we averted a major House crisis.  Some wicked weather in College Park wreaked havoc on this large tree on the side of the House.  The tree was days from snapping and crashing down on the House.  We had it cut down at the end of June.
• Big thanks to Rob Gibbs (S84) and Jerry Guido (F78) for getting the OX House Corporations federal tax filing for the period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 submitted.  Rob and Jerry team up each year to support our House Corporation tax filings.

July

• Luke Salzman attended OX National’s Initiative Academy.  Theta Chi's Initiative Academy is an opportunity for undergrad leaders to work in a cohort group to focus on brotherhood, professional networking, and growing yourself as a leader. From 7/10-7/13 was on the campus of Indiana with 40 other OXs from all over the country.
• The 27th annual OX Ocean City Fishing Weekend Away was held from 7/25-7/27.  Over 50 OX alumni invaded Ocean City, Maryland for the annual OX Fishing trip.  Thursday night we convened for a Happy Hour/Close Down the Bar at Fager’s and on Day 2 of the Fishing Trip we had a pregame happy hour at Teasers.  The fish were only biting for Scott Chismar and Adam Marcus but the floating happy hour on the boat was great.  A lot of guys invaded Seacrets late night and survived to make it back safe and sound.  On Saturday we had a beach day and Saturday night hangout at Saad’s house to close the weekend.
• OX Alpha Psi hosted the alumni IFC/PHA leader happy hour at the House on 7/23 to bring alumni leaders together for collaboration and planning to help make the Greek system better at UMD.

August

• August 2025 Alpha Psi Undergrad/Alumni Work Party a Huge Success:  We got a ton of work done to include a major project to patch and seal the wall at the bottom of the steps as you come into the basement. We did a ton of work to declutter the House (filled up an entire dumpster). We painted, patched, cleaned and staged all the rooms for the 35 undergrads to move in. We fixed doors, repaired tiles, installed security cameras, locked down sump pumps and thermostats, fixed toilets and countless other tasks around the House.  A big thanks to the 12 alumni who supported the effort to   get the House ready for the new school year during the weekend of 8/16-8/17: David Reyes (F96), Mark Dahl (F90), James Sutherland (F96), Tom Gardner (F88), John DeRosa (F88), Rob Gloekler (F88), Kyle Campbell (S15), Albie Esposito (S90), Jeff Lunenfeld (S89), Mike McCormick (F90), Jim Mulligan (F89), and Jay Kilbourne (S88). Nine undergrads joined us this weekend as well.
• Summer House Beautification Effort-Landscaping and Railroad Ties Refresh:  In early August we had all of our garden beds refreshed/mulched, plants trimmed, trees cut down on the Theta side of the House, and those rotten railroad ties replaced.  We also contracted with a local landscaping company and lawn service to bring our front lawn back to life.  We killed all the weeds and did two aeration/seeds applications and instituted a watering regiment.  Hopefully this Spring we will have the start of a lush green front lawn.
• The House Corporation welcomed 35 residents as they moved into the House for the 2025-2026 school year. This year all 35 residents were OXs.
• The Alumni Association released the 2025 limited-edition OX Tailgate Season T-Shirts.  Just go to www.thetachimaryland.com and click on donate to get one for yourself! The back of the shirt has the entire Terps football schedule combined with this season’s OX AA social events!

September

• In September, the OX House Corp had our HVAC air ducts cleaned and did some deep cleaning in and around the House.  We did some air quality testing as well.  Our kitchen is getting a lot of use and there seems to always be something to fix there.  We purchased some new desks, beds and dressers for the bedrooms.  We replaced the panic bars on our fire doors throughout the House.
• The OX AA sponsored our first football tailgate of the year on Friday 9/5 vs Northern Illinois.  The tailgate was held on our newly expanded tailgate footprint in Lot 1C.  Food, beer, Scotty's, raffle items, T-shirts, and well over 200 OX alumni and undergrads were present.
• The Alumni Association sponsored the 53rd Annual OX Crab Feast on 9/20.  Brother Jason Tepper (S90) worked the grill and Rob Mercer (F84) and Brother Slo Van Dyke (F71) were the master of ceremonies for the annual tradition.  We had over 200 brothers and guests attend this year’s event.
• The undergraduate chapter had their largest Fall rush in years and the OX Alumni Association sponsored food for some of their recruitment events at the House.

October

• The OX AA continued to provide a robust social schedule with back-to-back football game tailgates on 10/4 vs Washington and 10/11 vs Nebraska.
• OX AA Golf Tourney and Happy Hour at House.   On Friday, 10/3 the "SNIDELY" Memorial Golf Tourney was held to honor Paul J. Richardson who was an Alpha Psi brother who passed away in 2015. Paul held numerous offices in the House, including President in 1983.  The 2025 tournament was held at the UMD Golf Course. We have 36 Alpha Psi alumni golfers playing in the tourney this year that is organized annually by Chris "Peanut" Grant (F80).  The foursome of Brian Goodwin (F89), Tom Mavrikes (F89), Ebo Olds (S90) and Kevin Brown (F88) won this year’s tourney for the 3rd time in four years.  After the tourney everyone headed back to the House for an awards ceremony happy hour and a round of talks for the good of the fraternity.
• Lintel Replacement Project Kicked Off:  Our long-awaited lintel replacement project was kicked off this Fall. The OX House Corp had 10 cracked lintels (stone structure above the windows in the face of the House) replaced.  The cost of this project was $23,500 and the project completed in November 2025.
• Successful House Fire Inspection:  On 10/2 the City of College Park and PG County gave us our annual fire inspection.  We passed with flying colors as a result of great up keep of the House and a ton of thoughtful pre-work.

November

• On 11/1/2025 the OX A) organized one of their signature social events of the year…our Homecoming Tailgate.  The event was held before (and after) the Terps football game against Indiana.  We had well over 250 brothers attend this year.
• The Fall 1988 pledge class took the opportunity to have a reunion that weekend and their pledge class also raised $2,600 to sponsor the tailgate.  They had 15 of their 27 original pledge class mebers come back to share in the weekend activities.  We hope this sponsorship/reunion model is something that can be replicated in future years.
• During our Homecoming Tailgate on11/1, the Paul J. Richardson (F79) Theta Chi for Life scholarship committee bestowed the Theta Chi for Life Leadership Award and Scholarship to undergrad brothers Ayaan Bohra (F23), Jackson Hochhauser (F23), and Landon Fiery (F23).  The Paul J. Richardson Theta Chi for Life Leadership Award is a chapter fund established to honor Paul's legacy and to support the collegiate men of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Theta Chi at the University of Maryland. The fund provides annual scholarships and resources for eligible members of the chapter who demonstrate service and leadership to the fraternity, and it is presented during Homecoming Weekend.
• Three distinguished alumni were awarded the 2025 Helping Hand Award at Homecoming.  Congrats to Scotty Nash (F85), Chris Marchand (S85) and David Reyes (F96) for their recognition as the 2025 Theta Chi Alpha Psi Helping Hand Award recipients.  Each year we recognize outstanding contributions from Alpha Psi alumni and these three brothers were the 2024 recipients.  As the tradition of the Alpha Psi Helping Hand Award goes, the awardee gets the honor of selecting next year’s recipient.
• On 11/22, the Alumni Association held their 4th Annual Chili Cook off tailgate at the Michigan vs Terps football game.  We had nine chili entries in the contest, and this year‘s winners were Andy Kopsidas (S88), followed by Rob Duda (S85) and Keith Shorter (F87).  Big thanks to Jeff Lunenfeld (S89) for organizing the event in 2025.
• Fall 2025 Red OX Review Alumni Newsletter is published (LINK)
• New undergrad Officer elections:  In early November, the undergraduates elected a new slate of officers to run the day to day of the undergraduate chapter.  Below are the 2025/2026 undergrad exec officers:
  • President: Connor Crossan. Hometown: Ellicott City, MD. Major: Accounting.
  • Vice President: Spencer Bradley. Hometown: Fairfield, CT. Major: Aerospace Engineering.
  • VP of House Systems: Ian Alexander. Hometown: Sykesville, MD. Major: Letters and Sciences.
  • House Manager: Eric Rudo. Hometown: Elkridge, MD. Major: Computer Science.
  • Steward: Shawn Agrawal. Hometown: Columbia, MD. Major: Environmental Engineering & Sustainable Agriculture.
  • Treasurer: Anthony Caine. Hometown: Potomac, MD. Major: Finance.
  • Rush: Jacob Cohen. Hometown: Simsbury, CT. Major: Finance.
  • Rush: Yianni Limneos. Hometown: Baltimore County, MD. Major: Agricultural Business Management.
  • Rush: Hayden Speace. Hometown: Eldersburg, MD. Major: Journalism.
  • Marshal: Brady Cournoyer. Hometown: Poolesville, MD. Major: Undecided.
  • Marshal: Johnny Markos. Hometown: Olney, MD. Major: Public Health Science.
  • Social: Finn Hugh-Jones. Hometown: Greenwich, CT. Major: Finance.
  • Social: Luke Salzman. Hometown: Silver Spring, MD. Major: Finance.
  • Social: Jason Zappone. Hometown: Darnestown, MD. Major: Finance.
  • Secretary: Jackson Kaye. Hometown: Ardsley, NY. Major: Economics.
  • Scholarship: Jackson Frame. Hometown: Fairfield, CT. Major: Finance.
  • Philanthropy: Benji Nagiel. Hometown: Ellicott City, MD. Major: Finance.
  • Chairman of the Board: Evan Price. Hometown: Potomac, MD. Major: Finance & Accounting.
• In November, the OX AA introduced the 1929 Club Reserve Bourbon Whiskey – Limited Edition by Elijah Craig.  The OX Alpha Psi Alumni Association proudly offered a special fundraising release: a handcrafted, limited-edition bottle of 1929 Club Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, produced in partnership with Elijah Craig.  This exclusive bourbon is available for $75, with pre-orders open now through January 31, 2026.  All proceeds support Alpha Psi alumni programming, scholarships, and undergraduate engagement.

December

• OX Alumni Association Budget Finalized for 1st Half of 2026.  Leaders of the OX Alumni Association gathered in mid-December to plan out the first half of 2026 and to determine a budget for all of the scheduled events and expenditures to support alumni and undergraduate programs.

What’s up with OX Alpha Psi for 2026?

The OX Alpha Psi Alumni Association, Chapter Advisory Board, and Housing Corporation enter 2026 with a ton of momentum.  Our undergraduate chapter is one of the strongest fraternizes at UMD.  Our alumni and undergraduates should expect to see more from these three groups in 2026 and we expect to see more engagement from our brotherhood.  Below is a summary of what to expect this year:

• We hope (and need) to recruit more alumni to help with the Alumni Association, Chapter Advisory Board, and Housing Corporation efforts.
• Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 Rush will help to increase the numbers in our undergraduate chapter. The OX AA and CAB will continue to support the undergraduates in their rush efforts.
• Our Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) will continue to work with the undergraduates to guide and advise them on best practices for running the chapter.
• In the Fall 2026 we hope to have the House full of OXs for the 26-27 school year.
• The Resolute Men monthly fundraising campaign will look to add contributors in January 2026.  
• OX Alumni-led career events to help provide career advice to our undergraduates
• More Red OX Review quarterly newsletters will be published.
• Five cornerstone Alumni Association social events will be held…Founders Day (April), OX Alpha Psi Founding Celebration (June), OX Ocean City Fishing Trip (August), Crabfeast (Fall), Homecoming Golf and Tailgate (Fall).  
• Planning is underway for our first ever Founders Day Lacrosse Tailgate event on April 12th, 2026. 
• More Alumni Association sponsored football tailgates.
• The House Corporation will continue to work hard to maintain our most cherished possession…the House.