This summer has been yet another reminder of what sets Alpha Xi apart. Our commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service has never been stronger. As we reflect on the momentum built over the past few months, it is clear that our chapter is not only setting the standard at the University of Cincinnati but continuing to lead on the national stage.

In May, 46 brothers began summer internships across a wide range of industries. From commercial real estate to electrical engineering, consulting, construction management, and biomedical research, our members are applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real world environments. This wide professional footprint highlights the ambition and versatility of our chapter. These internships not only strengthen our individual resumes, but also expand the influence and reputation of Alpha Xi across countless industries.

June brought further confirmation of our academic dominance. We received our official spring semester grade report, and once again, we led the pack. With a chapter-wide GPA of 3.53 across 170 members, we earned the highest average GPA of any fraternity on campus. To put that in perspective, the next highest group was a chapter of six members with a 3.404 average. Our year-long academic average of 3.51 proves this was not a one-time achievement, but the result of a sustained commitment to academic excellence. These numbers are more than just statistics. They represent countless hours of late-night study sessions, tutoring partnerships within the house, and a culture where success in the classroom is not just encouraged, it is expected.

In July, several executive board members and I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to attend the biannual Thomas C. Tillar Leadership Academy. This experience allowed us to connect with chapter leaders from across the country and build relationships with the national fraternity. We had the opportunity to meet our new chapter consultant Jaden Melton, a recent

graduate of Boise State. His energy and insight are already proving to be valuable as we prepare for the year ahead.

While at Academy, Alpha Xi once again made our presence known by sweeping the awards. We brought home eight national awards, including our 15th consecutive Smythe. Alongside it, we earned the Raymond L. Orians Excellence Award, the Scholarship Plate, the 100 Percent Phi Phi K A Club Award, the 25 Man Commitment Award, IFC Participation Award, Athletics Award, and the Community Service Award. These awards are not given lightly. They reflect our strength across every category the national fraternity evaluates, including academics, leadership, philanthropy, brotherhood, and campus involvement. We are not just winning on our campus. We are dominating nationally, year after year. I want to personally thank Luke Benscoter and last year’s executive board for their leadership and direction, as well as every active member who contributed to these accomplishments.

As we look forward to the fall, recruitment sits at the center of our focus. The foundation has been laid, and now it is time to build. Our recruitment team has been working tirelessly throughout the summer. From designing a full schedule of fall events to strengthening relationships across student organizations and UC staff, everything has been intentional and purpose-driven. This fall, we are aiming not just to match past results, but to exceed them.

Our goal is to bring in a new member class that is sharp, driven, and ready to contribute to the legacy of Alpha Xi. We are seeking young men who hold themselves to a high standard, who want to be a part of something greater than themselves, and who are ready to grow as leaders, scholars, and brothers. With the reputation we have built and the support systems in place, there has never been a better time to join our chapter. Every brother has a role to play in the success of this recruitment season, and we are counting on each other to show potential new members what makes this place so special.

We enter the school year with momentum, pride, and clear purpose. I am proud to serve as SMC of a chapter that continues to raise the bar in every category.

Best,

Harry Lefker, Omega 46

2025-2026 SMC

University of Cincinnati

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity - Alpha Xi Chapter