President
Before I found Phi Kappa Sigma I lived at home while I went to school. My routine consisted of getting on the bus, going to class, getting back on the bus and going home. I was doing well in school but I felt my U of T experience was lacking something, especially after I began hearing all kinds of incredible stories from friends who had gone away for school. Phi Kappa Sigma made my time at university the well-rounded experience that everyone’s should be. I’ve met people here that I may otherwise never would have known. This fact alone has made this experience more than worth it, but it is also more than that. Every social, every philanthropy event, every officer role offers an opportunity to expand what you know about yourself. Each successive position I’ve taken in the house, especially this year as Alpha, has challenged me more than I expected and given me a chance to better myself.
Steven Belayneh
Vice President
Born: Toronto, raised in Mississauga
High School: Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga
Major: Political Science & International Relations, 3rd year
Work: Champs Sports
Year Pledged:
Fall 2007
I came to
University of Toronto in 2007, St. George in particular
because I thought it would be more fun than either UTM or
Scarborough. I spent my first month kind of excited, but by
the end of September I was bored of simply going to school
and coming home, day after day.
After joining
Phi Kappa Sigma, my university experience has changed
radically. What has surprised me the most are the number of
people I’ve met through the community known as “Fratland,”
some of whom I’ve become close friends with. The experience
is an unparalleled one, with opportunities to gain hands-on
knowledge in operating a business, organizing events such
as our annual Black and Gold Formal, and volunteering with
organizations such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Toronto.
This being my third year, I’ve experienced many of these
opportunities within Phi Kappa Sigma, and one of the most
experience filled ones was being the Gamma, or House
Manager. Being in charge of the day-to-day maintenance and
operation of a house filled with 17 guys is a grueling one,
but really helps you appreciate the house for what it’s for
and what it allows us to do.
Dimitri
Kourkoutis
Second Vice
President
Born: Toronto
High School: Trinity College School
Major: Political Science, 3rd
Year
I joined Phi
Kappa Sigma shortly after Frosh Week in first year. It’s
been a life changing experience since and one that has
positively shaped the person I’ve become three years later.
Phi Kappa Sigma encourages its members to actively
participate in the function of our fraternity thereby
establishing an environment ripe with innovation and
excellence. Since joining Phi Kappa Sigma in Fall 2007 I am
proud to say that I’ve been a part of a continuing legacy
that has defined and set the standard for elite
Fraternities at the University of Toronto. A Distinguished
Chapter Award, Most Improved Chapter, three Greek Week
Championship titles, numerous Recruitment Excellence
Awards, hundreds of hours of community service and a surge
in membership are just a few of the achievements we’ve made
in the last few years.
We’re here
first and foremost to obtain a degree at one of the most
premiere university institutions in the world. At the same
time, we understand that one’s college years are among the
most exciting in life. That’s why the men of Phi Kappa
Sigma pride themselves on living a balanced lifestyle.
Emphasis on scholastic success and athletic achievement are
complimented by the bonds of brotherhood and a social life
that’s unparallel.
Robert Doria
Treasurer
Born: Toronto/Woodbridge
High School: Father Bressani Catholic High School
Major: Finance and Economics, 3rd
Year
Work: Toronto Dominion Bank
Presently,
I am the Treasurer at Phi Kappa Sigma, giving me the title
of Tau. My duties as the treasurer include collecting fees
from members, creating and implementing a budget, paying
bills and keeping updated financial records. Phi Kappa
Sigma is a great place for me to hone my management skills
as there is a constant effort amongst all brothers to bring
our organization to a higher level, and finances has a lot
to do with that. The fraternity is also great because it
allows me to meet all kinds of different people that I
would not have other wised met. The various mixers and
social events that we have ensure that there is never a
dull or boring moment in my life.
In my spare time I enjoy playing and watching various
sports, with basketball being my favourite. I really enjoy
music and I am always willing to watch a good film.
Corey
Diamond
Member Educator
Born: Markham
High School: Brother Andre Catholic
Major: French and Chemistry, 3rd
Year
Currently, I am the present Iota; as you surely know, this
role is central to making sure the pledges are aware of our
rich history. When I am not busy with schoolwork or
tutoring, I enjoy playing bass and reading. I joined Phi
Kappa Sigma for a few reasons. First, I was prompted to
come check the place out by my father, Roger Diamond as
well as my brother Christian Diamond, both of whom are
members. While I was at first attracted by the social
aspect, I’ve since come to realize the opportunity this
fraternity presents for those willing to take advantage of
them. Where else could a 20 year old have a chance to
manage 30 people and take care of a 100 year old house? As
well, vital connections are made with alumni, who are often
helping in a variety of ways.
Mark Vukman
Sgt. of Arms
I
was initiated in the Spring 2008 pledge class of Alpha Beta
chapter. I am currently attending the University of Toronto
in the French/Sociology programs as a third year student. I
initially started in the Political Science program. I hope
to continue to graduate with a high enough GPA to further
my education with a post graduate degree, hopefully at the
Royal Military College in Kingston, as I will be pursuing a
part-time career with the Armed Forces, starting in the
reserves at the end of 2009. Offices I have previously held
in the Fraternity were the Chapter Historian (Humorist) and
the House Manager, both in the 2008-2009 academic year. For
the 2009-2010 academic year I was elected as the
Sergeant-at-arms. My three main achievements thus far with
the Theta position were promoting for an in-house deputy
Theta, the installation of bars on several windows that
could not lock properly, and the stimulation of greater
awareness for the need for house
security. For the future, I would like to continue to build
on the attitude and awareness for house security.
Dillon Sookbir
Secretary
Born: Port of
Spain, Trinidad
Major: Specialist in Political Sciences,
3rd
year
Joining Phi
Kappa Sigma is and always will be a milestone in my life.
Being a part of a brotherhood that promotes scholarly and
philanthropic activities, it was an easy choice to join.
Networking with alumni and brothers has been very
beneficial, as well as learning how to become an
entrepreneur. While my first year in the fraternity focused
on acquainting myself with brothers and observing events,
my role has greatly changed with experience. This year I
have been involved in planning of social mixers with
sororities as well as a full commitment to philanthropy
events, such as; Leukemia run and the Leafs 50/50. Being
apart of committees allows one to gain knowledge of
different aspects of the Fraternity. In addition I have
gained an officer role, being the secretary I am in charge
of amending, annulling or ratifying our chapter’s by-laws.
Increasingly, I am in charge of communicating
with brothers dealing with important events as well
communicating with National. Being Sigma, I take record of
Meeting minutes as well attend executive meeting while
hosting by-law meetings three times a month. This officer
position has taught me a lot about the management of
this fraternity as
well as essentials to being organized in a very productive
manner.
Phi
Kappa Sigma allows me to enjoy my University life,
sociably, scholarly and philanthropically while being
surrounded and encouraged by my brothers. For this, I am so
grateful to be a part of this organization as well to
bestow any and all the support I can to better.
Andrew Misiak
Alumni
Relations
High School: De
La Salle College “Oaklands”
Major: Geographic Information System, 3rd
year
Work: Bank of Nova Scotia
Coming
to the University of Toronto, I looked to further expand my
horizons, academically but also socially. I wanted
something that would further prepare me for a future
business career. Thus far Phi Kappa Sigma has been that and
much more. It has been an experience that includes various
social events ranging from mixers, alumni events,
philanthropy, and meeting many new people which have all
significantly impacted the person I am.
Having been part of the Phi Kap since 2007, I have
witnessed the growth of our beloved fraternity grow into
what it is today; claiming numerous National PKS and U of T
Greek Community awards, and having brothers dedicate
themselves to countless hours of philanthropy. We have a
tradition of accepting the best men at U of T. Both
athletically, having several U of T Varsity athletes, and
also academically, with members’ majors ranging from
commerce, to life science, to criminology.
I constantly
make it my goal to continue to pass on this passion and
insight to my fellow brothers so that they may also pass it
on to future generations. This is the fire that unites us.
This never satisfied appetite for success.
Nicholas
Nankissor
House Manager
Born: Trinidad
Major: Information Technology Management
I’m Nick
Nankissoor, the current House Manager at PKS. I was born in
the small island of Trinidad. I came to Canada when I was
about two and a half, so most of what I know, is growing up
as a downtown Toronto. During the summer before my first
year of university I was introduced to Phi Kappa Sigma. As
soon as I started checking it out and meeting everyone in
the house I knew it was for me. Growing up with two older
sisters I didn’t have that strong sense of brotherhood
which also drove me to joining. From the day that I was
pinned as a pledge to now; after about a year of membership
I could sincerely say that this has been one of the most
positive experiences of my life. Becoming house manager
gave me the ability to keep in contact with alumni on
a regular basis
and also get hands on experience on being a part of running
this chapter we’re a part of. Looking back; my experiences
at Phi Kap have helped me develop with respect to
organization techniques, problem solving and organizational
structure, which I wouldn’t have otherwise. At the end of
the day its comforting that I have a house full of brothers
to back me up when I need it. I’ll always keep in
mind; “Once a Phi
Kap, Always a Phi Kap.”
Matt Monfaredi
Social
Major:
Political Science and History
From Aurora, Ontario, my parents are Leslie and Reza,
Leslie moved from Glasgow, Scotland and my father Reza from
Tehran, Persia. I am 20 years old and attend University of
Toronto as a double major, studying Political Science and
History. I went to Aurora High School and graduated as a
Ontario Scholar with a degree of bilingualism. I enjoy the
company of my friends and writing short stories. I am a
black belt at Taekwondo, and I also enjoy keeping
physically fit by playing basketball, soccer, and football.
When I came to university I met my future big brother, Matt
Neri, who brought me to the house on the first day of frosh
week, and introduced me to all of the brothers of the
house, and I just fell in love. As my university experience
wore on, I developed a stronger sense of appreciation for
the fraternity, and felt that it was time to take on more
responsibility, so I became the social of the Alpha Beta
chapter, and feel that through my collaborative efforts
thus far have increased our relations with the
sororities of
“Fratland.”