Paragon

February 2026

The Ernie Schmidt Club Grows Again!

Join Us for the Spring Work Weekend March 21-22

Invitation to Spring Founders Day Celebration

Alumni Coach Needed: Treasurer

Alumni Assist With Spring Rush

Chapter Eternal: Frank E. Cockerham ‘48

Upcoming Events

March
Friday, March 20 - Work Weekend Social Event
at Boss Dog Brewing
Saturday, March 21 - Spring 2026 Work Weekend
Saturday, March 22 - Spring 2026 Work Weekend

April
Saturday, April 11 - Undergraduate Spring Founders Day Celebration
Monday, April 20 - Founders Day

May
Sunday, May 31 - 85th Anniversary of
Ohio Alpha Beta Chapter

July
Saturday, July 19 - Summer 2026 Work Weekend
Saturday, July 20- Summer 2026 Work Weekend

October
Saturday, October10 - Fall 2026 Work Weekend
Saturday, October11 - Fall 2026 Work Weekend
https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/ The Ernie Schmidt Club Grows Again!

We would like to thank the 24th and newest member of the Ernie Schmidt Club, Josh Ghiloni ‘03. The monthly commitments of Josh and the prior 23 members of the Ernie Schmidt Club help fund the activities of the Ohio Alpha Beta Alumni Association, including materials for our Work Weekends. Thank you, brothers!
Donate https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/support-our-work/
https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/Join Us for the Spring Work Weekend March 21-22

Our first work weekend of the year will be on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22.

We will kick off the weekend with a social event at Boss Dog Brewing in Cleveland Heights on Friday, March 20 at 7:00pm. All attendees will cover their own food and drink. To RSVP, please reach out to Ken at nagano@ohioalphabeta.org by Tuesday, March 17. 

Getting the House Dialed In for the Season Ahead

Winter has taken its toll, and it's time to reset. This March 21–22, we're focusing on the projects that keep the house running smoothly — fixing what's worn down, finishing what's been started, and tightening up the details that make a big difference day to day. 

What We're Tackling

  • Door Repairs Across the House - Hinges, locks, handles — we're going through and fixing what's loose, sticking, or not working right.
  • Basement Shower Work – Installation and repairs to get this fully functional.
  • Basement Half Bath – After several work weekends of effort, it is time to wrap this one up and make it usable.
  • Foyer Drywall Patch - Cleaning up and restoring one of the first things people see when they walk in.

Core Maintenance

  • Electrical Work - Addressing priority fixes and tightening up problem areas.
  • Outdoor Spring Cleanup (Weather Permitting) - If conditions allow, we'll get a head start on clearing out winter buildup and freshening up the exterior.

Not Handy? Still Needed. There's plenty to do beyond tools and construction.

  • House Manual Project - Help build a clear, organized guide to the house's systems and appliances — something that will pay off for years to come.

The Goal

This weekend is about momentum. Fix the small things. Finish the half-done projects. Eliminate everyday annoyances.

The result? A house that runs better, feels better, and is ready for everything coming next.

Show up ready to contribute however you can — there's a role for everyone.

Let's get after it.  RSVPs for the March Work Weekend on our website help us plan our work, but even if you don’t RSVP feel free to swing by at any time on March 21 and 22 to help or say hello.

Can’t make it that weekend? Support us in spirit with a donation to help fund our repairs.
Donate https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/support-our-work/
https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/Invitation to Spring Founders Day Celebration

I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the undergraduate chapter, I am excited to invite you to join us for our 2026 Spring Founders Day Celebration.

This year's Founders Day event will be held at Negative Space on April 11th from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. We are looking forward to an evening of celebration and brotherhood, and we would be honored to have our alumni in attendance.

Prior to the Founders Day event, we will host an alumni cocktail gathering at the Phi Kappa Theta house beginning at 4:00 PM. This will provide a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni and current members before heading to the main event.

Additional details regarding registration and payment will be shared in March. We hope you will consider joining us for this special occasion as we celebrate our chapter's legacy and the continued strength of Phi Kappa Theta.

Cameron Markowitz
Undergraduate Alumni Chair
https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/Alumni Coach Needed: Treasurer

The members of the Alumni Coaching Committee mentor the elected leadership of the undergraduate chapter help make them more effective. We would like to thank our current coaches:

Cassiel Yuzik ‘21 – Coaching Committee Chair & Chapter President Coach
Max Alexy ‘24 – VP House Coach
Tim Kill ‘24 – VP Membership Coach
Isaiah Taylor ‘23 – VP Programming Coach

Would you like to join this list? We are currently looking for an alumnus brother to serve as our next Treasurer Coach. You'll be paired directly with the chapter's undergraduate Treasurer to provide mentorship, guidance, and accountability in managing the chapter's finances.

What we're looking for:

  • Brothers who have previously served as Chapter Treasurer, or who have professional experience in finance, accounting, or a related field.
  • Commitment to meeting with the active treasurer at least once a month (biweekly preferred), for 15-30 minutes.
  • Availability for one monthly Alumni Coaching Board meeting (~1 hour)

This is a meaningful, low-time-commitment way to stay involved and make a direct impact on the chapter's success. If you're interested or want to learn more, reach out to Cassiel Yuzik at csyuzik@ohioalphabeta.org.
https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/Alumni Assist With Spring Rush
On January 30, the undergraduate chapter took a group of potential new members (PNMs) to Quaker Steak & Lube in Valley View. This event was funded by the Ohio Alpha Beta Alumni Association. The undergraduates and PNMs were joined by a number of alumni who came to answer questions and talk about why brotherhood is for life. Thank you to those alumni who attended:

Max Alexy ‘24
Russell Bigham ‘24
Josh Ghiloni ‘03
Tim Kill ‘24

Ken Nagano ‘01
Davey Rowan ‘00
Isaiah Taylor ‘23

 

https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/Chapter Eternal: Frank E. Cockerham ‘48

The Winter 2026 Edition of the Case Alumnus Magazine reported the passing of Frank E. Cockerham ‘48, in Melbourne, Florida. He was 99. We were unable to find an obituary.

The Ohio Alpha Beta Alumni Association extends its condolences to the family, friends and fraternity brothers of Brother Cockerham.  May his memory be a blessing, and may they know peace.

If you are aware of the passing of one of our brothers, please inform us by responding to this email. Thank you.
Donate https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/support-our-work/ https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/ Paragon Archives https://www.ohioalphabeta.org/paragon-newsletter/
Ohio AB Alumni LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9270143/   Ohio AB ALumni Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/PhiKapOHABAlumni
     

The Ohio Alpha Beta Alumni Association exists to connect the over 1000 alumni of the Phi Kappa Theta Ohio Alpha Beta chapter at Case Western Reserve University through events, newsletters, and other gatherings.

Our subsidiary organization, the Ohio Alpha Beta Housing Corporation, exists to own, maintain, and improve the Ohio Alpha Beta Chapter House located at 11016 Magnolia Drive, Cleveland, OH, 44106.

Please add @‌ohioalphabeta.org to your contact list to ensure delivery of the Paragon.

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11016 Magnolia Dr
Cleveland, OH 44106
United States