Alumni Spotlight

 

Andy Sanders

 

As one of Illinois Eta’s founding fathers, Mr. Andrew Sanders has and continues to be one of the most influential alumni in our chapter, which was founded in 1999. During this period Andy was right there to make Phi Psi what it is today.  Today he is currently the Associate Director of Cost Analysis at AT&T.  While meeting with him I asked if Phi Psi in any way prepared him for his life in the work force. He talked about how Phi Kappa Psi taught him Etiquette and Responsibility. And the ideals that are instilled in Phi Psi are very transferable. As the creed states “ I believe Phi Kappa Psi is a brotherhood of honorable men, Courteous and Cultured who pledge thought their lives to be generous, compassionate, and loyal comrades.” This as he stated, is truer than we know.

 

Sitting at the Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop in Edwardsville, just a short 50 miles from his hometown of Carlyle, we talked about what is important to do as an active Phi Psi. His response was to “always respect your brothers and know that you represent Phi Psi”, which as we all know is true. He also spoke about the need for diversity in our chapter. Without it we would just be a clique.

 

Besides working for AT&T, Andy is also an avid home brewer and has multiple micro-brews on tap at all time. He is currently married to his wife Jeni, whom he meet through a friend while attending SIUe. Together they have one son, Nolan. As one of the most influential and involved alumni it was a pleasure meeting with him.

 

Sam Riney

 

While active Sam served as the chapters BG (recording secretary) and grievance chair. He was also the chapters first IFC representative and later became Chief Justice and then President of IFC. Currently he is 31 and married to his high school sweetheart Kate, who is aChi Omega from WIU. Together they have 2 kids Patrick (3 ½) and Eva (16 months).

 

Sam is a Patrolman First Class with the Alton Police Department and has been working there since January 2005.  He currently serves on the executive board of his local Police Benevolent and Protective Association union as Treasurer. On December 19, 2005 was involved in a near fatal car accident while on patrol, when hit head on my a drunk driver, put into a coma, suffered several nearly fatal injuries (compound fractures to both femurs, shattered skull, brain shearing, broken shoulder, and broken ankle), recovered through massive physical, cognitive, and occupational therapies and was released back to full duty within a year.  

 

He also holds a nidan (2nd degree) black belt in tae kwon do and a 2nd gyup (purple belt) in Kobudo (Okinawan weapons system) and is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi St. Louis Area Alumni Association.  He tries, with the time he has available, to stay active with the chapter and is always willing to help any brothers out. He is readily available via email or cell phone, and if he doesn’t answer immedietly, he will get back to you.