FF Fall 2026: Remembering Bryan Gardiner (Phi Lambda, 2012)

A Message from the Foundation

There are meetings that move our mission forward, and there are gatherings that remind us why the mission matters. This quarter, the Foundation was fortunate to experience both in one trip. From planning the next chapter of support for our undergraduates to honoring a beloved Brother with a lasting tribute, our time in State College was a reminder of what this Brotherhood is built on: service, mentorship, and each other.

Q3 Board Meeting in State College

The Foundation Board of Trustees held its third-quarter meeting in State College, PA, at the home of the Phi Lambda Chapter house. The Resident Brothers were gracious hosts, opening their house to the Trustees and staff and making everyone feel welcome from the moment we arrived.

Special thanks go to Renee, the house chef, who kept us well fed throughout the visit. Those who know her are lucky to know her, and those who met her for the first time quickly understood why.

What We Discussed

Two new memorial scholarships. The Board discussed the formation of two additional scholarships, each honoring a Phi Mu (Lehigh University) Chapter Brother whose memory continues to inspire the Fraternity:

• The Craig Wood Memorial Scholarship
• The Howard “Homie” Miller Memorial Scholarship

A heartfelt thank you to the Phi Mu Building Association. These scholarships exist thanks to the generosity of the Phi Mu Building Association, whose donation made it possible to establish both funds. The Foundation is deeply grateful for their support and for their commitment to the Brothers who will benefit from these awards for years to come. Their generosity ensures that Craig and Homie will be remembered through the success of future scholars. Both scholarships will be available for the 2027 application cycle.

New Chapter and individual grants. The Trustees reviewed the implementation of new Chapter and individual grants designed to better support our undergraduates and their professional development. The goal is to give Chapters and individual Brothers more resources to grow as leaders, build their skills, and prepare for life after college.

Development initiatives. The Board also discussed the development initiatives led by Ken Chapel. Strong fundraising is what makes scholarships, grants, and programs like these possible, and the Trustees appreciate the work that goes into expanding the Foundation’s reach and impact.

A Bench in Memory of Bryan Gardiner

When the meeting concluded, the Trustees, staff, and Phi Lambda alumni Brothers came together for the most meaningful part of the weekend: installing a memorial bench in honor of Brother Bryan Gardiner, who passed away in 2026.

Bryan gave a great deal to this Fraternity. He served as a Trustee and volunteered his time as Treasurer, helping steward the resources that support our Brothers. Just as important, he was a key mentor and an exceptional Brother to his Chapter and well beyond it. Many Brothers are better men and better leaders because of his guidance.

Installing the bench was a hands-on way to say thank you. It gives Brothers, visitors, and future generations of Phi Lambda Brothers a place to sit, reflect, and remember. It was a fitting tribute to Bryan and the impact he made at Phi Lambda, and a reminder that the best way to honor a Brother is to carry his example forward.

Brotherhood BBQ

After the installation, everyone gathered for a Brotherhood BBQ, made possible by the wonderful Renee and Crystal. The spread was everything you could want from a perfect cookout: burgers, hot dogs, sausages, mac and cheese, buffalo chicken dip, and all the fixings.

Good food was only part of the day. Alumni and undergraduates shared stories, laughed, reminisced about days gone by, and made new memories together. Moments like these show what Brotherhood looks like in practice, with generations of Brothers sharing a table and a connection that doesn’t fade with time.

Looking Ahead

The Foundation’s work is made possible by the generosity and involvement of our Brothers. As the new scholarships and grants take shape, we invite you to stay connected, share the news with fellow alumni, and consider supporting the Foundation’s mission. Whether through a gift, volunteering your time, or mentoring an undergraduate, there is a place for every Brother to make a difference.

Thank you to the Brothers of Phi Lambda, to Renee and Crystal, and to everyone who helped make this a weekend to remember. And to Bryan: thank you, Brother. You are missed and remembered.