Ted Scharfenstein
Since then, Ted has been active with the fraternity holding a number of positions through the years including Chapter Advisor, Area Governor, National Vice President and National President. He also served as the Board Chairman and Executive Vice President of the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. He was selected as Mr. Pi Kappa Phi in 1983. His wife of 45 years, Madeline, was the Rose Queen at Epsilon Chapter, Davidson College.
If you could start college again tomorrow, what would you do differently? Why?
While at Florida Southern I majored in Fraternity. We had a great Brotherhood and many of our members have remained life-long friends. The regret, and it is sincere, is that I did not apply myself academically. There were simply too many things to do that were more fun than the books! I did well enough to get into George Washington University for a MBA, but even that was enabled more by the times than my academic record.
What have been your two or three most important/meaningful Pi Kappa Phi experiences?
I was on the National Council for nine years: 1970-72, Vice President; 1972-77, National President; and 1977-79, Past National President. During these nine years which basically encompassed the worst of the Vietnam War, Pi Kappa Phi added chapters, bought two acres for a new Headquarters in Charlotte, NC, built and occupied the building. In addition, we accepted the concept of a national project and approved Push America (then PUSH) as our central owned philanthropy. Of course, Durward was the strong hand at the till. One of those councils was entirely composed of men who would be selected as a Mr. Pi Kappa Phi. It had certainly had never happened in the past and, I don’t think since that time.
Over the course of your history with Pi Kappa Phi, you’ve seen the Fraternity become a lifelong brotherhood of leaders. Can you explain what you’ve recently learned about leadership in your own life?
I have been a member of the Board of Directors of Rockport National Bank for 31 years and its Chairman for 23 years. We constantly evaluate business investments as well as investing in home mortgages. My tenure with Pi Kappa Phi helped me develop a core sense of values that help guide my leadership and decision making.
What qualities do you look for in the people with whom you surround yourself, personally or professionally?
Honesty, integrity, the ability to think and act responsibly, the ability to communicate and finally a well- developed sense of family and community.
The collegiate experience has changed greatly since you were an undergraduate member. Regardless of that change, what is a piece of advice you would give to current undergraduates or young alumni that is still applicable today?
A college education is a frightfully expensive proposition. Academically, what I did almost sixty years ago (1957-61) would get a young man bounced in five minutes today. Understand the economic bargain you have struck (regardless of who’s paying the bill). Give your studies the attention they deserve. “Do your best” works for more than the Boy Scouts. And by the way, Pi Kappa Phi is the best decision you have made in your young lives.