Fraternity Show Support

Around 40 members of Pi Kappa Phi at Purdue University have shaved their heads; not as a fashion statement, but in support of one of their brothers.

David Feltner, a junior in the College of Technology, is battling his third occurrence of cancer since high school. At Monday night’s chapter meeting, Feltner announced that his cancer returned and he would be dropping out of school immediately.

Instead of letting his hair fall out with the treatment, Feltner asked some of his best friends to shave his head. Jim Vasil, a senior in the School of Management, has known Feltner since he was born. As children they traveled on vacation together many times because their parents were best friends. Vasil was the first one to shave Feltner’s head.

“Emotionally, this was the biggest moment the brothers in the house have been a part of by far,” Vasil said. “He (Feltner) is very caring and tries to always make the best of the situation.”

Dan Cronin, president of Pi Kappa Phi and a senior in the College of Engineering, said to cheer Feltner up, they let him shave someone else’s head.

“Before we knew it, there were 40 guys with shaved heads,” Cronin said.

Mike Lolkus, a junior in the College of Science, said they had four different pairs of trimmers to cut all the brothers’ hair.

“It was emotional for us because we have all gotten to know him,” Lolkus said. “Everyone knows who Feltner is.”
By Sara Smith
Features Editor
Publication Date: 03/04/2010
For Full Story Click Here