When he visited Phi Kappa Sigma during rush, Dean Ranlof ’24 made instant connections, which led him to join during fall 2021 as a part of the Alpha Gamma class.
“There were several reasons that I decided to join Skull House,” he said. “The main reason, however, was the close-knit brotherhood. From newly active guys all the way up to the seniors, everyone in the house had a tight bond that could be felt almost immediately on zone day.
“Throughout rush week, I got to meet more of the brothers and learned that I had a lot in common with many of them. Whether it was common hometowns, majors, high school activities, sports teams, or general life experiences, I could find a similarity with everyone that I spoke to during that week. This made me feel at home from the very beginning.”
Meeting the men who would go on to become his brothers also influenced Dean to join Skull House. “Throughout the week,” he said, “I also met some of my future brothers and felt like I was a part of a good group of incoming guys from the get-go, adding to a good nucleus of driven and devoted guys working to make the house the best it could be in various aspects.”
Moving through the chapter and collegiate life, Dean created many good memories with members of the chapter. “The tailgates were always a great time getting everyone together on game day for food, drinks, and games such as cornhole, football, etc.,” he explained. “As the tailgates came to an end, those of us going to the game would walk over to the stadium together and watch the game from the student section as well. This made each weekend in the fall a unique and fun experience.
“Throughout my time in the house, the brothers and I also went on several trips together. From Cabo to Cancun and Las Vegas, I was able to travel to some awesome destinations. As a young person, being able to create lifelong memories, trips together with your brothers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will remember forever.”
The joining of fraternity and philanthropy also made a big impact on Dean. “THON will always be a key memory for me as well,” he said. “I think that our involvement in raising money, attending, and dancing at THON each year was one of the most impactful things we could do as an organization, and I am thankful that I was able to be a part of it as an active member.”
Along with these fun memories, Dean also enjoyed being involved in the business of the chapter in the roles of brotherhood chair, THON donor and alumni relations chair, THON finance chair, and rush committee member. “My time in all these positions allowed me to gain valuable experience in various positions with different functions. I am glad that my work in these positions allowed us to grow and give back as a house as well as allowing me to be involved and contribute to the success of the house.”
All of his experiences in Skull House benefitted Dean, personally and professionally. “Throughout my time in the house, I picked up various interpersonal skills and concrete skills that have transferred over into my adult life and professional career,” he explained. “Some of the interpersonal skills include the value of networking and maintaining strong connections. It also includes not being afraid to lean on people close to you for support during hard times in life.
“I think Skulls also allowed me to meet and interact with a wide variety of people through rush and social events, which has continued to pay dividends in my adult life. Lastly, I gained experience in recruiting, raising money, and planning events throughout my time in positions as an active brother. These concrete skills have transferred well into my career.”
The Havertown, Pennsylvania, native graduated in May 2024 with a degree in supply chain and information systems. He now works as a financial services professional in the greater Philadelphia area. “I want to give back by helping recent Skulls graduates, Skulls alumni, and families of house alumni make good financial decisions designed to accumulate and protect wealth for themselves and their families,” Dean said.
“I look forward to the journey ahead, meeting new people, and making a positive impact,” he explained. Dean doesn’t plan on just working all the time, though. “Personally, I plan to continue developing my hobbies of playing guitar, working out, traveling and giving back to the community by helping to coach my old Catholic Youth Organization football team.”
He learned the value of alumni being engaged as an undergraduate. “Alumni helped me immensely during my time in the house and after. During my time in the house, a few of the ways alumni helped me were by donating to THON, granting me a scholarship through the Phi Kappa Sigma Educational Fund, and through being centers of influence in my life and career.”
As a result, Dean said “without Phi Kappa Sigma, I wouldn’t be the well-rounded individual I am today.”
