Phi Kappa Tau - Mississippi State University

A L P H A C H I C H A P T E R 3 W hen Paul Smith '81 joined Alpha Chi Chap- ter of Phi Kappa Tau, he was simply looking for a place to fit in on the large campus. His mentor and brother-in-law encouraged him to join a frater- nity for the many benefits a brotherhood provides. "I hardly knew anyone at MSU," he shared. "I be- lieved this to be a good way to make friends." What makes Phi Kappa Tau truly stand out to Paul is the authenticity of its members. "They're real guys, not pretentious," he shared. This went a long way when he was choosing who he wanted to call brothers, and it's what continues to attract young men at Mississippi State. However, it takes more than just great men of character to attract fu- ture Alpha Chi members—it takes a great house. The Embracing Your Alpha Chi Legacy campaign is underway to provide just that. "The house, the right house, on campus is critical for the survival of the Alpha Chi," Paul said. His own experiences as a young member led him to support the chapter's longevity. "I felt strong enough about what my time meant in the fraternity that I wanted to help others have that experience," he confirmed. Paul re- members the great times he had with his roommate, George Morri- son '81, and the fun times spent on Thursday nights, mainly with the fraternity's little sisters. After graduation, Paul began his career at Owens Corning, where he spent the next 10 years. His division was later sold to Cameron Ashley, and he remained for another seven before branching out on his own. Paul started the com- pany, Roofing and Insulation Supply, with other partners. When they sold the company to Beacon Roofing Supply, Paul remained the branch manag- er for the Roofing Supply Group. His position con- sists of "a lot of coaching, guiding, mentoring, and managing a large business with 21 employees," he explained. Helping his employees reach their goals and helping contractors sell more and make more money is what Paul enjoys most about his work. Through his time in Alpha Chi, Paul was able to experience an exceptional brotherhood that has remained to this day. "I learned I could work with and lead a group of people," he acknowledged. "I gained confidence in my abilities and myself." These skills transferred to both life and work, allowing him to grow into the successful family and busi- nessman he is now. Married to his wife, Sandy, for 28 years, they enjoy having their five children and four grandchildren over to their new house. It's the shared experiences and confidence gained through leadership opportunities which makes giving back to Alpha Chi so worthwhile— to continue the tradition of lifelong friendship, character, leadership, and service. "It takes a village to raise a family," he shared. "The alum- ni are the village and our current and future brothers are our family." Want to connect with Paul? You can reach out to him at pdssmith51@ gmail.com. Right Fraternity, Right Family Why Paul Smith '81 Believes in the Embracing Your Alpha Chi Legacy Campaign Jerry Jacks '52 passed away on February 3, 2018. He was born on July 23, 1931, to the late W.G. and Ouida Jacks of Booneville, Miss. He was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jerry was a member of the Dallas Bay Church of Hixson and served in various positions of the church. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. After leaving the military, he and his wife finished their college work at Mississippi State University. Jerry had a degree in both chemical and mechanical engineering, later joining DuPont in 1957 at the Chatta- nooga plant. After multiple relocations, including 10 years in Monter- rey, Mexico, he retired after 35 years to the Hixson area. Rodney Henry '64 entered Chapter Eternal on December 30, 2017, at 71 years of age. He was born in Ames, Iowa, to returning WWII veteran James "Jimmy" Rudell Henry and Charlotte Stewart Henry on March 12, 1946. He was raised in Bruce, Miss., and later attended Mississippi State University, as did his father and two of his sons. Rodney was a member of the Famous Maroon Marching Band. His love for everything Mississippi State ran so deep that it was believed he bled maroon. Rodney wed Karen Walters in September of 1970 and moved to Dy- ersburg in 1976, where he joined what would become the accounting firm Newbill and Henry CPAs. Rodney loved and enjoyed his clients and their families all 40 years that he practiced. He was the proud father of three sons who participated in various athletics and honors programs all during their school years. CHAPTER ETERNAL "I felt strong enough about what my time meant in the fraternity that I wanted to help others have that experience."

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