Pi Kappa Alpha - University of Texas

7 www.texaspike.com P ike traditionally hosts a fall Parents Weekend. On October 2, parents enjoyed dinner with their sons at Abel's on the Lake, and on Saturday a small game-watching party and brunch took place in the new chapter house. A good time was had by all despite the gridiron loss to TCU. Pike will also host a Dad's Weekend in March and a Mom's Weekend in April 2021. Parents Weekend 2020 ONCE A PIKE, ALWAYS A PIKE Remembering a Pike Giant, Mickey Elliott '47 M ickey V. Elliott '47 entered Chapter Eternal peacefully on August 19, three days after his 94th birthday. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris, and is survived by his sons, Mike Elliott '76 and Mark Elliott '78 (Donna); his daughter, Amanda; and three granddaughters, all of whom he loved dearly. After graduating high school early at the age of 16, Mickey started college at The University of Texas at Austin and was a proud member of the Longhorn Marching Band. However, World War II had begun, and as soon as he was old enough to do so, Mickey enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-12 officers training program at UT. The Navy subsequently transferred him to Princeton University and then to Columbia University for further naval officer training. Following V-J Day, when the war was finally over, Mickey was reassigned by the Navy to go to the Caribbean and to South America to captain Navy tanker ships operating in those waters back to harbor in New York City and New Orleans. As a young naval officer visiting New Orleans, he first experienced and quickly developed a love of delicious, fresh Gulf seafood, fine French and Cajun cuisine and New Orleans jazz music. Upon discharge from the Navy, Mickey returned to The University of Texas at Austin to finish his college education, graduating from the UT Business School in 1949. During those years, he became a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha, where he made many close friendships, many of which he maintained throughout his life. As a senior, he was elected vice president of the UT student body, was honored as a UT Outstanding Student his senior year, and was very proud to have been selected to be a member of the Silver Spurs service organization, which took great care of the iconic Longhorn mascot, BEVO. Mickey was an active and generous Beta Mu alumni over many, many years. When Mike (chapter president in the late 1970s) and Mark were in the chapter, Mickey always lent a hand to Houston State Rush weekends. From his retirement home of Austin, until his health declined in recent years, Mickey regularly attended Pike Senior Sendoff lunches funded by Austin alumni for graduating seniors in December and May annually. Mickey led an interesting life from growing up in the small East Texas town of Hemphill to entering college at UT and naval service in WWII and built a very successful company with good friends. His wonderful family, Pike friendships, and the Methodist Church were all important touchstones in his well-lived, values-driven life. Beta Mu salutes this member of the Greatest Generation, a 73-year member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Texas Exes, Silver Spurs, and a true gentleman of the old school! Sophomore pledge Matthew Ford of Fort Worth and parents Linda and Kevin. Friday night's dinner.

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