Phi Kappa Tau - Mississippi State University

P H I K A P PA TA U 4 Alpha Chi Is Getting There! Brothers Remain Involved "Getting there!" This is the phrase I would use to describe everyone's mindset as students have returned to campus this fall. Campus operations are beginning to return to normal due to declining numbers of COVID-19 cases in the state. Sporting events are being held without restrictions. Tailgating in the famous Junction outside of Davis Wade Stadium is back. Clubs and other on-campus organizations can meet with much less worry. Most important to a university setting, though, is the return of in- person classes. Academics and involvement have been two of the biggest things this executive council has emphasized to the chapter. Grade-wise, Alpha Chi is a burgeoning entity. This past spring semester, the chapter flaunted one of its highest grade-point averages in recent history: a 3.14! In-house, we have created designated quiet spaces and times so that actives and associates alike can study, whether that be alone or together. Speaking of involvement, two executive council members, Jack Simpson '19 and Neal Pirtle '20, were appointed to the Student Association Cabinet in the spring. Jack was given the health and wellness seat and works with others to promote both the mental and physical health of students on campus. Neal secured the communication and public reach position. He is responsible for marketing for large events, such as Bulldog Bash, the largest free outdoor concert in Mississippi, and Cowbell Yell, where new students learn about sporting traditions (like when to ring their cowbells!). Over the summer, other active members were successful in gaining real-world experience for the future. A recently initiated member, George Willis '21, managed an artist across the country in Los Angeles, California. George was the manager for the artist "Imfalls," who has been described as "Gen Z's newest musical talent." He was able to work out business deals for the artist, who recently released a brand-new music video and has garnered over a million streams on all platforms. This past summer, Alpha Chi was awarded the Norm W. Brown Philanthropy Award, which is given to chapters who raise over $2,000 for the Serious Fun Children's Network. We are in the process of planning new events to raise money for our philanthropy. With COVID-19 restrictions gone, we have started moving back to food nights. Active members in the Phi Kappa Tau outfield rig at Dudy Noble Field. From left: Jerry Long '19, Eric Orsini '17, Colin James '20, Adrian Eggleston '20, Kipp Gehris '20, and Tim Little '17. Phi Kappa Tau brothers at a night baseball game. Phi Kappa Tau brothers at their rig at a Mississippi State game. As stated previously, the men of Alpha Chi are "getting there!" Becoming a man of distinction is not an overnight process, but these guys are sure making it look easy. Fraternally, Ethan Harriel '20 Chapter President Right: Vice President Garrett Harpole '19 serves a volleyball across the net at the house during fall recruitment this year.

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