Phi Kappa Tau - Mississippi State University

A L P H A C H I C H A P T E R 3 F or our spring 2022 semester at Alpha Chi, we decided that our theme is going to be "Getting in Touch with Our Roots." We have come a long way as a chapter and have done some pretty amazing things over the years, whether we were housed on campus or not, and that is what this semester has been all about. The current active chapter has reached an astronomical milestone—$1.5 million raised for a permanent home! Thank you to all of the volunteers and donors who supported the capital campaign. The executive council has decided to take this time to reflect on the past few years to see what we have done right, what we have done wrong, and what we can do better moving forward. CONNECTING WITH ALUMNI Another big point of emphasis for this year's executive council is alumni engagement. It seems that all too often a young man comes to college, joins a fraternity, earns his degree, and then moves on with his life. We are working to change that. Our current VP of alumni relations, Garrett Harpole '19, threw an excellent crawfish boil recently to which over 30 alumni attended. Our past VPAR, Kipp Gehris '20, has built a bond with alumnus Eric Jonas '85 that has both helped reengage Eric with the chapter and helped his community, as the chapter has done multiple cleanup days. HELPING OTHERS Of course, the chapter is still doing philanthropy events and getting involved on campus. In fact, our current philanthropy chairmen have put together a dunk tank that we hope to grow into a full carnival in the coming years. We are also proud of multiple brothers who have been elected to the Student Association as well as other positions in organizations across campus. Active members are also doing well academically, earning an overall GPA above 3.0 this past semester. THANK YOU, ALUMNI All that being said, this newsletter is for you— the alumni—and we want to take a minute to thank each one of you for doing what you have done so that we can be here today. Without you, this would not exist. Whether you have donated your money or your time, we appreciate it more than you will ever know. Fraternally, Ethan Harriel '20 President BROTHERHOOD BULLETIN CHAPTER ETERNAL John R. Prince '48 – August 12, 2021 Joseph D. Gordon '56 – March 29, 2021 James "Jim" White '65 – January 24, 2022 Gary K. Davis '68 – January 17, 2021 Ronald W. Humphrey '68 – January 6, 2022 Harold Ingram '68 – February 17, 2021 Barry L. Greenlee '70 – July 16, 2021 James Doddridge '77 – March 22, 2021 ALUMNI NEWS Willard W. Welborn II '62 is a cancer survivor and not yet retired. He hopes to resume his career as a consultant in the oilfield despite turning 80 this year. He resides in Meadows Place, Texas. Email: wwwelborn@aol.com Phillip Lovitt '70 is retired; he now plays music in a party band and spends a lot of time in Starkville for sporting events. He resides in Hattiesburg, Miss. Email: philliplovitt@gmail.com Paul D. Smith '81 retired on February 5, 2021, after a 37-year career. He is enjoying time with his wife and family and resides in Canton, Ga. Email: pdssmith51@gmail.com Donald Pinkston '15 serves as a regional security officer in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Email: donaldpinkston@yahoo.com What three things come to mind when you think about Alpha Chi? "Fellowship, dedication to community, Bulldog spirit." –Lee T. Wyatt III '67 "Brotherhood, friends for life, fun parties." –Jimmy A. Armstrong '68 "Brotherhood, leadership, personal growth." –Paul D. Smith '81 What are your favorite memories from spending time with Phi Kappa Tau brothers at Mississippi State? "Jim Armstrong '68 and I rehabbed the back house and spent good time there—joined later on by Walt "Bunny" Costilow '68." –Paul G. Bernheim Jr. '68 "Beer busts at Lu's, card games at the house, parties/formals, and relaxing with brothers." –Phillip Lovitt '70 "My roommate, George Morrison '81, Thursday-night little sister parties, my leadership positions, and building friendships for life." –Paul D. Smith '81 What keeps you connected to Phi Kappa Tau as an alumnus? "I believe in the great organization and find a way to keep up with former students." –William Irby '61 "Friends I see that were here when I was; going to Starkville and campus."–Phillip Lovitt '70 "I want others to continue to have the same opportunities and connection to brotherhood." –Paul D. Smith '81 "Memories and Denny Daniels '90." –Donald Pinkston '15 GROWING THE BROTHERHOOD Alpha Chi Develops Men of Character This Semester Tim Little '17, Jack Flower '20, Gunner James '20, and Frank Mueller '20 in Gatlinburg, Tenn., for spring break. Ethan Rogers '21, Blake Ford '21, and Sumner Baas '21 attending the Northern Kentucky baseball series in the fraternity rig. It's puppy love for Collier Rogers '20 as he volunteers at the West Point Animal Shelter.

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