Pi Kappa Alpha - Mississippi State University

Fireman e newsletter for alumni and friends of Gamma eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at Mississippi State University The Summer 2023 I n s i d e : N e w M e m b e r s p. 2 • C h a p t e r O f f i c e r s p. 2 • A C h a p t e r o f E x c e l l e n c e p. 3 • C a l l i n g A l l A l u m n i ! p. 4 • C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s , N e w G r a d u a t e s ! p. 4 BUILDING OUR RELATIONSHIPS We Want to Keep You Connected to Our Brotherhood W e've put another semester in the record books, and I cannot even begin to say how excited and honored I am to be associated with the young men of Pi Kappa Alpha. As chapter advisor, I am so proud of the position the chapter is in and how much these boys are achieving. This was one of the most positive semesters to date with all their accomplishments and achievements. As a fellow brother and alumnus, I know that this success is owed in part to the foundation that has been established by our alumni. Gamma Theta Chapter has had a long and storied history at Mississippi State University going back to our chartering in 1927. I have been extremely fortunate to witness the progression and maturity of the chapter over the past 12 years and hope and pray for continued growth and success. We hosted our annual alumni social back in the fall and, as always, it was a wonderful event. In recent years, we have been able to build on the occasion by incorporating new awards and accolades to honor alumni members. This spring, we held a brunch to provide an opportunity for alumni to connect with active members. We plan on continuing to host both events and look forward to more formal and informal gatherings at the house. We want to build those relationships even more and need your help to do so. The Gamma Theta Chapter house should be a home similar to how it was when you were in school and one that is inviting to everyone and their families. We want this to be a place we are proud to call a home, where alumni come back often to interact with our youngest generation and catch up with the brothers that were a part of their own journeys within PIKE. Be on the lookout for news and updates on events, projects, ideas, and programming we are building up in the next few months as we look to the future! We hope you will get involved one way or another, and can't wait to see you at future brotherhood events. Fraternally, Jay Cook '02 House Corporation President (662) 418-9605 jaycook@bankcom.com P.S. We'd also love your feedback! Share your experiences, thoughts, and suggestions for recruitment recommendations (and anything else) as we strive to constantly improve ourselves and our brotherhood. R eflecting on his time in college, Edwin Keith '67 cannot understate the importance of Gamma Theta as a foundation for success. The 1960s were a great time for Pikes at Mississippi State, and Eddie was fortunate to discover Greek life through high school connections that led to a sense of belonging at Gamma Theta. COLLEGE YEARS "Three of us Gulfport High School graduates were among the 73 men who pledged Gamma Theta that fall," Eddie said. He lived in the PIKE house for several semesters, which was quite a change for Eddie as an only child. Studying and playing IFC sports with Pikes, Eddie enjoyed everything from hanging out in the house den to winning the IFC All-Sports trophy in senior year. "Although we came from different towns and states, had different majors, and were unique individuals, we shared a bond of brotherhood that has been, as our Founders wrote in the Preamble, 'firmer and more lasting.'" Through stints as vice president, recruitment chairman, and pledge educator, Eddie developed valuable skills for teamwork and communication amongst peers. Eddie was even elected as the IFC sports chairman. LIFE BEYOND MISSISSIPPI STATE After college, Eddie underwent basic training for the Army National Guard before studying for his master's degree in counselor education at Mississippi State. He went on to work at the University Counseling Center as a counselor. "Working in student services with college students was my true calling," Eddie explained. He met his wife, Susan, then added a Ph.D. in counselor education from the University of Florida to his résumé. Eddie would spend the next 10 years of his career at counseling centers in Florida and Alabama before returning to MSU to direct the Office of Student Life and later the Colvard Student Union. "One of the highlights of my (Continued on page 2) Edwin Keith '67 Feels Blessed to Be a Pike Bonds Built to Last

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