Pi Kappa Alpha - Mississippi State University

2 PIKE Transcending Generations "Pi Kappa Alpha has been a pivotal part of my college experience. The friendships, values, and experiences I've gained through this fraternity have shaped me into a better person and have completely changed my life." –Ryan "I don't have the words to describe how proud I am of Ryan and what he has accomplished thus far." –Scot S cot McMinn '88 went through recruitment at the behest of his now wife with no intention of pledging, but as he got to know the diverse, genuine men of Gamma Theta and saw their strong bond, he knew it was the place for him. While Scot's affiliation was a factor in Ryan '20 joining, it was PIKE's strong sense of brotherhood that drew Ryan in, and it was evident that the brothers wanted to get to know him. PIKE also encouraged him to get involved in leadership positions within the chapter and on campus. Just like his father before him, Ryan now serves as chapter president. It has been special to Scot to be able to pass along what he learned during his time and offer a sympathetic ear, and getting advice and wisdom from Scot has been invaluable to Ryan. "I believe we have a deeper understanding of each other's experiences and the values that PIKE has instilled in us," Ryan said. While being president has been challenging for Ryan, it has also been rewarding as he helps ensure Gamma Theta continues to thrive. Under his presidency, the chapter received its first Orians Excellence Award. At the PIKE Leadership Academy last summer, Ryan was honored to be one of 12 men nationally to receive the Undergraduate Award of Distinction from the North American Interfraternity Council, which recognizes his leadership in the chapter and on campus. Attending the event was inspiring to Scot. "Hearing stories of adoration about your son from adult leaders you are only just meeting is a humbling and proud moment for a parent." In August, Ryan was one of two Pikes selected to serve as undergraduate vice president on the Pi Kappa Alpha Supreme Council. He has loved representing Gamma Theta nationally and helping to shape the future of the fraternity. Scot and Ryan have loved sharing the PIKE brotherhood with each other, and they have many fond memories—their most cherished to date being Ryan's initiation, where Scot pinned his PIKE pin to Ryan's lapel. They've also enjoyed several alumni and parent events where Scot has met Ryan's brothers and parents (which is special when those parents are also alumni!), and Ryan has met Scot's fraternity brothers. "I think being able to share this bond with my dad and attend alumni events with him has given me a deeper appreciation and understanding of Pi Kappa Alpha's brotherhood and how it transcends generations," Ryan said. In his career, Scot is a manager of program management at FedEx. PIKE taught him how to lead by letting his team know that he cares more about them than the task at hand, and he has leaned into that concept since. "I believe a true leader makes a conscience choice every day to take care of the people around them," he said. Regardless of the FedEx team I lead or what our objective may be, building those relationships and earning the trust of the team always leads to a successful outcome." In PIKE, Scot and his brothers discovered who they wanted to become and grew into men together. His friendships remain strong today, and whenever he and his brothers get together, even after decades, they'll always pick back up as if they were together yesterday. You can connect with Scot at rsmcminn@fedex.com and Ryan at rsm334@msstate.edu. CHAPTER OFFICERS President Adam Ritter '22 External Vice President Tanner Lunn '21 Internal Vice President Trace Dye '23 Treasurer Landon Saffle '21 Secretary Jack Jewell '22 Vice President Membership Development Jackson Luscy '21 Sergeant-at-Arms Manuel Seymour '22 Member at Large Rob Hubbard '22 Recruitment Chairmen John Mark Anderson '22 (601) 606-5234 Hudson Hadley '22 (601) 941-9971 Hastings Saffle '23 (601) 731-8445 Scot '88 and Ryan McMinn '20 on the Impact of the Brotherhood and Shared Experiences Scot and Ryan fishing this summer.

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