Pi Kappa Alpha - Purdue University

Spring 2024 CANDLELIGHT BETA PHI CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA ALPHA • PURDUE UNIVERSITY Published by the Beta Phi Foundation Published by the Beta Phi Foundation I t has been a long time since I have been charged with writing an update for Candlelight. In fact, it was in 1993 when I wrote my last update as SMC. Reflecting upon my undergraduate years in the house, it was easy to update on the great things happening; the house was newly remodeled, we were top three in athletics, every sorority on campus desired to be partnered with us, GPA was above average, and we simply had an awesome group of active brothers on campus. In my mind, as I am sure others would agree, Pi Kappa Alpha was the best all-around fraternity, hands down. Personal Impact During my undergraduate years, getting involved both internally and externally played a large role in my leadership development. Furthermore, I met my wife through fraternity connections, and we have been married for more than 27 years. It has been amazing to see the number of brothers in my era alone that are in major leadership roles in business. I know for sure their time at PIKE played an integral role in some fashion. I challenge you to reflect on what your time at PIKE brought to your success today! Continuing to Serve Today, more than 30 years later, I am writing as the newly elected Beta Phi Foundation president. In all honesty, questioning, what in the hell did I get myself into now? Don't I have enough on my plate? As the fourth- generation owner with my brother, Doug Kinder '91, of a 132-year-old family business, leadership of the past gave us and many before an opportunity. Under our leadership today, we look forward to passing the baton to the next generation stronger than ever. Beta Phi Chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, and again, leadership of the past and present has given us all the great honor and opportunity to live out the PIKE experience. As Foundation president, I have huge shoes to fill for prior Foundation President Joe Conti '85 and Richard Russell '58 prior to him, who was one of the original board members of the Foundation when it came into existence in 1992. I remember getting calls from Rich to check in and see how we were doing when I was the SMC, challenging me to keep the Chapter on the right path and providing advice. The Beta Phi Foundation What does the Foundation even do? We are a board of Beta Phi brothers from different decades that provides counsel, advice, and financial support to the on-campus Chapter. We have a goal of implementing Chapter sustainability through endowed scholarships and programs that impact the present and future of the Beta Phi brotherhood. Today, Beta Phi Foundation has more than $500,000 in investments and another $350,000 in scholarship endowments to support our overall goal to endow the future of PIKE with its facilities and brotherhood. Many have asked me, "What value does the Foundation bring to you as a board member?" For me, it's peace of mind that others will have the opportunity to live their college experience beyond Purdue through leadership and the bonds that Beta Phi brotherhood has given to us all. Wishing you all a very successful 2024! Fraternally, Bill Kinder '95 President, Beta Phi Foundation Board READ ABOUT OUR BROTHERS PHILANTHROPY INSIDE Brothers gather after competing in Tri Delta's Frats at Bat philanthropy. PIKE placed second in money raised and brother attendance. B E TA P H I U N D E R N E W L E A D E R S H I P A Word from the Newly Elected Beta Phi Foundation Board President

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