Chi Phi - University of Wisconsin

PAGE 3 CHI PHI A fter growing up in Madison, John Pike '53 found it important to have a campus base at "the big state U," a place where he could anchor his academic life. After going through recruitment and the experience of meeting Kappa brothers, John decided Chi Phi would be that anchor. A strong interest in economics and business allowed John to share thoughts and insights while bonding with Kappa brothers. Outside of academics, John felt they were a cohesive group who genuinely enjoyed each other's company and a very active social life. John earned a bachelor's degree in economics and served Kappa as alpha his senior year. After graduation he served in Korea and returned to Madison to spend a year as house fellow at Kappa Chapter while earning his master's in economics. Next, John spent a year at the London School of Economics, received his Ph.D. in economics at Madison, and then went on to teach finance at the University of Illinois Urbana. After teaching, he returned once more to Madison, where he became the director of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, then the managing director of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, a position he retired from in 1993. After a long career, John knows Chi Phi successfully acted as that academic anchor he was searching for as a freshman. "Chi Phi gave me confidence and helped me take on experiences. It was a good experience and a successful four years." Robert "BL" Murphy '29 sticks out to John as a dedicated and durable chapter advisor, and house fellows John Foley '48 and Paul Bean left a positive impact on Kappa Chapter. One of his favorite Kappa memories is marrying the girl who was his regular date to various Kappa activities, and today, he and Ann share fond memories of the brother who became his best man, Dave Matson '54. A while back, John expressed skepticism that the Chapter could recover from its bad period. "I am delighted to have been proven wrong. I admire the work of the younger alumni to get things going again and decided that because of my own experience, I should step up and give thanks for the work they did." John has shown his thanks by donating to the Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future campaign. John and Ann spend their summers in Madison and winters in Kerrville, Texas. They have three daughters. Reconnect with John via e-mail at jrpike@gmail.com. John Pike '53 Gives Back to His Anchor, Kappa Chapter Kyle Hall '14 Joins Chi Phi as House Fellow L ike many Chi Phi brothers, house fellow Kyle Hall '14 was dedicated to recolonizing the Kappa Chapter. After deciding to call Chi Phi home his sophomore year, Chi Phi has been there to help Kyle grow, and now it is Kyle's turn to give back to Chi Phi. As a founding father of the rechartered Chi Phi, Kyle has enjoyed being involved in the undergraduates' everyday activities. Kyle's duties include maintenance of the house. "Truth be told, I tidy up a lot. I put more organization in the upkeep of the house, such a repairs or maintenance issues. At night I do my rounds to make sure all the doors are locked and lights are off." Kyle also acts as middleman between the Alpha Eric Underwood '16 and alumni president, Russ Lein '81, checking in weekly with both parties. Perhaps most importantly, Kyle acts as a resource for anyone looking for guidance, a role he enjoys the most. Kyle has been working with the chapter to set goals for this year. Educating new members on the ritual of Chi Phi and what it means to possess the values of truth, honor, and personal integrity are their main goals for the fall. They also hope their philanthropy, Chi Phi Casino Royale, will set precedence on campus and among Chi Phi philanthropies across the nation. The recolonization effort has shown Kyle how strong the Chi Phi brotherhood is. "Chi Phi allowed me to find direction and push myself to grow. I put in a lot of hours and stress but most importantly a lot of heart into being a Chi Phi, but it's been worth it because everyone who was a part of bringing Chi Phi back to Wisconsin put in the same amount of effort, and the reward has been a strong brotherhood here at the Kappa Chapter." Kyle encourages all alumni to continue to support Chi Phi and is confident that the capital campaign can help Kappa in many ways. "It would be absolutely incredible if the renovations could be done before the 151st Chi Phi Congress comes to Madison, so we can really impress all our Chi Phi brothers. Your donations also fund scholarships that reward a handful of actives each year for their dedication to our fraternity and their studies." "Chi Phi is back in Madison and we're not going anywhere. Each and every one of us has left an impact on Kappa Chapter, but it's the times spent in the house and the shenanigans through these 100 years that have left a greater impact on all of us. Brothers, it is imperative to always be thinking of ways to return the favor to the house we at one point called home." Kappa Chapter was able to donate $4,466 to the Boys and Girls Club thanks to their Casino Royal philanthropy.

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