Pi Kappa Alpha - Missouri State University

THE ZETA CHI PIKELINE 3 Finding Brotherhood Half a World Away Pike Brothers Meet in New Zealand L ate last year, as Jay Nicholson '75 planned a trip to New Zealand, he contacted Pi Kappa Alpha International to inquire about alumni currently residing there. Two names were provided, and he contacted both; one responded. New Zealand native Donald Simpson, Delta Rho '60 replied to Jay's query with Pike enthusiasm. While Don provided some beneficial travel trips via e-mail, the exchange led to scheduling a visit during the trip, which occurred earlier this year. Jay dined in Don's home with his wife, Lorna, who added commentary about being the wife of a Pike for 47 years. "Meeting Don was a highlight of the three-week, two-island adventure," says Jay. "No matter where you go, and regardless of the era, true Pikes are ultimately true Pikes. e conversation flowed as if we had known one another for decades." Don is a retired graduate-level educator and serves as organist at his church. Jay lives in Springfield, Missouri, and is the Zeta Chi Chapter advisor at Missouri State. F or Jeff Martin '90, the years he spent with Pi Kappa Alpha were the best times of his life. "I made lifelong relationships and have many wonderful memories of my college days as a Pike." He was first introduced to Pike through his college roommate, Pat McFadden '90. "I was so lucky to have him as my roommate. He has been a close friend for nearly half my life." Jeff 's friendships from Pike have lasted much longer than the years he was in college. "In the last few years I've found myself reconnecting with my brothers and getting more involved in the alumni association. It's been great!" In fact, Jeff helped to organize the Royals and the Cardinals alumni events this past summer, and was able to travel to Springfield, Missouri, to help with an alumni meeting. He encourages others to reconnect and get involved with the chapter, not just because it is fun, but also because alumni can make a difference in the future of the chapter. "It's our legacy, our duty, to leave the chapter better and stronger than it was when we were active members." An entrepreneur, Jeff is the owner of Martin Underground, a construction company that provides services throughout Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. He has been proud to be able to build his company from scratch and develop it into the successful business it is today. Over the years, Jeff has been able to rely on his brothers for help. "e relationships I've made as a Pike have offered resources that have helped build my business. Many of my brothers have skills sets that I've been able to call upon for advice." When Jeff is not working or spending time with his Pike brothers, he is spending time with his family. He and his wife, Kris, live in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and have three children: Jeffrey, Kristi, and Halli. Jeff enjoys coaching his children's sports teams, boating, camping, and dirt bike riding. You can connect with Jeff at jeff@martinunderground. com. "I wish I could relive those memories. I had some of the best times of my life with my Pike brothers." The Best Times of His Life Jeff Martin '90 Shares his Pike Experience Jay Nicholson '75 and Donald Simpson, Delta Rho '60, met up in New Zealand. No Greater Love Mike Pearson '75 Shares Why He Values Pike W hen Mike Pearson '75 first came to Missouri State and met the men of Pike, he knew he had found the right place. "I just felt at home, and through the years, the fraternity taught me to understand commitment and gain knowledge from my brothers' life experiences." During his time as an alumnus, Mike has found opportunities to give back to Pike through volunteering on the alumni advisory board and serving as alumni fire truck chairman. When asked about his involvement, he said, "I wanted to positively influence the lives of young men and witness to them the great effect faith, family, and fraternity can have on your life if you are willing to put the effort into it." It is an experience that he hopes other alumni will take advantage of. "It is a unique opportunity to positively affect the life of a quality young man. It's our responsibility to give of ourselves to someone else. ere is no greater reward in life than to be a positive role model. I struggle to understand how you couldn't give some of yourself." To Mike, brotherhood is most easily summed up in the passage John 15:13: "ere's no greater love than to give your life for your brother." He encourages those who may have lost touch with the chapter to just reach out to their fellow Pikes. "It doesn't matter how long it's been. We're still brothers." Mike retired in 2011 from his career as a design engineer for AT&T. He spends a lot of his time outside, enjoying running trails, swimming, and other activities. Much of his time is also spent catching up with his Pike brothers, particularly with Kevin Green '76. "My time with Pi Kappa Alpha was the best four years of my life."

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