Pi Kappa Alpha - University of Texas

www.texaspikes.com The Beta Mu Review 2 N ative Houstonian Jeff Kuhn '74 remembers his introduction to Pike during freshman orientation in the summer of 1972. The recent Robert E. Lee High graduate took a liking to a group of freshmen he met from the Dallas area who later became fellow Pikes: Doug Jones '73, Mitch Owen '73 and Bill Gump '73. After being rushed by other fraternities that had more of a Houston presence at the time, Jeff decided not to pledge his freshman year and focus on school work. He remained in contact with the Dallas group of Pikes and began coming around the Pike house to meet other guys. He enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, ultimately pledging in the spring of his sophomore year. Jeff recalls, "I was one of only four pledges, and although we shared many memorable moments, my core group at Pike was the fall 1972 pledge class." Doug Jones '73, a real estate developer in Denver, joked that, "Jeff was a great counter balance to the rest of his fellow brothers at Beta Mu; he was smart, athletic, thoughtful, studious and a gentleman, but still knew how to enjoy himself when the Match party began on Friday night! Jeff was a guy who would represent Pi Kappa Alpha well in all situations. A statement to that fact is that I approved his going out with my then-freshman sister. Jeff's passion for the game of golf and the rules of golf is probably unmatched, which speaks to his character, since golf is a game of etiquette and honesty. It is fun to see him on visits to Colorado. Last time he was here, he eagled a Par 5. Ho hum…" Jeff said, "My favorite memories at Pike were always rush week and the parties. I was fortunate to serve as chapter president and the experience of running a business and keeping most everyone headed in the same direction was challenging and rewarding. During my time in office, I became close to my trusted treasurer and advisor, Tom Peel '73, who served as best man in my wedding years later." Another member of his class, Charlie Beckham '73, remains a close personal and professional friend. "Charlie and I became better friends when we had the poor judgment to sign up for a full-pad, tackle football game the Pikes played one spring. I think he and I were the only two participants who didn't play high school football. We still laugh about it today," Jeff said. Fellow Houston lawyer Charlie Beckham '73, says of Jeff: "I met Jeff at the Pike house when we were rushing him. I instantly thought he was a guy who would be a leader. More than 40 years later, Jeff and I talk to each other on a weekly basis and I enjoy watching people react to him as a confident leader. Jeff is an outstanding example of how Pi Kappa Alpha builds young men into future leaders." Jeff's advice for current Pikes is very simple: "Enjoy your time together. The benefits of Pike brotherhood are directly related to what you invest in it. For me, it's been the bedrock of almost every part of my life. And, don't forget to stay disciplined. It's possible to do well in school and have lots of fun." Jeff earned a BBA with highest honors in 1976 and then attended U.T. law school, graduating in 1979 and returned to Houston to practice law. During law school, he roomed with fellow Pikes Barry Adkins '73 and Merritt Belisle '76. Jeff's legal career has always involved civil litigation. He first worked for mega-firm Fulbright & Jaworski, then a smaller trial firm, and at age 34, hung up a shingle and for 16 years enjoyed building his own firm in Houston. After 26 years in private practice, in 2005 Jeff joined the ExxonMobil Law Department, where today he manages a variety of litigation matters. Jeff is proud of his family. "Several years after law school, Merritt Belisle set me up on a blind date with a Baylor coed, Cynthia Roberts, to whom I've been married 33 years. Cynthia and I have two smart, beautiful daughters, Alicia and Kristen, who were both Kappas at U.T., graduating in 2010 and 2013 respectively. My daughters' attending U.T. was a strong influence in my reconnecting with all things U.T. and sharing some of the fruits of a successful law career." Jeff is very committed to all Texans having access to an excellent higher education, and he has funded scholarships and other endowments at U.T. Austin, U.T. Law School and the U.T. System. In addition to a terrific family and high performance legal career, Jeff is known for his love of golf and his knowledge of The Rules of Golf. As he puts it, "I found that I really enjoyed being in and around competitive golf, but I knew my skills would never take me beyond regional amateur competitions. The Rules of Golf became my pathway to more involvement. I became a student of the Rules and volunteered locally as a rules official in various events. One thing led to another, and I've been a USGA volunteer for almost 25 years." Jeff is responsible for running the Houston- area U.S. Open qualifying events, and he has served as a walking rules official at over 40 USGA championships, including numerous U.S. Opens and U.S. Amateurs. When at the U.S. Pike Memories and Friendships Endure over the Years ExxonMobil Attorney Jeff Kuhn '74 Serves as USGA Rules Official, Calls Pike 'Bedrock of Almost Every Aspect of Life' Jeff Kuhn '74 pictured in the 1975 Pike Rush book. The Kuhn's: Alicia (U.T. class of 2010), Jeff '74, Kristen (U.T. class of 2013) and Cynthia. John Barclay '73, Jeff Kuhn '74, Barry Adkins '73, Charlie Beckham '73, Tom Peel '73 and Rusty Tamlyn '75 in the Grove at the Ole Miss versus U.T. pre-game in 2012. (Continued on page 8)

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