Pi Kappa Alpha - Oklahoma State University

Page 3 Gamma Chi Chapter Pi Kappa Alpha David Reid '86 Fulfills a Debt to Gamma Chi S tarting as the Coke Man, filling the Coke machine at the chapter house, David Reid '86 moved up through the ranks at Pi Kappa Alpha—to house manager, internal and external vice president, and eventually president during his last semester. He had some strong examples to follow. His big, Chuck Cargile '84, and grandbig, Todd Hittle '84, were both pres- idents of the chapter, and he watched how they built con- sensus, developed people, and exuded enthusiasm. "The quality of all the members stood out to me at PiKA. They were motivated, outgoing, and had a sense of direction for themselves and the fraternity," David said. These were important lessons for a 20-year-old to learn, and David took them to heart. Earning a degree in finance from OSU, David went on to work at his family's printing business, Vox Printing. Since then, the com- pany has grown tenfold to become the largest tray liner printer in the coun- try. Vox prints the piece of paper on your tray at quick service restaurants and, in 2010, after purchasing a packaging company, began producing fry boxes, sandwich clamshells, and folding carton packaging for restaurants across the country. For the last 15 years, David has served as president alongside his brother and vice president of operations, Robert Reid '90. In addition to his business commitments, David has served as a volunteer at Gamma Chi on the Housing Corporation and the Alumni Advisory Board. These positions have kept him connected to the chapter and allowed him to see the needs of the fraternity members and the chapter house. When the campaign for Gamma Chi began, David knew this was an opportunity to step up in a unique way. "It was import- ant to me to support the campaign by giving back to some- thing that gave me so much. I felt that I owed so much for the lessons I learned from PiKA that I wanted to give the same opportunities to others—most of whom I'll never meet. "I think my contribution will play a part in helping our chapter be a positive influence in the lives of thousands of young men. It is my hope that they will impact our state and country in a better way than they would have without the experience of being a Pike." David and his wife, Jennifer, make their home in Edmond, Oklahoma, and have three children: Derek (23), Parker (20), and Hannah (16). He can be reached at david@voxprint.com. E very other year at the Pi Kap- pa Alpha International Con- vention, the International Frater- nity welcomes a special initiate into its ranks. Those selected are successful individuals in politics, academics, or professional sports. This year's initiate was chosen when our very own Gamma Chi voted Oklahoma Secretary of Finance, Administration, and In- formation Technology Preston Doerflinger into our membership and nominated him for initiation at the convention. During Preston's own college career, the op- portunity to join a fraternity was not available. He attended Tulsa Junior College where he studied to become a respiratory therapist, a po- sition that helped him build a resume and his own businesses in the healthcare space. He returned to school at Southern Nazarene, earning a de- gree in organizational leadership and honing the skills to direct his businesses and prepare for his next step, an entrance into politics. In 2009, Preston was elected Tulsa City Auditor, and since 2011, he has served on Governor Mary Fal- lin's cabinet as one of her closest advisors and Secretary of Finance. Now, at 44 years old, Preston comes to membership in Pike from a different perspective than most initiates. "I was taken aback and humbled to have an opportuni- ty to join this extraordinary group of men," said Preston, who was introduced to Pike through his friendship with Shane Pate '00 and John Mi- chael Williams '68. "Learning about Pi Kappa Alpha and the caliber of men who are members has been very exciting and I have a deep sense of appreciation in being included in this group." Preston has seen the benefits of fraternalism and being a part of a brotherhood through his involvement in the Masons and his own life ex- periences. "I believe that Pi Kappa Alpha pro- vides a framework for young men to learn the life skills needed for success. For those beyond college age, it provides the opportunity to spend time with and form a band of brothers with oth- er men. My older brother, and only sibling, was killed in an accident in 2001, so these experienc- es in brotherhood connect with me on a deeper and very important level." Preston makes his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a sailor, enjoys reading, travel, and any activ- ity that involves time spent with his 12-year-old son, Kros. Preston L. Doerflinger Initiated at International Convention

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