Pi Kappa Alpha - Mississippi State University

For the Garnet and Gold Will Never Grow Old Why Reed Nelson '96 Gives Back to Gamma Theta I f you ask Reed Nelson '96 what made him join Gamma e- ta Chapter his freshman year, his first response is always, "Be- cause Jason Foy '94, who I grew up with, made me!" In actuali- ty, Jason expressed how great an addition Reed would be to the Pike brotherhood, but was concerned Reed would choose differently. Wanting to prove Jason wrong, Reed further immersed himself into the Gamma eta brotherhood. Aer spending time with both Foy and Chapter President Rich Shaner '93, who Reed perceived to be a "cool Yankee from Virgin- ia," he understood just how much of an impact he could make not only as an active member but also as an involved alumnus. "Being a part of Pike opened so many doors for us, whether in business or our personal lives, that it only makes sense we return the favor. Giving back time and resources to the campaign was a pleasure. I hope others will continue to give back as well." Everywhere he turned during his undergraduate time, Reed found exemplary Pike alumni, who served both as mentors and brothers. "First and probably one of the biggest mentors was Dr. Eddie Keith '67. He was always there and welcomed me into his office at the Colvard Student Union weekly for advice and direction." Additionally, the late Dr. Jack White, Alpha Omicron '61 always encouraged the active members to try new things, while Dan Camp '61 offered valuable guidance and never became upset when Reed and his friends confessed to late-night rides on his golf carts. Ultimately, the long-lasting relationships and appreciation of tradi- tion culminated into a variety of opportunities later in life. In fact, Skipper Holliman '84 approached Reed about becoming involved with the house corporation board in 2009. Next he turned to his close friend, Chris Lewis '94, who agreed to serve as house corporation treasurer, so Reed agreed to become the house corpo- ration president. "Skipper's encouragement along with Chris and Chan Blount's passion helped us really stay involved at a time in our lives where we could truly help make a difference and give back." Reed is the executive vice president of Copeland and Johns Con- struction in Jackson, Miss., and was hired by the house corpo- ration board to help renovate the Pike chapter house. ey just wrapped up the construction of the new MSU football locker room and recruiting center in Davis Wade Stadium on campus. He resides in Madison, Miss., with wife Anna (Gray), a Phi Mu, and daughters Emily (13) and Lizzy (8). He can be reached at rnelson@copelandandjohns.com. "Being a part of Pike opened so many doors for us, whether in busins or our personal liv, that it only mak sense we return the favor. Giving back time and rourc to the campaign w a pleure. I hope others will continue to give back well." Reed Nelson '96, le, and the Gamma eta campaign board.

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