Pi Kappa Alpha - University of Texas

www.texaspike.com 4 Congratulations Parker Ramsdell '04 and Jonathan Saperstein '06! Alumni Recognized At 150th Pike convention P arker Ramsdell '04 and Jonathan Saperstein '06 were two of 12 Young Alumnus of the Year award recipients at Convention in Richmond, Va. Parker was recognized in the civic and community category for his work in coaching youth sports, working with disabled youth in athletics and community organizing. He accepted his award in Richmond and was joined by his wife, Meredith. Parker is employed in the tech sector and the Ramsdells live in northern Virginia. Parker was nominated for this award by Marcus Fettinger '03. When at Beta Mu, Parker served as chapter president and in the Silver Spurs honorary spirit group that cares for Bevo. At UT, Parker was also initiated into Phi Beta Kappa. His late grandfa- ther Cliff Carter '40 was also a Beta Mu PIKE. Jonathan was recognized for his business acumen and leader- ship; he has grown his business TreeTown USA into one of the largest commercial nurseries and tree farming operations in the country. He has also received recognition from several business publications, including Forbes. Jonathan serves on Beta Mu's Alumni Advisory Board as well as the Silver Spurs Alumni Board. At UT, Jonathan served as a vice president of the chapter and was also a Silver Spur. He is married and resides in Houston. Jona- than was unable to attend the ceremony in Richmond and was nominated for this award by Conner Mowles '07. Congratulations, Phi Phi and Hook 'Em, Jonathan and Parker! Q: Tell us about yourself. Where you grew up, family, high school activities and college major. A: I am a Texas native, born and raised in Austin. Growing up 30 minutes west of the UT campus, I never wanted to go to any other school. I went to Lake Travis High School, running track and playing 7-on-7 football during my time as a Cavalier. I have two sisters very close to me in age, one of whom graduated from UT two years ago and is now a project manager in Austin. e other graduated from Texas A&M this past May and is now teaching middle school al- gebra in Houston. I am a junior working on a degree in Advertising and looking to add Economics as a second major in the spring. Q: What attracted you to Pike as your fraternity? What are your fa- vorite memories of Pike thus far? A: e brotherhood present in the Dedicated to Philanthropy Pike's academic record continues to excel with an active members' GPA of 3.2 (spring 2018 university records), tying Pike with six other UT fraternities in the 3.2-plus range for 10th place among the 26 UT fraternities. Pike proudly engages in community service projects in Austin and on e 40 Acres. is past school year we hosted a pancake supper benefiting Austin's Safe Alliance with the Chi Omega sorority, and a fundraising pizza dinner benefiting the Austin Fire Depart- ment Foundation and Autism Speaks with the AZD sorority. Pikes also volunteered at the Capital Area Food Bank, a Boy Scout corporate skeet shoot fundraiser and helped raise money through the Texas IFC's Mo- vember men's cancer research project and Round Up Weekend, which benefited the B Positive Foundation for pediatric cancer research. We're pleased that Pike's Landon Hackley '16 is vice president philanthropy with the Texas Interfraternity Council. Fall Social Events On the fall social front, our brothers will enjoy a terrific series of football tailgates, the 69th annual Swamp party, the always fun Texas-Oklahoma weekend football trip to Dallas, winter semi-formal, along with many smaller mixers and gatherings. Our Mom's Club hosted and organized a fantas- tic Parents Weekend in September, which included a Friday evening dinner and casi- no games and a Saturday tailgate before the Longhorns/TCU game. Plans for 2019 e Beta Mu capital campaign continues to progress with $4.2 million in commitments raised toward a $5 million goal. e under- graduate chapter is very pleased that the new Pike house construction will begin at the end of this school year, in May 2019, and plans are underway for temporary quarters to continue the Pike brotherhood and activ- ities during the year of the construction. Beta Mu Traditions Continue (Continued from page 1) Parker Ramsdell '04 celebrates his award with International President Shad Williams and Pike CEO Justin Buck. Getting to Know Texas Pike 2018-19 President Garrett Beirne '16

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