Pi Kappa Alpha - University of Texas

5 www.texaspike.com Getting to Know 2020-2021 Pike President Richard Sherwood '17 Q: Tell us where you were born, about your formative years and your family. A: I was born in Santa Maria, an agricultural community on the coast of central California. However, my parents brought me to Texas as fast as they could. I grew up and attended elementary, middle and high school in Tyler, Texas, where I graduated from Whitehouse High School in 2017. In high school, I participated in football, track and field and band. Additionally, I served as an NHS officer for two years. Regarding family, I am the eldest of three. I have two younger sisters: Alexandra and Isabella. Alexandra is a sophomore at UT Austin. Isabella is a high school senior. My mother, Nancy, is a neonatologist. My father, Timothy, is a stay-at-home dad. Q: What are you studying and have you formed career objectives? A: I am pursuing a bachelor's of science in mechanical engineering. This is in conjunction with pre-med studies. I am planning a gap year to work as an engineer before matriculating to medical school. I am currently interested in orthopedic surgery. Q: How did you come to find Pike and what were the attracting qualities? A: As a senior in high school, a UT Chi Omega I knew referred me to the Pike rush team. After that I participated in rush in the city of Dallas and never looked back. The 2017 rush team was composed of a talented group of guys. My Dallas rush captain was a senior that stood out to me as someone that everyone both liked and sought to emulate. During rush, I noticed that many of the actives I met were easygoing and social young men that all had strong ambitions and goals, with the GPAs to match them. The friendship and camaraderie pulled me strongly. I came from a background of athletics that shared a close mentality of young men striving and working together. In this nature, the Pike culture was a big draw for me. Q: In addition to your presidency, what other offices have you held within Beta Mu? Other clubs or activities at UT Austin? A: I previously served as kitchen manager and internal vice president. Outside of Pike, I maintain membership in the American Society of Engineers. I am also involved as an undergraduate research assistant in the field of tribo- corrosion, which evaluates materials degradation and corrosion. Q: Tell us about the chapter's plans for the school year during COVID- 19. The pandemic has restricted some uses of fraternity houses temporarily. How does the chapter like the house and how are you using the new facility with these restrictions? A: This centennial year is one of the biggest for the chapter. We have been blessed with an amazing house, which we believe is one of the best on campus. However, a house alone does not a chapter make. This year the fraternity is endeavoring to maintain a normal schedule. At least one as normal as possible in the face of such recent events. This summer the chapter strove to accomplish a successful rush for the fall. In the face of stern competition and a reduced pool of rushees, we worked tirelessly and now have 33 young men in the fall pledge class of 2020. This new pledge class and the current active membership understand we are pursuing a reduced fall events schedule. The City of Austin has temporarily placed restrictions on gatherings of larger than 10 outside. While this has limited our capacity for parties and tailgates, we have been able to hold brotherhood events at the house and chapter events at other commercial venues. We continue to focus on academics as well as philanthropy. We can't wait to more fully open the house to visitors and friends, including, of course, our inspiring alumni. Q: What are your hobbies and outside interests? A: When I can get a free moment, you will find me outdoors. Whether it is playing sports or passing time with friends, I equally enjoy playing basketball on our new court or sipping a dollar beer on the patio of Abel's. Q: Who are the four guests you would invite to a fantasy dinner party? A: Given the chance, I would invite Benjamin Franklin, St. Augustine, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Senator John McCain. The Sherwood family at home in Tyler, TX.

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