Pi Kappa Alpha - Iowa State University

S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 • N E W S L E T T E R YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED! YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED! WHY A MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECT NOW? Alpha Phi has been shaping men who go on to shape the world for 110 years. This includes over 1,200 living alumni who've had a shared experience at the most iconic and largest fraternal property in the Big 12 Conference. The House That Built Us is designed to breathe new life into our Alpha Phi Chapter. Through the reestablishment of the active chapter, enhancement of alumni communications, and an investment in 2112 Lincoln Way, we can set our Chapter up for the next 110 years. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF WE DON'T DO THIS PROJECT? PIKE has historically focused on academic success, the recruitment of men who lead campus, intramural dominance, and a strong social calendar to maintain its position as an anchor of the Greek System at Iowa State. Our members also had an enhanced fraternity experience through the opportunity to live at 2112. Our last major renovation was completed almost 25 years ago. Within the last 10 years, $35 million has been invested in 11 other fraternity properties at ISU. This has left the PIKE House functionally and economically obsolete. We will not be able to compete against other fraternities in recruiting the strongest men into our brotherhood if we don't have the facilities to properly accommodate them. HOW IS THE PROVISIONAL CHAPTER DOING? I spent just under 15 years working for the International Fraternity and know that every successful refounding project reaches an inflection point where the project rockets to success. Alpha Phi Provisional Chapter reached that point within the last few months, and momentum is building. They are acting like a fraternity— focused on GPA, leading other organizations on campus, winning intramurals, and hosting socials with the top sororities on campus. WHY ARE YOU SUPPORTING THIS CAMPAIGN, AND WHY DO YOU THINK OTHERS SHOULD GET INVOLVED? A group of guys showed up at my house just before high school graduation, wanting me to head to a rush evening that weekend. Before I left town, my dad (Doug Boden '77) left me with some advice. First, joining a fraternity would help me be successful at ISU. Second, high school friends are great, but fraternity brothers will be with you in life's biggest moments. Finally, don't join PIKE just because he did; rather, find a group you can relate to. I'm so glad I didn't listen to his last piece of advice! I believe in fraternity, and I believe in Alpha Phi. We need your passion, your professional expertise, and we need your treasure if we are to be successful in rebuilding 2112: The House That Built Us. HOW DO YOU COVER THE GAP? 2112 Lincoln Way is 87 years old. The foundation is sound and the look is iconic; however, we need to reimagine a property that will last for the next 87 years. Just like any commercial project, the path to success has multiple outlets. Ours includes maximizing the charitable support of every alumnus to the tune of $2 million. The remainder of the $6 million will be financed through banking outlets and historical tax credits. This approach has been used time and time again to build and rebuild top fraternity properties at Iowa State and across the nation. A successful outcome involves preserving as much of the original structure, including the front façade. It also incorporates properly addressing drainage through our property, grading and paving the parking lot, and addressing lot lines with neighbors. WHAT IS TO PREVENT THE CHAPTER FROM CLOSING AGAIN? Alpha Phi's success hinges on a thriving undergraduate experience. Setting Alpha Phi up for long-term success hinges on four factors: First, we must instill a foundation focused on academic success early on. This is achieved by recruiting smart men, not teaching men how to study. To support this effort, the Alpha Phi Alumni Association has used our established endowments to reward academic success. Second, we must be clear and concise in establishing a code of conduct for those who reside at 2112. This effort is being driven by House Corporation leadership. Third, we must be constantly finding ways to engage the undergraduates, helping them to remember what a fraternity is supposed to be and constantly setting and evaluating goals. The key to this success is our Alumni Advisory Board who are committed to relating their fraternal and professional experiences. Finally, we must invest in our home. Today's students value residential facilities as the second most important factor in the college decision-making process. This is understandable considering students spend 70% of their time within their living environment. Due to an increased demand in student housing, Iowa State now leases multiple apartments that have private bedrooms, are fully furnished, and include utilities. We know these are attractive places for upperclassmen looking for even more independence and privacy. These amenities and facilities are very attractive and are a threat to keeping our members engaged with the fraternity. Visit our new online giving page at alphaphi-pike.causevox.com or scan the QR code below to make your contribution today! Fraternally, Ben Boden '01 Alumni Association President bdboden@gmail.com I believe in fraternity, and I believe in Pi Kappa Alpha. We need your passion, your professional expertise, and your treasure if we are to be successful in rebuilding 2112: The House That Built Us 2112: The House That Built Us.

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