Phi Kappa Tau - Mississippi State University

A L P H A C H I C H A P T E R 3 Recent Accomplishments Alpha Chi reached many milestones in 2023. We take pride in our commitment to campus involvement, with many brothers holding prominent positions in several organizations. As the spring concluded, I'm thrilled to share that we now have over 75% involvement in campus organizations—a milestone we have been working toward for a while. Another highlight is our philanthropic partnership with Moe's BBQ in Starkville. Together, we raised a record-breaking $3,585 for the Boys and Girls Club of Starkville and Amory, Mississippi, after severe tornadoes struck this spring. This partnership was just one way that Alpha Chi gave back to our local community. We also organized events at the chapter house, which raised hundreds for our national philanthropy, Serious Fun Children's Network. We hope to continue our philanthropy efforts. Community Outreach Brothers were actively involved in events like MLK Day of Service and dedicated themselves to numerous community workdays throughout the year. One noteworthy project is led by brother Eric Jonas '85, who also serves as treasurer of the Alpha Chi Housing Corporation. Eric is spearheading an effort to restore the Prairie Rural Community Development Center, located approximately 30 minutes outside of Starkville. Alpha Chi is preparing for additional workdays in Prairie to contribute to this ongoing project. Strengthening the bonds of brotherhood has been a central theme for us. Brotherhood Chairman Reagan Jordan '19 organized near- weekly brotherhood events this spring, and we look to continue that streak this semester. We are committed to fostering our strong brotherhood throughout the fall, including a retreat at Pickwick Lake in September and various other planned events. As we embark on a new academic year, our dedication to brotherhood, philanthropy, and academics remains unwavering. Alpha Chi stands strong because of our long and storied history, and I've been proud to serve as chapter president in 2023. Fraternally, Jack Flower '20 Chapter President Welcome, New Members Hayes Burk | Hernando, Miss. Aiden Ellington | Petal, Miss. Cody Flint | Columbia, Miss. Jacob Greer | Anderson, S.C. Kaden Hollingsworth | Brandon, Miss. Zane Hopper | Hernando, Miss. Jack James | Stringer, Miss. Will Johnson | Brookhaven, Miss. Preston Milem | Dallas, Texas Kevin Mills | Niantic, Conn. Jackson Morris | Hernando, Miss. Tanner Payne | Tylertown, Miss. Jackson Reece | Mobile, Ala. Alpha Chi attends the memorial service for brother Max Pennebaker '22. O U R B O N D S M A K E U S S T R O N G E R Advancing Alpha Chi and Remembering Max Pennebaker I initially had this article prepared for the publisher on August 26. The very next day, however, Alpha Chi faced a profound challenge: the loss of Max Pennebaker '22, a beloved brother and cherished member of our undergraduate council. Finding the right words to express my thoughts after such a tragic loss has been a great struggle. Remembering Max The sudden departure of our brother deeply shocked us all. I have witnessed incredible brotherhood throughout three years in Alpha Chi, but these past few weeks unveiled a deeper dimension of brotherhood— compassion. In our collective grief, I watched brothers set aside their own pain to support each other, embodying the very essence of brotherhood. The support we've received from both our graduate council and brothers across the nation has been heartwarming. On behalf of our chapter, we sincerely appreciate your kind words and prayers, and we are profoundly grateful to have such a dedicated alumni base. From left: brothers Griffin Rogers '20 (recruitment chairman), Neal Pirtle '20 (board of governors chairman), and Jack Flower '20 (president) at Phi Kappa Tau's National Convention in Las Vegas in July. Brother Hector Pitti '21 running DJ as the opening act for DJ Max Victory at Moe's BBQ in Starkville.

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