Pi Kappa Alpha - Mississippi State University

Fireman e newsletter for alumni and friends of Gamma eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at Mississippi State University The Winter 2024 I n s i d e : Tr a n s c e n d i n g G e n e r a t i o n s p. 2 • C h a p t e r O f f i c e r s p. 2 • N e w M e m b e r s p. 3 • G e t I n v o l v e d ! p. 4 G reetings! As we begin the new year, it's a delight to update you on the latest activities within our chapter. From successful events to the accomplishments of our members, your ongoing support continues to shape the legacy of Gamma Theta Chapter. A highlight of our recent activities was the spirited Alumni Party on October 29, just before the Alabama football game. The party brought together generations of brothers, fostering a sense of camaraderie that defines our fraternity. This event has grown over the years and become one of the most anticipated events that the chapter members look forward to. The chapter members love meeting and getting to know alumni and hearing our stories. From shared memories to celebrating current successes, the evening was filled with laughter and a deep sense of brotherhood. In reflecting on this past semester, I am thrilled to share the impressive successes of our undergraduate chapter. From academic achievements to outstanding philanthropy efforts, our current members have demonstrated dedication and excellence. The chapter's commitment to scholarship and community impact is a testament to the enduring values instilled by our fraternity. Your mentorship and support undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping these accomplishments, and we are proud to continue building on the strong foundation laid by previous generations. Additionally, we encourage you to consider getting involved with pivotal roles on our Advisory Board or Alumni Association. Your experience and insights are invaluable in guiding the fraternity's future endeavors. Whether you have news to share, updates about your life, or simply wish to reconnect, we welcome your contributions to our vibrant community. Your engagement continues to enrich the legacy of Gamma Theta PIKE. Feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in taking an active part in shaping the fraternity's path ahead or if you have exciting updates to share with your fellow brothers. Fraternally, Jay Cook '02, House Corporation President (662) 418-9605 | jaycook@bankcom.com Building on Our Strong Foundation Building on Our Strong Foundation Alumni Commitment Helps Shape Gamma Theta's Success W e sent seven brothers to the Thomas C. Tillar Leadership Academy this summer. Gamma Theta received multiple honors at the conference, including the chapter's first Raymond L. Orians Excellence Award, a programming award for Best Print Newsletter, a scholarship plate for achieving above a 3.0 GPA, and an international workday award. This August, we started strong by recruiting and initiating 49 young men for our 2023 fall pledge class. During the fall semester, we had several community service and philanthropy events, such as setting up Pumpkin Palooza in downtown Starkville, cleaning up trails and campsites for Camp Seminole, Starkville's Get Swept Up event, Operation Christmas Child, and working for the Starkville Humane Society. We also hosted our annual Pikes for Pups event from which we donated $7,500 to the Homeward Bound Project. Gamma Theta Chapter also awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Gamma Theta Academic Excellence Fund to brother Jared Morykwas '21 for winning Most Improved Pike Scholar as part of our program to promote high academic achievement among our brothers. Additionally this semester at our annual Alumni Date Party, we honored multiple active brothers and alumni for their contributions to the chapter. Congratulations to: Gamma Theta Hall of Fame: Dr. Eddie Keith '67 Alumni of Excellence: Reed Nelson '97 Ideal Pike: Ryan McMinn '20 Best Pike on Campus: Matthew Wingerter '21 Most Improved Pike Scholar: Jared Morykwas '21 Most Athletic: Wilbur Ramos '22 Ideal Pledge: Hastings Saffle '23 We also have many brothers serving in positions throughout campus and nationally: Celebrating Achievements Chapter and Brothers Receive Recognition Above: Brothers at the Alumni Date Party. From left: Glenn Bell '78, son Brandon Bell '20, George Sherman '70, grandson Austin Vannostrand '23, and Mark Murrell '76. We had a great time this fall and encourage all alumni to attend next year. Below: We were proud to recognize Ms. Betty Clay for 25 years of service to our chapter at the fall Alumni Date Party. Ms. Betty has made a significant contribution to Gamma Theta cooking meals and acting as house mom, and we are honored to dedicate the kitchen to her. Thank you, Ms. Betty Clay! From left: Ethan Fowler '20, Ms. Betty Clay, and Logan Strietelmeier '20. • Ryan McMinn '20 as undergraduate vice president of Pi Kappa Alpha Supreme Council. • Matthew Wingerter '21 as IFC senator. • Clayton Stoddard '21 as a member of Alumni Delegates. • Adam Ritter '22, Rob Hubbard '22, and Wilbur Ramos '22 as Rho Chis. • Mason Anglin '21, Will Robertson '21, and Tanner Lunn '21 as members of Maroon VIP. • Bryse Carlton '21 as recruiting assistant for MSU Football. • Jackson Campbell '20 as a fan experience assistant for MSU Athletics. • Hastings Saffle '23 as a New Maroon Camp counselor and member of Freshman Reach. • Logan Miller '23 and Brayden Shockey '23 as members of Freshman Reach. • Adam Ritter '22 a former associate member of IFC. We are looking forward to a great spring semester! Fraternally, Adam Ritter '22, President

• Cover