Pi Kappa Alpha - Mississippi State University

FIREMAN The newsletter for alumni and friends of Gamma Theta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at Mississippi State University THE Summer 2024 I n s i d e : B u i l d i n g t h e B o n d s p. 2 • T h e L u s k L e g a c y p. 3 • N e w M e m b e r s p. 3 • C h a p t e r O f f i c e r s p. 4 H ere we are with yet another successful school year in the books. I am truly excited and honored to say congratulations and good luck to 27 young graduates! It's always a pleasure to be associated with the young men of Pi Kappa Alpha; this class was very special, as they entered college on the heels of the pandemic. This group has led our chapter through some great times and seen many successes. Spring was one of the best semesters (and 2023-24 one of the best years) we have had. As advisor, I am so proud of where the chapter is and how much these young men have achieved. As a fellow brother and alumnus, I know this success is owed in part to the foundation laid by our alumni, both old and new. Gamma Theta has had a long and storied history at Mississippi State University, going back to our chartering in 1927. I have been extremely fortunate to witness the growth and maturity of the chapter over the past 13 years as advisor, and I hope and pray for continued growth and success. We hosted our annual alumni social in the fall and, as always, it was a wonderful event. This tradition has grown to incorporate awards and accolades to honor all of you, our alumni. This spring, we held separate events for parents and alumni: an alumni brunch (plus MSU home baseball game!) followed by a Parents Weekend lunch. Both spring events will continue, and we look forward to hosting more gatherings (formal and informal) at the chapter house. Be on the lookout for news and updates on events, projects, ideas, and programming in the year to come! We hope you will get involved one way or another. Share your experiences, thoughts, and suggestions for recruitment recommendations and anything else as we strive to constantly improve ourselves. Together and across generations, Gamma Theta brothers make our chapter house a home. Fraternally, Jay Cook '02 House Corporation President jaycook@bankcom.com | (662) 418-9605 J osh Harkins '94 has been around politics his whole life. His father was always active in the Mississippi Republican Party, and their family helped numerous candidates run for statewide and federal office. Despite enjoying the political environment, Josh never pictured running himself—then his predecessor in the Mississippi State Senate encouraged him to give it a shot. So at age 35 with a wife, two kids, and a comfortable real estate career, he took a leap of faith. Thirteen years later, Josh is starting his fourth term as a state senator, where he chairs the State Finance Committee. "I've enjoyed the opportunity to hopefully make a difference in my community and state." Finding Yourself Within a Group Josh also took a leap of faith as a college freshman: he had friends in several fraternities, but something about PIKE just seemed different. That choice led him to lifelong friends with no shortage of ways to have fun in their MSU years, followed by weddings and countless trips in the decades to come. Josh is even the godfather of a fraternity brother's child. "There are many levels to the bonds we fostered in four short years of college, and I wouldn't trade anything for that." Gamma Theta helped Josh come out of his shell and discover the confidence for life challenges such as running for office. "I never pictured myself giving a political or commencement speech in front of 3,000 people as a state senator," he said. "But college and fraternity life prepare you to take charge and work toward goals (both in personal and group settings) with courage and confidence. It's nice to have an organization that holds you accountable for your grades and your commitments, helping you evolve into the man you'll become." FROM COVID TO COMMENCEMENT When Leaps of Faith Pay Off Josh Harkins '94 on the Road from PIKE to State Politics A Truly Unique 4 Years (Continued on page 2)

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