Gamma Theta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at Mississippi State University
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1522913
3 The Lusk Legacy HOW A FAMILY REMAINS CONNECTED THROUGH PIKE L egacy connections help Pikes develop bonds that run deeper than the average college experience. For Alan Lusk '81, he is grateful to share the Gamma Theta bond with sons Chad '17 and Brandon '23. The Lusks all weighed in on their own fraternal development and what the family legacy means to them. DEVELOPING THE LEGACY When Alan was a senior in high school, he had several friends from Starkville who decided to join PIKE at MSU. Similarly, Chad signed his bid in the summer alongside a high school friend. "I know that the amazing young men at Gamma Theta will continue to instill sound morals into the younger classes." –Chad Lusk '17 "It was a legacy I wanted to continue—I wanted to be a part of something my father had experienced," Chad said. Brandon shared his brother's sentiment about the house, immediately feeling welcomed as soon as he walked through the chapter house doors. Brandon always knew he wanted to join PIKE, though time with Chad reaffirmed that commitment as he saw firsthand what Gamma Theta brotherhood entailed. The family legacy has drawn the Lusks closer than ever, and Alan is honored that his sons were so passionate about sharing the PIKE experience. "PIKE has given us many extra experiences that we can share together." –Alan Lusk '81 PERSONAL GROWTH The Lusks all gained plenty from their PIKE membership, from Alan's friendships beyond graduation to Chad's selflessness and Brandon's maturity. Though the house itself has changed over time, Alan sees his sons making the same genuine connections he made as an undergraduate. "Brandon's initiation last fall was the best experience because we all could share that at the same time," Alan said. Chad enjoyed personally initiating his own brother into PIKE, and the celebration continued as the Lusks all shared lunch as Pikes afterward. "I feel like we have become closer because of this special bond we share from our experiences as Pikes." –Brandon Lusk '23 FRATERNAL SERVICE Brandon currently serves Gamma Theta as alumni chairman, allowing him to collaborate with his brother and father to plan chapter events. Chad has been proud to see his brother take on the fraternity's expanded opportunities for chapter and community service, watching Brandon do whatever he can to elevate PIKE. "My brother and I are extremely close," Chad added. "I feel strongly that Pi Kappa Alpha has assisted in molding him into the man he is today and that he will continue to grow." You can connect with Alan at aluskfcr@gmail.com, Chad at hailstatechad@gmail.com, and Brandon at gammathetapike.alumni@gmail.com. Brandon Lusk '23 (left) with dad Alan '81 at Brandon's initiation. Chad Lusk '17 (right) joins Brandon '23 at his initiation. WELCOME, SPRING NEW MEMBERS! Jonathan Balcunos Medina, Tenn. Logan Browning Medina, Tenn. Brett Cullen Lampton Oxford, Miss. Kayden Milano Covington, La. John Michael Moran Gulfport, Miss. Parker Rutz Edwardsville, Ill. Brody Sample Sherwood, Ark. Jacob Walker Rossville, Tenn. Bates Whetstone Hoover, Ala. WHY PIKE? Hear from Our Spring Initiates "To find a real brotherhood where people could help me to be the best version of myself— so that I could do the same for them." –Bates Whetstone "The atmosphere of the chapter house as well as the way members carry themselves." –Kayden Milano "The friends I've made in the brotherhood made PIKE a home away from home." –Parker Rutz "The brotherhood and the people" –John Michael Moran