Phi Kappa Tau - Mississippi State University

ALPHA C HI ALPHA C HI REVIEW REVIEW P H I K A P PA TAU | A L P H A C H I C H A P T E R | FA L L 2 0 2 4 THE THE T his past year has been a pivotal one for Alpha Chi Chapter. There will be more challenges ahead, but every active brother finds a way to adjust and represent Alpha Chi's purposes and values. One helpful way we approached concerns this past spring was by having a Chapter Operations Assessment and SWOT Analysis. The assessment included polls, one-word answers, and opportunities for written answers. These covered groups performances, strengths, weakness, underlying problems, and different category conditions. I took all the answers and analyzed them so they could be presented to the chapter in a discussion-based approach. Members then provided short-term and long- term goals they wanted to see achieved. One of these was an improved initiative in alumni retention. There is a large gap in alumni engagement since the de-charter, and a lot of young alumni are kicking off their careers. I have contacted alumni from different eras and am working on a plan to support our younger brothers. Ready for Some Football? The alumni chapter is working to rent a Southern Tradition tailgate spot during football season each year at $3,500. The plan includes each alumni donating $200 minimum per person and $250 minimum per couple. That includes 20 individual alumni donating to reach the $4,000 goal. Currently, we have five alumni committed to this plan and over 400 alumni living. This tailgate would include complimentary setup and takedown, on-site security, one 10x20 tent with privacy sidings, one smart TV, lighting around the tent, chairs, and two 6-foot tables. This would be available for all home games. All donations for this will need to be sent to the local chapter so nationals cannot withhold the donation for any educational purposes. What's better than pitching in $200 for a full football season of hanging out with brothers any time you come to town? T H O U G H T F U L S T E P S F O R WA R D Alpha Chi Works on New Goals See the full details on the back page of this newsletter! Making a Difference To close out, it would be foolish to not honor Philanthropy Chairman Jack James '24 for his outstanding commitment to honoring Max Pennebaker '22 earlier this fall. Through business sponsorships, university partnerships, and over 500 students' involvement, mental health support now has a true place on campus. I hope it is evident that your chapter is thriving and making an impact on the people around it. There is still work to be done (including on our plans for a new chapter house), and you can still make an impact for the future! In Phi, Neal Pirtle '20 Board of Governors Chairman nwpirtle@gmail.com 10TH ANNIVERSARY RECAP O n the weekend of September 7, the board of governors and house corporation hosted a 10-year recolonization anniversary event. This was great for storytelling and meaningful connections among younger and older alumni. The main event was held in the same room in the Union where the chapter recolonized. We also had a Friday night cookout at the chapter house, and on Saturday night we hosted a football watch party on Ricks Café side patio with a buffet and projector for streaming. Dennis Daniels '90 made a great PowerPoint for his co-presentation with Neal Pirtle '20. Dennis also made a video of pictures and accomplishments over the past 10 years and then announced the official plan for the new on-campus chapter house. Neal covered portions of the Chapter Operations Assessment, which included accomplishments over the past year and goals for the next year. Your chapter is taking steps to develop young men, honor alumni, respect history, and forge a new future. This anniversary weekend helped us do the same. We are planning a recharter anniversary event next spring, and we hope to see you in attendance! Our Max Pennebaker Memorial Scholarship Walk. Tailgate time! One of our teams at the Max Pennebaker Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament.

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