Pi Kappa Phi - University of Alabama

Omicronicle page 4 Brother Thankful for Fraternal Experience Roman Shaul '92 Gives Back to Pi Kappa Phi F or many men, joining a fraternity is about being a part of something bigger than themselves. Membership offers an opportunity to build relationships, give back to the community, and learn from successful individuals who came before. Roman Shaul '92 experienced all of this and more when he joined Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Alabama. It turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made. "Growing up in Tuscaloosa, I knew a lot of guys in different fraternities and wasn't sure I wanted to be in one," he said. "I didn't pledge until my sophomore year when a PiKap I was working with, Brian Hydrick '91, started recruiting me and bringing me around the house. I joined because of all the great guys I met. Those same guys have stuck with me through the good and the bad for the last 20 years." He credits the Omicron Chapter with helping him become the person he is today, valuing the strong relationships he built above all else. "A PiKap introduced me to my wife on a Christmas break ski trip to Aspen. A PiKap got me the job that I have loved for almost 14 years now. And, most importantly, although I grew up in a church-going family, it was a PiKap that helped me re-dedicate my life to Christ. I am not sure I could begin to accurately describe the impact PiKap has had on my life." Roman knew that he wanted to participate in The Omicron Campaign: Building for the Next 100 Years before the campaign had even begun. "I remember the first time I met Emmett Dendy '46, Lonnie Strickland '70, Nathan Hightower '75, and Harry Caldwell '72 and just being very impressed at how personally successful these guys were and contrasting that with the contributions and selflessness they showed in their commitment to PiKap," he said. "I knew at 19 years of age, I wanted to try and be an inspiration to others like them one day." Roman returns to campus several times a year to attend football games and family events. He is impressed by how much the area has grown and changed and hopes to help continue the improvements. "When I was first approached to help, the first thing I thought of was a statement that Lonnie had told us at the fraternity house one night after dinner, which was to find something we cared about and take care of it. That has always stuck with me, because he is absolutely right. That statement has motivated me to do more on certain occasions than I otherwise would have." Roman lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with his wife, Caroline, and two children. He is a partner with Beasley Allen law firm. In his free time he enjoys golfing and a little kite boarding, snow skiing, and mountain climbing. Contact him by e-mail at roman.shaul@beasleyallen.com. Save the Date Omicron Era Reunions W hile our new house is immeasurably better than the current facility, alumni still treasure the memories of their own campus home and fraternity family. College experiences can't be resurrected, but you can reconnect with the Brothers who created the memories. Omicron fall reunions are a last chance to visit college Brothers and relive college experiences in the current house. Reunions are scheduled around football games, but some Brothers will remain at the Chapter House to watch the game on TV. The weather is ideal, the company is great, the refreshments are free, and departure is flexible. We have enjoyed higher than usual attendance for game day activities. Since this is the "last chance," we're highlighting a specific decade each game. The parlor will be filled with composites, Corollas, old photographs and other memorabilia from the decade being honored. Please bring or send your era chairman anything you may find to be of interest. The era reunions (by initiation dates) are: 1980–1989: October 19 – Arkansas C hairman Steve Smith ssmith@noesiscapital.com • (678) 428-0081 1990–1999: November 9 – LSU Chairman Bradley Ray bray@alliancemetalproducts.net • (205) 987-9688 2000–2013: November 23 – Chattanooga Chairman Dennis Hinton dhinton3@gmail.com • (205) 292-6000 The new House is observably the best on campus, perhaps the most luxurious in the country. The House should inspire contributions, but we will not solicit for gifts at this event. Please be sure to attend; it will be a great time. All alumni are urged to attend events at the Tennessee game, October 26. A new Chapter House tour will occur four hours before game time. A Chapter meeting will be held at a time to be announced. You will have the opportunity to look at the new house. Walking through the structure establishes its superiority over other existing fraternity houses. Unfortunately, we have spent all available funds in obtaining this result. Your tax-deductible five-year pledges are essential for an interior worthy of the magnificent exterior.

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