Pi Kappa Phi - University of Alabama

PAGE 3 PI KAPPA PHI Rocky Cicatiello '96 Thankful for Pledge Class and Omicron Values C oming to the University of Alabama from Oregon, Rocky Cicatiello '96 was in search of a place he could call home and friends he could call brothers. He found Omicron Chapter had a great mix of guys from all over the country and felt right at home. In Rocky's pledge class, 42 guys were pinned but only 19 were initiated. Those 19 became an extremely tight bunch, going through many ups and downs together, and are still close today. As social chairman, Rocky enjoyed the varied social events of Omicron, especially the New Orleans formal. Rocky became close with his big brother, Willie Wareham '95, who helped him through the homesickness and tough times, and would love to relive big brother night and eating at the City Café the next morning. In addition to a great group of friends, Omicron provided Rocky with lessons and experiences that have made him who he is today. "Growing up in a small town in Oregon, meeting guys from all over the country at Omicron allowed me to see different opinions and lifestyles. It was a real melting pot of guys, which helped me become a more well-rounded individual." Rocky hopes today's undergraduates are still learning to walk a mile in other's shoes and see both perspectives. The social aspects of Omicron also taught Rocky many valuable lessons. "Omicron teaches you how to respect your elders and helps you remember there are roles in society you need to be aware of. Nothing is handed to you, so work hard. It's up to you how much you get out of college and your family life." Rocky contributed to the campaign with a gift because he remembers the draw the Chapter House had on him as a freshman. "You are only as strong as the kids you get in there, so the better looking the house, the stronger the Chapter. Quality pledges are how you make Omicron last long term. It looks good to recruits and their families to see there are a lot of strong, successful alumni who have given. So give today, no matter how big or small." Rocky and his wife, Jessica, and three children, Sydney (14), Ava (8), and Rocco (6), live very close to campus so they visit the new Omicron Chapter House often. He works at Liberty Recycling, his family's business, in Tuscaloosa. Reach out to him via e-mail at tcicatiello@gmail.com. Update on Challenges Initiation Class Challenge for Band Room Naming Rights Our new band room will be named for the initiation class pledging the largest amount. A large bronze plaque with each donor's name and nickname will be permanently displayed in our new band room. Competition Requirements: 1. Pledges previously used for naming rights cannot be used for the initiation class challenge. 2. Pledges are calculated by initiation year. For example, the fall 1978 pledge class (initiated in January 1979) is combined with the 1979 spring pledge class. 3. The winning initiation class pledge amount must exceed $120,000. The class currently in the lead is 1985 with $59,000 raised. Class Challenge Naming rights for three rooms will be awarded to three lucky initiation classes. The three winning initiation classes will be: 1. The initiation class with the highest participation rate of donors. Current leaders: 1964 (43%), 1963 (40%), 1962 (33%) 2. The initiation class with highest dollar amount donated after the campaign announcement in April 2013 (excluding funds used for other naming rights). Current leaders: 1974 with $25,825, 1984 with $25,279, and 1972 with $23,000. 3. The initiation class demonstrating best results in both participation and dollars raised (as determined by the campaign committee). Results will be calculated once all pledges have been turned in after the June 30 campaign end date. "It looks good to recruits and their families to see there are a lot of strong, successful alumni who have given. So give today, no matter how big or small."

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